Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has announced the implementation of the new national minimum wage of N70,000 for the state’s workforce, set to take effect in October 2024.

In addition, he declared that education in public schools, covering primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary levels, will be entirely free.

Governor Soludo made the announcements during a meeting with head teachers and principals at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center in Awka on Thursday.

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Earlier in the meeting, he had already introduced the free education initiative for public primary and junior secondary schools.

“Starting next week, the free education policy will be extended to senior students in all public schools across Anambra State,” Soludo stated.

He emphasized his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate, despite the existing resource constraints.

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“From next month, we also aim to commence payments of the new minimum wage of N70,000,” the governor concluded.

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will observe a subdued celebration for its 64th Independence Day, a decision reflecting the nation’s ongoing economic challenges.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

“In consideration of the current sentiment in the country, the President has approved a low-key commemoration for this year’s Independence Day,” Akume stated.

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He emphasized that the toned-down celebrations aim to highlight the nation’s strength in unity, the progress made despite obstacles, the richness of Nigeria’s diversity, and the significant strides taken by the administration in its short time in office under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The program for the day includes a World Press Conference, Special Juma’at Prayer, Inter-denominational Church Service, a Presidential Broadcast, and a 64th Independence Anniversary Parade at the Presidential Villa.

Notably absent from the festivities are the grand events typically associated with this national holiday.

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Akume acknowledged the economic difficulties Nigerians are currently facing, particularly in light of recent government policy decisions.

“This government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of and empathetic towards the economic hardships experienced by all Nigerians.

These challenges stem from unavoidable policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies that the administration had to implement.”

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To address these issues, Akume outlined several government initiatives aimed at alleviating hardships.

He highlighted the Presidential CNG Initiative, designed to lower transportation costs, which includes the recent launch of “thirty buses powered by hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).”

Additionally, he mentioned the provision of “CNG conversion kits at no cost to Nigerians” and ongoing efforts to bolster support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Touching on national security concerns, Akume reported progress in combating insecurity, stating that “insurgents and bandits are being neutralized in significant numbers, while many others are surrendering to authorities for deradicalization.”

He also addressed the government’s response to recent flooding and its efforts to enhance food security.

As Nigeria celebrates 64 years of independence amidst these challenges, Akume called for unity and resilience among citizens. “Let us remain united, resilient, and hopeful,” he urged.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is set to swear in 87 newly appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) on Monday, September 30, 2024.

The ceremony, which marks the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year, will take place at the Supreme Court’s main courtroom in Abuja.

In a press statement released on Thursday by the Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Dr. Festus Akande, the event will be the first of its kind presided over by Justice Kekere-Ekun since her confirmation as CJN by the Nigerian Senate on September 25, 2024.

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The Supreme Court resumed from its annual vacation on September 23, 2024, following a break that began on July 22.

The legal year ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, with stakeholders from across the legal sector expected to attend.

As part of the tradition, Justice Kekere-Ekun will deliver a “state-of-the-judiciary” address, offering insights into the performance of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, during the 2023/2024 legal year.

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Additionally, key legal personalities, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, will also present their perspectives on the current state of justice in Nigeria.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) had announced on July 2 the list of 98 lawyers shortlisted for the prestigious SAN rank.

At its 164th plenary session on July 30, led by the immediate past CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the LPPC approved the elevation of 87 of these candidates to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

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The SAN title is awarded to legal practitioners with at least ten years of standing who have demonstrated exceptional merit in the legal profession, either as courtroom advocates or through contributions to legal academia.

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, on Thursday led a delegation of APC governors to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The purpose of the visit was to present the Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, to the President.

Among the governors in attendance were Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Usman Ododo of Kogi, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. Also part of the delegation were Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, and Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo the winner of the Edo governorship election held on September 21.

However, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome, alleging that the election process was tainted by irregularities.

Despite the PDP’s protests, Okpebholo was ushered into the Villa alongside the APC leaders to meet with President Tinubu.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State for withdrawing from the upcoming local government elections slated for October 5, 2024, claiming that the move shows the PDP is afraid of losing.

The APP, confident in its chances, vowed to sweep all chairmanship positions in the 23 local government areas and the councillorship positions across the 319 wards in the state.

