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Compliance Failure: FCCPC Suspends Operations At Fabsi Table Water Production Facility

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By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has temporarily suspended operations at the Fabsi Table Water production facility in Kubwa over compliance failure.

Disclosing this in a statement released on its official X account, FCCPC said it initiated an enforcement action and also summoned the company’s management, following a consumer complaint alleging consumption of expired sachet water containing microbes.

A subsequent investigation uncovered significant violations of consumer protection regulations. Fabsi Table Water failed to provide crucial product information, including production dates, expiration dates, and batch numbers. Moreover, the company lacked essential compliance records necessary to ensure product safety and quality.

Fabsi Table Water claimed a two-month shelf life for its products, yet the absence of production and expiration dates renders this claim unverifiable. The company attributed the omission of this critical information to printing challenges, a claim the FCCPC deems unacceptable. Accurate and complete product labeling is a fundamental requirement under applicable regulations.

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Seizure of Presidential Jets: Obi Reacts, Says Nigerians Not Aware of Buying or Selling of Aircraft

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By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 general election, Peter Obi has reacted to the seizure of the presidential jets order by French Court, saying until the court prohibition of Nigeria from moving or selling these three jets, Nigerians have no iota of information about both the buying and selling of these aircraft.

Obi made the revelation against the backdrop of news making rounds to the effect that a French court has authorized the seizure of three presidential jets linked to the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of a legal battle involving Zhongshan, a Chinese company and Ogun state government. The company had a business dispute with the Ogun State government, which led to this significant legal action,

Disclosing this in a statement released on his X account on Thursday, titled “Seizure of Presidential Jets- An International Embarrassment,” Obi said:

“The trending international news on the seizure of three Jets belonging to Nigeria’s Presidential fleet is yet another of many embarrassing things exposing our failed leadership and our attitude to the rule of law even in a democracy. It has also exposed multiple dimensions to our leadership failure and our insensitivity to the plight of the growing poor class in our midst.

“The fact that the federal government went ahead with the jet deal despite the cacophonous cry against the purchase of a Presidential jet at this time when the people are going through a horrifying economic hardship shows the insensitivity of this administration.

“Added to it is the embarrassing aspect of our country’s Presidential jets being held for contractual breaches arising from yet another dimension of inadequate leadership tidiness. I have been loud in my demand over time that the government at all levels should be accountable to the people, meaning that they must be very transparent in all their dealings.

“Until a court in France prohibits Nigeria from moving or selling these three jets, Nigerians have no iota of information about both the buying and selling of these aircraft.

“It has been done in secrecy. Federal Government property, which belongs to the people, is being managed as a personal family asset.
Paying as much as $100m dollars for a Presidential jet for a country that is the poverty capital of the World and has more out-of-school children with over 40% food inflation is the height of concern for the people’s feelings. This incident has also opened up an aspect of indiscipline that is copiously embedded in our country which is the abuse and disrespect for the rule of law.

“Here are questions begging for answers:

“To what extent did the Ogun government follow its agreement with the Chinese firm?
After the UK court ruling that prohibited some Nigeria building in Liverpool, what did both Ogun state and Federal government do before the French court action?

“I would like to, therefore, challenge the federal government to come clean and transparent on this matter and tell Nigerians how we got to this latest international mess. – PO

Precise Post recalls that the three seized jets include a Dassault Falcon 7X at Le Bourget airport in Paris, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus 330 located at Basel-Mulhouse airport in Switzerland. The three aircraft are part of Nigeria’s presidential air fleet and are currently undergoing maintenance.

Two of the jets were recently put up for sale, while the Airbus 330 was purchased by Nigeria but had not yet been delivered. The Nigerian government reportedly paid over $100 million for the Airbus.

The seizure stems from a 2016 decision by the Ogun State government to revoke Zhongshan’s export processing zone management contract.

Following this revocation, an independent arbitral tribunal, chaired by a former UK Supreme Court President, awarded Zhongshan $74.5 million in compensation.

The French court’s order prohibits the movement, sale, or purchase of the seized jets until the $74.5 million compensation is paid to Zhongshan.

Bailiffs have already served legal papers for each aircraft, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing legal dispute.

This development follows a similar incident in which Nigerian-owned properties in Liverpool, England, were seized by a UK court in connection with the same dispute.

