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Nigerian Military Tackles Governor Radda: “Your Statement Capable Of Demoralising Our Troops”

May 23, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The Military High Command on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, said it cannot be distracted, nor perturbed by unsubstantiated accusations against the operational ethos of officers and men of the Nigerian Military.

This is even as it has challenged the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Umar Dikko Radda, to butress his allegation that the military is profiting from the ongoing banditry and other insurgent activities in some parts of the Northern Region.

The Source reports that the Governor, whose State is one of the epicentres of banditry, kidnappings, and other violent criminal activities in the Northern Region, had in an interview with the Channels Television attributed the festering insecurity in the region to the fact that it has become a lucrative industry for some people and security operatives, including the Military.

Governor Radda had insisted that the personal interests of some people ,including Military personnel supposedly leading the battle line against bandits and other criminal elements are part of the reasons the insecurity situation in the region has been difficult to halt.

But the Military Authorities have not only faulted the Governor’s allegation, but also described it as distractive and potentially capable of demoralising the troops currently engaged in the fight against insurgency in the Northern region.

Edward Buba, a major General, and spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters at a briefing in Abuja said the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not join issues with Governor Radda but rather will want him to come forward to substantiate his claims.

“In the light of the aforementioned statement by the Governor ,the armed forces of Nigeria elect not to join words with him ,but would encourage him to approach the military high command to substantiate his allegations.

“It is worthy of note to state that the AFN ,led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa ,has zero tolerance for indiscipline in the conduct of operations across the country .

“It is for this reason that there are standing court marshalls to treat any form of misbehaviour by troops ,especially those that portray the military negatively to the general public.

“Meanwhile, the Military remains unperturbed by such statements capable of demoralising the troops in theatres of operation. Rather we will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations as well as working assiduously in the fight against terrorism” the Defence spokesman stated.

Nollywood: FG Bans ‘Money Ritüal’, Smôking, Other Social Vices In Movies

Akinwale Kasali

May 23, 2024

Shaibu Husseini - CEO of National Film and Video Censors Boardn NFVCB

By Akinwale Kasali

The moral decadence among youths and abuse of drugs has prompted the Federal Government to prohibit the glamorizing of money ritüal scenes, smôking and other social vices in the Nigeria Movie Industry, Nollywood.

The Ban by the FG was disclosed by the Executive Director/CEO of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini.

Husseini said that the Federal Government has approved the prohibition of money ritüals and glamourising of vices in Nigerian films.

He made this disclosure at the National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on Wednesday.

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, in partnership with NFVCB, organised the event in the South Eastern State.

Movie producers, Directors and Actors drawn from different parts of the country, as well as leaders of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry were present at the event.

Husseini said that today, we are facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians and stakeholders.

“When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed on the need to make a subsidiary legislation to curtail the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, he saw the need to include money ritüals.

“Others included in the regulation are ritüal killings and glamourising other crimes in order to further sanitise the film industry.

“Today, I am delighted to announce to you that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004 has approved the regulation.

“The Minister has approved the Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits” Regulations 2024.

“We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette,” he said.

Husseini said the sensitisation programme was to educate stakeholders on the danger inherent in consummation of smoking in Nigerian movies.

According to him, besides the health implications, glamourising smoking in films poses a negative influence on teens and young adults who constitute the largest segment of Nigeria movie viewers.

He said that the board was set to undertake detailed enlightenment programmes in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups and other institutions.

“As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector, and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry.

“The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and supports smoke-free Nollywood, and we therefore seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.

“ After series of engagements, the NFVCB in collaboration with the CAPPA decided to do a ‘subsidiary regulations’ to cater for smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant Law.

“The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and began implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate,” he said.

Cross River: Forces and Factors that Corporated To Oust Hon. Ayamben As Speaker Of Assembly

The Source

May 23, 2024

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South South Bureau Chief

Days after accusing the immediate past Governor of the State, Professor Ben Ayade, of incurring huge debt for the State and declaring that the House under his leadership was poised to recover all assets of the State allegedly in possession of the former Governor, the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Elvert Ayambem has lost his position fuelling speculations that his ouster was engineered by loyalists of the former Governor who dominate the House.

