University Students To Pay N80k For Electricity

By

-

August 1, 2024

Nigeria university students may be made to pay N80,000 for electricity as part of their tuition, according to university Vice Chancellors.

The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian, CCCNU, made this known through their Secretary General, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu.

Prof. Ochefu to the Punch that universities in the country have decided to charge the amount from students to defray the rising cost of electricity in the nation’s ivory towers.

According to him, following the increase in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, universities now pay as much as N200 million monthly as electricity cost, which he said has become unsustainable for the universities.

From barely N1 billion yearly, Ochefu disclosed that the combined cost of electricity for universities in the country has risen to N4 billion following the hike in tariff by the NERC, adding that the Association has already written a letter to the federal government for its intervention.

He said the cost need to be reversed failure which the university authorities will have to compel students to pay N8,000 to reduce the burden on the university management.

Ochefu said, “Before the new tariff, universities were paying around N1bn annually, but now the cost has risen to N4bn per annum. How are they supposed to find such funds? How much is being allocated to universities for their overhead budgets?

“If the FG doesn’t step in to rescue the universities, the costs will be transferred to students as user charges, amounting to N80,000 per student. Alternatively, universities will have to limit their operations to four hours a day.

“For example, UNIBEN is currently running a generator for four hours daily, which costs them N60m a month. This is unsustainable given the need for a functioning library, internet access, and laboratory facilities.

“The charges presented before us are unrealistic. Universities can’t afford to pay N200m or N300m monthly for electricity. The Federal Government needs to reconsider this decision. We have written to the President, requesting a concessionary rate or a return to the previous rate based on the funding provided by the FG to universities. There has been no response yet. We wrote the letter when the policy was first announced.

“The matter is now in the hands of the pro-chancellors, as it is a critical funding issue. The Vice-Chancellors have done their part.”

The magazine had reported that the NERC hiked electricity tariff by over 300 percent in April for Band A customers’ category which universities in the country belong, and has refused to reverse the increase despite the directive from the National Assembly to that effect.

#EndBadGovernance: Rights Activist, Bolaji Akinyemi, Alleges Plot To Attack Igbos, Calls For Sit-At-Home

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

August 1, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, human rights activist and the convener of Apostolic Roundtable, has raised an alarm over a purported plot to attack non-Yoruba resident in Lagos especially the Igbos during the nationwide protests against hunger.

This was as he called on ‘strangers’ in the nation’s economic capital, Lagos, to stage a sit-at-home disposition in the course of the protest, saying there was a premonition that some hired thugs were out to unleash mayhem on the innocent non-speaking Yoruba Nigerians in the Lagos.

According to him, the precarious situation the country currently finds itself was a consequence of the undue quest for one man to grab power by all means with the, “Emilokan” mantra.

The Yoruba clergy spoke in a statement he issued in Enugu, on Wednesday night, saying, “In the reality of the life of the biggest nation on the continent is how a lion adopted the character of a tortoise and initiated emilokan dance, sold it as awa lokan, to his tribe.”

The statement reads in part, “Yet, “Oro” voices are heard from their grottoes forbidding the youth from protesting and then threatening strangers in, “a o merin joba land”.

“Cracks in the wall of the nation are ignored, consequently the crumbling of the structure that may bury all alive.

“Restructuring of our federation vis-a-vis the suspension of the 1963 CFRN and incorporating the 2014 Conference reviews was a stitch meant for yesterday to save today; but it was ignored! The tears in our garments as widened. Would a stitch in time, of “#EndBadGovernance” cry save nine?”

He further averred that President Tinubu would have avoided the crises bedeviling the country if he acted faster on marrying the 1963 Constitution and implementing the recommendations of the 2014 Constitution Review Conference convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

It added, “Will the BAT of mystery and mischief reach for the needle and the thread to knit the 1963 constitution with 2014 Conference to give Nigeria a new life. The government is not what the youths are demanding to end, rather bad governance.