Zhongshan secured charging orders against two properties in Liverpool—15 Aigburth Hall Road and Beech Lodge, 49 Calderstones Road—which are estimated to be worth between £1.3 million and £1.7 million.

However, the Ogun State government in a statement on Thursday stating her stand as follows:

OUR STAND ON ZHONGSHAN’S SUBTERFUGE AND PARIS COURT’S SEIZURE ORDER—-OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT

On 14 August 2024, the attention of the @OGSG_Official was drawn to the provisional attachment of three Nigerian government owned aircrafts in France by the Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd. (“Zhongshan”).  Ogun State also learned of two orders of the Judicial Court of Paris dated 7 March 2024 and 12 August 2024 respectively, both obtained by Zhongshan without notice being duly given to the Federal Government or Nigeria, Ogun State or their legal counsel.  This is the latest in a series of ill-advised attempts by Zhongshan to attach Nigerian-owned assets in foreign jurisdictions, none of which have to date led to the recovery of any sums from Nigeria.

Each of the three aircrafts is used solely for sovereign purposes and as such are immune from attachment under international and French law.  In obtaining the provisional attachments, Zhongshan deliberately withheld information from the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun State and their legal counsel.

Shockingly, it also appears to have misled the Judicial Court of Paris as to the use and nature of the assets it seeks to attach and not made full disclosure to the court as required by law.

Ogun State in conjunction with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has taken swift action to ensure that these provisional attachments are lifted without delay.

Just like the P&ID case, this is another unfortunate case of unscrupulous individuals masquerading as foreign investors with the sole aim of defrauding Ogun State and Nigeria.

It should be recalled that the underlying contract between Ogun State and Zhongshan was executed in 2007, 12 years before the present administration, for the management of a free-trade zone. The parties entered into a dispute in 2015 with arbitration commencing in 2016.

By 2019, when the current State Administration took office, the hearing at the arbitration had been all but concluded. The Arbitral Panel awarded over 60 million USD against the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) which was a co-Defendant, when all Zhongshan had done was to build a perimeter fence around the free-trade zone. Needless to say this was a bad/unfair decision.

The present State Administration could not in all good conscience allow such an unconscionable and baseless decision, which would dissipate the commonwealth of the good people of Ogun State, to stand.

Accordingly, and based on erudite legal advice, this Administration resolved to resist the enforcement of the award. The resistance  was successful in 8 different jurisdictions. Currently, there are pending appeals against recognition orders issued in both the US and UK.

On the further advice of counsel, Ogun State also engaged Zhongshan in settlement discussions on reasonable terms. The last meeting attended by several officials of Ogun State, including His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun – the Governor of Ogun State, and the Honourable Attorney General/Minister of Justice lasted for three days, in September 2023 in London.

Zhongshan’s initial reasonable readiness to consider Ogun State’s offer, was surprisingly reversed by the second day, with an insistence on the payment of the full debt. This led to a breakdown of the mediation, with parties agreeing to meet again in the first quarter of this year.

Since then, Zhongshan has in bad faith been evasive and instead embarked on a series of enforcement proceedings which the legal team appointed by the FGN and Ogun State have successfully opposed. In cases similar to the present one where Zhongshan obtained an ex-parte order, Ogun State has successfully set aside the orders.

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World News

NATO Security: US Approves $5bn Patriot Missile Sale To Germany

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The United States on Thursday announced its approval of a $5 billion sale of up to 600 Patriot missiles and related equipment to Germany, which has donated several of the advanced air defence systems to Ukraine.

The proposed sale of the PAC-3 MSE missiles “will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

It “will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats and increase the defensive capabilities of its military. It will support Germany’s goal of improving national and territorial defense as well as interoperability with US and NATO forces,” the statement added.

The State Department approved the possible sale of the missiles to Germany, and the DSCA on Thursday provided the required notification to Congress, which still needs to sign off on the transaction.

Germany has donated several Patriot systems to Ukraine, which has faced repeated Russian missile barrages and drone attacks targeting its infrastructure, leaving it in desperate need of additional air defenses.

After the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022, Berlin dropped a traditionally pacifist stance and has become Kyiv’s second-biggest supplier of military aid, after Washington.

