Barr. Festus Adebayo, the Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), has made an urgent appeal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to rethink the ongoing demolition of housing estates in Abuja. Advocating for a more sustainable urban management approach, Adebayo suggests a strategy of confiscation and repurposing properties to meet essential housing needs rather than outright demolition.

Speaking to journalists at a demolition site in Lugbe, Adebayo expressed concern over the economic implications of demolishing valuable assets, stating, “Demolishing entire estates is a colossal waste, especially in the current economy.” He emphasized the importance of exploring alternative strategies that could retain and repurpose these properties for the benefit of society.

Adebayo criticized FCT officials for allowing such developments to proliferate through fake approvals and permits, calling for accountability and sanctions against those responsible. He proposed that confiscated properties could be transformed into essential housing for key workers, such as doctors, journalists, and public servants, highlighting the need for practical solutions in light of potential barriers to this approach.

“Rather than tearing down these estates, we should consider transforming them into workforce housing estates,” he suggested, referencing government projects like the judges’ estate as a viable model.

Additionally, Adebayo called for an investigation into the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) site officers who permitted these developments, questioning the transparency and accountability of land management in Abuja. “If the developers have lost their estates, those site officers who allowed the buildings to reach that level must also be punished,” he stated.

He also stressed the necessity for a unified city plan and urged the release of the Phase Five Abuja City Development Plan, which has been pending, as a crucial step to prevent future unauthorized development projects.

As the Ondo State Governorship Election approaches, scheduled for November 16, political parties are set to participate in a Peace Accord signing on November 8. This initiative, coordinated by the National Peace Committee and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aims to ensure a peaceful election process.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the upcoming event on Thursday in Abuja. He highlighted that the Commission has identified potential flashpoints in Ondo State and has alerted security agencies to facilitate effective conflict mapping. During the fourth quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Prof. Yakubu indicated that INEC would conduct a final readiness assessment next week involving stakeholders, officials, security agencies, and transport providers.

He also reported that the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) collection period recently concluded, with 64,273 out of 89,777 PVCs distributed, reflecting a collection rate of 71.6%. The INEC Chairman commended CSOs for their role in mobilizing voters for card collection, stating that INEC plans to publish cumulative PVC collection figures by polling unit on its website.

Prof. Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the improvements made to the voter accreditation process and result upload procedures. He noted enhancements in media and observer accreditations, as well as logistical adjustments for the movement of personnel and materials to both land and riverine locations, ensuring a prompt start and smooth management of voting and results on Election Day.

The Rivers State Government has issued a strong warning to developers against the use of substandard materials in construction projects following the recent collapse of a three-story building under construction in the Iriebe area of Obio/Akpor Local Government. The state government has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, inspected the collapse site on Wednesday, accompanied by officials from the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and Ministry directors. He confirmed that although no lives were lost in the early morning collapse on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, he urged developers to prioritize safety and avoid compromising quality by cutting corners.

“It is unfortunate that the building lacked the necessary government approval essential for ensuring structural integrity and safety,” Bipi stated. He expressed gratitude that no casualties occurred but emphasized the need to investigate the engineer involved and identify the building’s owner before determining the next steps.

Bipi noted that the structure’s failure might be linked to the use of substandard materials, particularly concerning cement-sand ratios that do not meet safety standards. “This engineer’s negligence is putting lives at risk. Standards must be maintained, as evidenced by the poor quality materials here,” he asserted.

The commissioner also reminded property owners and developers to secure government-approved building plans to facilitate regular inspections, ensuring compliance with structural and safety regulations. He emphasized the state’s commitment to reducing incidents of structural failure through more rigorous oversight and enforcement.

In the meantime, the collapsed building site has been sealed by the state government, pending the outcome of a joint investigation by the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority. This investigation aims to address the underlying issues in the building industry and restore standards across the state.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned a recent ruling by a Federal High Court that restricts the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government. CISLAC described the ruling as a serious threat to democracy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed concern that such judicial decisions erode democracy, economic stability, and public confidence in the judicial system.

“It is deeply troubling that certain judicial rulings appear to serve the interests of a select few, undermining the rule of law and the foundational tenets of Nigeria’s democracy,” Rafsanjani stated. He emphasized that Nigeria’s states are essential components of the constitutional framework, led by elected governors responsible for managing resources for their citizens’ benefit. He argued that blocking allocations undermines this autonomy and sets a dangerous precedent, risking destabilization in regions currently at peace.

Rafsanjani raised alarm over a perceived compromise in the integrity of the judiciary, citing recent rulings in Kano and Rivers as indicators of a troubling trend that could erode public trust, deter investment, and challenge Nigeria’s judicial framework.

