News
Japa syndrome: Reps vote against anti-migration motion
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, unanimously voted against a motion seeking to make the Federal Government address the issues causing Nigerian professionals to migrate to other countries en masse, in search of greener pastures.
A new member of the House, Philip Agbese, had moved a motion titled ‘Need to Declare Emigration of Young Nigerians Abroad A.K.A Japa Syndrome a National Emergency,’ urging the government to “convene a national summit with key stakeholders to effectively address the ‘Japa Syndrome.’
The phenomenon is popularly known as ‘Japa,’ a Yoruba word that simply means to go away from a problem or trouble.
Agbese also prayed the House to “declare a state of Emergency on the factors that predispose young Nigerians to give up on Nigeria in preference for other nations.”
The lawmaker cited statistics from the Nigerian Economic Summit, which says a growing number of young Nigerians are relocating abroad. He also said recent reports by the African Polling Institute indicate that 69 per cent of young people would opt to relocate abroad if given the chance or if the opportunity presents itself.
He added that there is a 40 per cent increase in the number of young Nigerians leaving the nation, compared to the number captured in 2019, as the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs reported that international emigration from Nigeria in 2020 total 1.7million, which is a substantial increase from 990,000 in 2010.
Agbese said, “The House is concerned that the growing statistics of young Nigerians leaving Nigeria and securing permanent residence in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada portends a grave danger for our nation in many ways from economic to intellectual and social aspects.
“The House is also concerned that the Nigerian population is made of two-thirds of persons under the age of 30 and a good number of these persons are already afflicted with what today is acceptably referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome,’ as estimates indicate a staggering tens of thousands have relocated to the USA, Canada, South Africa and, even, Gambia over the last two years;
“The House is worried that the eagerness to migrate to countries that offer hope seems to have a compelling influence. The House is also worried that those leaving Nigeria are not just the poor but middle class who possess skills/workforce, including bankers, lecturers, health care practitioners, doctors, nurses, and trained manpower, all of whom were trained in Nigeria and emigrating at a time when their services are needed to build a strong and vibrant economy in Nigeria.
“The House is disturbed that if this scenario continues with our able minds, brains and skilled personnel leaving, Nigeria may fall into a grave crisis in our critical sectors from education to healthcare, thereby making a bad situation worse.”
The lawmaker pointed out that the young population remains one of our greatest assets. “Though the prospects of a growing Nigerians in the Diaspora could be beneficial in a way, it should not be at the expense of our needed manpower,” he added, stressing that it bothers on national pride “when our young bright minds leave the country in droves, conveying an impression that ‘Nigeria is a sinking ship that everyone is rushing to get out of.’”
Agbese also stated that life-changing decisions, whether to stay in one’s country or emigrate, should not be anchored on challenges ranging from insecurity to poor health sector, poor educational system and poor economy, among others.
However, after a ranking member of the House, Dennis Idahosa, seconded the motion, another ranking member, Sada Soli, raised a constitutional point of order to say that the motion would infringe on the fundamental rights of Nigerians if adopted by the chamber.
Soli said, “Chapter 4 of the Constitution is talking about the fundamental rights; and go to Section 35 talking about the personal liberty of an individual. This motion, as it is, looks nationalistic but it contravenes the provisions of the Constitution.
“It is the liberty of a Nigerian if he is qualified and he is normal, and he has all the granted right of movement (to) anywhere he wants. It is the right of a Nigerian if he has the right qualifications, to go anywhere to source for a living. The Constitution of Nigeria allows even dual citizenship, talk less of moving somewhere to earn a living. If we allow this motion on this floor, it contravenes the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Opposing Soli, another ranking member of the House, Ahmad Jaha, argued that the motion was more about the factors causing mass exodus from Nigeria and not a restriction of exit from the country. He urged the lawmakers to “be mindful of the prayers of the motion before killing it.”
Jaha partly said, “The mover of the motion is not praying that everybody should be stopped from going abroad. We should take this into consideration. But it is advising because we have to tell each other the truth; the factors enumerated, which are the actual factors or reasons behind people leaving this country to seek greener pastures somewhere (else).