Government House sources suggest that Governor Bassey Otu got wind of the plot by some House members to remove the Speaker days before it was actualised but decided to play the ostrich.

For one, Ayambem was not the choice of both the Governor and his successor, Professor Ayade, for the office of the Speaker, hence his surprise emergence as Speaker on June 13, last year shocked both leaders.

Secondly, Governor Otu, still grateful to Professor Ayade for giving him the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC over and above his staunch allies, including the current Senator representing Cross River South in the Senate, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has been very careful not to carry out actions suggestive of a probe of his benefactor’s administration hence the Governor was reportedly rankled when Rt. Hon Ayambem addressed a press conference in Abuja and hinted the House’s resolve to probe the former Governor.

The magazine was told that Governor Otu may have refrained from intervening to save Ayambem to demonstrate that he was not in cahoot with him in the probe quest.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja last week, the ousted Speaker had said: “The loans that the previous administration acquired have relatively placed us on edge right now. You can’t quantify it because it is much and it is heavy, which is relatively placing the House on an edge.

“We understand that the Governor is going through a lot because of the loans. That is our worries too. I wish the governor we have today came and met a sizable loan that he can repay, it would have helped a great deal. You know he is trying to finish the Airport, that International Cargo Airport in Obudu.

“There is one thing I like so much about the Governor. Do you know as much as most of these projects were done by the previous government, he picks those ones that he knows, these ones are realistic.

“He embarks on them. What is he projecting, continuity. And me too, I went and met him to say, Sir, it’s not every of these projects that were left behind by the former Governor, that you should give a listening ear to.

“And we discovered lately that almost all those ones that are viable were concessioned two days before leaving the office. And who are those people that these projects were concessioned to, you realize that it’s friends and family. But all of them are concessioned to one person. You bring this one, he would say the name of the company is this, this other one the name of the company is this.

“Meanwhile, you have 90 per cent ownership in those companies. I can tell you that in all of these projects you hear about concessioning, no dime was paid into Cross River State Government coffers. Not one dime. Prove me anywhere, not one dime was deposited into Cross River State account.

“Okay, look at Transcorp, Cross River State Government has 30 per cent shares in Transcorp (Metropolitan) Hotel and right now I think my members are on it. The last time they had a meeting with Transcorp, where they interfaced with the management of Transcorp, they could not account for a dime that was paid to Cross River State Government coffers.

“They could not, and now we are hearing they sold it outrightly. Okay if you have sold it outrightly, where is the position of Cross River State Government, the 30 per cent shared that Cross River State government had, was there any seeding off of a dime to its coffers at any time.

“Look at the Garment Factory, the Ogoja Rice Mill and all of that, all of those industries have been concessioned but there is no document anywhere that shows that a dime was deposited into Cross River State Government coffers. Not a dime”, he said.

“There is a whole lot we are doing to fix the problem. For the moment we are taking it gradually but let me give you an inside of it, we have taken down the total numbers of these infrastructures and industries that were concessioned in the previous administration.

“And we are taking them one after the other. At the end of the day, we will revoke all of that nonsense done that they call concession.

“Take it from me, we will revoke all. We will, because you cannot concession any state government infrastructure and don’t deposit a dime into the state government’s coffers. It is not done anywhere in the world.

“You will see faceless people telling you, I am the concessionaire, I don’t understand, when you trace it and go in-depth, you are alarmed with what you would see.

“People would say, ‘he is on vendetta’. No. No person is on any personal vendetta.”

In his 40s, Ayambem who represents Ikom 11 state constituency was early Wednesday impeached by 17 out 25 members of the House.

In an impeachment notice circulated to online news media by the 17 law makers who ousted him, the Speaker was removed on four grounds, bordering on financial misconduct, incompetence and wrong conduct of preliminary proceedings; non-compliance with the Cross River State Legislature Fund Management Law 2021, and total failure to convene a leadership meeting.

“We bring this all important Motion under matters of urgent public importance inline with Order 24 of the Rules of the Cross River State House of Assembly and pursuant to Section 92(2)(C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as altered.

“Having met the Constitutional requirements of two-third majority, we the under-listed members of the Cross River State House of Assembly hereby pass a vote- of-no- confidence on Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the House of Assembly and he is hereby REMOVED,” a part of the impeachment notice read.

