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Double Nomination: Sound Judgement Eluding Nigerians, Frank Reacts To S’Court Decision

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A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted Friday’s decision of the Supreme Court on the double nomination case against the joint ticket of the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had approached Court to invalidate the joint ticket.

Reacting to the judgement through a statement, Timi Frank said the court that is meant to be the last hope of the citizenry has become a place of the highest bidder, wondering whom Nigerians offended.

According to the activist, one would be tempted to ask if there is hope in the ongoing Election Petition Tribunal? Would we be surprised if the aggrieved parties are at the end of the day described as busy bodies?

He said: “It is a sad day in Nigeria. The court that is meant to be the last hope of the citizenry has become a place of the highest bidder. Who did we offend as a country? Where in the world do you see judges jump into the arena in delivering judgments? Why would you not decide the cases on their merit.

“This rulling has clearly shown that they are partisan. The hope of the country has been dashed by this singular act. Why would our courts decisions be premised on sentiments?

“One thing I will say to our judicial officers today is; many days for the thief but one day for the owner.

“My hope is that, God will one day, rescue Nigeria from the shackles of these justices, whereby they will no longer determine who governs us as we expect that our elections will be manned by men and women of integrity, unlike Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and his cohorts.

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“It is a fact that in Nigeria of today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the rulling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) will beg people to go to court because they know our courts have been compromised.

“What happened to the days of Justice Niki Tobi, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Tabai and many more? – Who stood against the military and many odds to deliver very sound judgments that were seen to be fair and just.”

While asking Nigerians not to lose hope, Timi Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said Nigerians should not relent and not be defeated in the face of injustice in the country.

“Are Nigerians surprised? I would say No. I only thought, the Supreme Court will take a cue from Kenya to redeem their image as men of integrity.

“In the past few weeks, I have read where the Chief Justice of Nigeria charged the Justices and other judicial officers to be fair and just to all in the delivery of their judgments. As good as this may sound, we would not be deceived with the tomfoolery.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said more than that, yet administered the worst election in the history of Nigeria.

“We as a people, reject today’s judgment in it’s entirety as it epitomizes compromise and it’s a show of shame to Nigeria and the entire world.

“It is good to state at this point that our spirit as Nigerias is very high. We shall not relent and we will not be defeated!

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“We shall await the outcome of the Election Tribunal.
It is another opportunity to do the right thing in order to be remembered as Justice Niki Tobi, Justice Oputa , Justice Aniogolu and the likes or do the wrong thing and have your names and that of your family destroyed forever.

“Posterity will judge all of us at the end of the day.”

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House of Representatives Summons Customs Chief Over Retirement Issues, Threatens Arrest of NIMC Director General

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By John Audu, Abuja .

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, to appear before the committee next Tuesday. This summons comes in response to a petition alleging that several senior officials within the service have refused to retire despite reaching their designated retirement dates.

The Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation filed the petition, claiming that Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers, including Imam, Umar, Egwu, Awe, Fatia, and Faith, have ignored their retirement obligations.

In issuing the summons, the committee emphasized the Comptroller General’s responsibility as a public servant to clarify the situation to the Nigerian public. Mike Etaba, Chairman of the Committee on Public Petitions, stated, “Nigerians deserve to know the truth of the matter, and it is only the CG that can clarify the situation. We are elected to serve the people, and part of that service is ensuring that all government agencies operate effectively. In a time when many young people are seeking employment, it is unacceptable for those who are due for retirement to remain in service.”

Etaba further assured that the committee would approach the issue impartially, ensuring that each case is evaluated on its own merits.

In a related matter, the committee has threatened to issue an arrest warrant for the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC) if she fails to attend a hearing regarding allegations of non-payment for a software development project. The project was executed by Truid Limited, which claims that NIMC has breached their licensing agreement.

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According to E. R. Opara, legal counsel for Truid Limited, the agreement allowed for the development and deployment of a tokenization system without any financial obligation from NIMC, with returns on investment to be shared with service providers for an initial ten-year period starting in 2021. However, the situation reportedly changed with the appointment of a new NIMC Director General, who has attempted to undermine the agreement.

