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You Cannot be Trusted With Another Bail, Court Tells Abdulrasheed Maina

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Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, told Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairman, defunct Pension Reformed Taskforce Team (PRTT), that he can not be trusted with another bail after jumping the first granted him. Delivering ruling, Justice Abang, said Maina had disappointed the court in his conduct.

 “Having considered the facts placed before me, the first defendant cannot be trusted with another bail.
“He is not only a potential flight risk but a proven flight risk.“A defendant who fled the country while his travel documents were deposited in court cannot be trusted with another bail. “He has disappointed the court,” he ruled.
He said Maina fled to the Republic of Niger and Chad in violation of the court order, while claiming that he travelled to the countries for the treatment of his kneel.He said in the argument of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar, Maina fled to Niamey, Niger Republic, to obtain a new travel documents with the aim of fleeing to the United States of America.Justice Abang held that the application lacked merit.He said though it was at the court discretion to grant bail, the ex-pension reformed boss did not deserve a bail after jumping the first bail.According to him, Maina did not place sufficient materials before the court to convince the court that he deserves the second bail.He said the medical report brought from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital showed that Maina was not under any medical emergency.The judge said Maina’s medical report, which was attached to a further affidavit instead of an affidavit in support of the bail application, was silent on the purported knee injury which the defendant claimed he suffers.The judge also said the medical report did not show that the ailment the defendant suffers cannot be treated by any medical facility within the country.According to him the court cannot take another risk in granting the 1st defendant bail.“The application lacks merit and it is accordingly dismissed,” Abang ruled. Justice Abang, who refused to grant Maina’s application for an order directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release his confiscated property, including a BMW Car, also dismissed his request for an order to set aside the Nov. 18 and Dec. 4, 2020 orders. The judge the application to vacate the court order made to continue to hear the case in his absence lacked merit.Abang said Maina’s former counsel, M.C Agbo from the chambers of Joe Gazama, consented to the trial in absentia.“An order made with the consent of counsel cannot be complained about.“The subsisting order made with consent of counsel cannot be spent or set aside. It is not even appealable except with the leave of the court.“The application is a nullity,” he held.In addition, the judge earlier dismissed his application seeking the vacation of the order directing him to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and final determination of the matter.Justice Abang, who adjourned the matter until March 1, ordered Maina to open his defence.NAN reports that the court had, on Nov. 18, 2020, ordered the trial of Maina in absentia after he jumped bail. Also on Dec. 4, 2020, the court ordered Maina, after he was rearrested, to be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing and final determination of his matter.But Maina, who jumped bail and fled to Republic of Niger around September last year before his rearrest, had on Dec. 24, 2020, applied for another bail.Maina, through his one of his lawyers, Anayo Adibe, on Jan. 20, approached Justice Abang in a motion on notice.He argued that the application became necessary over his worsening health condition. In the motion, the ex-pension boss told the court that he had reasonable and responsible sureties who were willing to act as sureties if granted bail.Debunking the argument that he had jumped bail, Maina said he only travelled to the Republic of Niger to have a kneel surgery done.He claimed that If the knee surgery had not been done, his leg would have been amputated.(NAN)

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Diri Tasks Corps Members on Patriotism, Selfless Service

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri has urged Corps members to render service to their host communities with the consciousness that they are patriots on national assignment.

Diri, who was represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on NYSC Matters, Dr.

Wisdom Poyeri during the 2025 Batch B, Stream 1 closing ceremony held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, also urged them to face the service year with patriotism, dignity and commitment as their actions and omissions can make or mar national development.

While inspiring them to exhibit commitment and diligence, avoid all forms of truancy and provide service as patriots on national assignment, he assured that his administration remained fully committed to the security and well-being of Corps members.

According to Diri, there are unlimited opportunities available for corps members who have positive mindsets for personal and community development.

“Just like you, the state is on a journey of incredible possibilities. We are expanding our outlook to make us one of the most desirable destinations for work, leisure and tourism. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey,” Diri stated.

He described the warm reception and hospitality of the people of the state as unprecedented and urged the corps members to reciprocate this gesture by working hard in their various places of primary assignments.

“It goes without saying that you will find the people of Bayelsa warm and hospitable and thus, the government is fully committed to your security and welfare. Be assured that we will take measures to ensure that you can go about your legitimate business without let or hindrance.”

“Remember, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Go forth and make your mark as the world awaits.”