Hon. Ayambem is also accused of misappropriation of the sum of N48,000,000.00 (Forty-Eight Million Naira) meant to pay Electricity bills for the House of Assembly complex and the House of Assembly Quarters.

Misappropriation of 2% of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) monthly for oversight functions of the House of Assembly in line with Section 18(a)(i) of the Cross River State Revenue Administration Law 2011 as amended to the tune of N404,683,855.10 (Four Hundred and Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira, Ten Kobo),Misappropriation of the sum of N19,437, 844.00 (Nineteen Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and forty-five Naira) from Local Government deduction and 11 months deductions which he allegedly failed to disclose to members.

Meanwhile, though the 17 lawmakers were yet to name a new Speaker at press time, there are feelers that a ranking House member who is the former Governor’s loyalist, Hon. Hilary Bisong will succeed Ayambem. He was among the 17 members who signed the impeachment notice.

Hon. Bisong who represents Boki state constituency is the son of the Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi.He lost to Hon. Anyamben in the contest for the Speakership last year.

Minimum Wage: NLC, TUC Settle For N500,000

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 22, 2024

Organised Labour in the country has slashed its demand for a new minimum wage to N500, 000.

The nation’s s workforce had earlier demanded N615, 000 minimum wage, saying they arrived at the figure based on the current economic reality in the country.

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Political Commission, disclosed this to The Punch on Wednesday.

Both the NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, are currently involved in the tripartite minimum wage negotiation with the state, federal government and the Employer Consultative Forum representing the Private Sector.

The magazine reported that organized labour had earlier rejected both N48,000 and N54,000 offered by the federal government, describing the offer as insensitive to the current plight of the Nigerian workers.

“Yes, it is true we have reduced it to N500,000. But we are still not making progress at the moment,” Prof. Ndubuaku said as the negotiation between the parties continues.

The negotiation was resumed on Tuesday after it was deadlocked for almost a week. The NLC and TUC had left the negotiation in anger after the federal government proposed N48, 000 as the new wage.

Speaking on the fresh offer of N54, 000 by the federal government, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the offer is not “substantial” to sustain the Nigerian worker.

He said a good minimum wage with bridge the gap between the “bourgeoisie” and the workers.

The offer, he said, “is still not substantial compared to what we need to make a family moving.”

“The economy of the workers is totally destroyed. In fact, the workers doesn’t have any economy. I think there are two economies in the country; the economy of the bourgeoisie and the economy of the workers. I think we have to harmonise this so that we can have a meeting point.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians insist that the demand of N500, 000 as minimum wage by the NLC and TUC is not realistic, considering the situation of things in the country.

For instance, many state governments in the country are still struggling to pay the current N30, 000 minimum wage.

In fact, state governors who are supposed to be part of the ongoing negotiation have absented themselves, a pointer that some states would reject any agreement reached with Labour on the issue.

OPINION: Akwa Ibom Education: The Hardworking Prefect’s Touch

James Orji

May 22, 2024

By Victor Umanah

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, amongst other things, in the years past, was a prefect at Victory High School in Ikeja, Lagos, where amidst his daily tour of duty as a hawker and shop minder for his enterprising mother, honed skills in street credibility, leadership, management and the worth of education

Today, as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, his growing up experiences seem to be the driving force behind his resolve to revive public education in the state and give students a feel of what was enjoyed in days of yore.

The strength of his vision and dreams for the sector, as revealed in this ARISE agenda, his all-encompassing blueprint, is not just in words but actions. His vision is a new Akwa Ibom where pupils and students are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to compete and excel with their peers anywhere in the world.

He started these interventions from an unscheduled visit some months ago to Christ the King Primary School,(CKS) along Wellington Bassey Way in Uyo, a few metres away from the Government House, which led to his decision to not only renovate the school but birth the idea of building model public primary schools across the state.

That remodeled school has been completed, equipped with modern facilities like a welcome centre and reception hall, fully furnished six classrooms blocks, administrative block, Library, an ICT Centre, laboratories, staff quarters, and sick bay among others.

Some other models schools, including one completed at Ewet, in Uyo Local Government Area and ongoing in Ukanafun, are expressions of his commitment to this cause.

He also announced the distribution of free school uniforms and shoes (produced locally) and one million exercise books to primary school pupils.

