News
CHRCR calls for Constitutional amendment to address age discrimination against youths
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
CONSCIENCE For Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), a Kogi-based Civil Society Organization, has called for amendment of the 1999 Constitution to review age discrimination against youths in vying for elective political offices.
The CSO made the call in a Communique issued at the end of a one-day Town Hall Meeting held at Community Level on “Inspiring Youth For Leadership for Kogi Central Senatorial District” on Thursday at Afims Hotel, Okene.
The Communique signed by Mr Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director of CHRCR regretted that the level of youth participation in politics and assumption of leadership positions was still very low.
It stressed that the amendment would address issues of discrimination against young persons aspiring for leadership positions across the country saying that it would improve their inclusiveness and participation.
The CSO decried a situation where Youth participation in political party leadership remained a major challenge as the only position available for them at most times is the position of Youth leader.
It called on Kogi State Government to energise the State Youth Development Commission through adequate budgetary provisions to enhance youth inclusiveness in governance and address other youth-related issues.
CHRCR applauded Governor Yahaya Bello for signing the Youth Development Commission Bill into Law thereby legitimizing establishment of the Commission aimed at promoting the relevance of youths in Kogi State.
It However, observed that there has not been any budgetary allocation to the Youth Development Commission since its creation adding that the operation of the Commission has continually been hampered and its development staunched.
The Communique held that there is need for political parties to ensure that young persons are given the opportunity to lead at all levels of the party.
It also urged Youths to as a matter of necessity, demand for accountability from elected/appointed leaders to improve their standard of living and skills in leadership to improve good governance
The Communique reiterated the need for citizens to fight corruption and encourage accountability in all spheres of life as it called on all stakeholders in elections to address the negative phenomenon of vote buying and selling.
“Government must always ensure equity in the appointment into public offices, particular to young persons, to improve their leadership development. There is need for political parties to ensure that young persons have the opportunity to lead at all levels of the party”, It added.
The CSO also called on Kogi State House of Assembly to reverse the amendment of the Local Government Administration Law, that empowers the State Governor to appoint Caretaker leadership for Local Government Councils.
It held that the amendment was inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and to that extent of its inconsistency, it is null and void.
It also called on the State Government to, “As a matter of urgency, conduct elections into Local Government Councils as soon as possible, within six months.”
The CSO said this could be done through a Supplementary Budget as the current 2024 Kogi State Budget did not provide for such election.
The meeting was organized by the Conscience For Human Rights And Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) with support from Women Trust Fund Nigeria and MacAuthur Foundation.
The meeting had in attendance representatives of CSOs, Youth leaders, Media Practitioners, Persons with Disabilities, Community leaders, and Traditional leaders. (Ends)
News
Information Ministry takes Economic Enlightenment Campaign to Jigawa
To educate citizens on the economic interventions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has commenced a public awareness campaign in Jigawa State.
The ministry urged the public, especially the youth, to take advantage of the opportunities for self-reliance, with the initiative highlighting various job creation and poverty alleviation programs.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, represented by Mala Bashir Dahiru Galadanci, Head of the Federal Information Center in Dutse, highlighted the government’s “Renewed Hope” initiatives.
He emphasized that the interventions were designed to change the narratives in the economic wellbeing of Nigerians and provide job and skill opportunities, particularly for the youth, to encourage self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
According to Mr. Galadanci, the administration is committed to addressing poverty and unemployment by introducing accessible programs that benefit citizens at the federal, state, and local levels. He called on the people of Jigawa State to explore these opportunities and support government efforts in transforming the country’s economy.
Jigawa State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Ahmad Tijjani, also called for public support of the government’s policies. He acknowledged that while some recent policy changes have impacted citizens’ living standards, these new interventions are a proactive step toward alleviating poverty and economic hardship.
In a presentation, Professor Ali Siro of the Sociology Department at the Federal University Dutse detailed various federal interventions, including the Student Loan Program, Consumer Credit Corporation, Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, National Youth Talent Export Program, National Housing Initiative, and several small business loan schemes.
He explained the eligibility criteria, repayment terms, and benefits of the initiatives to encourage public participation.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Dutse, Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, commended the federal government for introducing multiple economic interventions to cushion the impact of new policies.
Represented by Senior Counsellor Alhaji Mustapha Aminu, the Emir suggested a review of civil service rules, urging the government to adjust workers’ salaries and make loan terms more flexible to prevent financial strain on the workforce.
This campaign marked the beginning of a nationwide effort to educate citizens on government interventions aimed at creating socio-economic opportunities and improving the overall welfare of Nigerians.
News
EFCC declares that Bello is not in its custody, amidst speculation of his arrest by the agency
***Bello leaves EFCC without interogation
The Economic ane Financial ctimes Commisaion has discredited reports that the immediate past Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello is in its custody .
Head, Media and Publicity of the anti graft agency, Dele Oyewale in a terse statement on Wednesday indicated that Media reports earlier in the day that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. “The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody. Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.
Bello’s media team had sent out a statement earlier indicating that the former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had turned himself in to
honor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation, following allegations of corruption and fraudulent activities during his tenure.
Their statement confirmed that the former Governor appeared before the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.
In another twist, indications emerged that Bello, who had initially claimed to have voluntarily honoured the commission’s invitation, was trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja at midnight.
In yet another twist, Bello’s Director of Media, Ohiare Michael said, “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, HE Alh. Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the Commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former Governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, and stressed that, all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet. As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“Recall that the case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. The former Governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear. “
News
At last, Yahaya Bello honors EFCC invitation
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has honored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation, following allegations of corruption and fraudulent activities during his tenure.
Bello’s media team in a statement confirmed that he appeared before the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.
The former governor had been declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged money laundering and corrupt enrichment amounting to N80.2 billion.
The statement reads: “The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.
“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”
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