A political economist, Pat Utomi has slammed the Nigerian senate president, Godswill Akpabio, for making a mockery of the plight of suffering Nigerians.

reports that Utomi, via his Twitter handle on Thursday, berated senators for using the slogan ‘Let the poor breathe’ pioneered by President Bola Tinubu.

In the viral video online, a senator, who spoke during the plenary, said, “The speech of Mr president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that says let the poor breath, my president, distinguished colleagues, let the poor breathe that is my additional prayer”

The senate president, Godswill Akpabio responded, “Your prayer is that let the poor breath, and Senator Mustapha has seconded that the poor should breathe, those in support that the poor should breathe say hi” In response, the Nigerian senators echoed hiiii.

Reacting to the mockery by the Nigerian Senate, Utomi noted that the senators, including its president, Godswill Akpabio, abused the public trust by mocking the poor.

He further added that if Nigeria was a decent society, most of them in the senate would have resigned for mocking the poor in the way they did.

He said: “I am traumatized by this mocking of the poor by our Senate. In a decent society, we should have had resignations by now. To mock the poor is to mock God. I know where Godswill Akpabio was before Obong Victor Attah gave a hand. Better an honest poor than a rich thief politician.

“I wonder what it will take to make people realize that values shape human progress. Sustainable progress is not possible where culture is in collapse and institutions are dysfunctional. Sadly, this seems extant reality in Nigeria. Citizens need to be awakened to where we are.

“To abuse public trust and mock the victims as is becoming a habit of the criminal network of our politicians is to forget how transient power is. All will do well to remember the Judgment of Conscience, the judgment of history, and the Judgement of God. He reigns”.

Former Justice Minister of the Republic of Liberia, Cllr. Benedict Sannoh has emphasized the crucial role of upholding the citizens’ mandate by the Supreme Courts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prevent post-election crises.

During the Delocalized meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committees on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism, Judicial Affairs and Human Rights, Social Affairs, Gender, and Women Empowerment in Monrovia, Liberia, Sannoh delivered a paper titled “Role of Judiciary in the Prevention and Management of Electoral Crisis.”

Cllr. Benedict Sannoh presenting a paper at the Delocalized meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committees on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism, Judicial Affairs and Human Rights, Social Affairs, Gender, and Women Empowerment in Monrovia, Liberia.

Sannoh highlighted that the manner in which elections are adjudicated by the Judiciary sets the foundation for either peace or crises. He stressed the importance of an independent judiciary and urged political parties to actively engage with and support the judiciary’s work.

“The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, must ensure the upholding of the constitutional mandate. Their role in adjudicating cases should enhance and protect the will of the people as expressed through their votes in elections, in line with the constitution. The Supreme Courts should prioritize adherence to fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, ensuring due process is followed before any deprivation of liberty or rights,” Sannoh stated.

He also encouraged political parties to be proactive in monitoring actions taken by the elections commission, legislature, or executive branch and to seek judicial resolution when necessary, including through referendums or addressing voter roll issues.

Responding to questions from Members of Parliament, Sannoh emphasized the need for proper implementation of Member States’ constitutions, which should reflect the will and expectations of the citizens, addressing all their concerns.

During discussions, some ECOWAS Members of Parliament expressed concerns about executive influence over the judiciary. They recommended exploring changes in the constitution, such as allowing citizens to vote for judges instead of the executive appointing them. This, they believe, would enhance the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, ensuring justice is not compromised.

Hon. Ladi Ayamba, Member of Parliament from Ghana said that the decisions of some courts in West Africa have at several times been influenced by the executive, which makes justice denied in most cases.

“When Judges are appointed by the executive, they can get them to say anything in their favor. “I think this is something that we must look at changing in our various country’s constitutions. “For me, I would recommend that judges should be voted for by the people,” Ayamba said.

In conclusion, Sannoh’s paper underscored the vital role of the judiciary in ensuring fair and transparent elections, safeguarding the citizens’ mandate, and preventing potential post-election crises in West Africa.

Jelani Aliyu, MFR, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, has been bestowed with the prestigious Diaspora Merit Award for his remarkable contributions to the fields of Engineering and the Automobile Sector. Recognized as an exemplary role model for Nigerians in the Diaspora, Aliyu’s accomplishments have been hailed for their significance and magnitude.

An internationally acclaimed Automotive Designer, Jelani Aliyu studied at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and gained valuable experience while working with General Motors in the United States and Germany. His design genius gave rise to several successful vehicles, such as the Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Silverado, and the world-renowned Chevrolet Volt Electric Car. The latter, a cutting-edge Renewable Energy vehicle, has revolutionized the global Automotive Industry.

Currently serving as the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Aliyu spearheads the advancement of E-mobility in Nigeria, facilitating the production of Electric Vehicles and the establishment of solar-powered EV Charging Stations.

His visionary leadership has also led to the creation of 21 state-of-the-art Automotive Training Centres across the country, empowering young Nigerians and facilitating the transfer of automotive technology.

