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Jukun vs Benue State Government, Tor Tiv, others: Falana demands Chief Judge to assign suit

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Jukun vs Benue State Government, Tor Tiv, others: Falana demands Chief Judge to assign suit

By: Our Reporter

Solicitors to National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA), Falana and Falana’s Chambers have complained to the Chief Judge of Benue State over the non-assigning of a suit involving its client and the Benue State Government and four others.

In a letter of complaint dated 18, April, 2024, the Chambers expressed dismay over a case filed on 2, February, 2024 and yet to be assigned.

In the letter signed by Samuel Ogala Esq for Principal Partner, it informed the Chief Judge that the claimants and all Jukun Wanu indigenes are already agitated by the non-assignment of the case hence the need to act urgently on the letter by exercising its administrative powers by assigning the suit to a court for adjudication.

According to reports reaching this medium, the Benue State Chief Judge has been assigning cases to various courts for adjudication even after February 2, 2024 when NAJUWA suit was filed but left it unattended to without reason.

NAJUWA wants the world to note that the Tiv Traditional Council have been using some sinister and unconstitutional means to scuttle the suit, which is being spearheaded by Tor Tiv using Ter Guma and Tor Lobi who invited some of its members to meetings which were explicitly recorded in which our communities were tasked to withdraw the lawsuit or in the alternative write a letter of disclaimer which can be used to discredit the matter in court.

They have also threatened that their plan to install a Tiv Chief in Abinsi will soon be realised despite NAJUWA’s matter in court.

However, the Jukun Wanu Association (JUWA) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in its April meeting unanimously urged NAJUWA not to relent or withdraw the suit.

NAJUWA sued the office of the Benue State Governor, Benue State Government, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Benue State House of Assembly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State and HRM, Orchivirigh Professor Ortese James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv and President, Benue State Council of Chiefs over decades of discriminatory policies against Benue Jukun.

NAJUWA declared that by virtue of the provision of section 25 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the people of Jukun Wanu are indigenes of Guma Local Government, Makurdi Local Government and Logo Local Government Area of Benue State and citizens of Nigeria and as such are entitled to equal protection under any law made in Nigeria including Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Council Law 2016, that by virtue of the provision of section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the people of Jukun Wanu whom are indigenes of Guma Local Government, Makurdi Local Government and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State are entitled to freedom from discrimination on the basis of the circumstances of their birth and that by virtue of section 25 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the respondents are not competent to make any law or adopt any policy which discriminates against the people of Jukun Wanu whom are indigenes of Benue State in any manner whatsoever and howsoever.

The Claimant declared that the exclusion of Jukun Wanu whom are indigenes of Guma Local Government, Makurdi Local Government and Logo Local Government of Benue State from Schedule 5 and 6 of Section 18 (1) of the Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Council Law 2016 is illegal and unconstitutional.

NAJUWA averred that its members are Jukun Wanu (Riverine Jukun) whom are indigenes of Benue State whose ancestral origin can be traced to many communities in the state.

According to it, these communities include but not limited to Abinsi, Agyogo (Makurdi) Akatungu (North Bank), Agyetashi, Azhoko (Ankwa), Abweni, Anmor (Fiidi), Ando Sede (Bajimba), Anuwha, Atenge and Anyishi.

Others are Asugu, Gidin Mangoro, Akatsu, Agbodo, Zhamindo, Ashuku, Kitsani, Aguye and Asokpoga among others.

NAJUWA are requesting for N1billion as damages for prolonged act of discrimination against Benue Jukun.

The Association urges the Tiv Traditional Council to follow the path of honour, decency and justice to grant Jukun their constitutional right or know that the Jukun will never waver or abdicate their right on this matter or any other thus will never withdraw this case, no matter their intimidation or threats.

However, NAJUWA noted that Jukun people will follow the path of peace and as law abiding citizens, continue to wait patiently until justice is achieved in this matter.

Jukun vs Benue State Government, Tor Tiv, others: Falana demands Chief Judge to assign suit

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Zulum Hails Indimi’s FSPO as $350 Vessel Sail-Away

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Zulum Hails Indimi’s FSPO as $350 Vessel Sail-Away

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has described the first indigenous Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, owned by Nigerian oil magnet, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Indimi, as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.

Governor Zulum stated this on Saturday, at the sail away ceremony of the EMEM Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading Vessel (FPSO), held at the Drydocks World facility in Dubai, which marked the completion of the vessel, and is now set to depart for Nigeria.

“The sail away of the EMEM FPSO is more than an engineering feat,” the Governor stated. “It is a powerful statement of confidence in Nigeria’s energy future and a reflection of what homegrown enterprise can achieve when guided by vision, discipline, and excellence.”

He began his remarks by thanking the Government and People of Dubai for their hospitality, noting that hosting the milestone in the UAE “underscores the strength of our mutual commitment to innovation, trade, and sustainable development.”

The EMEM FPSO, a $315 million facility with a storage capacity of one million barrels and a production capability of up to 30,000 barrels per day, is the first FPSO to be fully financed by an indigenous Nigerian company, Oriental Energy Resources Limited.

The Governor specifically commended Dr. Muhammadu Indimi and the Oriental Energy Resources team for this “bold accomplishment.”

“This achievement does not only contribute to national output,” he said, “it reinforces our collective belief that Nigeria’s private sector has the capacity to drive growth, create jobs, and compete globally.”

Upon its deployment to Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) 15, the FPSO is expected to boost Nigeria’s oil production and enhance national revenue, aligning with the economic diversification goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Governor Zulum concluded that the project’s success reflects the “resilience, innovation, and self-reliance” that define ongoing efforts to rebuild Borno State.

“It inspires confidence that, with determination and partnership, Nigeria’s best days lie ahead,” he said.