In addition, the governor recently paid bursaries to students of the state origin in public tertiary institutions in the state. A total of over N127 million has been paid since the commencement of the exercise.

This is besides the N100 million educational trust fund for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) who are studying in the state. Additionally, Governor Eno approved the payment of N250,000 and N300,000 each to undergraduate and postgraduate students, as scholarship, respectively.

While also approving and releasing various sums to offset the fees of 13 medical students that were on the verge of dropping out of school.

Another N100 million scholarship was given to the winner of the 2023 Heirs Life National Essay Competition and N5 million law school grant to a physically challenged graduate of the University of Uyo.

Governor Eno has equally ended the lamentations of retired primary school teachers who have sacrificed 35 years to lay a solid foundation for elementary education in the state by the payment of gratuities. In addition, the free and compulsory education policy at primary and secondary school levels has been sustained.

He further released an initial N778.9 million for the payment of the 2023/2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 48,797 candidates participating in the sub regional examination in the state.

The payment will cover NIN registration fees, biometric registration, funds for administrative cost, as well as 50 per cent WASSCE fee. In fact, the increase in sundry charges for the examination has raised the yearly payment fee from N1 billion to N1.5 billion, an amount that has not discouraged the government’s commitment to the arrangement.

To ensure Akwa Ibom Children compete favourably with their counterparts all over the world, the governor initiated a United Kingdom Education Exchange Programme, to give foreign exposure to some bright but not-so-privileged Akwa Ibom children and encourage them to believe in hard work.

Over 271 students from public secondary schools across the state were selected for the programme after their participation in a paper-based examination. Justifying the funding of the programme despite the cost, Eno said human capital development and the benefits for Akwa Ibom children outweigh the cost of such investment.

As part of the exchange programme, a two-day capacity-building workshop on Education Skills Upscaling for principals of public secondary schools in Akwa Ibom state which was organised by the Ministry of Education had in attendance the Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark, Michael Situ, and David Bromfield, senior education advisor of Southwark Council.

The UK Education Exchange Programme has been described as the fulfilment of the governor’s promise of creating an exchange programme where participants will experience, learn and adopt global best practices aimed at improving the state’s education system and giving exposure to intelligent students from the rural areas.

School heads, including the Chairman, All-Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS), Mr. Stephen Akpabio, affirmed that the value gained from the robust engagements and knowledge sharing sessions have propelled them to a new level of renewed commitment as direct implementers of government policies, noting that schools would perform better as a result of the engagement

Indeed, the training programme opened new vistas of development in the state’s education sector as more human resource programmes were introduced to equip principals and teachers to stay abreast with contemporary trends

Stakeholders say the Governor’s show of compassion is very commendable. A pensioner, Imaobong Udofia said, ” If nothing, the payment of gratuities and pensions promptly by the Governor has motivated teachers to do more in training children for the future.” A parent, Elder Archibong Umoh, says parents are happy that the burden of paying examination fees for WAEC and the bursary to students has been lifted of their neck.

Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, however, believes education, exposure, and experience have guided Governor Eno’s step in the sector.

“When you have a well-educated, exposed, and experienced man as Governor, there is no how the education sector will not thrive.”

That is not all, Governor Eno understands the nexus between education and entrepreneurship, which was why, in his first few months in office, he established the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre fondly called Ibom-LED.

This Centre, which was in fulfilment of a campaign promise, is equipped to provide essential business, leadership, and professional skills. Through its Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP), it has so far trained 800 participants. The participants have all benefited from a N400 million grant from Governor Umo Eno. His goal is to equip 5000 budding entrepreneurs in four years and send them off with a total grant of N2.5 billion.

That was not all, in spirit of continuity, he has now completed the state-of-the-art Dakkada Skill Acquisition Centre ( DASAC).

The Centre which has the University of Lagos as Consultants, is equipped to train people in agri-business, ICT, mechanical works, woodwork, plumbing, fashion design etc.

With its Governing Council, staff quarters, hostel and other facilities in place, the Centre which is adjudged as first-of-its kind in Nigeria, would certainly reduce the unemployment gap in the state.

For Governor Eno, fighting educational inequality is very critical, and he believes he has a unique opportunity of achieving two key SDGs: 1 and 4 by effectively funding and enabling access to quality education.

