GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Jigawa gov signs Hisbah board bill into law

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has signed the state Hisbah Board Bill into law, establishing the Hisbah Board as a statutory body to bring greater social order and moral discipline in the state.

This development comes days after the state House of Assembly passed the bill at its plenary session, aimed at supporting the activities of the Jigawa State Hisbah Board across the state.

Speaking shortly after signing the bill into law, at a mini ceremony held on Tuesday at the Council Chamber, Government House, Dutse, the state capital, during the weekly State Executive Council Meeting, Namadi described the occasion as a remarkable achievement, marking the culmination of over eight months of legislative and administrative effort.

“Today, we have signed into law the Hisbah Bill, which establishes the Hisbah Board as an official institution in Jigawa State,” he said.

The governor added that “This is a process that began seven to eight months ago, and today, by the grace of Allah, we have concluded it.”

Namadi expressed hope that the Hisbah Board’s operations would bring greater social order and moral discipline to the state.

He urged Hisba personnel to conduct their duties with the fear of God, fairness, and dedication.

The governor also commended the Hisbah Board Establishment Committee members for their commitment, hard work, and sacrifice in diligently carrying out their mandate.

“Their efforts have been instrumental in bringing the bill to fruition,” he noted.

He added, “With the signing of this law, the Hisbah Board is now fully empowered to operate across Jigawa State in line with its mandate to promote moral guidance, social justice, and community well-being.

“The establishment of the Hisbah Board as a statutory body will undoubtedly enhance its effectiveness in promoting moral values and social justice in the state.

“The board’s operations are expected to have a positive impact on the community.”

He described the state government’s decision to establish the Hisbah Board as a testament to its commitment to promoting moral guidance and social justice, adding that “the board’s work will be crucial in shaping the state’s social fabric.”

Highlighting more on the Board’s mandate, Namadi explained, “The Hisbah Board’s mandate includes promoting moral guidance, social justice, and community well-being.

“With the new law, the board can now operate with greater authority and effectiveness.”

As the Hisbah Board begins its work, Namadi cautioned that it is essential for the Board personnel to conduct their duties with integrity and fairness.

“This will ensure that the board’s operations are effective and beneficial to the community,” he said.

Amaechi’s wife challenges Wike over N4bn NDDC funds 23rd July 2025

The wife of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Judith Amaechi, has denied allegations that she received N4bn monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission as alleged by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking through her media aide, Dr Dike Bekwele, in a statement on Tuesday, Mrs Amaechi challenged Wike to make public his version of the forensic audit report on the NDDC, where either she or her non-governmental organisation, Empowerment Support Initiative, was indicted.

Wike, in an interview on Channels Television, had alleged that Mrs Amaechi was receiving N4bn monthly from the interventionist agency through her NGO.

During the interview, the FCT minister asked President Bola Tinubu to publish the forensic audit report of the NDDC, adding that if his claim was not there, he would resign as minister.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mrs Amaechi described Wike’s claim as not only false but also wild and unfounded.

The statement challenged Wike to make public his version of the forensic audit report.

“We therefore challenge Mr Wike to make public his version of the forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission, where Dame Judith Amaechi or the ESI were indicted.

“In the likely event that Wike fails to provide such report, then we challenge Mr Wike to actuate his boast and make bold to tender his resignation as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, forthwith with an unreserved apology to the nation,” the statement read.

It asked Wike to await his prayers answered on the unpublished NDDC forensic audit report rather than to engage and indulge in a media trial on a live national telecast.

“Our attention has been drawn to a live television interview wherein a wild and unfounded allegation of corruption was made against Dame Judith Amaechi and the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) by Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

“In one of his rather cyclic, hysteric, poor and recurring live television outings, Nyesom Wike, in his habitual manner, accused Dame Amaechi and the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) of receiving N4bn monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC; a report that has jostled well meaning Nigerians and has elicited calls and inquiry about the veracity of this story.

“We would have ignored the minister’s ranting as it is a mere blackmail intended to undermine the reputation and integrity of Her Excellency and the ESI.

“It is, however, imperative to state the obvious in the interest of right-thinking Nigerian citizens,” the statement read.

It added that Wike made the allegations without any iota of decency, and with disregard to the precision of facts, but rather to a mere vainglory in a bid to score cheap political goals.

“For the records, and in debunking these falsehoods, we wish to dismiss the allegations as untrue and categorically state the following:

“There is absolutely no iota of veracity in the allegation made by Mr Wike against Dame Amaechi and the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI).

“Dame Amaechi did not and has never received N4bn from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

“The Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) was duly incorporated in 2011 as a non-governmental organisation with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and it has secured partnerships and collaborations with a memorandum of understanding with development partners, including the interventionist agency, the NDDC.”