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The PDP, through its spokesperson Aaron Chukwuemeka, announced the party’s decision to boycott the elections during a stakeholders’ meeting held at its secretariat in Port Harcourt.

Chukwuemeka cited the ongoing case filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Chief Tony Okocha, challenging the conduct of the elections as the reason for their withdrawal.

He also accused the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) of excluding the PDP from a stakeholders’ meeting where the election date and other logistics were discussed.

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In response, APP Chairman in Rivers State, Sunny Wokekoro, dismissed the PDP’s explanation, accusing the party of making weak excuses and showing fear of defeat.

Speaking at a senatorial campaign in Ahoada East Local Government Area on Wednesday, Wokekoro said the PDP’s reliance on the APC-led court case was a poor justification for boycotting the polls.

He added that the PDP was well aware they would lose to the APP if they participated in the elections.

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Wokekoro stated, “On October 5th, the Action Peoples Party is poised to win all councillorship elections in the 319 wards and all chairmanship seats across the 23 local government areas. The people are with us, and so is God. Victory will be ours.”

He went on to criticize the PDP for hesitating based on a court case that it had no involvement in, saying, “There’s no law in Nigeria that prevents RSIEC from conducting elections. The PDP’s supposed popularity would have been exposed had they entered the race, and they would have been humiliated by the results.”

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Wokekoro reaffirmed APP’s readiness, stating, “Whether the PDP participates or not, even though they’ve cowardly backed out, we are prepared, and we will win.”

Meanwhile, Chief Tony Okocha, the dismissed Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, has also raised concerns about the election.

He filed a suit against RSIEC, arguing that the election should not be held until the court rules on the matter. However, RSIEC Chairman, retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli, maintained that the October 5th date is final.

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Speaking during a staff training session, Enebeli asserted that there is no legal obstacle preventing the election from going forward as planned.

The situation remains tense as the APP readies itself for what it predicts will be a major electoral victory, while the PDP continues to stay on the sidelines.

The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Agunzi, has reiterated that the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, remains the undisputed national leader of the party and its flagbearer for the 2025 governorship election.

In a statement released on Thursday, Agunzi refuted claims of factionalism within the party, affirming that Sly Ezeokenwa continues as the party’s National Chairman, dismissing Edozie Njoku as an “impostor and illegal occupier” of APGA leadership.

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The controversy escalated after Njoku, following a court proceeding at the Federal High Court in Abuja, suggested that Soludo and others within the party would soon face suspension for alleged anti-party activities.

Njoku also alleged that there was an attempt to obtain an interim injunction to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing him as the legitimate National Chairman of APGA, a request which was reportedly denied by the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho.

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In response, Agunzi firmly rejected Njoku’s assertions, stating, “Can an impostor or an illegal occupier suspend legitimate members and executives of APGA? The answer is a resounding no.”

He went on to describe Njoku’s actions as baseless, asserting, “APGA as a political party has rejected Edozie Njoku. Let him face his battle against the legitimate NWC of APGA, led by Sly Ezeokenwa, at the Supreme Court. His threats are nothing more than impotent, empty rhetoric.”

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Agunzi emphasized that the party’s leadership is intact and called on members and the public to disregard Njoku’s claims of suspension, insisting, “Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR remains the National Leader of APGA, and Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa is the National Chairman.”

The party’s legal adviser further advised that APGA members stay focused on the future while dismissing any distractions from Njoku and his faction.

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill for the first reading, aiming to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow independent candidates to contest elective offices in future elections.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to allow for the participation of candidates who are not sponsored by political parties in presidential, governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and local government council elections,” seeks to broaden the political space.

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Sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson and member representing Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, the bill seeks to amend sections 7, 65, 106, 131, 177, and 221 of the constitution.

In Section 7, sub-section 4A, the bill stipulates that “Notwithstanding any other law, any individual eligible to vote or contest an election into the State House of Assembly, shall have the right to be a candidate for election to any local government office notwithstanding that such individual does not belong to, or is not sponsored by any political party.”