Chairman Mike Etaba expressed frustration over the NIMC Director General’s repeated absences from hearings. “If she fails to show up at the next session, we will have no choice but to request the Inspector General of Police to ensure her attendance. It is unacceptable for a government official to disregard the authority of this committee,” he stated.

As these developments unfold, the House of Representatives is taking a firm stance to ensure accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s public service.

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Aggrieved Police Officers Demand PSC Compliance with Court Judgment on Appointment Regularization

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By: Zagazola Makama

Aggrieved police officers from Courses 33, 34, and 35 of the Police Academy have kicked against any attempt to forcefully retire them from service and called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to immediately comply with the judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), which ordered the regularization of their first appointment dates.

It would be recalled that the PSC at a meeting in Abuja earlier this month ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60.

The spokesman of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, recalled that the Commission at its 24th Plenary Meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017, approved that the Force Entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment.

The Commission revisited their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of a merger of service in the public service, and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii) which provides for retirement on the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.

“Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” Ani had said.

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But the aggrieved officers argued that, Despite the April 19, 2022, ruling and subsequent reinforcement of the judgment on February 4, 2025, the officers alleged that the PSC has failed to implement the directive, thereby denying them their rightful ranks, promotions, and entitlements.

Recalled that in 2021, The officers, led by CSP Egong Egwu Egong, CSP Omeh Felix Okechukwu, CSP Paul Obot Umoh, and SP Galadima Bello, won a legal battle in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/281/2021, in which the court ruled that their first appointment date should be the date they entered the Police Academy, not when enlisted as recruit constable.

The National Industrial Court, presided over by Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae, reaffirmed in its latest sitting that the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force must recognize the officers’ first appointment dates as follows: Course 33 – June 10, 1994, Course 34 – August 6, 1996, Course 35 – May 1, 2000

The court also ordered that: The decision of the PSC at its 24th Plenary Meeting regularizing the officers’ appointment dates remains valid and binding. The officers’ records must reflect their correct first appointment dates as per the court ruling. The premature retirement of some affected officers must be reversed, and they should be paid their full entitlements.

The PSC and the Police Force are restrained from unlawfully retiring officers of Courses 33, 34, and 35 before their actual due dates.

However, During a recent court proceeding, counsel for the officers, Adeleke Agbola (SAN), informed the court that the PSC had issued a circular contradicting the judgment by insisting that the officers’ first appointment date would be based on their commissioning date, not their academy entry date.

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Agbola argued that this action amounted to contempt of court, as the judgment had not been appealed and remained binding on all parties. He urged the court to maintain the status quo and proceed with committal proceedings against the PSC for non-compliance.

In response, counsel for the PSC, Ade Adedeji (SAN), assured the court that the defendants intended to comply with the judgment, stating that there was no pending appeal challenging the ruling. He also noted that steps had been taken to post the affected officers accordingly and that the PSC had no intention of undermining the court’s decision.

The court adjourned the matter to March 18, 2025, for a report on full compliance or hearing of contempt proceedings against the PSC.

Following the court session, the aggrieved officers have urged the PSC to immediately implement the judgment, update their service records, reinstate unlawfully retired officers, and grant them their due promotions and benefits.

They warned that continued delay would amount to willful disobedience of a valid court order, which could lead to legal consequences for the PSC and police authorities.

The officers further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene and ensure that justice is served in line with the rule of law.

Background to the Dispute

The case dates back to longstanding grievances by police officers of Courses 33, 34, and 35, who argued that while their colleagues in similar categories had their appointments regularized, they were denied the same recognition.

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The PSC is now asking for their retirement despite the National Industrial Court ruling which was disobeyed or delayed by the concerned authorities. This delays in implementation have left the officers frustrated and seeking further legal enforcement.

With the next court hearing scheduled for March 18, 2025, all eyes are on the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force to see whether they will comply with the judgment or face contempt proceedings.