He further highlighted the importance of the judiciary’s reputation, noting how rankings by organizations such as Transparency International and the World Justice Project influence Nigeria’s standing internationally. “Actions that disrupt constitutional allocations will only harm our global standing and drive away potential investors who lack confidence in the judicial system,” he warned.

CISLAC also called upon the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to uphold judicial standards and advise judges against making destabilizing decisions.

“CISLAC urges the judiciary to hold firm to democratic values, ensuring that decisions respect the constitution and reflect the will of Nigerians, thereby safeguarding both state and national stability. Our nation’s stability, unity, and progress must remain at the forefront of governance efforts,” Rafsanjani concluded.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called on personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to adopt a proactive approach to border security and management, emphasizing that a country’s security is fundamentally tied to the integrity of its borders.

Speaking on Thursday in Jos, Plateau State, at the NIS Comptroller General Annual Conference 2024, themed “Enhancing Border Security and Migration Management in a Globalized World: Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo highlighted the need for effective collaboration with relevant agencies and the Border Communities Development Association. He noted that actionable intelligence is crucial for ensuring security.

He stated, “We have finally woken up to the reality that we are only as secured as our borders are. If you do not have a protective border, you cannot enhance internal security. And when there is no security, there can never be productivity. Your relevance is your proactiveness and ability to solve problems, even before they come. Security all over the world is no longer reactive; it is proactive.”

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the NIS should not be relegated to auxiliary roles, such as the issuance of travel documents. He urged them to take an active role in border governance, asserting that “mediocrity has no place in border governance.”

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau, affirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the NIS to tackle border-related challenges. He expressed optimism that the conference would facilitate a thorough assessment and strategic planning for effective border surveillance.

Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nandap, acknowledged the challenges in securing Nigeria’s 4,047 km borders with neighboring countries and the Gulf of Guinea. She reiterated the NIS’s commitment to leveraging technology, international cooperation, and capacity building to address these issues. Nandap outlined key objectives for the conference, including assessing the NIS’s preparedness and identifying emerging challenges and opportunities in border governance and migration management

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) have threatened to shut down the nation’s ports due to a breach of the N200,000 minimum wage agreement made with shipping companies.

During a joint briefing in Lagos, leaders of MWUN and SSASCGOC announced their intention to cripple operations across all ports, terminals, jetties, and oil and gas platforms nationwide. They accused Hull Blyth Shipping Company of deliberately refusing to comply with the N200,000 minimum wage that was signed by both unions and the shipping companies, under the supervision of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Donald Trump created a spectacle on Wednesday by climbing into a garbage truck in Wisconsin, seizing the moment to counteract President Joe Biden’s recent controversial remarks about Trump supporters. Biden had made an ambiguous statement that seemed to categorize these supporters as “garbage,” prompting confusion and a headache for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who had been aiming to clarify her campaign’s message.

Trump capitalized on this slip by engaging with the media from inside the garbage truck, declaring, “How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden.” He went on to criticize the current administration, suggesting that they cannot lead if they harbor disdain for the American people.

The controversy began earlier in the week when a speaker at a Trump rally made derogatory comments about Puerto Rico, which put Trump’s campaign on the defensive. However, Biden’s gaffe allowed Trump to shift the narrative and present himself as a victim of political attacks. He continued to rally his supporters, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience against what he portrayed as a disdainful leadership.

In a twist, Trump’s past comments during a September rally resurfaced, where he had also referred to those around Harris as “garbage,” demonstrating a pattern in his rhetoric that the Lincoln Project highlighted to underscore the hypocrisy in the current outrage among Republicans.

As Harris campaigned in battleground states like North Carolina and Pennsylvania, she focused on themes of unity and collaboration, urging supporters to move past division and work together. In Madison, she stated, “Folks are exhausted and want it to stop, the pointing fingers,” indicating a desire for collective progress amid the charged political climate.

Thirty-six state governors, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have openly acknowledged the hunger crisis facing Nigerians, expressing their awareness of the struggles citizens are enduring. This admission came after a meeting held in Abuja, which extended from Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday.

During the meeting, the governors extended their sympathies to the Nigerian populace while commending President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing reforms in the country.

Key Highlights from the Meeting:

• Subsidy Removal Discussion: Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, briefed the governors on the total removal of fuel subsidies. He also discussed the challenges the corporation is facing and his plans to alleviate the hardships brought on by rising fuel prices.
• Commitment to Health Initiatives: Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State shared that the governors discussed various national issues, including a presentation from the African Medical Center of Excellence, funded by the African Development Bank. This world-class hospital will focus on specialized medical treatments such as oncology, cardiovascular care, and hematological treatments, and will be managed by leading medical experts. The governors expressed their commitment to support this initiative, which will collaborate with King’s College Hospital in London to serve as a referral center for complex medical cases.
• Call for Immediate Relief: Uzodinma emphasized the governors’ collective prayer for timely relief for Nigerians, urging that the benefits of the ongoing reforms should be realized soon to improve the overall situation for citizens.

