A former chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has called on the main opposition candidates from the 2023 General Elections to unite in order to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 contest. Lukman specifically appealed to former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso to forge an alliance against the ruling party.

These three opposition figures collectively garnered over 14.5 million votes in the 2023 election, while Tinubu secured over 8.7 million votes. Lukman, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, July 7, 2024, stressed the importance of this proposed merger among the main opposition parties.

Lukman also suggested that other political heavyweights, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former governors Nasir El-rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Kayode Fayemi, and Ibikunle Amosun, should be part of this alliance. He emphasized that building a united front capable of advancing Nigerian democracy requires selflessness from the political class.

Criticizing the current state of the country, Lukman condemned the ruling APC for failing to provide the needed leadership to fight corruption, instead legitimizing higher levels of graft. He questioned the future of democracy in Nigeria, pointing out the numerous challenges facing citizens such as poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and inflation.

Lukman also noted that although the government of President Tinubu has blamed current hardships on the bad economy inherited from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, both are APC governments. He argued that the failings of the PDP in 2015 were less grievous than what has manifested under the APC in 2024.

He asserted that APC leaders, including Tinubu, should share responsibility for the failures of the Buhari era, as they benefited more from it electorally. Lukman lamented that instead of producing democratic leaders, APC had turned democracy on its head, with elected leaders becoming emperors and overlords, capturing and privatizing state machinery to serve their interests.

Until recently, Lukman served as the National Vice Chairman of the APC and Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF). He has remained one of the most vocal critics of the Tinubu government.

Member nations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have re-elected Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu as the Chairman of the regional bloc. Tinubu was first elected Chairman of ECOWAS in Guinea-Bissau in July 2023, a few weeks after assuming office as Nigeria’s President.

Tinubu was re-elected at the 65th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday, July 7, 2024. His current tenure will end on July 9, 2024, one year after his unanimous endorsement by Heads of State and Government at the 63rd Ordinary Session in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, in 2023.

In his acceptance speech, Tinubu said, “I have accepted to continue to deliver on this service with the great men and women on this democratic journey, to serve our interest and build democratic values on the structure we inherited.”

Earlier in his opening remarks at the summit, Tinubu urged ECOWAS members to make financial commitments to help in the campaign to rid the region of terrorism and other violent crimes. He emphasized the need for strong political will and substantial financial resources to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism.

“We must therefore ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our ministers of defence and finance in order to counter the insecurity and stabilize our region. Member states must make extra commitments to providing resources for stabilizing the region,” he said.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a couple, Mmadu Agbakoba (54) and Ijeoma Agbakoba (39), along with their associate, Ifeoma Okoye (31), for trafficking cocaine worth ₦2.1 billion. This development was disclosed in a statement by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja.

Mmadu Agbakoba was arrested at Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos. Ijeoma Agbakoba and Ifeoma Okoye were arrested at Plot 2205 Eugene Ndubisi Close, Lilly Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. Seven parcels of cocaine weighing 7.652 kilograms were recovered from Mmadu, while 122 compressed pellets of cocaine weighing 2.42 kilograms were seized from Ijeoma and Ifeoma, bringing the total seizure to 10.1 kilograms.

In Benue State, on July 4, NDLEA operatives intercepted 350 grams of cocaine concealed in an MP3 speaker at a checkpoint along Enugu Road, Otukpo. The owner, Odeh Anthony (25), was arrested. In Adamawa State, on July 3, NDLEA officers arrested a Chadian national, Yves Ahmat Gali, with 20 compressed blocks and nine plastic containers of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 5.200 kilograms. In Kano, on July 3, a youth corps member, Yusuf Abdulrahman (25), was arrested with 1.250 kilograms of Loud at the Corpers Lodge in the Sumaila area. In Osun State, on July 5, the head of the Akarabata community, Ba’ale Ige Babatunde (50), was arrested with fresh cannabis plants weighing 5 kilograms. In Ondo State, during a five-day operation ending on July 1, NDLEA operatives arrested Monday Ali (49) and Jimoh Alewi (37) and destroyed 42,500 kilograms of cannabis on 17 hectares of farmland. Additionally, 73.5 kilograms of cannabis were recovered.

