The Federal Government has recently established the South East Development Commission (SEDC), with its headquarters located in Enugu. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the formation of the commission, while the House of Representatives appointed Abia lawmaker Chris Nkwonta as the Chairman of the House Committee for the commission. As these structures are being set up, it is anticipated that the board and members of the commission will be constituted soon. In light of these developments, the SEDC is engaging residents and stakeholders in the region to set a comprehensive development agenda.

Archbishop Opoko’s Recommendations for SEDC

Archbishop Raphael Opoko of the Methodist Ecclesiastical Diocese of Umuahia has urged the commission, once inaugurated, to prioritize several key infrastructure projects. He suggested the construction of a seaport and interstate rail lines to connect the South East states, as well as the dredging of River Niger, Ugwuta Lake, and the Azunmini Blue River in Ukwa, Abia State. He emphasized that these initiatives would enhance the region’s economy, create jobs, and facilitate commercial activities.

Archbishop Opoko commended President Tinubu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu, for their roles in establishing the commission. He highlighted the pressing need for funding to ensure the commission’s effectiveness and stressed the importance of addressing the many dilapidated roads in the South East, both federal and state.

He also called for a focus on the energy sector, advocating for the construction of a power plant similar to the Geometric plant in Aba, which would aid in the region’s industrialization. Furthermore, he reiterated the need for the commission to prioritize the dredging of key waterways to link the South East to the sea and the establishment of a rail line to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

Civil War Restitution Focused by Chief Chekwas Okorie

Prominent Igbo leader Chief Chekwas Okorie has asserted that the commission should serve as a platform to address the issues stemming from the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation (3R) policy that followed Nigeria’s civil war. He noted that the commission’s primary role should include addressing the significant infrastructural deficits in the South East that have persisted since the war ended in 1970, exacerbated by environmental challenges such as erosion.

Crude oil prices experienced a significant decline on Tuesday, falling more than 4% following reports that Israel was willing to avoid targeting Iranian oil facilities. This development eased concerns over potential supply disruptions in the oil market.

Brent crude dropped 4.65%, settling at $73.83 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 4.86%, reaching $70.20 per barrel.

This decline followed a previous drop of about 2% on Monday. Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly indicated to the U.S. that Israel would focus on military targets rather than oil or nuclear facilities in Iran. This comes in the wake of Iranian missile launches on October 1, which Iran claims were in retaliation for Israeli actions in Lebanon and the assassination of its allies, including key figures in Hamas.

Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has called on the Lagos State government to streamline the process for obtaining development and building approvals, emphasizing that the current system deters investors and hampers economic growth. He made this plea at the 2024 Lagos Physical Planning Summit held on Tuesday.

Fashola highlighted that the lengthy approval process, which can take up to two years, is sending potential investors away. He stated, “A process that takes two years to respond to an investor’s request for planning approval is sending that investor away. Especially in a period of price volatility, if the investor cannot get his approval within several weeks, and his price changes, they may be hesitant to return.”

He also advocated for fair and reasonable fees for processing building approvals, arguing that the focus should shift from generating revenue to providing efficient services. “Payments for planning approval must not be seen as revenue; they are not sustainable. It’s a one-off,” he explained. Instead, he emphasized that the real revenue for the government comes from the construction of buildings and the subsequent economic activities they generate, including land use charges, property taxes, and Value Added Tax (VAT).

Fashola stressed the importance of utilizing technology to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the approval process. He suggested compressing the number of agencies involved in the approval process, stating, “The more complex the process, the more expensive it becomes, making it less attractive for businesses.”

In response to these concerns, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged the need for reform and emphasized the importance of adopting a more efficient and investor-friendly approach to improve the state’s economic landscape.

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned that public confidence in the judiciary is at risk if judges continue to delay the execution of cases. She made this statement at the third annual National Judicial Council (NJC) conference on judges’ performance evaluation held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Expressing her concerns about the increasing backlog of cases and the slow pace at which judges are resolving them, Kekere-Ekun shared some alarming statistics. As of the first quarter of 2024, there were 243,253 cases pending in Nigeria’s superior courts, excluding the Supreme Court. This figure includes 199,747 civil suits and 43,506 criminal cases.

