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Tension Over Looming Constitutional Crisis in Nigeria

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Eniola Olayemi

 

Since the suspension of Walter Onnoghen as the chief justice of Nigeria, and appointment of Tanko Mohammad as the acting CJN by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian polity is mired in controversy and fear of the impeding constitutional and political crisis

IT has been a trying week for Nigeria and Nigerians across the world. The controversy over the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen, the chief justice of Nigeria, by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, January 25, and the appointment of Justice Tanko Muhammad in acting position, has helped to raise some constitutional issues about its legality and otherwise. Buhari’s action has, no doubt, raised some dust in polity and scepticism among the members of the comity of nations, which if not carefully tackled may lead to serious crisis in the country, especially now that the nation’s general elections are now just a matter of days away.

The matter is raising so much controversy that many political watchers are afraid that the coming elections may not hold or delayed if all the issues are not carefully and legally addressed to give hope to Nigerian electorate that their votes would count in the elections.

While the situation was spinning into a dangerous bend, the Nigeria Judicial Commission, NJC, mercifully stepped in and on Tuesday, January 29, queried Onnoghen and Muhammad. The two justices were given seven working days to answer the query. The NJC also queried Justice Danladi Umar, the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, who is said to be under investigation for corruption. Onnoghen is facing trial for his alleged failure to declare certain parts of his asset.

The legislative arm of the government, on its part, filed a suit before the Supreme Court on Monday, January 28, praying for among others, an order reinstating Onnoghen as the chief justice of Nigeria.

Onnoghen

The suit was filed by Paul Erokoro, SAN, counsel to the Senate, came after it cancelled its scheduled plenary earlier billed for Tuesday, January 29. Nelson Ayewoh, the clerk of the Senate, who announced the cancellation in a statement signed by him, did not give reasons for the action. But he explained that the federal lawmakers would resume on February 19.

In any case, the Senate asked the Supreme Court to declare the suspension of Onnoghen without support of two-thirds majority of the Senate as a violation of section 292(1)(a)(i) of the constitution.

The suit also asked the court to issue an order restraining the two defendants in the suit – President Buhari and Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation, from continuing or repeating the violation of the constitution and disregarding the power of the Senate in respect to the suspension of the CJN.

In any case, both the NJC’s action and the Senate suit appear to have given a temporary respite to the public debate on the issue of the constitutional right of the president to suspend the CJN when the law saddles the NJC with such a responsibility, including appointment of any judge.

The manner in which Buhari suspended the CJN and appointed an acting CJN has been a big concern for Nigerians and members of the international community that the nation might be heading towards a major political upheaval.

Perhaps, feeling the heat, the federal government has reportedly decided to seek for a political solution to douse the rising tension in the polity. The Nation newspaper report on Thursday, January 31, disclosed that a 12-man Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, team had met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on how to resolve the row over Onnoghen’s suspension.

Mohammad

The newspaper quoted sources close to the talks that the NBA team, led by Paul Usoro, SAN, its national president and two former presidents had with Osinbajo on Sunday, January 28, night till the wee hours of Monday in a frank session. Also, at the meeting were senior lawyers, including A. B. Mahmood, SAN, an ex-NBA president, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and others.

The leaders of the NBA at the meeting were said to have restated the fact that they disagreed on the procedure adopted by the government in the suspension of Onnoghen. The NBA representatives also reviewed the case and charged that the NJC should have been allowed to handle the matter as required by the law. “They also faulted the government for a allegedly trying to desecrate the Judiciary since Onnoghen symbolises the highest authority in this arm of government.

“At the end of the day, they sought for soft landing for the CJN who has no immunity under the 1999 Constitution.

“They also explained that it was wrong for the Acting CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, to have made himself available for inauguration when a ruling of the Court of Appeal was being awaited,” the report said.

Nevertheless, the meeting at the Presidential Villa was regarded as a means to seek a “soft landing” for the CJN, who is expected to resign in what a source described as a “win-win” situation.

According to the report, there is a six-point terms of resolution to be delivered to Onnoghen through his confidants, relatives and friends, who will be expected to persuade him to resign from office or go on retirement.