Umannah, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Uyo

CBN: BDCs No Longer Required To Pay N200m Deposit, Says New Apex Bank Regulation

James Orji

May 22, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has revised its regulatory guidelines for Bureau De Change in the country.

According to a circular issued by Haruna Mustafa, the apex bank’s Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department BDCs in the country would no longer be required to deposit caution fee with the CBN.

The magazine reported that the CBN updated its guidelines in February this year where it required Tier 1 and Tier 2 BDCs operators to deposit N200 million, and N50 million respectively with the apex bank as mandatory caution fees.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 BDCs were also required by the guidelines to pay N5 million, and N1 million for license renewal.

But these requirements are no longer necessary, according to the updated guidelines shared by the bank on Wednesday.

The apex bank stated that the decision was arrived at following various consultations with stakeholders, adding that this is part of the ongoing reform in the foreign exchange market by the Cardoso-led CBN.

The apex bank said, “As part of reforms to re-position the Bureau De Change (BDC) sub-sector to play its envisioned role in the foreign exchange market in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued the Draft Operational Guidelines for BDC Operations in Nigeria in February 2024, for stakeholder comments/inputs.

“Following the conclusion of the stakeholder consultations and in the exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 56 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, the CBN hereby issues the attached Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureau De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024 for compliance by all operators and promoters of proposed BDCs in Nigeria.

“The guidelines, amongst others, introduce new licensing requirements and categories of BDCs as well as revise the permissible activities, financial requirements, corporate governance requirements and AML/CFT/CPF provisions for BDCs.

“All existing BDCs shall: Re-apply for a new license according to any of the Tiers or license categories of their choice as provided in the Guidelines.

“Meet the minimum capital requirements for the license category applied for within six (6) months from the effective date of the Guidelines.

“Applicants for New BDC License Applicants for a new BDC license are required to meet the conditions for the grant of license in accordance with the Tier or category of BDC chosen as stipulated in the Guidelines. Receipt and processing of applications for license shall commence from the effective date of the Guidelines.”

The new guidelines is effective from June 3, 2024, the apex bank said.

Chidoka Sad About Emirates Airlines Return, Says Airline, UAE Insulted, Treated Nigeria With Contempt

Adesina Soyooye

May 22, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

Osita Chidoka, Minister for Aviation under the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, says it is shameful that Emirates Airlines is returning to Nigeria.

The Airline had suspended operations to Nigeria on the excuse that it was being owed while the Government of its country, United Arab Emirates, UAE, banned Nigerians from coming to their Country and banned the issuance of Visa to all categories of Nigerians

On May 16, Emirates Airlines announced its return to Nigeria beginning from October 1, 2024.

But in a statement he issued on Wednesday, May 22, Chidoka slammed the Airline and the United Arab Emirates government for abandoning Nigeria as soon as the Nigeria began to battle with economic challenges. He said their behaviour showed how much in contempt they hold Nigeria and a “direct affront on the pride and respect of Nigerians.”

According to Chidoka, the Visa ban by UAE, followed by the suspension of flights was a “blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.”

He said they owe Nigeria an explanation and apology and restitution, and should not be allowed to come back to Nigeria just like that.

The former Minister’s statement reads in part: “Emirates Airlines’ audacity to even consider returning to Nigeria reeks of contempt and disdain towards our nation.

“The actions of the UAE Government and their Airline, Emirates, from the unwarranted visa ban on all Nigerians to the suspension of flights, have been nothing short of a blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.

“During my time as Aviation Minister, Emirates Airlines enjoyed an unprecedented two slots to Lagos and one slot to Abuja granted by my predecessor and sustained over the years. This gesture showed Nigeria’s desire to forge close relationships and build regional alliances in the Gulf.

“Yet, when Nigeria faced economic challenges, Emirates shamelessly abandoned us while other airlines stood by us. Emirates Airlines, arguably the wealthiest Airline in the World, was the only Airline that suspended operations.

“All the African and European Airlines, equally owed by the Nigerian Government, continued operating and weathered the storm with us as a people—a remarkable show of solidarity and a vote of confidence on a market they had enjoyed for decades.

“Emirates Airlines, like UAE’s Mubadala, the principal investor in Etisalat Nigeria, fled at the first sign of trouble, leaving Nigerians stranded and insulted by their mean behaviour. They did not just walk away, the UAE Government imposed an egregious visa ban on all Nigerians.

