By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos

Following the failure of the management of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) to avail the public names of the Insurers of its burnt headquarters and status of payment of premium, the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) has said it will invoke the Freedom of Information Act to obtain the information.
AMJON, is a body of journalists drawn from different media houses, covering the maritime industry.
The media group posited that it will compel the NOA management to release to it, the name (s) of its insurer(s) and the status of its premium payment before the recent fire incident and looting of its headquarters and part of the Tin Can Island Port office, all in Lagos.
In a release by its President Mr. Paul Ogboukiri, AMJON said the invocation of the Fol Act has become necessary in view of the refusal of the Authority to release the information to reporters despite multiple requests made in this regard.
” This action also becomes expedient in view of the fact that the public is yet to know the value of the loss over one month after the incident, and the insurer(s) is/are yet to announce payment of compensation as per the value of the loss.
This is even as the Lagos State Government which recorded much more destruction and looting released an estimate of what it will cost to replace, the destroyed and looted assets. The invocation is also necessary as the federal lawmakers during their recent sympathy visit to NPA, to commiserate with Management of the Authority over the incident, announced that they told the NPA Management during their meeting that they (NPA) should adjust their 2021 budget to cover for the repairs and replacement of stolen and damaged assets.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has announced that it will pass the 2021 Appropriation Act in the second week of December before they embark in their Christmas vacation.
As NPA is yet to publicly reject the advice of the lawmakers to jack up their 2021 budget to provide for the ‘rebuilding’ of the burnt headquarters, we suspect that the NPA has already done as advised by NASS, to this end, we will insist in the Fol request that the NPA I s 2021 budget is made available to us to enable us properly inform the public.
AMJON as a responsible media group, sees this effort as a  patriotic duty to save the country billions of Naira of taxpayers’ money which will be wasted if the National Assembly approves money for the replacement of the NPAI s losses in the incident when those losses are legally supposed to be replaced by the insurer(s) whom taxpayers money has been used to pay premium to”, the media group posited.

By Augustine Okezie, Katsina

The Child Rights Protection bill initiated by the Katsina Assembly in 2003 has finally been passed into law.

Chairman of the Committee on Child Right Act, Alhaji Musa Gafia, told newsmen shortly after the passage of the bill into law the “ Child Protection Bill 2020’’ was re-submitted as an Executive Bill by Governor Aminu Bello Masari on March 3, 2020

He further gave insights into some of the provisions of the law to include: the provision of adequate care and protection for children especially in the areas of basic education, protection against sexual harassment by their teachers in Schools as well as care for the less privileged and the vulnerable

The new law, which is expected to be forwarded to Masari for his assent, also provides for the reduction of the menace of drug abuse, underage marriage, and other social vices in society.

On earlier misconceptions, which had previously delayed the quick passage of the bill, Gafia maintained his committee consulted widely and held several public hearings before factoring in all divergent views leading to the passage

He said: ’’All previous misconceptions have been taken care of, through extensive consultations and contributions from senior legal experts’’

‘’we equally engaged the Governor’s legal aides and religious leaders to harness their contributions to avoid any hiccups.’’

He assured with the passage of the bill into law teething challenges affecting the welfare of children in the state are expected to be addressed and the Children will be the better for it.

Thenationonlineng

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the gruesome beheading of 43 farmers by Boko Haram insurgents in Zabarmari, Borno state.

The victims were captured on Saturday while working in a rice farm, tied up and beheaded by the insurgents in what the PDP described as extremely wicked and devilish.

In a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP charged that the crime must not be left unaddressed.

“The PDP notes with pain that this horrific killing of compatriots comes as yet another of the recurring horrid testament and badge of failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration to secure our nation and guarantee the safety of lives and property in our country.

“Indeed, our party is distressed by the escalated killing and maiming of innocent Nigerians by insurgents, bandits and marauders, who have continued to ravage and pillage our communities, while the lazy and lethargic Buhari administration continues with its lip service, rhetoric and false performance claims,” the statement said.

The party said it was particularly disturbed by the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari to take decisive actions despite series of concerns raised by the Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, of security compromises in the state.

The PDP observed that the Buhari administration appeared helpless while the national security structure seemed to have collapsed.

It added that the nation appeared to be on auto pilot with no one in charge, while the ship of state has continued to drift.

The party further said: “All our nation gets from the Buhari Presidency is that ‘Mr. President is shocked’, ‘Mr. President is saddened’, ‘Mr. President regrets’ and such lame responses without any decisive policy direction or directive to definitively tackle the situation at hand, leading to escalation of killings in our country.

“Such attitude by the Buhari administration has continued to embolden insurgents to the extent that they now attack military formations, convoys of state governors and engage in wanton beheading of our compatriots.