AFP

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Editorial

Editorial: The Ideological Vacuum in Nigerian Political Parties and Need for Independent Candidacy

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The political landscape in Nigeria has long been dominated by parties that, despite their claims to various ideological leanings, largely operate without clear principles or vision. This lack of ideological foundation has led to a situation where political parties are more platforms for personal ambition and ethnic mobilization rather than vehicles for genuine policy-driven governance. The need for an ideological reset within Nigerian politics is clear, but the possibility of this occurring through the existing party structure is unlikely. Therefore, it is imperative that the Nigerian Constitution be amended to allow for independent candidates in elections.

In most mature democracies, political parties are defined by their ideological stances. For example, conservative parties tend to favor free markets and limited government intervention, while progressive parties often champion social justice and equitable distribution of resources. These ideologies serve as guiding principles that inform policy decisions and the governance style of party members, ensuring that voters know what to expect when they cast their ballots.

In Nigeria, however, the ideological distinction between political parties is almost non-existent. Parties frequently shift their positions based on the whims of their leaders or the political climate, making it difficult for voters to discern any meaningful differences between them. Politicians frequently move from one party to another with little regard for ideological consistency, further eroding public trust in the political process. This lack of ideology not only weakens the parties themselves but also undermines the overall democratic process, leaving voters disillusioned and disconnected from the political system.

The introduction of independent candidacy would provide a much-needed alternative to this broken system. Independent candidates, unburdened by party allegiances, can offer fresh perspectives and policy ideas that are rooted in personal conviction rather than party loyalty. These candidates would be able to build their platforms around the specific needs and desires of their constituencies, rather than having to conform to the often arbitrary and incoherent positions of a political party.

Moreover, independent candidacy would encourage greater accountability. Without the protection of a party structure, independent candidates would be directly answerable to the electorate. Their success in elections would depend entirely on their ability to connect with voters and present compelling, well-defined policy proposals. This direct relationship between candidate and voter would reinvigorate the democratic process, fostering a more engaged and informed electorate.

Critics of independent candidacy often argue that it could lead to a fragmented political landscape, with too many candidates diluting the vote and making it difficult to form stable governments. However, this concern is largely unfounded. Many democracies around the world successfully operate with independent candidates, and the presence of such candidates has often led to more vibrant and competitive political environments. In Nigeria, where the two major political parties have consistently failed to deliver on their promises, the introduction of independent candidates could serve as a catalyst for much-needed political reform.

Furthermore, the argument that independent candidates would weaken political stability overlooks the fact that the current party system is already fraught with instability. The lack of ideological coherence within parties often leads to infighting and factionalism, as members jockey for power and influence without any shared vision to unite them. Independent candidates, by contrast, would have to rely on their ability to govern effectively and build consensus among a diverse electorate, potentially leading to more stable and responsive governance.

In conclusion, the ideological vacuum within Nigerian political parties has created a political environment that is increasingly disconnected from the needs and aspirations of the people. To address this, the Nigerian Constitution should be amended to allow for independent candidacy in elections. This reform would provide voters with genuine alternatives to the status quo, encourage greater accountability and engagement, and ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. It is time for Nigeria to embrace the possibility of independent leadership and move towards a more inclusive and effective political system.

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News

Paris Court’s Presidential Jets Seizure Order: Ogun Govt’s Declares Stand on Zhongshan’s Subterfuge

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By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – Ogun state government has declared her stand on the Paris court’s seizure order of three presidential Jets belonging to the federal government of Nigeria over business disagreement between her (Ogun state) and Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd. (“Zhongshan”),

Reacting to the court order in a statement released on its official X account on Thursday, the state government said both the State and federal governments of Nigeria, have taken swift action to ensure that these provisional attachments are lifted without delay, adding that like the P&ID case, this is another unfortunate case of unscrupulous individuals masquerading as foreign investors with the sole aim of defrauding Ogun State and Nigeria.

The statement declaring the state government’s stand reads in full:

On 14 August 2024, the attention of the @OGSG_Official was drawn to the provisional attachment of three Nigerian government owned aircrafts in France by the Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd. (“Zhongshan”). 