In Abuja, FCT, on July 6, Sanusi Mamman (28) and Usaini Ibrahim (20) were arrested with 1,132 bottles of codeine syrup, 13,540 pills of tramadol, 50,000 pills of diazepam, and 59 pills of rohypnol. The suspects claimed they were transporting the opioids from Onitsha, Anambra State.

The NDLEA’s operations involved extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking within and outside Nigeria.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced the dissolution of its National Working Committee (NWC), which was previously led by Acting National Chairman Mr. Ajuji Ahmed and Acting National Secretary Mr. Dipo Olayokun. This decision comes amid internal conflicts within the party.

Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major has been confirmed as the new National Chairman, and Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday as the new National Secretary. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has been suspended for six months, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has been expelled from the party. This decision aligns with recommendations from the party’s Fact Finding Committee (FFC) and Conflict Resolution Committee (CRC).

The NEC has pledged full support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by providing necessary information and documents related to allegations of fraud involving Kwankwaso, Alhaji Kawu, Ajuji Ahmed, Buba Gatadima, Dipo Olayokun, and the former NWC, particularly concerning a ₦2.5 billion nomination fee and campaign fund fraud.

The party affirmed that its amended 2022 constitution, flag, and logo remain inviolable. The NEC also emphasized that the NNPP’s national headquarters is located at Wildlands Plaza, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and no other parallel office shall operate as the National Headquarters.

The NEC reiterated the constitutional provision and recognition of the office of the founder of the NNPP, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Antebonam, and passed a vote of confidence in him. The NEC has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to update its records to reflect the new leadership of the NWC.

These changes and reaffirmations were documented in a communique signed by Umar Jibril and Omolara Johnson following the NEC meeting on May 27, 2024.

Despite Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso expressing their intention to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the organization reserved seats for their leaders at its 65th Ordinary Session held in Abuja on Sunday, July 7, 2024. However, these seats remained vacant as the leaders from these three countries did not attend the summit.

This absence underscored the ongoing tension between ECOWAS and the three Sahel nations, which announced their decision to leave the bloc in January 2024. The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger convened in Niamey, Niger’s capital, a day before the ECOWAS meeting to hold the inaugural summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The AES was formed to promote economic and security cooperation among the three countries following their departure from ECOWAS, criticizing the regional body for deviating from its core responsibilities.

At the ECOWAS summit, President Bola Tinubu was re-elected as the chairman of the Community for a second consecutive year. Initially elected during the 63rd Ordinary Session in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, in 2023, Tinubu’s new term will begin after his current tenure ends on July 9, 2024.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted thunderstorms and rains from Monday to Wednesday across various parts of the country. Here’s a summary of the weather predictions:

### Monday:
– **Morning:** Thunderstorms in Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Kaduna states.
– **Later in the Day:** Thunderstorms in Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, and Jigawa states.
– **North Central:** Rains in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kwara, and Niger states in the morning; thunderstorms and rains later in the day in FCT, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Benue states.
– **Southern Region:** Morning rains in Lagos, Ondo, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states; thunderstorms and intermittent rains later in the day.

### Tuesday:
– **Morning:** Partly cloudy in the northern region.
– **Afternoon/Evening:** Thunderstorms in Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.
– **North Central:** Cloudy in the morning; thunderstorms in FCT, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, and Benue states later in the day.
– **Southern Region:** Morning rains in Enugu, Abia, Imo, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states; thunderstorms and intermittent rains in the afternoon/evening.

### Wednesday:
– **Morning:** Thunderstorms in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Zamfara states.
– **Later in the Day:** Thunderstorms in Jigawa, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, and Borno states.
– **North Central:** Partly cloudy in the morning; thunderstorms in FCT, Plateau, and Nasarawa states later in the day.
– **Southern Region:** Cloudy in the morning; thunderstorms and intermittent rains in the afternoon/evening.