“What he is trying to say in a nutshell is that the international community has identified the reasons why Nigerians are compelled to go outside the country. What he is saying now is ‘let there be a national summit so that all these factors will be given priority, so that at the end of the day Nigerians will be discouraged from going abroad. So, as far as I am concerned, this motion is apt and it should be considered.”
The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Wase, said “As good as the motion may be, first the fundamental issue raised in the Constitution; no law, including our motions and bills…if you go to Section 1(3) of the Constitution, it says any law that is inconsistent with the Constitution to the extent of that inconsistency is best null and void. So, as far as I am concerned, we have to rule on the point of order (raised by Soli) before we can proceed, otherwise, we will be contributing to the contravention of our own constitution.”
When the Speaker eventually put adoption of the motion to voice vote, the lawmakers unanimously voted against it.
The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. J H Abdusallam has vowed that the Nigerian Army will continue to conduct operations in Okuama community, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, until its equipments and arms which were allegedly carted away by hoodlums are recovered.
“We will continue to conduct operations until our equipments and our arms that were carted away are recovered,” the GOC declared while addressing journalists on Tuesday.
He remembered with sadness how troops were brutally murdered in Okuama community in March 2024.
Abdusallam denied reports that the Army invaded the community on Monday.
“This is nigeria. I don’t understand when you say Nigerian Army invaded a place. When Nigeria Army go to operations in a place it is called operations. Why do you say it’s invasion?
“If we are conducting normal military operations in other places, it’s normal military operation not invasion. So it’s normal military operation that the military went to conduct in Okuama not invasion.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate assistance to victims of the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The flood, described as the worst in recent decades, has displaced thousands of residents and affected critical facilities such as the Post Office and Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep concern over the disaster, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, and extended his condolences to the government and people of Borno State, particularly families who have lost their livelihoods.
He called for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas and assured Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of federal support to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population.
As relevant authorities assess the damage, President Tinubu pledged to mobilize federal resources to support the state during this challenging time.
“President Bola Tinubu expresses deep concern about the flooding in parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
“The worst flood in recent decades has displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
“President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
“While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.
“President Tinubu assures Governor Babagana Umara Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.
“He orders the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.
“The President remains committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time”, the statement said.
The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has empowered 95 Ebonyians drawn from the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.
The beneficiaries spent over two months outside Ebonyi State at their training centre in Agbani, Enugu State, where they were trained in fishery, poultry, piggery farming and business management skills.
Governor Nwifuru while receiving the trainees at the State Executive Chamber yesterday, September 9, 2024, registered his utter delight at the fact that the trainees were persistent and focused – staying away from home for over two months to acquire vocational skills.
In a statement released by the Special Assistant to the Governor New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, the governor expressed satisfaction that the empowerment is channelled at beneficiaries who have been trained. As such, the funds will be judiciously and purposefully utilized.
Through an open application to the State Executive Council by the Honourable Commissioner for Human Capital Development – Hon. Mrs. Ann Aligwe, which was approved, the Governor pronounced the empowerment of 95 of the trainees with Three Million Naira (3,000,000.00) each, for them to set up farms and practice what they learnt.
According to the Commissioner, 100 persons were nominated, but some left the camp because of their unwillingness to spend over two months outside home. Others cited different reasons. The Governor reminded the 95 beneficiaries that they will be monitored to ensure proper use of the funds. The training is under the aegis of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Empowerment Programme (FONEP) – the pilot batch.
The Department of State Services (DSS) says its operatives did not unlawfully invade the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office in Abuja.
On Monday, SERAP said the DSS agents were “unlawfully occupying” its office in Abuja, adding that they had demanded to see its directors.
The group had asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the DSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DSS said its operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation to the SERAP office in Abuja.
The secret police said they have been inundated with multiple enquiries on what transpired.
“This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent,” the statement reads.
“For the records, a team of two (2) unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials.
“The Service further wishes to state that such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and does not in any way amount to illegality or raid.
“While it assures of in-depth investigation of these malicious contents, it sues for citizens’ participation in national security management.”
The DSS asked the public to disregard “false narratives”, restating its commitment to professionalism in discharging its core mandate with utmost dedication and integrity.
The Inspector General of Police, through legal officer S.O. Ayodele from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, has filed a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretenses and theft against Nigerian businessman Ebi Otisaye Ogionwo.