Ogun State also learned of two orders of the Judicial Court of Paris dated 7 March 2024 and 12 August 2024 respectively, both obtained by Zhongshan without notice being duly given to the Federal Government or Nigeria, Ogun State or their legal counsel.  This is the latest in a series of ill-advised attempts by Zhongshan to attach Nigerian-owned assets in foreign jurisdictions, none of which have to date led to the recovery of any sums from Nigeria.

Each of the three aircrafts is used solely for sovereign purposes and as such are immune from attachment under international and French law.  In obtaining the provisional attachments, Zhongshan deliberately withheld information from the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun State and their legal counsel.

Shockingly, it also appears to have misled the Judicial Court of Paris as to the use and nature of the assets it seeks to attach and not made full disclosure to the court as required by law.

Ogun State in conjunction with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has taken swift action to ensure that these provisional attachments are lifted without delay.

Just like the P&ID case, this is another unfortunate case of unscrupulous individuals masquerading as foreign investors with the sole aim of defrauding Ogun State and Nigeria.

It should be recalled that the underlying contract between Ogun State and Zhongshan was executed in 2007, 12 years before the present administration, for the management of a free-trade zone. The parties entered into a dispute in 2015 with arbitration commencing in 2016.

By 2019, when the current State Administration took office, the hearing at the arbitration had been all but concluded. The Arbitral Panel awarded over 60 million USD against the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) which was a co-Defendant, when all Zhongshan had done was to build a perimeter fence around the free-trade zone. Needless to say this was a bad/unfair decision.

The present State Administration could not in all good conscience allow such an unconscionable and baseless decision, which would dissipate the commonwealth of the good people of Ogun State, to stand.

Accordingly, and based on erudite legal advice, this Administration resolved to resist the enforcement of the award. The resistance  was successful in 8 different jurisdictions. Currently, there are pending appeals against recognition orders issued in both the US and UK.

On the further advice of counsel, Ogun State also engaged Zhongshan in settlement discussions on reasonable terms. The last meeting attended by several officials of Ogun State, including His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun – the Governor of Ogun State, and the Honourable Attorney General/Minister of Justice lasted for three days, in September 2023 in London.

Zhongshan’s initial reasonable readiness to consider Ogun State’s offer, was surprisingly reversed by the second day, with an insistence on the payment of the full debt. This led to a breakdown of the mediation, with parties agreeing to meet again in the first quarter of this year.

Since then, Zhongshan has in bad faith been evasive and instead embarked on a series of enforcement proceedings which the legal team appointed by the FGN and Ogun State have successfully opposed. In cases similar to the present one where Zhongshan obtained an ex-parte order, Ogun State has successfully set aside the orders.

Precise Post recalls that following the paris court seizure order, Human right activist, Comrade Shehu Sani today (Thursday) urged Nigerian lawyers drafting contracts papers or MOUs to apply caution while doing that because foreign multinational companies have perfected the art of coming to our country to sign business deals and when there are issues, they sue us in European courts.

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Shehu Sani Warns Lawyers Drafting Contract Papers For Foreign Multinational Companies; See Why

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By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – Human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani has cautioned Nigerian lawyers drafting contracts papers or Memorandum Of Understandings (MOUs) for foreign multinational companies, reminding that multinational companies have perfected the art of coming to our country to sign business deals and when there are issues, they sue us in European courts.

Shehu Sani gave the warning against the backdrop of the French court’s authorisation of seizure of three presidential jets linked to the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of a legal battle involving Zhongshan, a Chinese company over business dispute with the Ogun State government.

Precise Post recalls that a French court authorized the seizure of three presidential jets linked to the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of a legal battle involving Zhongshan, a Chinese company.

The three seized jets include a Dassault Falcon 7X at Le Bourget airport in Paris, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus 330 located at Basel-Mulhouse airport in Switzerland.

All three aircraft are part of Nigeria’s presidential air fleet and are currently undergoing maintenance.

Two of the jets were recently put up for sale, while the Airbus 330 was purchased by Nigeria but had not yet been delivered. The Nigerian government reportedly paid over $100 million for the Airbus.

The seizure stems from a 2016 decision by the Ogun State government to revoke Zhongshan’s export processing zone management contract.

Following this revocation, an independent arbitral tribunal, chaired by a former UK Supreme Court President, awarded Zhongshan $74.5 million in compensation.