“The imposition of a Visa ban on all Nigerians is an unwarranted and vile display of aggression and dehumanisation of Nigerians.

“Nigerians must say no to the unjustified stigmatisation and degradation of Nigerians, almost akin to the ghettos of 20th-century Europe.

“A national visa ban suggests a desire to humiliate and cast a slur on a people as a group.

“The behaviour of the UAE Government and their Airline is an unprovoked attack, and Nigeria should insist on a wholesome redress.

“As we speak, there is no word yet on the visa ban and no apology to Nigerians.

“The Nigerian government must not allow Emirates Airlines to waltz back into our skies without being held accountable for their disrespectful and demeaning conduct. We demand a thorough investigation and restitution before even considering their return.

“Respect for our nation and people is non-negotiable and a minimum. We will not allow our pride to be trampled upon by arrogant corporations or foreign governments.

“This administration must reaffirm our priceless sovereignty at all times.

“Our sovereignty is not for sale.”

Emirates Airlines suspended flight operations to Nigeria in October 2022 because of challenges in repatriating its funds trapped in Nigeria.

Abba Kyari Granted Two Weeks Bail By Court For Mother’s Funeral

Akinwale Kasali

May 22, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

In a compassionate move, Abba Kyari, suspended and detained former Commander of Force Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police, has been granted a two week bail by the Federal High Court Sitting in Abuja, to enable him attend his mother funeral.

Kyari is facing trial for drug-related charges filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The former IRT Boss had been in detention following his arrest on February 14, 2022, by the NDLEA.

The court said the two-week bail was to allow Kyari return home to conclude his mother’s burial rites.

The court subsequently set Friday, May 31 for determination of his bail application.

UK University Orders Nigerian Students To Leave Country, Stop Courses, Students Contemplate Suicidê

Akinwale Kasali

May 22, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The decision by the Management of Teeside University in United Kingdom to throw off University Courses and Programmes of Nigerian Students as well as order them to leave the country has generated controversy and bad blood.

This development prompted Nigerian Students in the University to stage a Peaceful Protest in the School Campus.

Different Placards were displayed by the Students to show their grievances about the situation.

It would be recalled that the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, had reported this development, citing the devaluation of the Naira that has made the Students struggle to pay tuition fees on time.

It was gathered that some of the Nigerian Students are contemplating suicide, as this development has become unbearable for them.

The Students also accused the University of taking a “heartless” approach to those who fell into arrears as a consequence.

Teeside University Spokesperson said failure to pay was a breach of Visa sponsorship requirements, and that it had “no choice” but to alert the Home Office.

The Home Office said Visa sponsorship decisions rested with the institution.

It added that these young learners face difficulties as Nigeria is currently experiencing an unfavourable economic crisis, which is having a significant impact on Nigerian students at some UK universities.

Before beginning their studies at Teesside, affected students were told they had to present evidence of having enough funds to pay tuition fees and living expenses, but funds were significantly depleted as a result of the crisis in Nigeria.

This worsened financial problems already being experienced by students as a result of the university changing tuition fee payment plans from seven instalments to three.

Consequently, a group of students, 60 of whom shared their names with the BBC, began pressing the University for support after a number of people who defaulted on payments were frozen out of university accounts and involuntarily withdrawn from their courses.

While some were reportedly also contacted by debt collection agencies contracted by the University, some of them like Adenike Ibrahim who was close to graduation had her visa revoked.

Adenike Ibrahim was close to handing in her dissertation at the end of two years of study when she missed one payment and was then kicked off her course and reported to the Home Office.

She subsequently paid the outstanding fees, but said she had not been re-enrolled and was told she must leave the country, along with her young son.

“I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and I went to all of my classes.

“I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students.”

She said the experience was “horrendous” and she did not know what was happening with her qualification.

“It has been heartbreaking for my son especially, he has been in so much distress since I told him,” Ms Ibrahim added.

The Home Office told students, including Ms Ibrahim, that their permission to enter the UK had been cancelled because they stopped studying at the University.

The letters, seen by the BBC, offer a date by which the student must leave the country and say they do not have a “right of appeal or administrative review against the decision”.