“If “#EndBadGovernance” is successfully suppressed, “end bad Government” may be an inevitable consequence of the docility of government to end the bad, for the good.

“Intelligences on this proposed protest is damming. From the streets, I glean the determination of the ewe ku ewele tribe to work with the tribe up the northern river to torment the Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo tribe.

“Save lives by giving Nigeria, not our wicked leader, this last chance to survive. May I appeal to all friends of the leader to please tell him to end bad governance!

“A sit-at-home protest is my recommendation to all parents and youths alike. With a “sit-at-home” protest, we are bound to have the same result.”

#EndBadGovernance: Police Nab Two Persons, Recover Arms Amid Protest

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

August 1, 2024

0

EndBadGovernance - Two Suspects Arrested

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Protest gathers momentum in Lagos with major roads empty, almost, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in the Mushin Local Government Area of the State.

The two suspects were identified as 42-year-old Sherrif Mustapha, and 28-year-old Suturat Lateef while one other suspect escaped after the law enforcement officers swooped on them.

Benjamin Hundeyin, Spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, disclosed this on Thursday in a statement released on his official social media handle.

Hundeyin explained that the tactical team responded to a call about armed men on Agoro Street, Mushin, around 1.00 am, allegedly, planning to cause violence at the protest.

According to the statement: “This morning at about 1am, responding to a distress call about the presence of armed men on Agoro Street, Mushin, our tactical team based in Surulere swiftly moved in and arrested Sherrif Mustapha ‘m’ aged 42 and Suturat Lateef ‘f’ aged 28 while one other escaped.

“The suspects led the Police to 1, Moshalashi Street, Mushin where the following were recovered: two AK 47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, one Red Rufer rifle, three pump action rifles, two locally made single barrel pistols, five magazines, ⁠57 live cartridges and ⁠70 5.56 live ammunition.

“Also recovered by the police were 27 9mm ammunition, one expended 5.56 ammunition, one dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports.

“Investigation is ongoing! If you see something, say something. Security is everyone’s business!”

Jonathan Mourns Onyeka Onwenu, Describes Late Songster As True Nigerian Idol

By

The Source

-

August 1, 2024

0

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed his condolences on the sudden death of the music legend, Ms Onyeka Onwenu, describing her as a true Nigerian icon who promoted good values.

The former President who stated this in a condolence message to the family of the late songster noted that the country has lost a shining star whose achievements inspired many Nigerians.

In a statement issued by Ikechukwu Eze, his media adviser, Dr. Jonathan said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the famous journalist and songster, Onyeka Onwenu. As a nation, we have lost a shining star and a true Nigerian idol whose music, artistry, activism and humanitarian work inspired many across the country. She will be fondly remembered for her remarkable contributions to our country’s entertainment industry and her tireless efforts to promote good values.

“As a broadcaster, singer and actor she did so much to promote the arts and Nigeria’s cultural heritage. She also made her mark in public service and strove to improve the lot of women, especially while serving as the Director General of the National Centre for Women Development.”

The former President further declared that “Onwenu’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and her memory will continue to be cherished.”

Insecurity In Imo: “There Was No Attack/Invasion Of Owerri Correctional Centre, IMSU Hostel” – Police

By

The Source

-

August 1, 2024

0

Aboki Danjuma - Imo Commissioner of Police — Aboki Danjuma, Imo state Commissioner of Police

By Charles Igbo

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed as fake and nauseating the story in some sections of the Social Media that gunmen attacked the Owerri Correctional Centre on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The Command, also, put a lie to another story which made the rounds that Security Agents invaded a students’ Hostel at the Imo State University to warn the students not to join the Nationwide protest by, mostly, youths against excruciating hunger in the land.

A statement signed by the Command’s Spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye said an attack on the Correctional Centre could not have been possible as there is a massive deployment of Security Agents in all “nooks and crannies” including the Correctional Center.

He said those spreading such fake rumours are only out to spread fears among Imo citizens and revealed that one of them has been arrested by the Police.

