News
FG to collaborate with China on technology transfer, intelligence sharing
Published
1 year agoon
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that Federal Government would collaborate with China Government in Technology transfer, Intelligence sharing and Military training in it quest to tackle insecurity in the country.
The Minister stated this when he received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Nigeria on a courtesy visit to Ship House, Abuja.
He said there has been a lot of working relationship with the Chinese companies on transfer of technology and talk on Military equipment production.
According to him, the interest of the Government of China to cooperate with Nigeria in the areas of technology transfer and training was overwhelming.
“I was in China to attend a forum which was very successful and we had a very good discussion centered on the transfer of technology, military training and the protection of the interest of China Corporations in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking further, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is passionate with Private sector involvement in the renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just signed the Defence Industry Act as a guide on the development of the Defence Industry. The Act provides a level playing grounds for all investors,” he said.
He called on the Ambassador to encourage more investors into Nigeria economy. “We need serious investors in steel, power and energy to help actualize our defence industry technology. Mr President understand the need for development for private sector to prosper. We are open to power, steel and defence industry to have these investments actualized in the country. Chinese companies have the potential and technology to invest in our country,” he said.
Earlier in his remark, the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun said China has strategic interest on cooperation with Nigeria in areas of Military operations, economy cooperation and international cooperation.
He said China and Nigeria have investment in security, education and economy, adding that; “Nigeria has great potential to develop new economy.”
He opined that Nigeria has abundant natural and human resources that can support China Corporations based in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a large country just like China and we are willing to build our Military Industries in Nigeria to support local production of Military equipment,” he said.
According to him, the Chinese companies would not only boost the fight against insurgency and other related crimes in Nigeria, but would also boost the Federal Government’s drive on employment generation.
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Rising cases of witchcraft alarming – Bauchi Chief Judge
Published
20 hours agoon
February 22, 2025The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar has described as alarming, the rise of cases relating to witchcraft which she said, posed a huge challenge to legal jurisprudence.
While reviewing cases of awaiting trial inmates at the
Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre during a two-day quarterly routine visit by the Administration of Justice Committee, the Chief Judge said, “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one. It is an issue that is difficult to prove unless the accused confesses.”
The Administration of Justice Committee includes wws comprised of key legal and security officials such as the State Controller of Custodial Centres, the State Grand Khadi, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecution, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Bauchi.
The Chief Judge warned magistrates and judges against excessive compensation, advising them to consider fines option.
She noted that high compensation fees often prolong the convicts’ stay in correctional facilities.
“Moving forward, any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on a convict will be required to pay or settle it themselves,” she warned.
Justice Rabi criticised the imposition of hefty compensation amounts such as N100,000, N200,000, or even N300,000, arguing that it encourages criminal behaviour.
She urged judges to ensure that compensation is fair while maintaining a balance between justice and mercy.
“I am troubled by the trend of excessive compensation imposed by judges. Where do you expect a convict to get such large sums? If they cannot pay, they may resort to crime again upon release just to meet the court’s demands,” she explained.
She emphasised the need for reasonability when determining compensation, adding that it is nearly impossible for a victim to recover stolen or lost property fully.
“When sentencing a convict, consider the punishment they have already served. If they have been imprisoned for two or three years, requiring them to repay the full value of stolen items could be unfair. The other party may have to forfeit something as well,” she added.
During the review exercise, she ordered the release of 18 inmates awaiting trial-seven from Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre, seven from Bauchi Custodial Centre, three from Ningi Correctional Centre, and one from Misau Correctional Centre.
Addressing those released, she remarked, “You have been in custody for too long without being charged or taken to court. Even if convicted, your sentence would not have exceeded the time already spent here. That is why this committee has decided to release you unconditionally.”
She urged them to learn from their experience and reintegrate into society as responsible individuals, advising them to acquire skills for self-reliance.
News
Kogi SDP Governorship candidate, Ajaka calls for removal of Akpabio for clashing with Natasha
Published
20 hours agoon
February 22, 2025Kogi State Social Democratic Party, SDP governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has slammed the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio for clashing with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangement during plenary onThursday.
In a post on his Facebook, Ajaka called for impeachment of Godswill Akpabio as the President of Senate following the incident involving Natasha, describing Akpabio’s action as “democratic arrogance and rascality”.