Indeed, the terms discussed by the NBA at the session were given as follows: the CJN to resign or retire without coercion; Government to withdraw all charges against Onnoghen; no molestation of CJN under any guise; Acting CJN should quit; the NBA team to prevail on relatives, friends to persuade Onnoghen to resign; and consensus on the need to clean up the Judiciary (long term measure).

The VP is said to have assured the NBA team that he will convene their requests to the government.

Osinbajo

A minister in the Buhari government was reported to have confirmed that some representatives of the CJN had opened talks with the federal government on “how to resolve the crisis in the bench” by the two arms of the government.

 

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Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading, listed conglomerate with investment in the Power, Hospitality, and Energy sectors, has announced impressive Q1 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2024.


In its Q1 2024 unaudited results, Transcorp reported significant year-on-year growth, with revenue rising to N88.6 billion from N32.4 billion in 2023, representing a 173% increase.


The impressive results are largely driven by a remarkable 209% year-on-year revenue growth within the power business, highlighting significant strategic progress as part of Transcorp Group’s implementation of its integrated power strategy.


The hospitality business recorded a 68% year-on-year growth in revenue, driven by an increase in occupancy rate from 75% to 82% compared to the previous year.


The results show substantial growth across all financial indicators, reinforcing its market leadership and strategic positioning.

Highlight of Transcorp Group Results:
• Q1 2024 Revenue was N88.6 billion, a significant increase of 173%, compared to Q1 2023.


• Operating income increased by 479%, from N8.5 billion in Q1 2023 to N49.1 billion in Q1 2024.


• Operating expenses saw an increase of 40% year on year to N8.2 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting the impact of inflation and cost of operations.


• Net finance cost increased by 14% to N3.7 billion in 2024 from N3.2 billion in 2023 due to a slightly higher interest rate review in line with MPR.


• Profit before tax from ordinary business of the Group surged by 1110%, amounting to N34.7 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N2.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.


• Profit before tax inclusive of extra ordinary income was N45.7 billion in 2024 compared to N2.9 billion in 2023.


• The Group recorded extra ordinary income of N11 billion during the period from the realised gain from the sale of shares.


• Profit after Tax including the extra ordinary income improved 1832% year-on-year to N35.9 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N1.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.


• Earnings per share of the Group was N61.12k in Q1 2024, compared to N2.58k in Q1 2023.


• On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 8.3%, from N530 billion in December 2023 to N574 billion in Q1 2024 due to the increase in operational activities.


• Shareholders’ funds increased by 20% from N187billion in December 2023 to N224 billion at the end of Q1 2024 due to profit accreted to retained earnings.

In response to the results, Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, commented, “Our Q1 2024 results demonstrates Transcorp Group’s resilience and commitment to excellence.

Despite the challenges, we achieved growth across all major indices, focusing on operational efficiency at both our power plants, and maximising opportunities within our hospitality business, showing our ability to adapt and succeed in changing markets.

We will continue to deliver sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and value for our shareholders.”


This robust achievement is a further demonstration of the Group’s strategic focus and effective execution. Transcorp is dedicated to its transformation agenda, emphasising sustained growth and a relentless pursuit of long-term value for shareholders.

About Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Plc)
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) is a leading, listed African conglomerate, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors. Driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, Transcorp has built a longstanding reputation for sector transformation, operational excellence, and exceptional financial performance, delivering value to its shareholders.
In the power sector, Transcorp’s businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power – provide over 16% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.

Through its investments in the energy sector including OPL287, Transcorp is developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain.

The Group’s listed hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a digital hospitality platform enabling travellers to book accommodation across Africa.

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AEDC Partners with Government and Stakeholders to Tackle Power Challenges in Nasarawa and Niger State.

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Amid mounting concerns over erratic power supply in Nasarawa State, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the electricity challenges facing the region.

Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly (middle), alongside Yakubu Suleiman Umar, GM of Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (fifth left), and Engr. Johnathan Adeyemi, Chief Business Officer of Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa (KNN) regions (sixth right), and other delegates engaged in a crucial dialogue on electricity service enhancement at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Lafia on April 30th, 2024.