However, the Ogun State government has yet to honor the award, leading Zhongshan to seek enforcement against Nigerian assets abroad.

The French court’s order prohibits the movement, sale, or purchase of the seized jets until the $74.5 million compensation is paid to Zhongshan.

Bailiffs have already served legal papers for each aircraft, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing legal dispute.

This development follows a similar incident in which Nigerian-owned properties in Liverpool, England, were seized by a UK court in connection with the same dispute.

Zhongshan secured charging orders against two properties in Liverpool—15 Aigburth Hall Road and Beech Lodge, 49 Calderstones Road—which are estimated to be worth between £1.3 million and £1.7 million.

It was gathered that the Nigerian government is yet to comment on the seizures.

The federal lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th senate who took to his X account to react to this new trend of events said:

“Foreign multinational companies have perfected the art of coming to our country to sign business deals and when there are issues, they sue us in European courts. Our lawyers drafting contracts papers or MOUs should take note of this.”

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World News

Revealed! Why French Court Authorised Seizure of Three Presidential Jets Belonging to Nigeria

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ABUJA FCT – A French court has authorized the seizure of three presidential jets linked to the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of a legal battle involving Zhongshan, a Chinese company.

The company had a business dispute with the Ogun State government, which led to this significant legal action, sources familiar with the matter have told Premium Times.

The three seized jets include a Dassault Falcon 7X at Le Bourget airport in Paris, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus 330 located at Basel-Mulhouse airport in Switzerland.

All three aircraft are part of Nigeria’s presidential air fleet and are currently undergoing maintenance.

Two of the jets were recently put up for sale, while the Airbus 330 was purchased by Nigeria but had not yet been delivered. The Nigerian government reportedly paid over $100 million for the Airbus.

The seizure stems from a 2016 decision by the Ogun State government to revoke Zhongshan’s export processing zone management contract.

Following this revocation, an independent arbitral tribunal, chaired by a former UK Supreme Court President, awarded Zhongshan $74.5 million in compensation.

However, the Ogun State government has yet to honor the award, leading Zhongshan to seek enforcement against Nigerian assets abroad.

The French court’s order prohibits the movement, sale, or purchase of the seized jets until the $74.5 million compensation is paid to Zhongshan.

Bailiffs have already served legal papers for each aircraft, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing legal dispute.

This development follows a similar incident in which Nigerian-owned properties in Liverpool, England, were seized by a UK court in connection with the same dispute.

Zhongshan secured charging orders against two properties in Liverpool—15 Aigburth Hall Road and Beech Lodge, 49 Calderstones Road—which are estimated to be worth between £1.3 million and £1.7 million.

Naija News understands that the Nigerian government is yet to comment on the seizures.

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News

Gulf Of Guinea: Tinubu, Mbasogo Sign Agreement On Gas Pipeline

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By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – Report reaching Precise Post has it that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and his Equatorial Guinea couterpart, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on Wednesday evening in Malabo signed an agreement on Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, further affirming partnership for mutual development. 
 
Precise Post recalls that the agreement covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles. 

The statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said that in his remarks at the event, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, said the signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
 
The President stated that the two leaders had discussed issues related to the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting that preceded the signing of the agreement.
 
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflicts and what we can do to promote peace.
 
“We talked about promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and growth and prosperity on our continent. 
 
“In the same way that Europe and America have kept themselves and found a solution for their conflicts, we have to look at both inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, research and development programmes, and enlighten our people, navigate our way through problems.
 
“Instead of the crisis and conflicts that we see in the Republic of Congo, and others, we have to look inwards to solve problems ourselves,’’ the President said. 
 
President Tinubu said the discussion with the President of Equatorial Guinea also covered challenges of security, African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security. 
 
“We are all going for it. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved that we will work together to make sure that the solution to many of our problems in Africa comes from within,’’ the President concluded.
 
In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas. 
 
President Mbasogo said Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations is vital for the development of the continent, affirming that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to realize the objective. 
 
The President of Equatorial Guinea said the signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development.
 
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar of Nigeria, and Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, also signed the agreement.
 
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State, Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim- Biu were present at the signing of the agreement.
 


