Police, prosecute lawmaker Ikwechegh for assaulting driver

Sunday, October 13, 2024, was a night to remember for guests that attended the Mr World Nigeria pageant, which held at the Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos. At the event which featured a rich display of entertainment and fashion, Michael-Mazi Michael, emerged as the winner, beating nine other finalists. Reflecting on his victory, Michael,
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Sunday, October 13, 2024, was a night to remember for guests that attended the Mr World Nigeria pageant, which held at the Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos. At the event which featured a rich display of entertainment and fashion, Michael-Mazi Michael, emerged as the winner, beating nine other finalists. Reflecting on his victory, Michael,

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The Senate on Thursday in Abuja strongly condemned the recent local government elections conducted in many states for chairmen and councillors describing them as sham and rape of democracy. It consequently vowed to do the needful about the charade for survival of democracy in Nigeria through required constitution amendments. Condemnation of local government elections by
Senate declares LG elections sham

The Senate on Thursday in Abuja strongly condemned the recent local government elections conducted in many states for chairmen and councillors describing them as sham and rape of democracy.

It consequently vowed to do the needful about the charade for survival of democracy in Nigeria through required constitution amendments.

Condemnation of local government elections by the Senate followed a motion sponsored by the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) on local government election conducted in Benue State last Saturday which he described as a sham.

Seconding the motion, Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC, Benue North East) said although he is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he can’t support what is wrong, adding: “This is not a party matter; there was no election in Benue state.”

Another APC senator from the state, Titus Zam (Benue, North West), strongly supported the motion by condemning the election in its entirety.

“There were no elections across the 23 local governments in the state last Saturday. What took place as election at the government house, was a charade and heinous political crime,” he said.

In his contribution, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin described the whole local government elections as a national calamity.

He said: “It is known to everyone that the best bedrock of every democracy is the right of people to elect their leaders in a free and fair election.

“But the sad commentary is that we don’t get anything like free and fair elections in our local governments.

“Across party lines, it is known to everyone, even a child knows this. This fact is known to everyone. The so-called elections are held at local government councils. People don’t go out to vote any longer. Results are announced, and you will not see anybody on the street on election day. Nobody goes out to the polling area because the results are already written, sometimes a week before the election.

“So, we all know, Mr. President, that is a national and democratic calamity. I don’t know what those people who fought to bring about democracy in this country are feeling now. I know they are sad.

“So, it’s incumbent upon us to correct what is going on in the name of local government elections.

“We need to stand up. We said clearly yesterday (Wednesday) that we must look at our constitution and make sure we correct those provisions that will allow an independent body to conduct the election or allow INEC to conduct the election.

“We must amend the law and everybody must come on board. Nigerians are tired of this mess. As long as we want democracy to remain in local councils, this abnormal attack on democracy must stop.”

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly, need to reposition the local government as a third tier of government through required constitution amendment.

“We commend the Supreme Court of Nigeria for the ruling that the funds of local government should go directly to local governments.

“But then, we on our part in the National Assembly, must take the next step to ensure that the decision that has been so far given by the Supreme Court becomes alive by critically addressing the issue of local government elections being conducted across the country without credibility and sanctity of the electoral process,” he said.

Senate declares LG elections sham

Vice President Kashim Shettima has tipped Nigeria to become the number one hub of opportunities in the global halal economy. He said the nation’s economic and demographic size puts it in a vantage position to map out a vibrant investment sector for the global halal economy projected to reach a market value of $7.7 trillion
Nigeria can be leading hub for $7.7trn Global Halal Market–VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has tipped Nigeria to become the number one hub of opportunities in the global halal economy.

He said the nation’s economic and demographic size puts it in a vantage position to map out a vibrant investment sector for the global halal economy projected to reach a market value of $7.7 trillion by 2025.

Shettima stated this on Wednesday, during the Halal Economy Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He noted that Nigeria must first reassess its weaknesses and prioritize its strengths to achieve this economic feat.

“For Nigeria to become a hub of opportunities in the global halal economy, we must prioritise our strengths and reassess our weaknesses. Today’s engagement provides a platform for us to collaborate with key international organisations.

“This will allow us to develop a comprehensive halal ecosystem and agree on strategies that will position Nigeria as a top halal exporter, targeting high-value markets,” he stated.

The Vice President commended the private sector for its immense “contributions to driving the halal economy, particularly in the financial sector”, even as he encouraged all stakeholders to partner with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in delivering the halal ecosystem.

His words: “To ensure this, we must attract international investment by showcasing the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s halal sector through investor summits, roadshows, and business matchmaking events.

“The expansion of regional trade, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), also provides us with a pathway to become a leading supplier of halal goods and services across Africa.

“Therefore, we must increase public awareness through strategic orientation campaigns, specialised training programmes, and deeper engagement with the global market to elevate the visibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s halal ecosystem.”

Describing halal as an economy that accommodates all actors and stakeholders, the VP noted that the halal market holds vast potential that aligns “with the overarching agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

On why the nation will become a leading hub for investment in the halal economy, the VP said, “Nigeria’s economic and demographic size gives us a unique advantage in developing a vibrant halal investment sector.

“With the global halal economy projected to reach a market value of $7.7 trillion by 2025, this opportunity is not only recognised by Muslim-majority countries but also seized by non-Muslim nations, which have become leading exporters of halal products. They understand that the halal ecosystem is designed to meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability preferred by specific consumers.

Nigeria can be leading hub for $7.7trn Global Halal Market–VP Shettima