National News
Group Expresses Apprehension Towards FG’s Fiscal Action

Group Expresses Apprehension Towards FG’s Fiscal Action
… Demands Accountability
By: Michael Mike
The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), a Knowledge Institution and leading advocate for fiscal transparency and accountability, has expressed apprehension over recent developments regarding the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and the establishment of the Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) for the 36 states of the Federation.
In a press statement on Friday, CSJ said it takes note of FAAC’s recent resolution to save a portion of the June 2023 distributable revenue, noting that: “While it is commendable to consider saving for the future, we are keen to understand the policy or legal framework guiding this decision.”
It asked: “Is this done under the Excess Crude Account set up by the Fiscal Responsibility Act or under which law or policy framework. Therefore, the establishment of this savings fund must be based on a clear legal and policy framework showing how the funds will be managed including its distribution, accruing interest and investment by the three tiers of government.”
CSJ recalled that the Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) set up by pronouncement is without legal or policy foundation, insisting that such a fund needs legislative authority for its establishment and operation.
It argued that the reliance on Exchange Difference revenue, which constituted the largest part of the N907 billion distributed among the three tiers of government, is not sustainable, urging the Nigerian government to prioritize diversifying revenue sources to ensure stability and reduce vulnerability to economic fluctuations, also calling on the government to explore more sustainable and viable means of revenue generation.
On the National Economic Council’s Decision on the National Social Register, the CSJ acknowledged the decision of the National Economic Council (NEC) to discard the National Social Register used by the previous administration for conditional cash transfer, citing integrity concerns, adding that: “However, we are apprehensive about the proposition that states should prepare their own registers. This approach may potentially lead to political patronage and lack of transparency.
“We advocate for the establishment of comprehensive criteria applicable across all the states of the federation, to determine the poorest of the poor, ensuring that the register is credible and truly serves its intended purpose. Furthermore, the expectation was the states should clean and correct the lapses identified in the existing register. This would not take more than one to two months.
“Starting the compilation of a fresh register by states will require not less than four months to complete at a time Nigerians are already in dire straits and need immediate action to ameliorate the hardship arising from fuel subsidy removal and unification of the exchange rate.”
CSJ also called for the reintroduction of the practice of publishing allocations to states and local governments in major newspapers and on the website of the Federal Ministry of Finance, noting that increased transparency in revenue allocation will enhance public awareness and promote accountability in the use of public resources.
CSJ urged all Nigerians, civil society organisatiins, organised labour, media, and religious leaders to actively monitor and report on the use of government revenue at the federal, state, and local levels, stating that: “By promoting transparency and discouraging the abuse of government resources, we can collectively work towards a more accountable and responsible governance system,” urging the government to adhere to the rule of law, ensure transparent allocation and usage of public funds, and prioritize sustainable revenue generation for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Group Expresses Apprehension Towards FG’s Fiscal Action
National News
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
National News
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
National News
Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing
By: Michael Mike
A community leader and the Waziri Mushere of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Yohana Margif has expressed dismay over the incessant killing of innocent citizens of the community.
Margif made this known in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene to halt what he described as genocide against the people, which he said was being perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.
Margif also called on Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and other security chiefs in the country, to rein in the alleged culprits.
He said: “I would like to draw the attention of the topmost leadership in Nigeria to the deteriorating dire security situation in Plateau, particularly in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos LGA.
“I urge President Tinubu to take immediate decisive action to halt these endless and senseless killings, protect lives and properties, and secure the future of the Mushere people, and other victims of obvious genocide against the people.
“Herdsmen are killing our innocent people, burning their homes, looting their foodstuff, property, livestock, and taking over their ancestral lands,” he said.
According to the Abuja-based real estate mogul, the attacks and attendant killings have intensified recently since the onset of this year’s farming season.
Margif further said that the people had been displaced from their villages and ancestral homes and were forced to become internally displaced persons in the country.
He emphasised that the situation required immediate intervention by all stakeholders in order to prevent further escalation and inflict an irredeemable harm by wiping out the entire community from the surface of the earth.
He lamented that: “Since President Tinubu’s administration began, Plateau State has witnessed an unprecedented escalation of violence and loss of lives.
“This is the current sad reality. Our people are constantly under the threat of the enemy’s bullets and can’t sleep with two eyes closed due to the perpetual unleashing of violence against them by external forces.
“Something urgent must be done to stem the tide of violence and end this war against the people in order not to
harm this administration’s reputation,” Margif said.
In the past couple of days, suspected herdsmen militia killed no fewer than 35 people in the localities of Hokk, Pangkap, Fokoldep, Kopmur, Margif, Horop, Mbor, Mushere and Kwahas localities in Mushere Chiefdom.
Chairman, Bokkos Community Peace Observers, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the killings to newsmen, said the victims included a 70-year-old Pastor of COCIN LCC Kwakas-Mushere, Mimang Lekyil, who was attacked and killed in the church.
He said that the pastor’s wife was also shot in the leg and was admitted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment, he said.
“Bokkos has never been this insecure, with the people being butchered as we are currently witnessing,” Lilian Madaki, from the Mushere community told journalists.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emmanuel Adesina, also confirmed the incident in a statement saying security forces including police and military personnel, had been deployed in the affected communities.
Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing
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