INSTANT NEWS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the appointment of several individuals to serve in key roles within the Office of the President under the Media and Publicity Directorate. This significant development was conveyed through an official statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

The newly appointed individuals, as listed in the statement, include:

1. Mr. Fela Durotoye, who assumes the role of Senior Special Assistant to the President, overseeing National Values & Social Justice.

2. Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo, appointed as Senior Special Assistant to the President for Public Engagement.

3. Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe, who takes on the role of Senior Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Communications.

4. Mr. Aliyu Audu, appointed as Special Assistant to the President for Public Affairs.

5. Mr. Francis Adah Abah, who will serve as the Personal Assistant to the President with special duties.

Furthermore, the statement disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the secondment of Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe, who will assume the position of Communications Adviser to the President of the ECOWAS Commission.

In his message, the President emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of decorum and decency in their interactions with the public. He urged the newly appointed individuals to work diligently in advancing his mission to restore hope to Nigerians through economic restructuring and the creation of a unified society that caters to the diverse needs of the populace.

Notably, the President's appointments align with the principles of Nigeria's federal character and meritocracy, emphasizing a commitment to fair representation and the selection of highly qualified individuals for these roles.

President Bola Tinubu has concluded his participation in the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU), held in Kenya over the weekend. He has now returned to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. His flight landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4:20 p.m. on Monday.

Notable government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, warmly welcomed President Tinubu upon his arrival. Other dignitaries present to greet him were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinnma, and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

President Tinubu attended the AU meeting in his capacity as the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His journey to Kenya commenced on Saturday to engage in discussions with other African leaders.

One of the key topics addressed during the meeting in Nairobi was the reaffirmation of Africa's unity and strength, with a firm rejection of any new scramble for the continent's resources. President Tinubu emphasized the need for Africa to stand united and guard against any attempts to undermine its sovereignty and development.

Additionally, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force. This move aims to enhance the region's security and act as a deterrent against coups and acts of terrorism that threaten peace and stability in Africa.

President Tinubu's participation in the AU meeting highlights Nigeria's active engagement in regional and continental affairs. His return to Abuja signifies his dedication to furthering the interests of Nigeria and the entire West African region, fostering collaboration among nations, and promoting a united Africa.

The decision to reassess the staff audit comes after civil servants left the audit venue on Thursday, expressing dissatisfaction with the consultants engaged by the Adeleke administration to conduct the exercise. To address the grievances and ensure a seamless operation, Governor Adeleke convened a joint meeting with labor leaders and the auditing firm.

During the meeting, Governor Adeleke instructed the joint committee overseeing the audit exercise to address any contentious issues and devise acceptable procedures to ensure a smooth and trouble-free process. He expressed his disappointment at the inconvenience caused to public servants and directed the Head of Service to make necessary adjustments to prioritize the well-being and comfort of the workers.

Furthermore, Governor Adeleke mandated the joint committee to formulate a new timetable that considers the unique characteristics and diversity of each ministry and agency. Additionally, he proposed brainstorming sessions on the decentralization of the exercise, aiming to reduce the burden and logistical challenges associated with the centralization in the capital city.

The governor emphasized that the purpose of the audit is to plug leakages and enhance staff welfare. He reassured all stakeholders that his administration holds a strong partnership and fraternity with the labor movement, affirming that no anti-labor actions will be taken.

Governor Adeleke called upon all stakeholders to collaborate and make the necessary adjustments for the successful completion of the program. He highlighted his government's commitment to the well-being of laborers, workers, artisans, women, youth, and other key sectors of the population, emphasizing that the government will always act in their best interests.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially resumed his duties at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Following a brief reception held on the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, he proceeded to engage in a closed-door meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari.

The meeting, currently taking place at the State House, has Vice President Kashim Shettima in attendance along with other participants. While the specific agenda of the meeting has not been disclosed, it coincides with the reemergence of fuel queues since the President's recent announcement regarding the suspension of fuel subsidy during his inauguration ceremony.

The resurfacing of fuel queues has raised concerns and speculation about the potential discussions taking place between President Tinubu, Governor Emefiele, and GMD Kyari. As fuel scarcity becomes a pressing issue, the meeting could potentially address strategies and policies to tackle the situation and ensure the smooth supply of fuel to meet the nation's demands.