He wished the EMEM FPSO a safe voyage and productive operations, calling it a “symbol of Nigeria’s strength, ingenuity, and promise.”

The event was attended by the Governor of Adamawa, Hon. Ahmadu Umoru Fintiri and his Akwa Ibom state counterpart, Umo Eno; elder statesman Ambassador Babagana Kingibe (GCON); Chairman (CEO) Oriental Energy Resources, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri and representative of the Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Zulum Hails Indimi’s FSPO as $350 Vessel Sail-Away

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VP Shettima Departs Belem For Abuja After Successful COP 30 Engagements

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VP Shettima Departs Belem For Abuja After Successful COP 30 Engagements

  • As Nigeria reaffirms resolve to champion climate change solutions in Africa

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Belem, Brazil, for Abuja after a successful diplomatic engagement in the South American country where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 30th Session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30).

This is just as Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to continue to use its influence to lead the way in seeking solutions to climate change matters in Africa and beyond.

The Conference convened by Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in collaboration with the United Nations and other global partners, was held from November 6 to 7 in the city of Belém, capital of the state of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon.

During the international engagement, Vice President Shettima joined other world leaders, development partners and business executives at the Leaders’ Climate Summit – COP30, where he delivered a speech on Nigeria’s effort in addressing climate change, saying the nation’s renewed climate agenda represents “not just an aspiration, but a solemn national commitment to preserve the planet for future generations.”

VP Shettima also represented President Tinubu at a high-level thematic session titled, “Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans,” on the margins of COP 30, where he delivered Nigeria’s bold statement.

Delivering the statement titled, “The Rational Soul of Nature,” he called on global partners “to recognise the economic value of nature and to channel significant finance towards protecting and restoring it through predictable, equitable, and accessible funding mechanisms.”

The Nigerian Vice President also took part in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, and participated in a roundtable chaired by President Lula on Climate and Nature, as well as an Amazonian Cocktail for Heads of Delegation, hosted by the President of Brazil.

On the sidelines, Senator Shettima also held bilateral meetings focused on establishing and managing Nigeria’s participation in the carbon markets, enabling the nation to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade to help meet climate goals.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has affirmed its determination to continue to use its influence to lead the way in seeking solutions to climate change matters in Africa and beyond.

Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists, gave a recap of the Vice President’s participation in COP 30 held Belem, Brazil.

She said Nigeria will use its influence to mobilize finance for the country, as well as advocate the adaptation finance for African nations in order to collectively tackle the challenges of climate change.

“One thing that I know the whole world would look out for is Nigeria’s leadership in Africa. So we do have our influence in the regional ECOWAS and also at AU platforms to demonstrate that we are that big brother.

“So, we must galvanize all stakeholders, both in public and private sectors, to make sure we implement our National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and make it work for us,” she said.

The presidential aide added that Nigeria’s natural resources will also play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

“The natural capital we have – don’t forget that we are an oil-producing nation and endowed with vast natural gas resources and renewables – we will also continue to use that to implement the NDCs in a way that works for us and addresses the sustainable development challenges that we are facing,” El-Rufai added.

On the passion of the Nigerian government for seeking solutions to climate change matters, El-Rufai said, “Nature and climate are the very home that makes our economy thrive and also gives us the stability to live good lives. So, we are dependent on nature.

“That is why how you consume and use the natural resources is important to ensuring sustainability of livelihoods, economies and everything. So, this why we need to live our lives responsibly and also leave a better future for generations to come.

“The government led by President Bola Tinubu is concentrating on resilience and ensuring that there is long term shared value creation. The government will continue to prioritize climate and nature as well as ensuring that we lead on the necessary climate policies,” the Special Adviser added.

Noting that many countries are yet to submit their NDCs to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), El-Rufai urged them to emulate Nigeria, just as she praised Nigeria for taking the lead.

“There are many countries that haven’t submitted their NDCs yet but Nigeria has. China and EU just submitted; so, you can see we are leading because we also have our Climate Change Act as well as our carbon market framework in place, and that is why the theme for COP 30 is apt: COP of Action and Implementation.

“This COP Presidency said they are not creating anything new; rather, let world leaders seat and operationalize NDCs and make sure all those climate-related finance pledges made at Baku that were brought down from $1.3 trillion to $300 billion come to a reality,” she stated.

VP Shettima Departs Belem For Abuja After Successful COP 30 Engagements

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Shaite group Protest in Kano, condemn Trump over alleged statement on attacking Nigeria

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Shaite group Protest in Kano, condemn Trump over alleged statement on attacking Nigeria

By: Zagazola Makama

Hundreds of members of the The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Kano on Saturday staged a protest against a viral statement attributed to United States President Donald Trump, suggesting the possibility of a military strike on Nigeria.

The protest, which took place in several parts of the Kano metropolis, saw large crowds chanting anti-US slogans while carrying placards expressing displeasure with the alleged remarks.

Zagazola Makama report that mobilisation for the protest was largely coordinated through Hausa-language social media platforms, where posts claimed that the United States was planning to “attack Nigeria.”

Video footage circulating online showed youths marching, calling for global condemnation of Trump’s alleged comments, and urging Nigerians to defend the country’s sovereignty.

The members said they viewed the comments as provocative and capable of inciting tension.

“The statement is unacceptable. No foreign nation should threaten Nigeria. This protest is to show that we will not allow external aggression,” a protester said.

The narratives circulating online suggest a growing trend of anti-US sentiment in parts of northern Nigeria, fuelled by misinformation, distrust of Western involvement, and emotional messaging tied to religion and national identity.

They expressed concern that such rhetoric, if unchecked, could escalate and be exploited by extremist groups or political actors.

Shaite group Protest in Kano, condemn Trump over alleged statement on attacking Nigeria

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