“It is distressing that despite this sorry situation, Mr. President, who promised to lead from the front, has receded into the safety of Aso Presidential villa and refused to act on the consistent demands of Nigerians to rejig the national security architecture and replace the service chiefs with more capable hands to affectively tackle our security challenges”.

The PDP charged the President to stop it described as his unhelpful rhetoric. The party urged him to sit up and take actions that will safeguard the lives of Nigerians who have been subjected to all manners of mental and physical torture “under this incompetent administration.”

It further charged the President to immediately move to Zabarmari in Borno state, where the farmers were killed, empathize with the families of the victims and lead from the front in restoring security in the area.

“Our party commiserates with the government and people of Borno state and urges Nigerians to remain at alert particularly in providing useful information for our security agencies in this fight against insurgency in our land.”

Electricity supply to most parts of the country has been disrupted as the National Grid suffered a system collapse on Sunday morning.

In a message to it’s customers, Kaduna Electric Distribution Company wrote on its official Twitter Handle that the system collapse occurred about 11.26 am on Sunday morning.

In another message sent to customers, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) apologised saying “Dear customer, There is a system collapse on the National Grid. Supply will be restored as soon as the issue is resolved.

Apologies for the inconvenience.“

As at press time, neither of the Transmisson Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Federal Ministry of Power nor the National Electricity Regulation Company (NERC) has issued an official statement on the incident.

President Muhammadu Buhari has warmly felicitated with foremost jurist, Owelle of Ogwashi Uku, Chief George Uwechue, SAN, on his 82nd birthday.

A statement issued, in Abuja, on Sunday, by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) said the president joined friends and family to celebrate with the legal luminary, “whose antecedents continue to inspire many in nation-building, particularly in law, leadership and development issues.”

It said the President joined the Nigerian Bar Association and Body of Benchers, which he served as a Chairman for some years, in congratulating the statesman, “who in spite of his national and global achievements, has steadily remained relevant in community development, setting up structures and creating opportunities for others to rise in life.”

The statement noted that as the octogenarian marked another age, President Buhari commended his contributions to national development, through legal practice and law-making, gaining prominence as a two-term member of the House of Representatives and Speaker pro tempore.

The President prayed for longer life and good health for the Owelle of Ogwashi Uku.

United Nations (UN) has revealed that not less than 110 civilians were killed by Boko Haram in the attack on a rice field in Borno State.

Earlier reports had put the death toll of Saturday’s deadly Boko Haram attack on rice field in Borno at 43 while several others were said to be missing.

A statement by the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, on Sunday, while describing the attack as horrifying, said not less than 110 people were killed with many other persons injured in one the deadliest attack by the terrorist group, who have laid siege to the Northeast for over a decade.

Kallon said: “I am outraged and horrified by the gruesome attack against civilians carried out by non-state armed groups in villages near Borno State capital Maiduguri.

“At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack.”

He disclosed that: “In early afternoon of 28 November, armed men on motorcycles led a brutal attack on civilian men and women who were harvesting their fields in Koshobe and other rural communities in Jere Local Government Area. Reports we are receiving are indicating these innocent farmers were the victims of this callous violence.”

Kallon, while condoling the government and people of Nigeria, said: “I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this atrocious attack. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded in the incident.”

Kallon also lamented that several women may have been kidnapped in the attack.

He said: “We have also received reports that several women may have been kidnapped. I call for their immediate release and return to safety.”

He added that: “My thoughts are also with the rural communities in the area, who are shocked by the brutality of yesterday’s (Saturday’s) attack and fear for their safety.”

He said: “The entire UN system and the humanitarian community working to provide life-saving and development assistance to the most vulnerable in Borno State is outraged by the incident. Such direct attacks against innocent civilians jeopardize the ability for the most vulnerable people to survive the adversity they are facing, and which we are striving to alleviate.”

He said: “The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year. I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice.”

He lamented that: “It is unfortunately one of too many such attacks targeting farmers, fishermen and families who are trying to recover some livelihood opportunity after over a decade of conflict.”

He said: “I strongly condemn this attack and any act of violence against innocent civilians and I firmly urge all actors on the ground to respect international laws and humanity.”

The statement said: “Rural communities in Borno State are facing untold hardships. Helping them to farm land and rebuild livelihoods are amongst our priorities and the only way to avoid the looming food crisis in Borno State. They and all other civilians need to be protected and spared from any kind of violence.”

It noted that: “Innocent women, children and men desperately need food and other support and assistance, particularly at a time when we are recording some of the highest levels of food insecurity in Borno State. We owe to do our utmost to help them survive these difficult times.”

The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, says he has known the value and landmark a former President, Goodluck Jonathan left in Nigeria and its political landscape after his tenure in office in 2015.