It said the partnership between the ESI and NDDC was reciprocal, to jointly fund human capacity programmes and training for the teeming youth and women.

“This partnership has been successfully executed since its commencement to the satisfaction of both the ESI and the NDDC, with numerous youths and women within the Niger Delta region benefitting from the scheme for self-reliance and sustainability.

“Quite contrary to the falsehood concocted and diffused by Mr Nyesom Wike, the counterpart funding between the ESI and the NDDC is in public glare for scrutiny.

“It will be preposterous for Wike to allege that the Empowerment Support Initiative or Dame Judith Amaechi was indicted in the NDDC forensic audit report, which has not been published to the Nigerian public.

“It is both absurd, baseless, and a mere figment of Mr Wike’s imagination,” it said.

The statement advised Wike to stop bringing the country’s image to disrepute.

“His uncouth and uncultured attitude is capable of undermining and under-marketing the nation’s effort at attracting foreign investors,” it added.

Kidnapped Borno Catholic priest regains freedom from Boko Haram

A Catholic Reverend Father in Borno State, Alphonsus Adina, who was kidnapped on June 1st by Boko Haram insurgents, has regained freedom.

Our correspondent gathered that the Reverend Father and others who were kidnapped during an insurgent attack around Gwoza-Ngwocche area of the state were released on Monday.

Confirming his release to PUNCH, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, stated that the father regained his freedom alive.

“He was released yesterday (Monday). He was kidnapped in an attack in the axis between Gwoza and Ngwoche where an NGO staff passed away. It was that day.”

Speaking on other kidnapped victims, he said, “Currently, this is the one we know; we are yet to know of the others.”

However, security sources who pleaded not to be identified told PUNCH Online that 10 other victims, particularly women, were rescued alongside Afina by the operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army.

“10 women were rescued alongside the Reverend father alive,” the source said.

JUST IN: Arsenal seal €73.5m deal for Viktor Gyökeres

Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon, following a full verbal agreement between all parties involved.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on Tuesday, stating, “Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties involved.”

According to Romano, Sporting have accepted Arsenal’s final bid of €63.5 million plus an additional €10 million in add-ons.

The striker’s agent is also reported to have agreed to reduce his commission to facilitate the move.

Gyökeres will put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the North London club.

The 27-year-old forward, who enjoyed an impressive campaign in Portugal, was reportedly determined to make the switch to the Emirates.

“He only wanted Arsenal,” Romano added.

With personal terms agreed and negotiations finalised, the transfer marks another major move in Arsenal’s summer recruitment drive.

Lawmakers demand urgent, credible population census

Lawmakers and population experts on Tuesday called for the urgent conduct of a credible population and housing census, warning that the continued delay undermines national development and the future of millions of young Nigerians.

Speaking at the 2025 World Population Day event held in Abuja, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population and Identity, Senator Victor Umeh, emphasised the significance of this year’s theme: ‘Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.’

Umeh described it as a timely call to invest in youth by ensuring access to rights and informed decision-making.

The senator expressed concern over the lack of a credible national census since 2006, which has led to uncertainty about Nigeria’s actual population.

“Every day we hear that Nigeria has about 230 million people. But how can we address their needs if we don’t know who they are or how many they are?

“Just yesterday, someone claimed our population exceeds 300 million. I couldn’t dispute it—our last census was 19 years ago,” he noted.

The senator stressed that with more than half of Nigeria’s population under 30, the country’s future depends on its youth.

“To truly empower them, we need accurate, disaggregated data. This is why I strongly advocate for the timely conduct of a credible population and housing census in Nigeria, which is essential for inclusive development, equitable resource distribution, and youth-responsive policy,” he said.

Umeh cautioned that policies built on assumptions lead to misallocation of resources and a growing crisis in sectors like education, employment, and housing.

He pointed to the youth unemployment crisis as a direct result of poor planning.

The senator pledged that the Senate would provide the necessary legislative support and funding to the National Population Commission to ensure the next census is credible and timely.

“The senate is committed to providing the necessary legislative framework to ensure that Nigeria’s population data is accurate, timely, and inclusive, and that youth empowerment remains central to our national development agenda,” the senator added.

Umeh also stressed the need for data on housing, linking population figures to housing deficits and planning.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on National Population and Identity, Okunjimi Odimayo, stressed that accurate data is not a luxury but a necessity.

“We must be guided by one fundamental requirement: accurate data.

“This is actually what differentiates us from any advanced country in the world. Accurate data — this is what differentiates the private sector from the public sector,” Odimayo noted.

Odimayo urged President Bola Tinubu to make an immediate decision on the census, describing the data gap as “the problem of Nigeria now.”