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Section 4B elaborates further: “A candidate who does not belong to or is not sponsored by any political party shall only contest an election if (i) In the case of a chairmanship election, such a candidate has obtained the verified signatures of at least ten per cent of registered voters from at least two-thirds majority of all the electoral wards in the respective local government area;

(ii) “In the case of a councillorship election, such a candidate obtains the signatures of at least ten per cent of registered voters from at least two-thirds majority of all the polling units in the respective electoral wards, provided always that the signatures shall be verified by the Independent National Electoral Commission or the State Electoral Commission; and that a registered voter shall not sign for more than one independent candidate in respect of the same office.”

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It is noteworthy that a similar bill introduced during the 9th Assembly failed to secure the required approval from State Houses of Assembly.

Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly, Rotimi emphasized the need for qualified individuals, unaffiliated with political parties, to have the opportunity to run for public offices without obstruction.

“This bill will broaden the democratic process, thereby allowing citizens who are not affiliated with any political party the opportunity to run for public offices,” Rotimi said.

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Rotimi, who was elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, highlighted that in advanced democracies, individuals can contest for positions as independent candidates.

He added that independent candidates will need to meet specific requirements to qualify for elections, such as securing the endorsement of a certain percentage of registered voters in their constituency.

According to the bill obtained by DAILY GAZETTE, an independent candidate must receive the endorsement of at least 10 per cent of registered voters spread across two-thirds of the constituency.

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Section 221 of the Constitution has also been amended to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “Develop and publish guidelines and procedures for the nomination, verification, and participation of independent candidates in all elections.”

The bill also tasks INEC with prescribing a security deposit for independent candidates seeking elective offices created by the constitution or any Act of the National Assembly.

At the briefing, Ibijoke Faborode, Executive Director of ElectHer, a non-governmental organization, supported the bill, saying it was aimed at expanding the democratic space.

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“It is democratising the space, you know, for people like you and I to also have access to the electoral process as well and to ensure that every Nigerian is also part of the process,” she said.

Faborode added, “It will also ensure that most vulnerable populations such as women, youths, and persons with disability are given a level playing field, to explore opportunities within the political and electoral system.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan addressed allegations that $49.8 billion was lost from government treasuries during his administration, vehemently denying the claims.

He asserted that no funds were missing, attributing the allegations to the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the time, led by the current Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

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Jonathan spoke during the launch of the book “Public Policy and Agents Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World,” co-authored by Shamshudeen Usman, who served as Minister of Planning under his government.

In his remarks, he emphasized, “I did not agree completely with some issues raised by one of the contributors. But I don’t intend to join issues because he is our royal father. And he is here.”

He specifically countered Sanusi’s claims made in the book that his dismissal as CBN governor was due to exposing the alleged disappearance of funds.

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Jonathan stated, “The one he raised that he was sacked because he blew a whistle that the Federal Government lost $49.8 billion is not quite correct. He was not sacked; he was suspended because the Financial Reporting Council queried the expenditure of CBN.”

Jonathan maintained that the scale of the alleged loss was implausible, saying, “For a country whose budget was about $31 billion at the time, it was impossible for the funds to have been stolen from the country’s purse.”

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He recalled being confronted by then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel regarding the matter, asserting that such a significant sum could not have been taken from a struggling nation.

He further stated, “On the issue of $49.8 billion, till today, I am not convinced that the Federal Government lost $49.8 billion.”

He noted that the budget at the time was $31.6 billion, questioning how such a substantial amount could vanish without any noticeable impact, adding, “The researchers that wrote this book need to do further research.”

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Jonathan pointed out the inconsistencies in Sanusi’s figures, mentioning, “First $49.8 billion, later $20 billion, and later $12 billion. I don’t even know the correct one.”

He claimed vindication when the narrative shifted over time and referenced an investigation by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which found that while $1.48 billion could not be accounted for by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), no massive theft occurred.

He also highlighted that a Senate committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi investigated the issue and deemed the claims unfounded.

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The book launch also marked the formal unveiling of the Shamsuddeen Usman Foundation, established by Dr. Usman’s children in his honor to promote education and artificial intelligence in Nigeria.

As of the report’s filing, Emir Sanusi had not yet spoken at the event, where he served as the Royal Father of the Day.