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Opinion

The Counter-Subversive Bill – The ‘Ev!l Details’ You Need To Know By Obiasogu David

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Is it that the National Assembly and Tinubu’s government are intent on impelling Nigerians to “deify” them or they simply wish to “cut off” our breath to afford themselves enough “oxygen?”

Perhaps, an answer to this question would better explain why a recklessly insensitive bill as the Counter-Subversive Bill would be conceived, in the first place.

A bill which attempts to criminalize protests and deify crass politicians is as “dark” as the hearts of the roguish elements sponsoring the bill.

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Politics

Utomi Blasts Speaker Abbas over plan to jail anyone who speaks ill of politicians

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By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – Professor of Economics, Pat Utomi has taken the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly, Tajudeen Abbas to the cleaners over his alleged move to jail anyone who speaks ill of a politician in Nigeria.

Furious Utomi said that the Speaker is planning this while turning blind eye to the fact that National Assembly has continued to lie about what they draw as emoluments for themselves from their employers – the people.

He therefore called on the Police to rise up to their duty and arrest the National Assembly (NA) members and prosecute for stealing. Adding that If they (Police) fail, the people should seek to recall the NA beginning with the Senate President, Godwill Akpabio and Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

Utomi reiterated his warning against state capture, creeping Fascism and the criminal hijack of politics in Nigeria’ as part of the subtitle of a book he wrote six years ago.

Utomi who stated this on Thursday when he took to his X account said:

“What a season. The speaker wants to jail anyone who speaks ill of a politician. The National Assembly continues to lie about what they draw as emoluments for themselves from their employers, the people. “Do they realize that taking what belongs to another without permission is stealing”, Utomi asked.”

“So let the people who want to know be sent to jail. Do they realize that taking what belongs to another without permission is stealing.”

“Can the police please do their job and arrest the National Assembly (NA) members and prosecute for stealing. If they fail, the people should seek to recall the NA beginning with the Senate President and Speaker.”

:Let it not be said I did not warn about state capture, creeping Fascism and the criminal hijack of politics in Nigeria’ Just part of the subtitle of a book I wrote six years ago.”

“The slide to Fascist dictatorship is all around us and we treat it the way the Germans treated it until it consumed them in WWII.”

Precise Post recalls that due to public uproar and condemnation trailing that action the Speaker yesterday succumbed to pressure and, apart from explanining the intendment of the proposed bill, he also went further to withdraw the bill.

See below the statements withdrawing and explaining the bill respectively:

Withdrawal of the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills

In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.

This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritized listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.

He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.

The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024.

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives

August 14, 2024

Clarification on Counter Subversion Bill

…Draft legislation still at introductory stage
…House welcomes robust discussions on the Bill, and how to address concerns

The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.

The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to our national security.

However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill:

  1. The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. as the sponsor. Thus, the Bill is still at the introductory stage.
  2. The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.
  3. Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.
  4. The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, which is the People’s House, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised.
  5. By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading, where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate. At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.
  6. The Committee must as a matter of responsibility invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill. It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.
  7. After the consideration of the report, the Bill will be passed for the Third Reading and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate deems it fit and concurs with the Bill, a clean copy would be transmitted to the President for assent. Mr. President reserves the right to withhold assent to the Bill.

The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D further promises that the Bill, and indeed any other draft legislation before the House, will pass through all the legislative processes, and Nigerians would have ample opportunity to make their inputs, which will constitute the final consideration (or otherwise) of the Bill.

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Obituary! Buhari mourns Labbo’s Father, Abdullahi

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By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – Immediate past president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of a veteran teacher, Malam Abdullahi Labbo Ambursa.

Precise Post recalls that Labbo Ambursa died at 93 on Tuesday and was buried in Kaduna, where he resided.

According to the statement released by Garba Shehu via his X account, Buhari recalled that Malam Abdullahi Labbo Ambursa was the father of Mohammed Labbo, a journalist and immediate past Executive Director, News of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA.

Muhammadu Buhari said the late Labbo made “an invaluable contribution in the formation of many Northern boys and girls who grew up to serve the nation in key positions including ministers and military and police service leaders. Many of them have the satisfaction of having been guided by him in their lives.”

The former president extended his condolences to the Labbo family and the government and the people of Kebbi state over the sad loss.