As details regarding the closed-door meeting emerge, the public eagerly awaits updates on the outcomes and decisions that will shape the course of Nigeria's fuel industry under President Tinubu's leadership.

President Bola Tinubu has commenced his tenure by announcing a fresh round of appointments. Nosa Asemota has been appointed as Tinubu's official photographer, while Adelani Opeyemi will serve as the official photographer for Vice President Kashim Shettima. Tolani Alli, the official photographer of the immediate past vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, shared the news of their appointments.

Taking to Twitter, Tolani expressed congratulations to Nosa Asemota, now the Official Photographer to President Bola Tinubu (ABAT 001), and to Adelani Opeyemi, the Official Photographer to Vice President Kashim Shettima (002). He extended his best wishes to both photographers and invoked divine guidance, protection, and favor for their new roles. Tolani encouraged them to excel and concluded by invoking blessings upon them.

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were inaugurated on Monday at the Eagles Square in Abuja, signifying the official commencement of their respective tenures. Subsequently, on Tuesday, both Tinubu and Shettima formally assumed their offices, ready to embark on their duties and responsibilities. The new appointments of official photographers reflect the beginning of their administrative journey.

In a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in Awka has ruled that the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, is unlawfully occupying the office. The court, presided over by Justice Fatun Riman, declared that Baba's continued stay in the position is in direct violation of the Police Act of 2020 and is therefore illegal and unconstitutional.

The court's judgment, delivered in a case filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, a taxpayer, emphasized that only an officer of the prescribed rank with at least four years of service can be appointed as the IGP. It was further stated that Baba, who has less than four years of service, does not meet the requirements for the position.

While the judgment was officially rendered on May 19, 2023, a certified copy was made available on May 27, 2023. The plaintiffs in the case had brought legal action against President Muhammadu Buhari, the IGP, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Nigeria Police Council, seeking an order to prevent Baba from occupying the office since his tenure had expired.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Riman underscored the fact that the IGP is a public servant and a member of the Nigeria Police Force, established under Section 214(1) of the Constitution. According to the Federal Public Rules 299 (PSR), all public service officers are required to retire at the age of 60 or after 35 years of service, as mandated by the Constitution. The judge further emphasized that the President's prerogative power is limited by the provisions of the Constitution and that the retirement of the Inspector-General of Police is a matter governed by statutory and constitutional provisions, which cannot be altered by any other law.

Usman Alkali Baba reached the age of 60 on March 1, 2023, which marked the compulsory retirement age. However, his tenure was extended by President Buhari in January of the same year. This court ruling challenges the validity of that extension and asserts that Baba's occupation of the office is unlawful based on the clear provisions of the law.

This judgment has significant implications for the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and raises questions about the adherence to legal and constitutional procedures in appointments to key positions. It remains to be seen how this ruling will be implemented and what steps will be taken to address the situation in accordance with the court's decision.

The recent judgment by a State High Court in Kano, overturning the victory of the Labour Party in Abia, has been dismissed as "inconsequential" by the party. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party emphasized that the judgment held no weight due to the lack of jurisdiction of the court in question.

According to the statement, the court's ruling was deemed laughable and ineffective because it attempted to intervene in an election matter long after the elections had concluded and winners had been declared. The Labour Party argued that the Kano Court did not possess the constitutional authority to handle pre-election matters, making its verdict legally unsound.

The party clarified that the case involved only the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with no specific individuals mentioned. As a result, the court could not grant any relief that was not sought for. The Labour Party expressed confidence that the judgment would be overturned and announced their intention to seek recourse through the Appeal Court.

Highlighting a broader concern, the party raised alarm over alleged attempts by opposition parties to create internal conflicts within the Labour Party. They provided evidence of letters initiated by a certain Akingbade, sent to various tribunals requesting the withdrawal of cases. The Labour Party disassociated themselves from Akingbade, Lamidi Apapa, Abayomi Arabambi, and others associated with them, stating that they no longer represented the party in any capacity.

Furthermore, the party expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with the swiftness of the judgment, which was delivered within 48 hours without proper notification to the parties involved. This raised concerns about due process and fairness in the legal proceedings.

The Labour Party reiterated its disregard for the judgment, labeling it as insignificant and assured its supporters that they would pursue legal avenues to challenge and overturn the verdict. They also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the party from internal disruptions and ensuring the integrity of their cases in tribunals.