Category Archives: ICT

Senate’s Arrest Order Against Kyari Raises Due Process Concerns – Arewa Youths

by Idriss Lossa

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has condemned the arrest order reportedly issued against the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Mele Kyari, by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, describing the action as capable of undermining the principles of fairness and due process.

In a statement issued on Thursday signed by its president, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, the group expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of trial by media and premature public judgment before the conclusion of investigations.

AYAGL acknowledged the constitutional oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly but stressed that such powers must be exercised in accordance with justice, fairness, and established legal procedures.

The group noted that reports indicated that Kyari had communicated his inability to appear before the committee due to medical treatment outside the country and had expressed readiness to honour the invitation upon his return.

According to the youth organisation, the decision to issue an arrest order under such circumstances raises questions about proportionality and respect for due process.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. No individual, institution, region or political group owns this country. Every Nigerian citizen deserves to be treated fairly and accorded the constitutional right to be heard before judgment is passed,” the statement said.

AYAGL also appealed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole to ensure that the matter is handled in a manner that does not create the impression of personal bias.

The group described Oshiomhole as a respected national leader with a longstanding reputation for advocating justice, democracy and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, urging him to promote objectivity and national cohesion in the handling of the matter.

It further warned against attempts by individuals or groups to use public institutions to settle scores or discredit achievements recorded in the petroleum sector during Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL.

The organisation maintained that under Kyari’s leadership, the national oil company witnessed significant reforms, including the publication of audited financial statements, implementation of key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), strengthening of corporate governance structures, attraction of investments, refinery rehabilitation efforts and initiatives aimed at improving accountability across the petroleum value chain.

While insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny, AYAGL stressed that investigations must not be transformed into persecution or public conviction before the establishment of facts.

The group also called on national leaders to focus attention on pressing challenges facing the country, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and youth development.

According to AYAGL, national discourse should be directed towards strengthening economic reforms, promoting national unity and addressing issues affecting the daily lives of citizens rather than creating distractions capable of deepening divisions.

It therefore urged the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and other stakeholders to ensure that all investigations are conducted professionally, fairly and without prejudice.

The group reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law, while rejecting any attempt to criminalise or demonise individuals before the conclusion of due process.

“Nigeria’s democracy will flourish when justice is guided by evidence, fairness and due process, not by media sensationalism, political pressure or public hysteria,” the statement added. :

ENDS

Philanthropic Organisations To Train 10, 000 Youths From 7 States On Digital Skills, Technology, ICT and Others   

Mallam Bala Idrisu, the Managing Director of Renaissance Logistics and Supplies Limited, in partnership with Wootlab Foundation and in conjunction with Microsoft has concluded arrangements to train and empower 10,000 Nigerians. 

The implementing partner, Wootlab Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to address inequalities for underrepresented and marginalised children and youths by providing opportunities that foster economic growth and financial freedom through digital literacy interventions. 

The intensive digital skills training under the Learn Entrepreneurship and Applicable Digital Skills (LEADS) initiative comprises intensive two-week trainer-led classes in highly sought-after digital skills to support their entry into the tech industry and attract opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking with Newsmen in Lokoja, Mallam Bala stated that out of the 10,000 beneficiaries to be trained, 5,000 will be selected from Kogi West local government.

The remaining 5,000 people who will receive training and empowerment, he added, will be distributed as follows: 2000 will come from Nasarawa State, 500 from Bayelsa, 500 from Lagos, 500 from Delta State, 500 from Kaduna State, and 1000 from Kano State.

According to the Managing Director of Renaissance Logistics and Supplies Limited, registration for the training and empowerment will begin on Monday, 12th of December, 2022, while the actual training will commence in January 2023.

He said that, in addition to the physical training in Lokoja for individuals from Kogi West, there would also be virtual training, with participants receiving incentives like computers, Android phones, and data to learn.

At the end of the training, the best trainee would receive a laptop, while the two runners-up would receive Android phones.

Mallam Bala explained that the training will be in the chosen areas of the participants. He expressed optimism that at the end of the training, the trainees will be self reliant and gainfully employed. 

To register, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/wootlableads3