The governors reiterated their support for the citizens, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the populace and fostering a better future through collaboration and effective governance.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive blueprint aimed at integrating indigenous refiners into Nigeria’s petroleum production value chain. This resolution came after the adoption of a motion moved by Deputy Minority Whip Mr. George Ozodinobi, highlighting the urgent need to reform and regulate the country’s petroleum production activities.

During the motion, Ozodinobi emphasized the constitutional necessity of harnessing national resources for the prosperity of the nation. He expressed concern over the significant loss of lives and revenues due to the government’s failure to recognize, regulate, and control artisanal refining, a practice that has been widespread in the Niger Delta for decades.

Ozodinobi referenced a 2016 proposal by the Federal Government to integrate artisanal refiners into the mainstream oil and gas sector. He argued that this initiative aimed to enhance local content and promote the use of home-grown technology for refining petroleum products in the region. He criticized policymakers for their neglect of the Niger Delta, which has suffered severe environmental degradation over the past seventy years, calling for a foundational support system for local technology to address Nigeria’s energy poverty.

He condemned the stigmatization of artisanal refiners as “oil thieves” and pointed out the negative environmental impact of the Nigerian Navy’s and other security agencies’ operations against artisanal refineries, which he described as unprofessional and damaging to the ecosystem.

Ozodinobi highlighted the stark contrast between Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil exporter and its reliance on imported finished petroleum products, emphasizing the ongoing fuel crisis and alleged conspiracies surrounding the Dangote Refinery as indicative of systemic issues.

In light of this discussion, the House unanimously supported the motion. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to create a regulatory framework that incorporates artisanal refiners into the formal crude oil production value chain, promoting indigenous technology and sustainable practices.

Billionaire Elon Musk was ordered to appear in court in Philadelphia on Thursday for a hearing regarding a lawsuit aimed at stopping his controversial $1 million giveaway to registered U.S. voters in swing states. The lawsuit, filed by Philadelphia’s chief prosecutor, Larry Krasner, alleges that Musk’s project constitutes “an illegal lottery scheme.”

Judge Anne Marie Coyle emphasized the importance of the hearing by requiring all parties involved to be present, leading to Musk’s expected attendance.

The controversy surrounding Musk’s initiative began earlier this month, prompting concerns from the Justice Department that the giveaways could violate federal laws against incentivizing voter registration.

Musk, who is the CEO of SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), has been a significant supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump since he endorsed him in July. He has reportedly donated $118 million to his personal pro-Trump political action committee, which raises funds for elections.

Musk has actively campaigned for Trump, including appearing alongside him at a rally in Pennsylvania and hosting town halls in the state, which is seen as crucial for the upcoming November election. Over the years, Musk has shifted from supporting former President Barack Obama to adopting increasingly conservative views, using his platform with 202 million followers on X to promote Trump and criticize his political opponents, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported significant achievements in the past year, including the successful prosecution of four former governors and two former ministers. This announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja by Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren.

Key prosecutions involve high-profile figures, including:

• Yahaya Bello (Kogi): Facing charges related to over N190 billion.
• Darius Ishaku (Taraba): Along with a former official, charged with mismanagement involving N27 billion.
• Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara): Charged alongside his former finance commissioner for mismanagement of N10 billion.
• Willie Obiano (Anambra): Accused of money laundering and theft amounting to N4 billion.

Additionally, former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye are facing charges for misappropriating funds from the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, amounting to N33.8 billion and $6 billion, respectively. Former Minister Hadi Sirika is also involved in two cases, including fraud related to N5.8 billion.

The EFCC is continuing its investigation into Betta Edu, the sacked Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, for alleged misconduct, with N30 billion recovered and 40 linked bank accounts under scrutiny.

Olukoyede emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating illegal vote trading, particularly during recent elections. The EFCC is also addressing allegations of bribery involving social media influencer Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, stating that corruption within the agency will not be tolerated.

The EFCC has made notable progress against illegal mining, resulting in arrests and ongoing investigations. In the past year, the agency reclaimed assets valued at N248.7 billion and secured over 35 convictions for currency hoarding.

Additionally, the EFCC focused on asset repatriation, successfully returning $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada, as well as €5,100 to Spain. Domestically, 14 properties were returned to the Enugu State government, underscoring the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability in financial matters.