The CJN expressed her dissatisfaction with the low rates of case disposal, highlighting that some judges had not delivered a single judgment over an entire quarter. “This is simply unacceptable,” she stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rectify the situation.

To enhance judicial efficiency, Kekere-Ekun called for the adoption of technology and innovative case management solutions, such as digital case management systems, virtual courtrooms, and e-filing. She also advocated for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like mediation and arbitration to alleviate the workload on the courts.

“My Lords, ladies and gentlemen, we cannot wish away the growing backlog of cases or expect a different result when we continue to do things the same way,” she remarked. The CJN underscored that delayed justice is tantamount to denied justice, and timely resolutions are essential for maintaining public trust in the judiciary. She urged judicial officers to fully leverage digital tools to improve their performance and reduce the backlog of cases.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) have called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize addressing the growing hardships faced by Nigerians, asserting that the public is largely indifferent to the government’s excitement over a potential cabinet reshuffle.

In separate interviews with Vanguard, representatives from various CSOs highlighted pressing issues, including the current crisis in the petroleum sector, the depreciating naira, rising food prices, alarming insecurity, and escalating poverty. They stressed that these challenges demand urgent attention, as they are contributing to rising tensions across the country.

ANEEJ: Cabinet Reshuffle Lacks Impact on Economic Issues

The Executive Director of the African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) remarked, “While the President has the right to reshuffle his cabinet to appoint capable hands, the current economic situation is dire, and the public is unhappy. A survey of opinions today would reveal that most citizens are dissatisfied and are looking for immediate actions to alleviate problems, especially the sudden rise in petroleum prices that have negatively impacted the entire economy.”

He further criticized the removal of the oil subsidy, noting that while it was intended to resolve fiscal issues, it has failed to garner public trust. “The identity crisis of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has complicated matters. Many are uncertain whether NNPC is a private or public entity,” he added. This confusion contributes to the belief that ministerial reshuffles will not effectively address the underlying issues. “Only President Tinubu, as the Minister of Petroleum, can tackle these problems,” he concluded.

ActionAid: Reshuffling Ministers Won’t Solve Core Challenges

Echoing similar sentiments, ActionAid Nigeria stated that simply reshuffling ministers will not address the fundamental challenges facing Nigerians. They emphasized that without concrete policies and immediate actions to tackle the economic and social crises, the reshuffle would only serve as a temporary distraction from the pressing issues at hand.

The CSOs’ statements reflect a growing frustration among the Nigerian populace, who are increasingly calling for substantive reforms and effective governance in the face of ongoing economic difficulties.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that its operatives arrested a presenter while on air or disrupted lawful activities at Urban Radio 94.5FM in Enugu on Monday. Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesman, issued a statement on Tuesday in Abuja addressing the allegations.

Oyewale clarified that, contrary to the radio station’s claims, EFCC operatives did not tamper with the station’s equipment during their visit. He explained that a team of four officers went to Urban Radio 94.5FM to invite Favour Ekoh, the host of the Prime Time program, who is under investigation by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate for an alleged ₦700 million Ponzi scheme fraud involving 50 victims.

The victims accused Ekoh of luring them into investing in a scheme called Life Trading through a company named Leverage Index Limited, promising returns of 10 percent on their capital after a specified period. However, after the victims invested, the company reportedly closed its office without returning their principal or promised profits. Ekoh was the only contact the victims had for recourse.

According to Oyewale, the EFCC operatives approached the radio station with an arrest warrant for Ekoh and identified themselves. However, instead of allowing the operatives to proceed with their assignment, they were reportedly held hostage by the station staff.

In response to the situation, the operatives called for assistance, leading to the arrest of the station manager, Mr. Bamikole Owoyomi, Ekoh, and two security guards who allegedly locked them inside the station premises.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, outlined an ambitious economic reform agenda aimed at reducing inflation, creating jobs, and fostering growth across key sectors during the 30th Nigeria Economic Summit (NES30) held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Edun emphasized the government’s focus on agriculture, manufacturing, oil, and housing as vital drivers of Nigeria’s economy. He highlighted that enhancing agricultural productivity and food security is essential for tackling poverty and lowering the current high inflation rate.

To bolster agricultural efforts, Edun announced that the government is collaborating with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to establish agricultural processing zones, which will ensure a steady supply of raw materials for domestic industries.

