By Suleiman Yakubu

Justice Abdullahi Mikailu of Niger State High Court II has issued a bench warrant against the directors of North South Power Company and Stanbic IBTC Bank.
The warrant stems from a criminal case filed by the Niger State Internal Revenue Services (NSIRS) due to the companies' failure to pay statutory taxes.
The NSIRS had served notice to both companies, but their directors failed to appear in court for the scheduled hearing. Representing the companies, counsel Yusuf Koroka was unable to provide satisfactory reasons for their absence.
Justice Mikailu invoked Section 252 of the Niger State Judicial Justice Law, authorising the issuance of the bench warrant. The case has been adjourned to the 10th of this month.
Yusuf Koroka, counsel for the defendants, opposed the lead counsel of NSIRS, Aliyu Ibrahim Lemu, who called for the bench warrant. Koroka argued that Lemu did not specify the directors to be served the warrant, emphasising that such a move would be excessive. He attributed the directors' absence to a strike action that disrupted communication.
Aliyu Ibrahim Lemu, lead counsel for NSIRS, emphasised that the companies deliberately avoided paying their statutory tax. To ensure compliance, NSIRS explored all avenues, including the bench warrant. Lemu confirmed that efforts would be made to serve the warrant, leading to the directors' arrest and their appearance in court for the next hearing.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his innovative approach to governance and for effectively utilising resources to improve the well-being of the people of the state.
The president made the commendation when the governor paid him a visit for the umpteenth time at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The governor had earlier paid a visit to the president in Lagos State, shortly before the one-year anniversary of the administration.
Both meetings ended with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration and partnership in advancing the development agenda of Niger State.
At yesterday's meeting with the president, governor Umaru Bago recounted the significant progress and developmental initiatives that have been implemented, aimed at improving the lot of both the serving and retired civil servants in the state.
The governor also discussed potential areas for future cooperation and agreed to continue to work together towards addressing any outstanding issues that may require federal support.
He acknowledged the crucial role played by the federal government in assisting the state in achieving its developmental goals and addressing various challenges facing the state.
He expressed his gratitude to the president for the continued support as well as reiterated his commitment to working closely with the federal government to further advance the socio-economic development of the state.