The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a ₦1 billion lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS). Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence supporting his claims of rights violations by the defendants.

Kanu, through his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, had alleged that the DSS interfered with his access to legal counsel by eavesdropping on his conversations and seizing confidential legal documents brought to him by his lawyers. However, the court found that these claims could not be substantiated based on the evidence presented.

The DSS, represented by Yamuje Benye from its Legal Department, refuted Kanu’s allegations in a counter affidavit. Benye stated that Kanu was granted access to his lawyers and family members without hindrance on visiting days, and that there was no evidence of eavesdropping or confiscation of legal documents. He argued that Kanu’s suit was an abuse of court process, as similar issues were already being addressed in another court.

Ultimately, the court agreed with the DSS and dismissed Kanu’s suit, emphasizing that there was no basis for the allegations of rights violations and that the suit constituted an abuse of court process.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for signing an Executive Order aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s health sector. In a statement issued in Abuja, Adeyeye highlighted that the reform efforts to strengthen NAFDAC began six years ago under her leadership and have now culminated in significant advancements, including the recent Executive Order promoting local drug manufacturing in Nigeria.

The Executive Order introduces several measures such as Zero Tariff and Excise Duties on specified pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, and goods, aimed at reducing production costs and making healthcare products more affordable. It also includes waivers on essential pharmaceutical inputs like Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and materials for healthcare products like Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic kits.

Adeyeye underscored that these incentives would not only lower prices of essential medicines and medical supplies but also stimulate local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and foster economic growth while reducing dependency on imports. The Executive Order is set to bolster regulatory harmonization, streamline approval processes, and establish a framework for stable local production of medical products.

Moreover, Adeyeye emphasized that the Executive Order aligns with broader initiatives such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), approved in 2023. She highlighted that the Order’s implementation would enhance service delivery, improve health outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system’s resilience against future health challenges.

Overall, Adeyeye expressed confidence that the Executive Order marks a significant step towards achieving a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system in Nigeria, reflecting the administration’s commitment to transformative change in the health sector.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential flag-bearer in the 2023 general elections, has strongly condemned the recent violent protests in Kenya over President William Ruto’s controversial Finance Bill 2024. Speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi expressed his disapproval of riots and destruction of government assets during protests, emphasizing that such actions are counterproductive and detrimental to any country’s progress.

The protests in Kenya escalated into violence when demonstrators stormed the parliament, attacked lawmakers, and vandalized property. Obi underscored his support for peaceful protests but cautioned against using protests to serve personal interests rather than addressing legitimate grievances. He referenced his stance during Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement, where he advocated for directing energy towards electing competent leaders to effect necessary changes.

Additionally, Obi called for the immediate release of individuals detained due to their involvement in protests, including freedom fighters, #EndSARS protesters, and journalists advocating for freedom of speech. He stressed that in a democratic nation, citizens have the constitutional right to express themselves freely and engage in peaceful protests, urging authorities to listen to dissenting voices without resorting to dictatorial measures.

Obi’s remarks reflect his commitment to democratic principles and peaceful civic engagement while condemning violence and advocating for responsible governance and leadership across Africa.

In South Africa, Toyota cars are notably targeted by criminals, with thieves stealing an average of 66 cars per day according to recent police statistics. This has prompted Toyota to introduce anti-theft technology specifically tailored for the South African market. The thefts often occur in urban areas like Gauteng (including Pretoria and Johannesburg), where residents face a higher risk of such crimes. The Western Cape (including Cape Town) and Kwa-Zulu Natal (including Durban) also experience significant incidents of car thefts and other criminal activities.

South Africa’s major cities consistently rank among the world’s most dangerous places due to high crime rates. Recent figures from Operation Shanela, aimed at reducing crime, highlight the scale of the issue, with over half a million arrests made in a year and significant police action against suspects resisting arrest. This underscores ongoing security challenges faced by residents and tourists alike in South Africa.