Engr. Jonathan Adeyemi, AEDC’s Chief Business Officer for Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa, represented tye Disco at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on April 30th, 2024, following its summon by the assembly to address the pressing issues.

Acknowledging the frustrations of residents grappling with inconsistent electricity provision, AEDC assured Niger State’s residents of its proactive measures to ameliorate the situation. Promising increased allocation contingent on national generation improvements, AEDC emphasized its dedication to meeting the energy needs of the community. Engr. Adeyemi also urged residents to embrace the deregulation of prepaid meters to expedite their deployment, thus facilitating more efficient monitoring and management of electricity consumption.

During constructive discussions with representatives from the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, both entities resolved to collaborate towards enhancing customer satisfaction and improved service delivery.

In Niger State, AEDC is working to proactively ensure the safety and security of its personnel and infrastructure. Engr. Samuel Odekina, the Niger State Regional Manager and his team, paid a courtesy visit to key law enforcement officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Niger State, CP Ebenezer Danmamman, and the Commandant of NSCDC Niger State Command, Cmdr. Joachin Okafor, on April 26th, 2024. The aim was to foster a conducive environment for reliable electricity supply by addressing pertinent security concerns.

Through continued dialogue and cooperation among AEDC, government agencies, and customers, there exists a shared determination to surmount challenges and improve the electricity landscape in both Niger and Nasarawa state respectively.

Customers were advised to escalate all electricity-related issues via AEDC’s social media platforms or its offices for technical or commercial support.

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Tree4Life Project: NEPL/Seplat JV, Edo Sign Reforestation Agreement

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd/Seplat Energy Joint Venture and the Edo State Government have signed an agreement that will see the state government allocate 6,000 hectares of land from its protected forest reserves to enable a large-scale tree planting initiative by Seplat Energy Plc.

This is in furtherance to the Seplat Tree4Life Initiative and the Edo State Government’s identification of the need to increase forest cover and carbon sequestration efforts within the region.

Seplat Energy has been selected as the partner to implement this reforestation project, which aims to plant millions of indigenous trees on the allocated land over the next five (5) years. This project represents a significant investment in environmental conservation and sustainable development for the state.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, which happened in Edo State Government House, the Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, Seplat Energy, Ayodele Olatunde, said the partnership will contribute in the global efforts around mitigating the effects of climate change, whilst providing economic, social, health and other environmental benefits to the region.

“This will stir more advocacy as far as climate change is concerned and put the Edo State Government with the Seplat JV on the map as change agents. The partnership is well aligned with our Tree4Life Initiative and has the capacity to boost our economy and the environment; advance our soil health and drive carbon capture; preserve our ecosystem; enhance biodiversity; create jobs; conserve our forests; and promote physical and mental wellbeing of our people,” Olatunde said.

The Commissioner for Environment & Sustainability, Edo State, Joshua Omokhodion, said the synergy between Edo State and the Seplat JV is a huge attempt at mitigating the impacts of climate change in Nigeria. “Beyond the economics of this move, the science of it is very important to us because it is an attempt to deliberately create an ambience that will be conducive for humans and other creatures here.”

The Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, in her address, thanked the Edo State Government for partnering with the NEPL/Seplat JV on this sustainable journey of reforestation.  She said: “This will drive forward our shared goals of environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

“These 6,000 hectares of land being allocated today, we believe, will provide a major boost to efforts at increasing tree cover and also to sequester carbon in our region. We believe also that this will not only tackle climate change, but will promote the local economy as well as local wildlife. The agreement demonstrates the NEPL/Seplat JV strong commitment to supporting impactful environmental projects.

The Managing Director, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Mr. Uzoma Ezulu, DM Operations Management Seplat, NEPL, said the partnership between the state government and NEPL/Seplat JV is a laudable response to the global warming crisis. “The world is turning around for the worst; human activities in the name of development have done more harm than good to the environment. The Tree4Life project, therefore, is a conservative effort for all of us,” he said. Teasoo Consulting Limited was also among the facilitators of the agreement signing ceremony.

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