Since receiving his letter, one masters degree student – who did not want to be named – said he had seriously considered suicide and was not eating or drinking.

The University said it had made “every effort” to support affected students, who had now been offered individual meetings with specialist staff and bespoke payment plans where requested.

“Another affected student, Esther Obigwe has refused to tell her family about what has happened to her as she is so embarrassed.

Esther Obigwe said she repeatedly tried to speak to the University about her financial struggles but received no response, until she too was blocked from her studies and received notice to leave the country.

“I attended all of my classes and seminars, I’m a hell of an active student,” she said.

“It is disheartening, I am now on antidepressants and being here alone, I have nobody to talk to.

“For over two months, I’ve barely eaten or slept and I don’t understand why this is being meted at us, we didn’t do anything wrong.”

“She added that most of the students had “spent a lot of money to be here”.

Also, Jude Salubri wanted Teesside University to reinstate affected students and engage more with them, adding that making agreements could solve the problems.

Jude Salubi, who was studying to be a social worker, was midway through a placement when he was told his access to the university was suspended and he would have to leave the country.

Prior to that, he travelled from Teesside to Liverpool each weekend to work 18 hours in an attempt to pay off the outstanding fees.

“As of now I have paid £14,000 and have a balance of £14,000,” he said.

“ I am willing to come to an agreement as to how I will make this payment, but I need guarantees that I will be re enrolled into school and my visa restored.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can find advice here.

Some affected students have managed to pay off outstanding fees, but the university is now unable to intervene in the Home Office process, the BBC understands.

A University spokesman said: “Teesside University is proud to be a global institution with a diverse student population but is also very aware of its obligations regarding visa issuance and compliance.

“These strict external regulations ensure that the University fully supports a robust immigration system and is outside of the University ’s control.”

“ The spokesman added it was “aware of the challenging financial situation faced by some students” and had “actively offered bespoke payment plans where requested.

“This option has been taken up by many of our international students; however, some students have still defaulted on these revised payment plans,” he said.

The Home Office said a decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship rested with the sponsoring institution.

A spokesman said wherever a visa was shortened or cancelled, individuals should “take steps to regularise their stay or make arrangements to leave the UK”.

FG, Ondo, Begin Process Of Restoring Light To Ondo South

Ayodele Oni

May 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The implementation stage of the efforts to restore electricity supply to the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State began on Wednesday as the Federal Government commissioned the Power Substation at Ode Erinje in Okitipupa local government area of the State.

This is coming almost 15 years after the entire area, comprising of six Local Governments were cut off from national grid.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, commissioned the 132KV transmission line and 132KV/33KV substation, bringing hope to residents who have endured nearly 15 years without electricity.

The Ode Erinje Power Substation, which draws its supply from the Omotosho Power Plant, is designed to illuminate over 2,000 communities spanning five Local Government Areas in the Senatorial District.

The project which started about ten years ago, was funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with support from the Ondo State Government.

The President emphasized that the project’s completion aligned with the administration’s focus on sustainable development and economic growth, highlighting the crucial role of reliable power supply in driving economy and revitalizing communities.

In his address, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring a permanent end to the prolonged blackout in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.

The Governor said: “Without doubt, today’s event is a testament to our commitment to sustainable electricity supply and ensuring a permanent end to 15 years of darkness in the Southern Senatorial District of the State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted the support and leadership of President Tinubu in making the project possible.

He lauded the role of the NDDC and its management under the Chairmanship of Mr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for their invaluable partnership and steadfast commitment to realizing the high-impact endeavour.

The Governor emphasized the transformative benefits of the project, including job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare, and overall socioeconomic development.

“Our administration is committed to promoting collaboration with organisations with expertise and knowledge that can complement its efforts in advancing the energy sector.

“To this end, our government has been engaging with power companies, technology providers, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to generate innovative solutions towards enhancing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in the State.”

The Governor urged the community to protect the infrastructure, highlighting the collective duty to safeguard the substation and allied facilities from vandalism.

Earlier in his opening address, the Chairman, NDDC governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the project is a key component of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, due to the critical role of electricity in achieving sustainable development in the state and in Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, noted that Ondo State is one of the few states where NDDC projects remain free from vandalism. He commended the governor for maintaining a crime-free state.

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