Addressing the issue of housing affordability, the minister revealed plans for a new mortgage scheme offering near-single-digit interest rates on loans with terms extending up to 25 years. “This initiative aims to spark a construction boom by increasing access to affordable housing, a critical area for job creation and economic growth,” he stated, noting that this effort would be pursued in partnership with the private sector.

Edun also reported that recent reforms have attracted significant investments, including an additional $10 million from ExxonMobil and other industry players, reinforcing the oil sector as a crucial avenue for foreign exchange and global revenue.

In the manufacturing sector, he indicated that the government would introduce new tax incentives and offer cheaper funding options to stimulate growth and investment.

During an appearance on Aries Television’s “NewsNight” program, Jacob expressed concerns regarding the ongoing challenges within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), highlighting that while the governors’ intervention is a step in the right direction, significant issues remain unresolved.

He specifically pointed to the indefinite tenure of Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, as a critical problem that has not been addressed. “Yes, the governors have intervened, but the problems are still there. The party belongs to different people,” Jacob stated, emphasizing the need for internal unity.

Jacob criticized party members who ignore the constitution, stating, “Those who fail to adhere to the constitution of the party are the ones destroying it. It’s a shame.” He lamented the PDP’s inability to effectively fulfill its role as Nigeria’s largest opposition party.

Proposing a solution to strengthen the party’s financial foundation, Jacob suggested that funding should come from party members rather than individuals, saying, “Let members contribute by paying their dues, so no single individual can claim ownership of the party.”

As the situation unfolds, the Yayari Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC) has remained silent regarding the results of the truce brokered by the party governors. Efforts to reach both Yayari Mohammed and National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, for comments on the matter have been unsuccessful, with their phone lines reportedly unreachable and text messages going unanswered as of 9:00 p.m. last night.

A bill aimed at establishing the Nigerian Coast Guard has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate. The lead debate on the general principles of the bill was presented by its sponsor, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos), during Tuesday’s plenary session.

In his remarks, Eshilokun explained that the bill’s primary objective is to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard, which would be responsible for securing Nigeria’s maritime zones. He emphasized that the Coast Guard would operate as a specialized service in support of the Nigerian Navy, particularly in times of war.

The senator outlined the bill’s broader intent, stating that it aims to enhance national security by focusing on the country’s maritime interests and regional coastal security. The proposed legislation also seeks to ensure compliance with global norms and standards concerning maritime security.

Eshilokun further elaborated on the bill’s provisions, which include:

• Assisting in the enforcement of relevant laws within Nigeria’s maritime zones.
• Administering and enforcing regulations to preserve lives and property within these zones.

He highlighted the timeliness of introducing this legislation, noting that the current administration is focused on expanding economic opportunities in alignment with its development agenda. According to Eshilokun, the maritime sector presents numerous opportunities that can contribute significantly to the Federal Government’s diversification policy.

He concluded by emphasizing the urgent need to implement measures that secure this vital sector of the economy to maximize national benefits

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at resolving the backlog of contributions owed to the Fund by the Service. This agreement was reached during an advocacy visit by NSITF Managing Director Oluwaseun Faleye to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday in Abuja.

In attendance were the top command of the Customs Service alongside the executive and management of the NSITF. During the meeting, the Customs boss underscored the importance of the NSITF as a pivotal intervention agency that President Bola Tinubu intends to leverage in delivering his Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians.

A statement from Nwachukwu Godson, General Manager of Corporate Affairs at NSITF, quoted the Customs DG emphasizing the significance of social investment programs, such as the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) of the NSITF, in enhancing the welfare of Nigerians. He stated, “The more effective and impactful the NSITF is, the more it can contribute to the welfare of the generality of Nigerians.”

Highlighting the commitment to officer welfare within the Customs Service, he noted, “Welfare is very important for us in the Customs. We do not pay lip service to it. We have a full-fledged unit that attends to the welfare of officers and men, and that is why we make an effort to participate in the contributory fund like the ECS.”

The Comptroller General expressed hopes for improved cooperation between the NSITF and the Nigerian Customs Service, aiming for enhanced welfare services for officers and promoting workplace safety. He also welcomed the idea of forming a technical team from both agencies to address the issues raised and review the contribution records from the past 11-13 years.