While wishing them happiness, success and love in the state, he declared the 2025 Batch B, Stream 1 orientation course closed.

Earlier, the State Coordinator, Okpalifo Obiageli Charity commended the corps members and Camp officials for teamwork and discipline that among other factors ensured a hitch free orientation course and enjoined the Corps members to promptly report to their respective places of primary assignments.

She charged them to settle down, render quality service to nations in the state and leave positive indelible marks in their respective host communities.

The Corps members were   also warned against engaging in actions and omissions that will put their lives in danger and negatively affect their service year.

Particularly, she cautioned against the negative use of social media, travelling at night and traveling across the river without life jacket.

She reminded them that primary assignment runs simultaneously with Community Development Service and urged them to identify the felt needs of the host community, initiate and execute viable CDS projects that will address such needs to leave a legacy beneficial to the people.

She further highlighted that the Bayelsa State Government, alongside the NYSC, has put together a reward system for Corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year.

“During the period of this orientation course, you participated in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training. The time for you to build on that foundation and refine your chosen skill has come. As you proceed to your places of Primary Assignments, please, do not let this foundation die; Identify a skill centre nearest to you so as to perfect on the skill you have acquired while on camp. The future of this country’s economy lies in your hands- do not waste this golden opportunity.” She explained

She expressed sincere gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for its commitment to the welfare and security of the Corps members. She also appreciated collaborating partners and Camp officials for their team spirit, and commitment throughout the period of the orientation programme.

She called on all Corps Employers and traditional rulers in the state  to ensure that Corps lodges are habitable and secured for Corps members  She thanked God for a hitch free orientation course and prayed for journey mercies as camp officials, corps members and invited guests departed the camp to their various destinations.

Highlights of the event were the inspection of guards and a colourful parade display by the Corps members.

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Tinubu Commiserates with Ododo on Father’s Demise

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By Divine Ndukwe, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on the passing of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga yesterday in Abuja.

The President stresses that his thoughts and prayers are with the Ododo family, friends, and the people of Kogi State as they mourn the deceased.

Alhaji Momohsani died on Monday after the 2PM Muslim prayers at 83.

Tinubu described the deceased as a respected community leader whose legacy is evident in the accomplishments of the children he nurtured.

The President urged Governor Ododo, his family, and the entire Ododo clan to take solace in their patriarch’s life of service to God and the moral and religious values that guided him.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and God’s comfort for the bereaved family, friends and associates.

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NASS Seeks Distinct Salary Structure for Legislative Aides

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By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja 

The National Assembly has sought for a distinct salary structure for the legislative aides of the 469 federal lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives, totalling well over 300,000. 

Aside from a distinct salary structure which will take care of their various peculiar financial needs, the National Assembly also sought for the insulation of appointments of the political appointees from arbitrary terminations by their principals.

 

Making the calls in his address at a 3 day capacity building training organised yesterday for the legislative aides in Abuja yesterday,  the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana said that the challenges must be tackled for the aides in other to ensure a better service delivery from them and by extension, better the performance of the federal lawmakers.

According to Barrister Ogunlana, ” we are not unaware of the challenges you face. Although Legislative Aides are political appointees, your conditions of service are tied to the template of career civil servants, which appears not to take cognizance of your peculiar needs.

” Unlike the career civil servants, your appointments do not guarantee job security with your tenure largely dependent on your principals, and ranking is often not based on qualifications or competence.

“Furthermore, there is currently no comprehensive law or guidelines clearly defining the duties and responsibilities of the various cadres of Legislative Aides. This leaves gaps that sometimes expose you to arbitrary decisions and unfair treatment.

“The present management believes it is time to address these systemic issues.

We are advocating that the National Assembly Service Commission and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission should consider developing a distinct salary structure and conditions of service that reflect the unique nature of your work. 

“We also believe the qualifications for appointments should be reviewed to attract competent and experienced personnel. Equally important is the need for mechanisms to prevent arbitrary termination of appointments by principals”. 

In his remarks at the training organized by the National Assembly in collaboration with Research Enterprise Systems ( RES), the Chairman of National Assembly Service Commission ( NASC), Saviour Enyiekere tasked the legislative aides to be more knowledgeable and skillfull than their principals for robust legislative outputs at both chambers of the National Assembly.

Categories of legislative aides attending the 3- day event are the Chief of Staff to the four Presiding officers in NASS, their Special Advisers, Senior Legislative Aides ( SLA) to federal lawmakers etc. 

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