NiMet advises the public to take precautions as strong winds may precede the rains in areas expecting thunderstorms. Airline operators are also encouraged to stay updated with weather reports for effective planning.

On July 4, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State addressed retirees during the 105th batch retirement bond certificate presentation ceremony, emphasizing prudent use of pension funds. He advised retirees against spending their pensions on religious donations or supporting adult children, urging them instead to prioritize their own needs and well-being.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that pension funds are earned through years of hard work and should not be used to solve broader family issues. He cautioned retirees against making large pledges for religious causes, emphasizing that their responsibility was to manage their earnings wisely.

Additionally, Governor Sanwo-Olu introduced a new Pension Administration system called ‘Pay-As-You-Go’. This system aims to ensure prompt payments to retirees once all necessary procedures and approvals are completed before retirement. He highlighted this initiative as part of the Lagos State government’s commitment to improving pension administration and supporting retirees in their post-work life.

The introduction of ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ marks a significant step towards enhancing pension management efficiency and ensuring retirees receive their entitlements in a timely manner, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the welfare of retired public servants in Lagos State.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended ten private jet operations for failing to initiate the recertification process required for holders of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF). The NCAA had directed all PNCF holders to undergo re-evaluation by April 19, 2024. This directive was issued to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4, which prohibits PNCF holders from using their aircraft for commercial operations such as carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.

The affected companies include:
– Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd
– Bli-Aviation Safety Services
– Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd
– Matrix Energy Ltd
– Marrietta Management Services Ltd
– Worldwide Skypaths Services
– Mattini Airline Services Ltd
– Aero Lead Ltd
– Sky Bird Air Ltd
– Ezuma Jets Ltd

Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal and warned that the NCAA would take enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of such illegal operations. To ensure compliance, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to monitor the activities of PNCF holders.

The Samoa Agreement, recently signed by President Bola Tinubu, has become a focal point of controversy in Nigeria due to its provisions supporting LGBT rights. This international accord aims to enhance cooperation between developed and developing nations, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. However, it also includes clauses that require signatory countries to support the recognition and rights of the LGBT community to receive financial and other forms of support.

Critics argue that the agreement imposes Western ideologies on countries with different cultural contexts, which has led to widespread criticism of President Tinubu’s decision to sign the accord. Social media platforms have seen a surge of dissenting voices, with many Nigerians expressing concerns that the agreement undermines their country’s values and sovereignty.

Proponents, however, argue that the agreement represents a progressive step towards ensuring equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. They contend that promoting LGBT rights is a fundamental aspect of human rights and should be embraced by all nations.

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured citizens that it would not enter into any international agreement detrimental to the country’s and its citizens’ interests. Idris emphasized that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Samoa Agreement contravened the 1999 Constitution as amended, the laws of Nigeria, or other extant laws.

As the debate continues, the Nigerian government faces the challenge of balancing its commitment to international cooperation and development with the need to respect and uphold its citizens’ cultural values. The controversy surrounding the Samoa Agreement underscores the complex interplay between global standards and local traditions in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an increase in rates and charges for all activities in the mining sector. This development aims to raise the level of services, improve transaction traffic, and develop infrastructure within the sector. Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, disclosed this during a news briefing in Abuja, expressing concerns over non-remittance by some operators despite making significant profits.

Alake highlighted that this measure is part of the efforts to implement a seven-point agenda to position the sector for economic consolidation. He mentioned that the introduction of qualitative measures, such as the new mining information system and the Electronic Mining Cadastre System (EMC+ portal), has improved transparency, application rates, and access for applicants.

The new regime includes several changes:
– Investors applying for a mining lease license will pay ₦3 million.
– Small Scale Mining Lease (SSML) applicants will pay ₦300,000 for the first two cadastral units.
– The cost to obtain an Exploration Licence (EL) is ₦600,000 for the first 100 cadastral units.
– Quarry lease and reconnaissance permit applications will attract ₦300,000.

