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Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Nnamdi Kanu Alleges -“Justice Nyako Told To Convict Me To Ease Corruption Charges Against Her Husband, Son”
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has made a startling allegation about Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
According to him, Nyako was instructed to convict him in order to ease corruption charges against her husband and son
Kanu stated this on Monday while speaking to newsmen, reiterating his stance that Justice Nyako lacks jurisdiction to try him, and that she stands recused from his case due to alleged bias.
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He lamented the poor knowledge of the law by the prosecution and the court, stating that it is “killing Nigeria.”
According to him, the Chief Judge of Nigeria cannot direct Justice Nyako on how to handle his case, citing a federal gazetted law of Nigeria.
Kanu He claimed that the judge’s husband and son are facing corruption charges, and that convicting him would pave the way for them to receive favorable treatment.
READ ALSO: “I’ve Committed No Crime, Don’t Plead For Me” – Nnamdi Kanu
The IPOB leader who asserted his right to agitate for Biafra said: “This is the law of Nigeria. The prosecution and this court doesn’t know the law. Poor knowledge of the law is killing Nigeria.
This is a federal gazetted law of Nigeria that says here that the Chief judge of Nigeria cannot tell Binta Nyako what to do.
Just obey it. That is why I agitate for Biafra. I have a right to agitate.
“I don’t recognize anything Binta Nyako. She has no jurisdiction to try me. She stands recused from my case and cannot try my case. There are things that are happening in this country that none of you do not know. It is my duty to make that very, very clear to all of you.
“Her son and her husband are facing corruption charges and they told them that if they convict me — this is what it’s like. Nobody wants the truth to come out. They sent her my case so they can smoothen the pathway for the husband and the son. They have violated the judicial oath, they have shown bias.”
Meanwhile, in her ruling, Justice Nyako stated: “The only decision I can make right now is that in the light of what is happening now in court, I am going to adjourn this case sine die (indefinitely).”
How Nigeria Achieved Significant Debt Reduction Under Tinubu – Kalu
ABUJA – Nigeria has made a major breakthrough in its efforts to manage its debt, reducing the debt servicing burden from 96% of its 2023 revenue to 67% under the President Bola Tinubu administration.
This significant reduction has created fiscal space for investments in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, which are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represented the country at the just concluded Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2025 Parliamentary Hearing in New York, United States themed “Scaling Up Action for the Sustainable Development Goals:
Finance, Institutions, and Politics” said that the achievement is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable development and debt management.
Making a presentation in one of the sessions tagged “The Debt Crisis and the SDGs: Proposals for Sustainable Solutions”, Kalu highlighted the contributions of the Nigerian Parliament, saying that the legislature has strengthen its oversight roles.
“Nigeria faces a dual crisis: soaring public debt (₦97.34 trillion/$108 billion as of 2024) and constrained fiscal space for SDG investments. Key issues include debt Servicing Burden: 96% of 2023 revenue was spent on debt servicing, crowding out health, education, and infrastructure budgets but the President Tinubu administration significantly reduced this debt servicing to budget ratio to 67%. Credit Rating Challenges: Biased methodologies by global CRAs (e.g., S&P, Moody’s) inflate borrowing costs, costing Nigeria an estimated $1.5 billion annually in excess interest. SDG Trade-offs: Debt pressures delay critical projects like renewable energy grids and universal healthcare, jeopardizing Nigeria’s 2030 Agenda commitments
“The National Assembly is currently reviewing the Fiscal Responsibility Act to enforce debt ceilings and transparency.
“The House of Representatives through my office is actively working on reforms to leverage philanthropy and impact investing for SDG-aligned debt management.
“Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Government Debt. Guiding Question: How can parliaments strengthen oversight of government debt?
“To achieve this reduction, we have implemented several measures, including strengthening parliamentary oversight, regulating the financial sector, and promoting innovative financing solutions.
“We are committed to continuing on this path and ensuring that our debt management practices are transparent, accountable, and aligned with our development goals.”
Kalu explained in a statement signed and issued by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, that Nigeria’s debt reduction efforts have also been driven by its commitment to the SDGs, which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.
He added that country has been working to align its debt management practices with the SDGs, and has made significant progress.
In addition to its domestic efforts, the Deputy Speaker said that Nigeria is also seeking global cooperation to address the debt crisis and promote sustainable development.
“The country is advocating for SDG-linked debt relief, and is lobbying the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for SDG Conditional Debt Clauses to allow for payment pauses in times of crisis.
“Nigeria is also calling on OECD nations to criminalize vulture fund litigation against low-income countries, and is partnering with the African Union to establish an African Credit Rating Agency (ACRA) to provide more accurate credit ratings for African countries.