The Diaspora Merit Award, presented by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission under the esteemed leadership of the Chairman and CEO, Honourable Dr. Abike Dabiri Erewa, is a testament to the importance of acknowledging and celebrating outstanding Nigerians in the Diaspora who have excelled in their respective fields and contributed significantly to the overall development of Nigeria.

Jelani Aliyu’s exceptional accomplishments have left a positive impact on Nigeria and its citizens, making the nation a better place. The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, proudly recognizes these remarkable achievements, honoring individuals who have brought pride and distinction to their homeland.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has empowered exporters in the value chain of honey production to leverage the European Union and emerging markets.

Speaking at a diagnostic study on honey and its by-products in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, represented by the Director, Product Development Department, NEPC, Mrs. Obidike Evelyn, said Nigeria has the competitive and comparative advantage to thrive in the global market for honey production, stressing that the event is an integrated approach by the Council to equip exporters in the value chain of honey production.

“This is a diagnostic study on honey and honey products with a specific emphasis on exporting Nigerian honey to the European Union and other emerging markets. We have featured in today’s event, stakeholders in the value chain of bee production. We have the beekeepers, we have the processors, the packagers and marketers. So, it is all through the chain; it is an integrated approach because if you just go for the marketers and without knowing where the honey is coming from, you might get your fingers burnt,” he warned.

According to him, the most important aspect of exporting is traceability, quality, standard, packaging, handling and labelling, pointing out that information dissemination is key across the value chain.

“This is what the Council is emphasising now. The whole world is talking about quality, traceability, standard and sustainability. This is why NEPC is on top of this. We are working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which is the competent authority. We are just facilitating.

These beekeepers are registered with NEPC because we need to know where they are getting their products, the products they have and how it is labelled, processed and packaged.

“We are very important as a stakeholder and this is why we are providing these rudiments to help Nigeria to secure the third world country listing which is required for export of honey and honey products to the EU and other emerging markets,” he averred.

Also speaking, the Director General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Sola Obadimu, lauded the Council’s effort to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in its bid to address the high level of rejection faced by Nigerian products at the global scene.

He expressed optimism that the forum is a step in the right direction to tackling the issues involving challenges in the export market.

“NACCIMA being the umbrella body of the Organised Private Sector (OPS), we will support the council to achieve its mandate,” he assured.

On her part, a Member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Chairman, Export Group, LCCI, Mrs. Bosun, Solarin, said certification remains an issue for export in Nigeria, saying that importing countries will continue rejecting Nigeria’s products if they are not sure about traceability.

She urged stakeholders in the bee production value chain to adhere strictly to global best practices.

“If most agencies of government can do half of what the Council is doing for entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship development challenges would be addressed headlong.

“Until we all come together to hold our destiny in our hands rather than stand-alone. We need to collaborate to make entrepreneurship development thrive in the country,” she advised.

“According to her, “NEPC has done so much and we hope they keep doing better and also hope the federal government can keep supporting them so that they can support us.”

In a concerning turn of events, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation of the attempted coup in the Republic of Niger. 

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The nation is facing a perilous situation as a coup d’état is currently underway, sparking widespread concern and uncertainty in the region.

At the heart of the coup, President Bazoum Mohamed finds himself held hostage by the presidential guard. 

The situation is tense and volatile, with the guard adamantly refusing to retreat, leading to heightened security measures being put in place. 

Both the Army and National Guard have been deployed around the Presidential Palace to assert control and protect against further escalation.

Sources close to the situation report that the Presidential Guard initially sought the support of the military for their mutiny.

However, it appears that the military has chosen not to endorse the coup, refusing to be part of the attempt to overthrow the government. 

This refusal from the military has created divisions within the ranks of the coup plotters, further complicating the already fragile situation.

As events continue to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in Niger. 

The attempted coup poses a significant threat to peace and stability in the region, and ECOWAS’s swift condemnation underscores the gravity of the situation.

The people of Niger are anxiously awaiting further updates, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. 

The future political landscape of the country remains uncertain as the standoff between the coup plotters and government loyalists continues.

ECOWAS, along with other regional and international bodies, is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to mediate and find a resolution to the crisis. 

The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of President Bazoum Mohamed and prevent any further violence that could escalate the situation into full-scale instability.

The international community is united in its stance against any attempts to undermine democratic processes and the rule of law.

Calls for restraint and peaceful dialogue have been echoed from around the world, urging all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

As the situation remains fluid, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to the attempted coup in Niger. 

The stability of the country and the broader West African region hinges on a peaceful and democratic outcome to this crisis.

The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has arrived at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State

The embattled CBN boss arrived at the court premises around 9:20 am for his alleged gun possession trial.

He is to stand trial on two counts of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license.

The PUNCH reports that the Department of State Services had on July 13, 2023, filed a two-count of illegal processions of firearm and ammunition against the suspended CBN governor.

The DSS in the charge sheet accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrelled shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license.

In the second count, the service charged him with illegally possessing 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a license. The offense is also said to be contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.