Senator Akphoti-Uduaghan had her seat changed without her notice and rose to interject proceedings in the Senate leading to ensuing melee which the Senate President ordered the Sergeant-At-Arms to take her out of the Chamber on Thursday.
The Senator yell and question the rationale behind her changed without her consent.
.
“Why was my seat moved without my consent?” she queried, refusing to be silenced.
The situation snowballed into chaos making the Akpabio to order that she should taken out of the Chamber.
Natasha insisted and told Akpabil that she was not afraid of him, “I am not afraid of you, and I will not be silenced.”
The female lawmaker who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District claimed that she was denied several opportunities to present bills for second reading since their last confrontation.
In his comment on the situation, Ajaka said, Akpabio’s action constituted a “display of legislative autocracy and rascality.”
He said, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State was given to promoting undemocratic practices, undermining the Senate’s independence and credibility.
“In a democracy, the legislative arm of government is critical to upholding democratic values such as inclusion and tolerance. However, the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has shown a troubling pattern of autocratic behavior, as seen in the recent viral video.
“His actions against Senator Natasha not only diminished the dignity of his colleague but also reinforced growing concerns about the Senate’s lack of independence, disregard for the constitution, and violation of the rule of law.
“When elected representatives are silenced or prevented from presenting their constituency’s views at plenary, it reflects a dangerous shift toward tyranny. The future of our democracy is at stake if these undemocratic actions are left unchecked,” Ajaka warned.
According to him, citizens expect a Senate that is accountable, transparent and responsive to the yearning of the people, but under Akpabio, the trajectory was rather against the people and the democratic tradition.
He also alleged that Akpabio failed to exhibit the temperament and leadership skills necessary to foster inclusivity and cooperation within the Senate.
“As a former Governor, Minister, and now Senate President, Akpabio should promote unity and fairness regardless of gender, background, or political affiliations. Unfortunately, his constant bullying of Senator Natasha is both unacceptable and disappointing—and it must stop,” he added.
The Kogi politician called on the upper legislative chamber to take decisive action and replace Akpabio with a more competent and democratic leader who will promote inclusion and fairness among members.
He also warned that failing to address the Senate President’s actions could undermine the principles of justice, fairness, and respect essential to a thriving democracy.
“I call on the Senate to act swiftly and replace Akpabio with a leader who will uphold the values of democracy, treat all members with dignity, and prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people,” he added.
“The focus of the Nigerian Senate should be on improving the lives of its citizens—not engaging in conflicts and power plays that weaken our democratic foundations”, Kogi politician added.
News
Edo state government welcomes Libya returnees, pledges support and reintegration
Published
21 hours agoon
February 22, 2025In a significant humanitarian gesture to mark Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office, the Edo State Government through the office of Edo Migration Agency (EDMA) has welcomed a group of Libya returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The returnees, comprising both men and women, were received by the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency (EDMA), Hon.Chief Lucky Agazuma.
Hon. Agazuma assured the returnees of the government’s commitment to their reintegration into the society, emphasizing that they would undergo various vocational training programs to equip them with skills for self-reliance. He encouraged them to see their return as a fresh start rather than a setback.
“You should see your current situation as a passing phase in the journey of life,” he said. “You are back home, and you will be taken care of. The government is determined to make you ambassadors who will educate other young people about the dangers of irregular migration.”
The DG who was on ground to receive the returnees acknowledged the difficulties faced by those who embarked on the perilous journey and stressed the importance of using their experiences to dissuade others from making similar mistakes.
“You will not wish what you went through on even your enemies. That is why we will make you ambassadors to share your harrowing experiences with others. We are not here to judge you; we all make mistakes, and anyone can be deceived. What matters now is that you are home, safe, and you have a governor who listens and cares about every Edo citizen.”
He further praised Governor Okpebholo for his proactive approach to governance and his dedication to improving the lives of Edo people, adding that every citizen of the state matters to the governor.
The returnees expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the government’s willingness to support their reintegration. Many shared heartbreaking accounts of their ordeal in Libya, reinforcing the urgent need for awareness and better opportunities for Edo youths to discourage illegal migration.
With the Edo State Government taking a firm stand on migration issues, the administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for youths to thrive within the state, ensuring that no one feels compelled to seek greener pastures through dangerous and illegal routes.
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