He, however, admitted that there have been attacks in some areas in the State which he attributed to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its Militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN.

But Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based Head of a breakaway faction of IPOB has since claimed responsibility for the killings in the State, specifically, the killing of four Policemen in Irete a couple of days ago. A viral video showed off four guns collected from the neutralised Policemen.

The Police Command, in an earlier statement, swore to get the perpetrators of the killings in the State dead or alive.

Following is the full text of the Wednesday statement which denied the attack on Owerri Prisons by gunmen, and/or the invasion of the Imo State University Hostel by Security Agents.

ATTACK ON IMO CORRECTIONAL CENTER FALSE, MISLEADING MALICIOUS, AND HANDIWORK OF MISCHIEF MAKER’S

“The Imo State Police Command is issuing this statement in response to a publication making the rounds on social media that the Correctional Service Custodial Center, Owerri was attacked by gunmen today, 31/07/2024.

“The Command wishes to state clearly that the said publication is entirely false, misleading, and malicious. The publication is a calculated attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of Imo State.

“We wish to inform Imo people that the operatives of the entire security agencies have been massively deployed to all the nooks and crannies of the state including the correctional center to evade any threat of attack.

“In the same vein, the command wishes to debunk another trending video suggesting that security operatives invaded a hostel at Imo State University, warning the students to stay off the planned nationwide demonstration.

“A thorough investigation of the video revealed that nothing of such happened in either the IMSU hostel or anywhere in the state. The Command is committed to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters but however, warned against any violent demonstration that could lead to destruction of lives and properties in the state.

“Consequently, a thorough investigation has been initiated to apprehend the purveyor of the misleading publication cum video as one suspect has been arrested.

“We are also aware of the recent pocket of attacks in some places in the state orchestrated by suspected members of IPOB/ESN, however, the Command in synergy with other security agencies is working harmoniously to apprehend the hoodlums responsible for the attacks and normalcy has been restored.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma therefore called on the general public to disregard the misleading information and urged them to remain security conscious and report any suspicious activity via the Command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08148024755.

“CP Aboki Danjuma appeals to Ndi Imo that through collaborative efforts and partnership, a safer and more prosperous Imo State will be achieved.

“ASP HENRY OKOYE, ANIPR

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

IMO STATE COMMAND.”

Murder So Cruel: How Justice Offili-Ajumogobia’s Medical Doctor-Daughter Was Murdered In Her Ikoyi, Lagos Home

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

August 1, 2024

0

By Adesina Soyooye

For Honourable Justice Rita Offili-Ajumogobia and her husband, Sobomo, the younger brother to a former Minister for State Petroleum, Odien Ajumogobia, SAN, Wednesday, 31st July couldn’t have been more dreadful than it turned out to be. It was a nightmare – any parent’s worst nightmare.

They woke up to the dreadful news that their daughter, Aribemchukwu, has been murdered.

Fondly called Chuchu, Aribemchukwu was a Medical Daughter.

Her residence was Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, a highbrow Estate, thought to be safe. But it was where she was murdered in cold blood. To cover-up that she was not murdered in her house, her killers dragged her body to outside the gate and dumped it there.

Who dunnit?

Accusing fingers are strongly pointing at her domestic staff. They were new, allegedly, hired about a month ago. It is not yet known why she was murdered.

Before the Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command confirmed her murder, a family member who did not identify himself, but obviously an uncle to the murdered Chuchu, broke the news in the social media.

Distraught, he broke the blood cuddling and scary story thus:

“MURDER AT PARKVIEW”

“Regret to let you, my brothers, know before the media is awash with the news. My brother and sister- in-law Soboma and Rita Ajumogobia’s daughter was murdered in their house in Parkview, we think last night as her body was discovered this morning outside the gate to their house.

“It would appear that new household staff might have been responsible and tried to stage as if she was outside when it happened.

“However signs of an attempt to clean up blood inside the house and in the compound tell a different story.