The case of the Nigerian taxi driver in the UK, who continues to receive a salary from the Nigerian government despite having left the country, highlights ongoing challenges with the ghost worker phenomenon in the Nigerian Civil Service. Here are the key points:

**Salary Continuation**: The taxi driver, who left Nigeria two years ago, has not formally resigned from his position as a junior official in a government agency. Consequently, he still receives a monthly salary of 150,000 naira ($100 or £80) from the Nigerian government.

**President’s Directive**: Recently, President Bola Tinubu ordered a crackdown on civil servants who are in similar situations—receiving salaries despite being abroad without formal resignation. He emphasized that such individuals must repay the money they have received fraudulently, and those complicit in aiding them should face consequences.

**Response from the Taxi Driver**: Despite the directive, the taxi driver expressed indifference about losing his Nigerian salary. He mentioned that he now earns more through his taxi driving in the UK and isn’t concerned about losing the Nigerian income.

**Systemic Issues**: The case underscores systemic weaknesses in the Nigerian Civil Service, particularly regarding ghost workers—individuals who are non-existent or no longer active but still receive salaries due to lax verification processes and corruption.

**Reasons for Non-Resignation**: The taxi driver cited reasons why he didn’t formally resign, including leaving the possibility of returning to his job open in the future.

Overall, the situation reflects broader challenges within the Nigerian Civil Service, where efforts to curb ghost workers and ensure fiscal discipline continue to be undermined by loopholes and inadequate oversight.

Hon. Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesman of the Nigerian House of Representatives, highlighted Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’s leadership and the 10th House of Representatives as a beacon of hope for citizens. Here are the key points from his statement:

1. **Focus on Citizens**: The 10th House of Representatives under Speaker Abbas prioritizes the needs of ordinary citizens in all legislative decisions and actions.

2. **Promotion of Accountability and Transparency**: The Green Chamber has established various committees and initiatives aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. These include the Public Accounts Committee and the Committee on Public Petitions.

3. **Open-Door Policy**: Speaker Abbas promotes an open-door policy that allows citizens to engage with their representatives and participate actively in the legislative process.

4. **Legislative Achievements**: The House has passed several bills aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians, addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and providing platforms for reporting corruption.

5. **Regional Influence**: Agbese commended Speaker Abbas’s leadership approach during the Pan-African Parliament’s session in Johannesburg, suggesting it as a model for other African countries.

6. **Commitment to Collective Progress**: Speaker Abbas is noted for his commitment to collective progress and ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard and their needs addressed.

Overall, the Nigerian House of Representatives, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is portrayed as actively working towards the betterment of Nigerian society through legislative efforts that prioritize accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has addressed the delays in paying insured deposits to customers of the defunct Heritage Bank Plc, which had its banking license revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on June 3. Here are the key points from the situation:

1. **BVN Account Discrepancies**:
– According to Bello Hassan, the Managing Director of NDIC, discrepancies in account names linked to Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) of some defunct Heritage Bank customers are causing delays in payment.
– NDIC has already started payments to customers since June 6, leveraging BVNs to trace alternate accounts in other banks and pay insured amounts.

2. **Verification Process**:
– Customers who have not received their insured deposit alerts are urged to visit NDIC’s website and complete verification forms.
– This process also includes depositors without BVN-linked alternate accounts, aiming to ensure all eligible depositors receive their payments.

3. **Liquidation Dividends**:
– Depositors with more than five million naira in the bank will also receive liquidation dividends.
– NDIC has initiated the disposal of physical assets and recovery of loans to fund these dividends, emphasizing ongoing efforts to recover assets without waiting for full recovery before initiating dividend payments.

4. **CBN’s Action**:
– The CBN revoked Heritage Bank’s license citing its failure to improve financial performance, which posed a threat to financial stability.

The NDIC continues to work towards resolving these issues and ensuring that depositors of Heritage Bank receive their rightful payments in a timely manner, despite the challenges posed by BVN discrepancies.