National
CSOs Advocate S/East Representation in FRSC Under Tinubu’s Administration
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Civil Society Organization, under the aegis of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to appoint the next Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Marshal from the southeastern part of the country to balance the equation.
At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the NCSCN Executive Secretary, Dr. Raymond Edoh, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the request and act on it with goodwill.
According to him, the earnest hope of the Civil Society community is that the “Renewed Hope” administration of President Tinubu, which has been divinely orchestrated into power, will strive to correct the ills of our past and repair the broken walls of our national unity and integration.
He said Tinubu should also take advantage of the retirement of Mr. Dauda Ali Biu as Corps Marshal of the FRSC to scout for the most competent and qualified personnel or officer in the Corps from the South East to balance the equation of our beloved country.
“It is against the foregoing arguments and considerations that we passionately appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider magnanimously the fate of the South East Zone in the appointment of the Corps Marshal of the FRSC in favor of any qualified personnel from the South East Zone.
“The NCSCN is not naïve to the fact that, politically speaking, the Zone may not have merited such kindness from the present Administration.
“However, fully aware of President Tinubu’s highly nationalistic and patriotic heart, we passionately appeal to His Excellency to use this as a show of his large and accommodating heart, to balance and set the nation on a new and sustainable trajectory of national integration and development.
NCSN Director media,Alh. Gambo Jagindi, alleged that available and verifiable records show clearly that the configuration of the nation’s security and para-military architectures does not properly reflect and represent the federal character principle of the nation.
“We may all recall that the Federal Character Principle in Nigeria was borne out of the need to ensure evenness in spreading government appointments to promote inclusion, representation, a sense of belonging, and balance in the polity.
Also ,Yemi Success, Director of Mobilization said “The underlying philosophy of the federal character principle is providing equality of access in public service representation to curb dominance by one or a few sections.
“The principle was first introduced into the Constitution in 1979 for public offices and federal institutions to reflect Nigeria’s diversities.”
… NLC, TUC want immediate reversal
… Its clear violation of constitution – Amaechi
… FG defends action
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.
The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.
Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state.
In a joint statement, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, presidents of NLC and TUC, respectively, called the declaration “a direct assault on democracy” and “an overreach of executive power”.
The labour bodies called on President Tinubu to exercise restraint and respect constitutional limits rather than taking actions capable of jeopaising national security, economic stability, and democratic governance.
“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments,” the statement reads.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.”
“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”
The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has called on Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to ensure absolute impartiality in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who faces terrorism charges brought by the Nigerian government.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, AVID, along with two other US-based pro-Biafra groups—Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination—insisted that Kanu is a prisoner of conscience and should not be prosecuted, as they believe he has committed no crime.
Kanu is scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Omotosho on Friday, 21 March. The groups recalled his “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021 and his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), despite multiple court rulings in his favour.
The statement, signed by AVID President Dr Sylvester Onyia, Rising Sun President Chief Dede Maxwell, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination President Chief Engr Evans Nwankwo, expressed concern over what they described as the government’s disregard for judicial rulings.
“In July 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council, through a landmark opinion by its Working Group, declared that the appropriate remedy for Mr Kanu would be his immediate release and compensation in accordance with international law,” the statement read.
It also cited a December 2023 ruling by Nigeria’s Supreme Court, which held that the revocation of Kanu’s bail was wrongful and should be reinstated in line with Section 287(1) of the Constitution.
The groups condemned the continued prosecution of Kanu, stating that since he had been acquitted by Nigerian courts, the government had no justification for further legal action against him.
“We demand his immediate and unconditional release. The government must not pile illegality upon illegality while the world is watching,” they asserted.
The statement also urged Justice Omotosho to prioritise Kanu’s safety and remain neutral in the case. It further criticised what it described as political manoeuvring, alleging that the case had been used to create division between Nigeria’s Igbo and Yoruba communities.
“The previous administration, under Muhammadu Buhari, saw the baselessness of these charges but conveniently left them for President Tinubu’s government, possibly to sow discord between the Igbos and the Yorubas,” the groups alleged.
As Kanu’s trial approaches, the calls for his release continue to intensify, highlighting ongoing tensions over his detention and the broader agitation for Biafra.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced suspension of sale of petroleum products in naira.
This was announced in a notice sent to petroleum marketers, on Wednesday afternoon.
In the notice obtained by Daily Trust, the company said the decision is temporary, explaining why it took the decision..
“We wish to inform you that, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in Naira. This decision is necessary to avoid a mismatch between our sales proceeds and our crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in U.S. dollars.”
“To date, our sales of petroleum products in Naira have exceeded the value of Naira-denominated crude we have received. As a result, we must temporarily adjust our sales currency to align with our crude procurement currency. Our attention has also been drawn to reports on the internet claiming that we are stopping loading due to an incident of ticketing fraud. This is malicious falsehood. Our systems are robust and we have had no fraud issues.
“We remain committed to serving the Nigerian market efficiently and sustainably. As soon as we receive an allocation of Naira-denominated crude cargoes from NNPC, we will promptly resume petroleum product sales in Naira. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period.”