“If this was indeed the handiwork of the staff, it’s salient to observe that they were newly employed …less than a month and she was alone in the house with them.

“We all need to be super careful. Especially with new hire.

“Chuchu, a doctor was a lovely daughter and this a great tragedy for the family after the recent very happy wedding celebrations of her only brother.

“May her soul rest in peace and the good Lord comfort Soboma and Rita at this time and help them cope with this tragedy.”

Lagos Police Command Spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said three people – a driver and two maids.

Recall that the Department of State Services, DSS, on Wednesday revealed that a domestic staff of Professor Olorunfemi Olaofe, a Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, arranged for his kidnapping by a seven-man gang. For 20 days, they held without making contacts with anybody.

His decomposing body was later to be found, buried in a shallow grave in a farmland.

Ogene Solicits Media Support For South East Dev. Comm.

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

July 31, 2024

0

Media practitioners have been urged to promote the newly established South East Economic Development Commission.

Member representing Ogbaru federal constituency of Anambra state, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene made the call in his lecture entitled, “Defining A New Economic And Societal Order: The Role Of The Media” which he delivered at a summit organised by the South East Zone of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) which the theme was “South East: Towards A Robust Blueprint For Sustainable Development” held in Awka, Anambra state on Wednesday.

Ogene who is Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy and leader, Labour Party, LP, Caucus of the House also tasked the media to sensitise electorate in the South East zone against monetisation of those being voted into public positions.

The federal lawmaker’s lecture delivered on his behalf by the Dean of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Collins Okafor.

Though Hon. Ogene in the paper listed several challenges limiting optimal performance of media practitioners citing for instance poor remuneration, harassment and intimidation, poor necessary working tools, censorship by media owners, especially government-owned media organisations, difficulty in sourcing information among others, he, however, urged media professionals to remain resilient in discharging their duties.

The lawmaker bemoaned influence of money in political office recruitment in the South East saying “Coming down to the South East, it’s important to note that the practice of democratic culture remains alarmingly low among the electorate in the South East, where leadership recruitment for political offices is often heavily influenced by monetary considerations.

“To address this, the media must intensify its efforts to sensitize the public, emphasizing the importance of electing candidates with the capacity to deliver good governance for the greater good.

“This shift in focus is crucial to counter the prevalent practice of voters prioritizing personal gains over collective benefits during elections, especially as Anambra election draws near”, he rather advised.

The lawmaker who was honoured with ‘Distinguished Professional Service Award” at the summit stated that the media has not adequately reported on critical issues affecting the South East region.

He, stated, there were scarcity of essential infrastructure, such as roads, particularly in rural areas, insecurity, inadequate health facilities, insufficient public school structures , inadequate teacher training and skills, and, urged media to fight the sad situation.

He also called on the media to promote accountability, expose corrupt public office holders in the region to promote development and progress in the region.

He commended those who contributed to the successful signing into law of the South East Development Commission Act by President Bola Tinubu.

“This is a significant milestone for the region, and I urge the media to play a crucial role in projecting the commission’s work.

He urged the media to educate the people of the South East on the gains of the South East Economic Development Commission which he said was aimed to develop the entire zone.

He advised the media to ensure that the agency of the economic development commission was accountable and adhered to its mandate once established so that it would be beneficial to the people.

National president of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo and South East Zone vice-president of the union, Comrade Emma Ifesinachi in their separate addresses praise Hon. Ogene for the various sterling contributions he had made towards promoting good governance in the country.

Comrade Ifesinachi stated that the honour presented to Ogene was to express gratitude to him for his contributions and to encourage other public future political officer holders to emulate him.

South-east Governors’ Forum Mourns Iwuanyanwu, Says “His Death Unfortunate”

By

The Source

-

July 31, 2024

0

The South East Governors’ Forum has expressed deep pain over the unfortunate demise, Thursday, July 25, 2024, of their illustrious son, father, and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, CFR, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.