“Without reliable data, we risk building policy on assumptions. Everything you see, any policy you see, is based on assumptions — and assumptions are not realistic. I can say it,” he added.

Also at the event, NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra said the country’s youthful demographic offers a unique opportunity that must be strategically harnessed.

“More than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 30. That’s over 130 million young people whose dreams, potentials, and aspirations must be placed at the very centre of our national development priorities,” he said.

Kwarra underscored the need for investment in education, health, jobs, and governance, supported by up-to-date data.

“It also means investing in data management including ensuring compliance with the conduct of a population and housing census every ten years,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging all sectors of society to involve young people not just as beneficiaries but as active partners in national growth.

“Young Nigerians are full of ideas, creativity, and resilience. They want to contribute, they want to lead, and yes — they want to form families on their own terms, in an environment of dignity, fairness, and opportunity,” Kwarra said.

The United Nations Population Fund Deputy Representative Koessan Kuawu echoed the call for inclusion and data-driven policy, urging leaders to listen to the voices of youth.

“Starting on this World Population Day, let’s listen to what young people want and need, and create conditions that enable them to exercise their rights, make their own choices and enjoy a hopeful future,” he said.

Nigeria has been overdue for a national population and housing census since 2016.

The last enumeration exercise, held in 2006, recorded a population of over 140 million. That data remains the foundation for national planning despite significant demographic shifts.

Efforts to conduct a new census have repeatedly stalled due to security concerns, funding challenges, and political considerations.

A recent attempt under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari scheduled a digital census for May 2023, but the exercise was postponed just days before commencement to allow the incoming Tinubu administration to assume responsibility.

The lack of current demographic data has hampered policy planning, the delivery of social services, and the equitable distribution of resources. Global standards recommend a national census every 10 years.

Oyo issues flood alert ahead of heavy rainfall

Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, on Tuesday, alerted people living in flood-prone communities in the state to start preparing for heavy rain and its attendant flooding.

This was contained in a statement released by the Administrative Secretary of SEMA, Ojuolape Busari, in Ibadan, the state capital.

She explained that the reports from the state Flood Early Warning System indicated that the areas to the east and northeast of Ibadan city centre are likely to experience the heaviest rainfall.

Busari said, “This includes parts of Lagelu Local Government Area, especially areas like Iyana Offa; Moniya (eastern parts), and communities further east towards Osun State.

“According to the information made available by the state Flood Early Warning System, some parts of the north of Ibadan city, possibly parts of Egbeda LGA (eastern edges) and areas bordering Lagelu LGA, will experience heavy rainfall today.

“Communities along the Ibadan-Ife Road (A5 highway) eastward: Areas like Egbeda and further east on this major road, will also experience heavy rainfall.”

The administrative secretary further said areas with moderate to heavy rainfall, determined by the flood early warning system, and ascertained by Google Maps, will encompass most of Ibadan Metropolis (eastern and central parts).

She said, “This includes areas like IITA itself, the Ibadan Airport, University of Ibadan, Ojoo, Akobo, Basorun, Gate, Challenge, Ring Road, and many other densely populated areas within the city.

“Parts of Akinyele Local Government, especially the eastern and central parts, parts of Oluyole Local Government, especially Northeastern sections too.”

Busari assured all that the agency and other relevant agencies of government, voluntary agencies, and civil society groups are prepared to intervene and ameliorate the plight of persons and communities who might be affected.

She, therefore, urged people of the state to immediately commence preparations to avert dire consequences, saying, “discretion is the better part of valour.”

Peter Obi: Atiku warns against threats to opposition leaders

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has warned against threats to opposition leaders.

Atiku, in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, stated that any threat against Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is a threat to all opposition figures.

He wrote, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us!”

The former vice president’s reaction followed comments by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who, while addressing supporters at a rally in Benin City last Friday, warned Obi to obtain security clearance before visiting the state.

“If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance. We cannot guarantee his safety otherwise if anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” he had said.

He further claimed that the last time Obi visited the state and made a donation of N15 million to a nursing school in the state, there was unrest in the state leading to the death of some people.

Amid backlash from many Nigerians and notable individuals, the governor insisted that his comments were misinterpreted, stressing that his call was a security protocol and not hostility toward the opposition leader.

The governor slammed the critics, adding that the statement should not be misconstrued as a threat.

In a statement on Sunday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said that his principal’s statement was given various misinterpretations.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Peter Obi to the state.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike.

“This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.

“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats,” the statement read.

Itua said the governor’s position was relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.

He noted that the state had witnessed its share of tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years.

He noted that public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.

He added, “The governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility…

“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.

“Furthermore, the governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points.

“The state government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives.

“We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”

2027: PDP kicks off 101st NEC meeting Wednesday

The Peoples Democratic Party is set to commence its 101st National Executive Committee Meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Abuja.