According to Dailytrust, the lawmaker spoke on Saturday at Apo legislative quarters, Abuja, during the Grand Opening of Dr. PhysiQ Specialist Center for Wellness and Medical Lifestyle Change, and launching of a book titled: ‘Everything heals” authored by Dr. Susana Adams, the CEO of the Centre.

Ndume also stated that his recent detention at Kuje prison and subsequent release from the custody was the will of God, saying that “as God wants it, that I must be here, because I was just released from detention yesterday night (Friday), maybe God wants me to attend this occasion, otherwise, I would have been in Kuje prison up till now.”

Jonathan, who was the chairman of the occasion later inspected the new Wellness Centre, and was accompanied by the former of Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; the veteran journalist, Eugenia Abu, among other dignitaries.

Speaking before the inspection, the Borno Senator said other people who were skeptical about the ex-president’s behaviour have also realised how great he is, adding that many Nigerians don’t value what they have until they lose it.

The Borno Senator’s remark is coming a few days after the Chairman of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Mai Mala Buni, and some APC governors visited the ex-President.

Daily Trust had reported how the visit generated a lot of ripples between the ruling APC and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party.

“I must confess, as people call me stubborn person, I’m also a stubborn person… I feel I need to make this testimony here, and also appreciate Mr.(Former) President, as they say you will never know what you have until you lose it. I will stop there.

“For this country, I think Nigerians know that they don’t value what they have until they lose that thing. We thank God for your life and you have changed the political culture and landscape of this country.

“You don’t know how great you are in the eyes of those that were skeptical, those that don’t know you, those that didn’t come close to you. But now, honestly, I am one of those that used to criticize you very well, but I will say it was constructive move,” the lawmaker said.

Boko Haram Trial

Speaking further, Ndume recalled how people working with the former President accused him of sponsoring Boko Haram and how he was vindicated by the court after 6 years of litigations.

The Senator said, “I had a breakfast with him (Jonathan) on 21st November (2011) and I was accused of sponsoring Boko Haram. He was saying, ‘Kai’ the man doesn’t… I don’t think the security would see it that way and from there, I went to SSS and I was detained for 30 days. I went to court for 6 years.

“And when I was vindicated, I had the opportunity to run to meet him, and he said, Ndume, you have been patient and God has vindicated you. Take this as part of blessings from the Almighty. He was genuinely speaking to me, and I believed in that.

“He wanted to be President but Nigeria being what it is, it was a different thing entirely. Like I said, he had left a landmark on this country.”

The President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice M.B Dongban-Mensem has issued a notice on the posting of Justices of the Court to various divisions.

This is contained in a notice dated 2nd day of October, 2020 and signed by the PCA on 27th November 2020 which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer.

In addition, the notice added that the posting takes effect from October 2020.

The notice reads:

Thenigerialawyer

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, has held a meeting with the Chief Executive Officers of both Leadway Assurance and Access Bank

This is contained in a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, TNL, signed by the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Dr Rapulu Nduka.

Nduka said the NBA President discussed with the two companies on how they can provide value added services for the benefit of welfare of the members of NBA.

Read the full statement below:

NBA PRESIDENT MEETS WITH CEOS OF LEADWAY AND ACCESS BANK, DISCUSSES IMPROVEMENT IN WELFARE AND SERVICE DELIVERY FOR LAWYERS
 
Dear Colleagues,
 
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, last week met with the CEO of Leadway Assurance, Mr Tunde Hassan Odukale and the MD/CEO of Access Bank, Mr Herbert Wigwe, in a bid to foster the delivery of value adding services for the benefit and welfare of members of the Nigerian Bar Association.
 
During the meeting with both CEOs, the President sought ways of improving the services of both organisations to members of the NBA. Some of the areas of improvement were around expanding the scope of insurance products available to lawyers and increasing the insurance payouts to members covered under the insurance scheme with Leadway Assurance, as well as simplifying the process for receiving these payouts.
 
In relation to Access Bank, the President led discussions on how the services of the bank can be improved toward members through provision of premium and prompt services for members of the Association and designating NBA-dedicated branches across the country that will be tailor-made to deliver on the needs of the Association and its members.
 
As discussions are still ongoing, the detailed outcome of these discussions will be made known to members of the Association in due course.
 
Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association
29/12/2020

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has said that the government needs N81 million to cut the grass that has taken over the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

He made the revelation while speaking during a seminar organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.

The minister said he had reached out to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board for an assessment of the stadium, which was built in 2003 with N53 billion on a 29 hectares (72 acres) of land, Daily Trust reports.

“We approached AEPB to come to see what can be done to clear the grass and weed in the stadium and they told us it would cost us N81m.

“If we tell Nigerians we used N81m which is not even available; there will be an outcry. The funds are not there for us, and that is why we are partnering with private investors to bring back the key components of our infrastructures,” he said.