A statement signed by the Governor of Imo State who is the Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum, His Excellency, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, CON, said the entire region had been thrown into deep mourning by the sudden passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu.

Governor Uzodimma’s statement read in full: “Chief Iwuanyanwu was an outstanding national leader who served Nigeria meritoriously in various capabilities over the years.

“He was a bold, fearless and courageous defender of the truth; an unapologetic protector of the unity, peace and indivisibility of Nigeria.

“The South East, Ndigbo, and indeed Nigeria at large, have lost a rare statesman, a dependable patriot, a philanthropist, an astute manager of human and material resources, a champion of justice, equity, fairness and inclusiveness, a resourceful business leader and entrepreneur who created jobs and employment for thousands of Nigerians.

“We commiserate with the family of the deceased on this monumental loss, and pray God Almighty to grant Chief Iwuanyanwu’s gentle soul a peaceful repose.”

Local Government Polls: Kano Insists On Mandatory Drug Test For Aspirants

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

July 31, 2024

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

All Aspirants to various offices at the Local Council level in Kano State are to undergo a mandatory drug test before being cleared to participate in the exercise.

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, which announced the measure on Wednesday July 31, 2024, has also scheduled the Local Government polls for November 30, 2024.

Only last weekend, the State’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo, at the formal launch of the Forum for State Commissioners of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Abuja informed that Kano State was poised to conduct a free and fair Council Polls in deference to the Supreme Court decision .

He also assured that the State will go the whole hog in enthroning a full scale Local Council Autonomy .

The Source reports that the highest Court in the land had on Thursday, June 20, 2024, ruled to affirm the financial independence of the Third Tier of Government in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court in its verdict also directed that all accruals from the Federation Account to Councils under unelected officials be withheld.

The ruling has since jolted States into fast tracking election processes in the Local Governments.

The last time election was held for Local Council offices in Kano was on January 16, 2021.

Addressing the Media the Chairman of KANSIEC, Professor Sani Malunfashi, warned that he will not hesitate to expose attempts by any aspirants to compromise the drug test exercise and or the outcome of the election proper.

He re-echoed the earlier promise by the State Deputy Governor that the Elections will be free,and fair.

The Election will be conducted in all the 484 wards of the 44 Local Councils of the State .

Principally, should the All Progressive Congress APC decide to participate, the battle will then be a straight one between it and the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP.

Governor Abba Yusuf ,and his political mentor, former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso are the propelling force in the NNPP, while immediate past Governor of the state Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will be leading the battle for the APC of which he is the current National Chairman.

“The Battle To Save Onyeka Onwenu & Her Last Moments – Peter Obi

By

The Source

-

July 31, 2024

0

Peter Obi and Onyeka Onwenu — Peter Obi: Mourns Onyeka Onwenu

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, says Onyeka Onwenu’s death has devastated him.

“I watched as doctors battled to save her life in vain yesterday after her elegant performance on stage.

“She left us with a striking song in her last performance on earth ‘One Love Keep Us Together’.

Writing on his X handle, Obi said:

“Yesterday provided a totally devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory.

” I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, ‘One Love Keep Us Together’.

“It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow. Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital. I followed her to the hospital, I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone.

Despite their valiant efforts, she sadly passed away after over two hours of intense struggle.

‘My heart goes out to her children and family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

“May we find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. Onyeka Onwenu was a national treasure, a shining star who inspired generations with her music, activism, and strong dedication to the arts. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the entire nation, and she will be deeply missed.

“I want to thank everyone who accompanied her to the hospital yesterday. Special thanks to Mr. Mrs John Momoh, Mr & Mrs Okonkwo, and Mr Okpara, who were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined in also and Mr. Femi Ajayi who equally returned to the hospital this morning when we had to finalize everything about her passing.

“May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire and unite us all. My condolences to her family, the entertainment industry, and the nation at large. May we find solace in the memories we shared with her and the impact she had on our lives.”