These changes aim to discourage speculation, address the paucity of funds, and enhance the Federal Government’s capacity to improve the ease of doing business in the sector. The new rates regime affects 268 items and includes an annual service fee and costs for renewing licenses. For example, the annual service fee for the first time is ₦31,500, while the renewal rates vary depending on the type of license.

Alake also mentioned that the new regulations seek to maximize royalties from critical minerals like lithium and gold to boost the nation’s revenue base and contribute significantly to economic development. The new rates regime takes immediate effect, impacting services rendered by the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has declared Monday as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, 1st Muharram 1446AH. The announcement was made by the state Commissioner for Establishment, Alhaji Auwal Manu-Dogondaji, in Birnin Kebbi on Friday. The 1st of Muharram, which signifies the Islamic New Year, falls on a Sunday, and the government has decided to shift the public holiday to Monday to acknowledge its significance.

Manu-Dogondaji extended the governor’s congratulations to the Muslim community on the advent of the new Islamic calendar. He urged Muslims to continue their fervent prayers for the peace, security, and prosperity of Kebbi State and the nation.

Eighteen months after Governor Dapo Abiodun commissioned the Agbara Fire Service Station in Ogun State, the facility remains inoperative. Despite being touted as a critical addition to support the Agbara, Lusada, and Igbesa areas, the station has not commenced operations, leaving the community reliant on a private company’s fire services.

Residents have experienced multiple fire incidents since the station’s commissioning. Notably, in February 2024, Kayode Oluwasegun almost lost his properties to a fire, but a private company with an active fire service department came to his rescue. Similarly, in November 2023, another family’s property at Katsina Close, Agbara Estate, was saved by the same private company. Over the past year, this private company, Nestle, has been a vital resource, responding swiftly to fire outbreaks in the area.

The fire station, inaugurated on February 1, 2023, was one of four new fire service stations announced by the state government, with others located in Ifo, Mowe, and Ibafo. At the inauguration, Governor Abiodun emphasized the necessity of the station for Agbara and Ifo due to their population and proximity to Lagos. However, the station was inaugurated with only one fire truck and no ambulance, falling short of the promises made.

The facility, meant to complement the ongoing construction of the 19-kilometer Agbara-Atan road, remains locked and covered in dust and weeds. Officials from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed that the station has not been operational since its inauguration, and they have not seen any fire fighting equipment on the premises.

When questioned about the inactivity of the fire station, the state Commissioner for Special Duties and Government Affairs, Olufunmilayo Efuwape, directed inquiries to the state’s Director of Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, who refused to provide information. The commissioner noted that firefighters were recently employed and are still under training.

Residents, including Odunsi Saheed and Tunde Badmus, expressed their disappointment and frustration, emphasizing the need for a functional fire service station in a community with a growing population and numerous companies. They appealed to the state government to equip and operationalize the fire station to prevent further losses from fire incidents.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has reinstated Chief Jonathan Zamuna as the paramount ruler of Piriga in Lere Local Government Area, highlighting the crucial role of traditional institutions as stabilizing forces. The reinstatement, which follows a court judgment issued on June 10, 2024, was announced during a meeting with the State Council of Chiefs on July 4.

Governor Sani emphasized the importance of traditional leadership in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria, praising the royal fathers for their moral leadership and contribution to community values. He committed to nurturing a robust partnership with traditional institutions and maintaining a strong collaborative framework with security agencies. This includes increased military presence in areas such as Southern Kaduna, Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko, and Chikun LGAs.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law by fully complying with the court’s decision to restore Chief Zamuna to his position. He also called for the support and cooperation of the traditional rulers to accelerate development in Kaduna State.

The Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamalli, who chairs the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, commended the government’s focus on infrastructure development, security management, and peace promotion. He expressed satisfaction with the state’s strategic interventions and pledged the Council of Chiefs’ loyalty and support to the administration’s goals and objectives.

Governor Sani assured the traditional institutions of their continued pride of place under his administration, seeking their cooperation to enhance the state’s progress.