He stressed the importance of reconciliation to determine the payment schedule if liabilities are identified. He further acknowledged the NSITF’s role in accident prevention and invited their officers to conduct inspections and assessments to enhance workplace safety for both officers and visitors engaging with the Customs Service.

The Federal Government has emphasized the importance of effective hand washing practices to help curtail the spread of diseases in the country. Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, made this call on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2024 Global Hand Washing Day at the Garki International Market in Abuja.

Dr. Salako noted that Global Hand Washing Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of hand washing with soap under running water as an effective and affordable means to prevent diseases.

“The COVID-19 pandemic provides an important reminder that one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of a virus is also one of the simplest—hand hygiene—especially through hand washing with soap under running water,” he stated. He emphasized the need to build on the current momentum to ensure hand hygiene becomes a mainstay in public health interventions and everyday life.

The minister highlighted that clean hands play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections, and maintaining personal hygiene even in bustling marketplaces. He added, “Beyond the benefits of disease reduction, effective handwashing also reduces rates of absenteeism in workplaces, including marketplaces.”

This year’s theme for the 2024 Global Hand Washing Day, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?” underscores the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing infections, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, also spoke at the event, stating that this year’s hand washing day aims to promote hand washing with soap and water as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that efforts to fully recover the national grid are almost complete following a partial disturbance that occurred on Monday at approximately 6:48 p.m., prompting immediate recovery efforts.

Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, stated in a release on Tuesday that the recovery process commenced swiftly, with Azura Power Station providing the necessary black start.

She reported that by 10:24 a.m. on Tuesday, the grid recovery had reached advanced stages, despite encountering a brief challenge that caused a minor setback.

“Notwithstanding the setback, TCN continued its recovery efforts, achieving significant progress. Bulk power availability has been restored to approximately 90 percent of its substations nationwide, with supply reinstated to the Abuja axis and other major distribution load centers,” Mbah said.

Importantly, the partial disturbance did not affect the Ibom Gas generating station, which continued to supply power to areas in the South-Southern region of the country, including Eket, Ekim, Uyo, and the Itu 132 kilovolt transmission substations.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has stated that policemen were withdrawn from local government headquarters following the election of democratically elected chairmen. He explained that since the elections had concluded, there was no longer a need for a police presence at the local government secretariats.

It is worth noting that after the chairmen were sworn into office and resumed at the secretariats, suspected thugs attacked and set some local governments ablaze while destroying many government properties.

Speaking during a meeting with Police Strategic Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, IGP Egbetokun said, “We were not supposed to have any issues in Rivers. The issues were avoidable. We acted very professionally and followed legal and democratic tenets.

“We were preparing for the LG elections in Rivers State when a high court in Abuja stated that the Police should not take part in the election. Another high court in Rivers ruled that the Police should perform their constitutional role. However, a Federal High Court subsequently issued an order barring the Police from participating in the election.

“As IGP, I sent the three different court orders to our Legal department for advice. We have very sound lawyers, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The advice was that we should adhere to the Federal High Court order and refrain from involvement.

“Because all our operations are guided by the rule of law, I informed the governor of our decision to abstain from the election and that policemen would not be involved.

“Before this, we had intelligence indicating that some individuals were planning to attack and burn down the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). Therefore, we deployed policemen to protect the Rivers SIEC.

“The following day, the governor made various allegations, claiming that the Police were there to tamper with election materials, which was unexpected.

“After the election of the local government chairmen, if we had remained and continued to seal the local governments, we would have been accused of taking sides. That is why we withdrew our men from the secretariat.

“However, following the outbreak of violence and Mr. President’s directive to restore order, we returned and did so. The police only obeyed court orders in their actions.”

“Especially now that the Supreme Court has guaranteed the Local Governments’ access to their funds, intrusive subsidiary legislation by unelected bureaucrats in the NFIU ought not to stand in the way of the justified free use of public funds.”

Mr. Ade Adetimehin, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the prompt presentation of the voters’ register ahead of the upcoming elections.

Adetimehin highlighted that the early availability of the register would allow political parties to return to the field, mobilizing and educating their supporters to ensure a strong voter turnout on election day.

“It’s now our duty as political parties to go back to the all 3,936 polling units to mobilise and canvass for their votes,” he said, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in the election process.