NEWS
Enugu Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy Considers Clemency for Convicted Inmates
From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy (ACPM) in Enugu State said it was considering applications for clemency for convicted and prison inmates in the state.
The ACPM said that it would examine the applications and make recommendations to Governor Peter Mbah, adding that recommendations may either be for or against the exercise of the power of prerogative of mercy.
The Commissioner for Justice, Dr.
Kingsley Tochi Udeh in his speech noted that the Council is empowered by the extant laws of Enugu State and the 1999 Constitution, as amended.According to Udeh, who doubles as the ACPM Chairman emphasized that the council would be guided by working guidelines and international standards towards ensuring transparency, credibility and fairness in the treatment of applications for clemency, in line with governance philosophy of Governor Peter Mbah.
The guidelines and standards would assist the Council in determining whether to recommend to the Governor to grant clemency in the exercise of his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy. Pursuant to Section 212 (1) of the Constitution of Nigeria, the Governor, in exercising this power, may grant any person concerned with or convicted of any offence created by any law of a state a pardon, either free or subject to conditions.
“Grant to any person a respite of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for an offence, substitute a lesser severe form of punishment for any person for such an offence.
Remit the whole or any part of punishment for any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence or of any penalty forfeiture otherwise due to the state on account of such an offence.
He pointed out that the Governor of Enugu State, in exercising his powers of Prerogative of Mercy, follows general principles that ensure fairness and equity, while taking cognizance that it is granted only in exceptional and truly deserving cases”.
The Attorney-General maintained that each application will be examined on its own merit, taking into consideration the circumstances of the individual applicants and their show of character reformation or good conduct in the course of serving their court sentence.
He however stressed that consideration may not be given to the hardship of anyone who may be affected by the applicant’s serving of court sentence, and the application may not be considered posthumously.
It will be recalled that Governor Peter Mbah recently inaugurated the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in the pursuit of his vision for transformative criminal justice administration, prison reform and decongestion, and societal rebuilding.
NEWS
NYSC Members Lack Nothing in Daura – Emir
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything in his domain, as they lack nothing.
The emir made the statement when he received the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu, on a courtesy visit on Thursday in Daura.
According to the emir, NYSC is the only programme left for all Nigerians that ensure unity, from government to communities and individuals.
Umar-Faruk called on all Nigerians to see the NYSC members as, ”Children of necessity, orphans who has no family, Children that also need assistance, protection, guidance and comfort.
“NYSC members should not be seen as vulnerable for exploitation and molestation, they should be provided with shelter, food and everything that will make them comfortable in any place they found themselves
“Corps members don’t suffer anything in my domain, they lack nothing, because I always do my best to ensure they are well accommodated.
”He advised other communities in the country to do the same for the development and sustenance of the scheme, stressing that NYSC has done so much for the unity and integration of Nigeria after the civil war.
Earlier, Sa’idu told the emir that he was in his palace being one of the critical stakeholders to report that he has resumed office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state, and also to request for his blessings.
The coordinator assured the emir that the scheme would continue to collaborate with the Emirate Council towards the development of the country and the nation’s unity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the NYSC Katsina State End of Service Year Publication to the Emir. (NAN)
NEWS
Host Communities, Litigations Delay Trust Fund Implementation – HOSTCOM
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation are caused by community members and litigations.
The HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarifications on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.
Report says that HCDTs are responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.
Host communities in Akwa Ibom had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which it said hindered the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Community representatives from HCDTs in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs claimed that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) failed to enforce statutory sanctions on oil companies that delay funds.
Tamaranebi, who condemned the recent publication regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in the state, urged the public to disregard it as it was unfounded.
“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.
“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.
He recalled that the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.
The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability ensuring that community voices were heard at a higher level.
Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.
“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.
On concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, he urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.
He added that HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states to continue to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities.(NAN)
NEWS
Nigerian Army Emphasises Responsible Social Media use for National Security
The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development.
Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made this remark at the 37th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Calabar on Thursday.
Dahiru, who was the Special Guest of Honour said the seminar, noted that social media could shape the security environment but could also be misused to spread harmful content.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the army and promote community engagement.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasised responsible online behaviour to enhance national security.
He warned against spreading unverified information and urged Nigerians to be mindful of those sowing discord.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, acknowledged social media’s impact on society but also highlighted its negative tendencies, such as cyberbullying and depression.
He advocated for the military’s involvement in social media to address security challenges.
(NAN)