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BREAKING: Nigerian Customs Service has suspended the enforcement of the 4% percent Free-on-Board value on imported goods.

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By John Audu, Abuja

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has suspended the enforcement of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imported goods, following consultations with stakeholders, including the Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun

This decision aims to allow for further discussions and refinement of the implementation framework of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.

The 4% FOB charge was introduced to drive the effective operation of the NCS, covering the value of imported goods, including cost and transportation expenses .However, stakeholders, including manufacturers and freight forwarders, expressed concerns and called for a suspension of the charge, citing its potential impact on businesses and the economy

During the suspension period, the NCS will focus on optimizing financial management to align with stakeholder interests and national economic objectives ¹. The service remains committed to implementing the NCSA 2023 in a manner that balances revenue generation with trade facilitation, addressing stakeholder concerns.

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Nigeria Police Force Orders Retirement of Officers Involved in Forgery and Age Falsification

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By John Audu.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially sanctioned the retirement of all officers implicated in serious infractions, including forgery, age falsification, and violations of service regulations aimed at extending their tenure beyond the mandatory retirement age.

A police wireless message dated February 10, 2025, addressed to all zonal commands and departments, confirmed the decision made by the Police Service Commission (PSC) during its 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board. This meeting focused on the regularization of the appointment dates for Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and Inspectors.

The memo, referenced as CH:8400/FS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.2/294, stated: “Re: Police Service Commission decision at its 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board on the regularization of date of first appointment of Cadet ASPs/Inspectors force entrants. INGENPOL firmly directs you to proceed with full implementation of POLSCOM directives as conveyed in MYLET No. CH:8400/FS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.2/292, dated 01/02/2025. This signal supersedes MYSIG No. CH:8400/FS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.2/293 DTO: 051604/02/2025 for your strict compliance. Acknowledge receipt.”

On February 5, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun had halted the retirement of senior police officers who had either served for over 35 years or were above the age of 60. This directive contradicted an earlier communication from Egbetokun, dated February 1, 2025, that instructed the immediate retirement of the affected officers, which included notable figures such as Simon Lough, SAN, Head of the NPF Legal Section, and Benneth Igweh, former Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner.

The February 1 letter emphasized the importance of implementing the PSC’s decision regarding the retirement of officers who had exceeded the service threshold. It referenced an earlier communication from the PSC dated January 31, 2025, that explicitly stated: “The Commission has approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.”

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However, a subsequent police signal dated February 5, 2025, obtained by SaharaReporters, instructed a halt to all actions related to the retirement of these senior officers pending further directives. The signal stated: “POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION DECISION AT ITS 1ST EXTRA ORDINARY MEETING OF THE 6TH MANAGEMENT BOARD ON THE REGULARIZATION OF DATE OF FIRST APPOINTMENT OF CADET ASPS/INSPECTORS FORCE ENTRANTS X REF. MYLET CH:8400/FS/FHQ/AB3/VOL.2/292 DATED 1ST FEBRUARY 2025 X INGENPOL STRONGLY DIRECTS X YOU STAY ACTION ON LET UNDER REF X PENDING FURTHER DIRECTIVE X FOR YOUR STRICT COMPLIANCE X ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT X PLEASE X.”

Sources indicate that this latest directive was issued following an order from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which instructed the police to cease the retirement of these senior officers. “The Villa told them to stop the retirement. Imagine, all this came after those affected have been given their retirement letters,” a police source revealed.

The implicated officers, based on their enlistment dates, should have retired but remained in service. For example, Simon Asamber Lough was due for retirement on January 8, 2022. Other officers listed include Benneth Chinedu Igweh (January 5, 2023), Akinbayo Olasukami Olasoji, Louis Chike Nwabuwa, Mukar Sule, Adamu Danjuma, Ajao Olusegun, and Iriemi Solomon.

This situation highlights ongoing issues within the Nigeria Police Force regarding adherence to retirement policies and the management of personnel implicated in misconduct.

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