In the charges presented before the Federal High Court in Lagos, Ayodele alleges that in 2022, Ogionwo fraudulently obtained $300,000 from Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Beltzemo Nigeria Limited. The funds were purportedly meant to finance an oil trading business, but this representation was false.
The charges against Ogionwo are in violation of Section 1 (1) (c) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.
The two count charge as filed before the court.
Count one:
That you, Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo “M” sometimes in 2022,in Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honorable Court, did by false pretence and with intent to defraud obtained the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars (S300,000:00) from one Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Boltzemo Nigeria Limited under the guise of using the said funds for financing Oil Trading Business, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offer contrary to Section 1(1)(c) and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fec,raud and other Related Offences Act 2006, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
Count two:
That you Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo “M” on the same date, time and place, and in the aforementioned Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did steal the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) from one Mr.Oluwatosin Adefila of Belztzemo Nigeria Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 383 and punishable under section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Act,Cap C 38,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004.
Meanwhile, 14th of October, 2024 has been fixed for the arraignment of the defendant.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered that Taofeeq Osunmakinde, a traditional ruler in Osun, and four others be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged illegal gold mining.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who gave the order after the defendants were prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), directed them to be remanded pending the perfection of their bail conditions
Oba Osunmakinde were arraigned alongside Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited.
The defendants, who were alleged to have committed the offence in Lege Community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, were preferred with two counts.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Oba Osunmakinde is the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun.
The AGF accused the five defendants of conspiring with others at large on Aug. 25 to engage in the illegal mining of gold at the Ogunlepo mining site in Lege community, Odigbo local government area of Ondo State.
The alleged offence is said to be contrary to Section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and punishable under Section 1(8) of the same Act.
The monarch and co-defendants were also alleged to have undertaken gold mining on Aug. 25 without lawful authority contrary to Section 1(8) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and punishable under the same Act.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Counsel to the AGF, Toluwalope Ojo, then asked for a trial date.
Although lawyer Ojo did not object to the bail of the accused persons, he, however, requested the court to compel them to deposit their international passports with the court.
Lawyer to the defendants, Vincent Ododo, who moved consolidated bail applications for his clients, prayed the judge to admit them to bail on various grounds.
Part of the grounds he cited was that the 1st defendant was a well-known traditional ruler and that the charges against them did not carry capital punishment while also assuring that the defendants would not fail to appear in court for trial.
Justice Nwite, in a short ruling, admitted them to bail in the sum of N20 million each with one surety in the like sum.
The judge ordered that the sureties must be resident in Abuja with ownership of landed property and must produce a three-year tax clearance certificate.
He also ordered that the defendants must deposit their international passports along with three copies of each of their recent passport photographs with the deputy chief registrar of the court.
The Judge ordered that they be taken to the correctional facility pending their bail perfection.
The matter was adjourned until Sept. 26 for trial.
Ajaero: Tinubu’s oppressive control surpasses military dictatorship — Atiku
Poll: Edo raises the alarm over arrest of PDP leaders
Referee Kavanagh right to send Rice off – panel
Okuama: We’ll continue operations until our arms are recovered – Nigerian Army vows
“I may have married the kindest person in the world” – Adesua Etomi-Wellington lauds husband, Banky W
Laycon is my brother — DJ Neptune denies defrauding former BBNaija winner
Tinubu orders NEMA to assist Maiduguri flood victims
Oil price drops below $70 per barrel — lowest since December 2021
Amotekun arrest 21 criminals in Ondo
Regulatory costs threaten banking sector’s growth in Nigeria – Tony Elumelu
Metro4 days agoGunmen abduct Babcock Teaching Hospital staff in ogun
Showbiz & Lifestyle16 hours agoADDICTION! It’s difficult to satisfy me in bed, says BBNaija’s Wanni
Spotlights4 days agoPetrol price hike: ‘We’ll shut down the country’ NANS insists on nationwide protest
Spotlights2 days agoAjuri Ngelale: The combination of arrogance and incompetence
Spotlights4 days agoNigerian brothers sentenced to 17 Years in US
News1 day agoCourt remands traditional ruler in prison for alleged illegal gold mining
- Showbiz & Lifestyle1 day ago
“This is longest I have been without s3x” – BBNaija’s Wanni laments