“We believe that global cooperation and collective action are necessary to achieve our development goals and address the debt crisis,” said Deputy Speaker Kalu. “We must work together to create a more equitable and prosperous world for all.
“Nigeria’s National Assembly is uniquely positioned to model how parliaments can combat the debt-SDG crisis through rigorous oversight, financial sector reforms, and global advocacy. By institutionalizing debt transparency, championing fair credit ratings, and innovating SDG-aligned financing, Nigeria can turn its debt burden into a springboard for sustainable development. The IPU in 2025 must amplify these strategies to
avert a lost decade for the SDGs”, he said.
In another presentation on “International Trade for the SDGs: The Challenge of Poverty Eradication Through Export-led Growth, Kalu said that key challenges Nigeria faces include trade marginalization as non-oil sectors (agriculture, manufacturing, tech) face tariff/non-tariff barriers, stifling export diversification;
He also said that despite ratifying the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), bureaucratic bottlenecks and infrastructure deficits limit Nigeria’s competitiveness, adding that biased arbitration mechanisms deter Nigeria from regulating foreign investors in sectors like mining and tech, risking public welfare.
Kalu however said that the House of Representatives has now prioritized laws to diversify exports, streamline business registration, and leverage AfCFTA through agenda number 4 in its recently released legislative agenda for the years 2023-2027.
He further explained that the 2023 Finance Act introduced tax breaks for agro-processing and renewable energy exports to align trade with SDGs 1 (poverty) and 9 (industry).
On trade and digital economy, the Deputy Speaker said “House of Representatives through my office is working closely with META and AfriLabs to generate
legislative interventions that provide incentives or exemptions from digital service taxes on Nigerian tech platforms to enable more trade on digital platforms in the country while still meeting Nigeria’s domestic revenue generation targets”.
On yet another presentation titled “Raising domestic resources for the SDGs: A Case for Tax Reforms” made at the forum, Kalu submitted that Nigeria’s renewed focus on expanding and mobilizing domestic public resources is central to achieving the 2030 Agenda.
According to him, robust tax systems underpin investments in critical public goods—such as infrastructure, health, and education, which in turn drive poverty reduction, economic growth, and increased public trust.
He also highlighted some recent legislative developments in Nigeria, applauding the recent passage of four tax bills to second reading in the House of Representatives.
“In 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted four key tax reform bills to the National Assembly: Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
“These proposals seek to modernize tax administration by harmonizing taxes, consolidating revenue agencies, and integrating advanced technology for enhanced compliance. The green chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly, the House of Representatives recently passed the four tax reform bills for a second reading and have been referred to the Finance Committee of the House for further legislative work.
“Nigeria’s proactive approach to tax reform—through centralized tax collection, comprehensive VAT modifications, and broader international cooperation—positions the country to better mobilize domestic resources in support of the SDGs.
“While the reform proposals present significant opportunities for enhanced fiscal sustainability, their successful implementation requires rigorous oversight and transparent governance, investment in technological and human capacity, and a balanced approach to innovative taxes that considers both revenue needs and economic equity.
“By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can set a robust precedent for transforming domestic tax systems into engines of sustainable development and fiscal resilience and this precedent can be adopted by other IPU member countries (parliaments)”, Kalu said.
To Save Nigeria Requires Self-Sacrificing Leaders -Cleric
The Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges have been described as problems that require a leader who is ready to sacrifice him or herself.
Senior Pastor of The Second Coming Of Christ’s Ministry, Adewale Giwa made the observation on Sunday while addressing the congregation in Akure, Ondo State capital.
He noted that Nigerians should not expect the Western world to come and help them build their nation.
The maverick cleric alluded to a statement credited to a republican lawmaker accusing the President Barack Obama-led administration of contributing to the crisis in Nigeria.
Giwa emphasized that the Western world is not comfortable with any African leaders who are focused in placing their countries in good pedestal.
He referred to the late Libyan President, Muammar Gaddafi accusing the West of being behind his killing.
The cleric recalled that Libyans were enjoying the nation until when Gaddafi was murdered
He reminded his congregation about the prayer he asked them to say a fortnight ago that God should expose the troublers of Nigeria.
Giwa, therefore, asked rhetorically who was ready to sacrifice him or herself to save Nigeria.
He said: “Leader who wants to transform Nigeria will have to sacrifice himself.
“So, if a leader that truly wants to transform Nigeria, he has to sacrifice himself. So, who is ready?
“You remember foreigners are the problems facing Nigeria.
“Just a few days ago, a publication came up from the United States of America, a lawmaker from the US Republican exposed a lot of things concerning the crisis going on in Africa.
“He exposed what the former US President Obama-led administration was doing with USAID in Nigeria.
“I am not surprised about this. I am not surprised at all. Obama campaigned for President Muhammadu Buhari during the election.