The crucial three-day gathering, which extends through Thursday, July 24, and Friday, July 25, is expected to address key party matters, internal reforms, and strategic planning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was contained in a special announcement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, on Tuesday.

The party said the meeting will be held at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja with proceedings scheduled to begin at 2pm daily.

The statement read, “The 101st NEC meeting brings together a broad spectrum of the party’s leadership, as stipulated under Section 31(1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017). Expected attendees include the National Chairman, serving and former Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the party, and the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT), along with all other BoT members.

“Also slated to participate are Principal Officers of the Senate and House of Representatives who are members of the PDP, alongside up to 18 serving Senators and 24 serving members of the House of Representatives, spread across the country.

“All State Governors who are members of the party, all National Officers of the Party (NWC Members) and their Deputies, and all State Chairmen are also expected. The NEC further includes six ex-officio members, all former National Working Committee members, former Principal Officers of the National Assembly produced by the Party, and all former State Governors produced by the Party, provided they remain members.”

Ologunagba underscored the party’s confidence and readiness.

He said, “PDP is the only party with the structure, national spread and credibility to unseat the APC.

“There is no community in Nigeria where you won’t find PDP members. Nigerians are tired of failed governance and are eager for the return of the PDP.”

The PDP meeting, according to Ologunagba, comes amidst ongoing efforts by the PDP to reposition itself and consolidate its national presence and electoral strength.

“Discussions are anticipated to cover a range of issues vital to the party’s future, including internal reconciliation, preparations for the upcoming national convention, and strategies to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.

The PDP, with its rallying cry “Power to the People!”, aims for a united front as it navigates the current political landscape and prepares for future electoral contests.

Court restrains EFCC from arresting businessman declared wanted

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted an interim order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from arresting or harassing a Dubai-based Nigerian businessman, Alhaji Rabiu Tijjani, declared wanted by the commission over alleged $1.9m money laundering charges.

The two respondents in the matter are EFCC and one Ifeanyi Ezeokoli.

The order, granted on July 21 and obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, was issued by Justice H. Buhari in response to an ex parte motion filed by the applicant’s counsel on July 16, 2025, seeking the protection of Tijjani’s fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of movement as enshrined in Sections 35 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution.

After reviewing the application, Justice Buhari granted an interim order restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting, detaining, harassing, or prosecuting Tijjani, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion.

“An interim order restraining the commission or its agents, servants, privies, officer arresting, detaining, harassing, arraigning thẹ or relating to the complaint of the second respondent motion on notice.

“And such further others as this honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of the case.

“Motion ex-parte dated 14th day of July and filed on 16th day of July, 2025 is granted as prayed,” the ruling reads in part.

The case was adjourned to September 18, 2025, for further proceedings.

The EFCC declared Tijjani wanted over alleged money laundering involving $1,931,700.12.

The declaration was made in a notice signed by Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, dated July 11, 2025.

Reacting, he threatened legal action against the EFCC for allegedly damaging his reputation by declaring him wanted over a $1.9m money laundering allegation.

Auwalu described the allegation as false, insisting that the transaction in question was a legitimate business deal involving currency exchanges with one Ifeanyi Ezeokolu, totalling over $77m across a year.

Benue killings: 3,160 displaced, 48 homes destroyed, says FG

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has disclosed that no fewer than 3,160 persons have been displaced following the recent killings in Yelwa community, Benue State.

The minister stated this during an interview in Arise News’ Morning Show on Tuesday.

Yilwatda revealed that among the displaced were 810 school-age children, while about 48 homes and several shops and business centres were destroyed during the attack on the community.

The minister said his team carried out a comprehensive needs assessment in the affected community in collaboration with state authorities and international partners.

“We discovered that 3,160 people were displaced, including about 810 school-age children.

“We also recorded the loss of about 48 homes, excluding shops and business centres that were destroyed,” he said.

He noted that the ministry, working with the United Nations system, NGOs, and development partners, has designed a long-term response plan to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability to the community.

According to him, the estimated budget for the intervention stands at N6.7 billion, which will cover emergency relief, peacebuilding, and durable solutions for the displaced families.

“Our budget came up to roughly N6.7 billion to respond to the community properly. Out of this, the European Union has committed €1.5 million (about N2.7 billion), while other NGOs, the state government, and the federal government will contribute their share,” he added.

Yilwatda explained that the intervention would not only provide immediate relief but also focus on rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and ensuring children return to school.

He further stated that similar efforts were ongoing in Benue, Borno, and Niger States, where communities are grappling with the impacts of insurgency, flooding, and malnutrition.

“Some of these challenges are due to climate change, natural disasters, and insurgency. We are working with all stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable response,” the minister added.