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Counter Subversion Bill: Abbas Breaks Silence, Makes Clarification

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…Says Draft legislation still at introductory stage
…House welcomes robust discussions on the Bill, and how to address concerns

By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.

The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to our national security.

However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill:

  1. The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. as the sponsor. Thus, the Bill is still at the introductory stage.
  2. The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.
  3. Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.
  4. The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, which is the People’s House, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised.
  5. By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading, where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate. At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.
  6. The Committee must as a matter of responsibility invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill. It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.
  7. After the consideration of the report, the Bill will be passed for the Third Reading and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate deems it fit and concurs with the Bill, a clean copy would be transmitted to the President for assent. Mr. President reserves the right to withhold assent to the Bill.

The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D further promises that the Bill, and indeed any other draft legislation before the House, will pass through all the legislative processes, and Nigerians would have ample opportunity to make their inputs, which will constitute the final consideration (or otherwise) of the Bill.

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Senate vows to take action against NNPCL, FIRS, Police over Audit Report

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By Chris Udochukwu

ABUJA FCT – Nigerian Senate has vowed to take action against management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Police Force and 12 others for their persistent refusal to respond to queries raised against them in the 2019 Audit report.

The Senate issued the threat through its Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmed Aliyu (SDP Nasarawa West), while briefing newsmen, said since heads of the affected agencies refused to respond to queries raised against them in the 2019 audit report after several opportunities offered to do so.

He stated that going forward, any agency that refuses to honour an invitation to defend its queries will have its queries sustained and reported to the Senate plenary by the committee.

“It is worthy to state that the Committee commenced the consideration of the Audit Report in October, 2023, to present its report to the Plenary,” Aliyu said.

“However, some agencies have willfully failed to honour invitations to defend their written responses to the audit queries as submitted to the Committee Secretariat.

“Beside the demand for submission of written responses to audit queries, part of the Committee’s rules of engagement requires that Accounting Officers attend the Committee’s Public Hearing to respond to questions arising from the analysis of their submissions which in turn forms a basis for informed decision on the matter by the Committee.

“The desire of the Public Accounts Committee to timely discharge its constitutional and legislative function is being by the evasive and negative actions of some CEOs or accounting officers of the concerned MDAs.

“The Committee is very displeased with the attitude of foot dragging by agencies who are by law, expected to respond to parliamentary invitations and account for their actions.

“The Committee has over time, extended invitations to those agencies providing them ample opportunities to defend their queries but for reasons best known to them, these agencies have chosen to disregard invitations.”

To Aliyu, the attitude of the affected public agencies on persistent refusal to respond to queries against them in audit reports was frustrating and detrimental to the aspirations and goals of President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.

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Simon Akpa: Finnish Govt Breaks Silence on Biafran Agitator

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By Our Reporter

ABUJA FCT – Finally, the Finnish Government has disclosed that it is taking action in the case of pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, over his secession activities with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East of Nigeria.

Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, made the disclosure in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, during a press conference she addressed alongside her Nordic counterparts on Tuesday.

According to her, the case of Ekpa whose activities were reported to the Finnish government by the Nigerian government, is now before Finnish courts.

Self-proclaimed Biafra Prime Minister Ekpa has been a strong proponent of sit-at-home directives in the South Eastern states despite the mainstream leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, suspending the exercise.

In February 2023 days before the presidential and national assembly elections, Ekpa was arrested in Finland where he resides after threatening that the elections would not be held in the South-East.

Ekpa was arrested by the police in his residence in the Lahti area of the country, a Finnish paper Helsingin Sanomat had reported.

The separatist repeatedly declared that there would be no elections in the Southeast region of the country and insisted on the observance of a sit-at-home every Monday in the area to protest the detention of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB, however, distanced itself from the Finland-based Ekpa who was reportedly billed for an interview before his arrest.

He was later released and has since been very active on social media where he posts his pro-Biafran messages.

Valtonen was part of a delegation of Nordic Ministers including Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, as well as Denmark who visited Nigeria to deepen trade ties between the countries.

The ministers noted that countering violent extremists in West Africa and achieving sustainable development goals is among the areas of special focus.

The Nordic ministers who are looking to crystallize relations on the African continent continue their two-day trip in Ghana.

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