“They used Chibok Girls to discredit the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Members Accuse Senior Pastor Of Sexual Misconduct in ECWA Wuse II, Threaten Legal Action
ABUJA – Some Concerned Members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Wuse II, Abuja have accused their Senior Pastor, Rev. Nashon Azaki, of sexual misconduct and financial misappropriation, demanding his immediate investigation and removal to safeguard the church’s integrity.
The Concerned Members claim to have evidence linking Rev. Azaki to an attempted rape case that allegedly occurred in the church’s pastorium on October 19, 2024.
The group, through its lawyer Dr. George Ogunyomi of O.E.B Offiong and Co Chambers, Abuja, petitioned the ECWA Executive in Jos, alleging that the Garki DCC leadership had refused to enforce church laws that require any minister accused of misconduct to step aside pending investigations.
“We are alleging that an incident of attempted rape occurred in the pastorium on October 19, 2024. He invited the victim to his residence, despite knowing his family was abroad at the time. Supporting evidence includes a screenshot of SMS messages exchanged on October 18 and 19, 2024, and the victim’s testimony recorded,” the petition stated.
Additionally, Rev. Azaki is accused of: Soliciting sex from a female employee in his office (allegedly captured in an audio recording); Making sexual advances toward multiple female secretaries and congregants; and Financial misappropriation involving church funds.
The group alleges that Rev. Azaki has remained unperturbed and continues to perform his pastoral duties despite these allegations, allegedly with the backing of some church elders and officials of ECWA Garki DCC.
The petition warns that the church is on the brink of disintegration, as: Many members have stopped attending church activities due to concerns over the pastor’s moral and spiritual integrity.
There is palpable tension among congregants, with fears of possible violence.
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, over 20 armed policemen were allegedly deployed to the church premises to protect Rev. Azaki, raising further concerns.
The Concerned Members have threatened to take civil and legal action if the ECWA leadership fails to act.
“The situation in the church has seriously degenerated and is assuming a dangerous dimension, which if not immediately arrested, may lead to chaos and possible loss of lives,” the lawyer stated in the petition.
In response, Rev. Nashon Azaki denied all allegations, describing them as false and baseless.
As tensions mount, the ECWA Executive in Jos faces increasing pressure to intervene in the crisis before it further escalates.
“The church has addressed the issues because they reported me to the church, and the church did not see any basis for it. Now, they want to resort to media trials,” he said in a phone interview.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Nigeria News Today
Nigerian Bulletin - News, Lifestyle, Marketplace
2025-02-15 14:19:53
Independent Newspaper Nigeria
Information Nigeria
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Still on my Indonesia trip that I promised to share my experience with you.
Wednesday and Thursday were as fruitful as Monday and Tuesday.
My first meeting was with Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin. The object was to discuss the country’s advancements in universal health coverage.
Indonesia’s National Health Insurance Program (JKN) now covers about 98% of the population, ensuring accessible healthcare, especially for the poor and vulnerable.
Minister Sadikin emphasized preventive care as the most effective public health strategy, aiming to reduce disease burdens through proactive measures.
The government fully subsidizes premiums for low-income individuals and is aggressively expanding the training of primary health workers, even in rural villages, to ensure truly inclusive healthcare.
Next, I met with Prof. Dr Nunuk Survani and her team at the Ministry of Education. We discussed Indonesia's educational system, which serves about 50 million pupils at the basic education level with over 3 million teachers.
To maintain high standards, all teachers are required to have a degree and teachers professional certification. With the strict implementation of its compulsory basic education policy, Indonesia has achieved a 99% school enrollment rate, significantly addressing the issue of out-of-school children.
With 20% of its annual budget allocated to education, Indonesia prioritizes a critical pillar of national development.
As we all know, the more educated a country is, the more developed it becomes. At the tertiary level, Indonesia has over 4,000 universities, while Nigeria has less than 10% of that—despite having a population that is about 80% of Indonesia’s.
Based on this ratio, we should have at least 1,000 universities.
Finally, I concluded the second session with a meeting at Indonesia’s Ministry of MSMEs, which focuses on an extensive support framework for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
MSMEs in Indonesia contribute 61% to GDP and employ 97% of the workforce, making them a critical component of economic growth and development. The ministry, through its agencies, provides mentorship, training, equipment, and financial support.
A significant portion of the total bank loans—about $20 billion—is dedicated to MSMEs at an interest rate of 3% to 6%, with the government covering the differential from the commercial loan rate of 12% to 13%.
This contrasts with our situation in Nigeria, where the total loans available to over 40 million SMEs are less than 10% of what is allocated in Indonesia, compounded by several other negatively impacting environmental factors.
These meetings have been invaluable in highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to advancing healthcare, education, and economic growth.
Indonesia stands as a learning model for developing nations.
Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
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