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Hardship: Senators, Ministers Not Allowed To See Tinubu For Consultations – Ndume

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Ali Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu no longer makes himself available to top government officials to see him to discuss issues concerning the country.

Ndume, a ranking senator and Chairman Senate Committee on Army said it has now become difficult to have an audience  with the president, particularly concerning the hardship facing Nigerians.

The senator disclosed this on Wednesday in an interview with BBC Hausa Service in Kaduna.

His remarks comes on the heels of efforts by the federal government to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigeria due to the current economic hardship. Such efforts are seemingly not enough as the condition of Nigerians continue to worsen, analysts say.

Recall also that some high ranking officials in the Presidency have been accused of hijacking the Tinubu government by ensuring that a small circle of officials are the ones ruing his government .

For instance, a former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung, has suggested early this year that President Tinubu’s government might be under siege by a cabal in his government.

Not a few Nigerians have been calling on the government to put its acts together by consulting with relevant stakeholders in the country to change the situation before it’s too late.

Speaking yesterday, Ndume said top government officials including senators now find it difficult to see Tinubu for consultation on how to move the country forward.

According to him, some cabinet ministers have also been prevented from seeing the president.

Senators, Ndume said, cannot see the president to discuss the issues affecting their constituencies, saying this is hindering steps to curb hunger in the country, warning that many Nigerians are already dying of malnutrition due to hunger.

If the current situation continues, he explained, ” we are afraid one day a person may go to the market with money and be confronted with a situation where there won’t be food to buy,” because of the inflation affecting the country.

“This is a matter of serious concern and something should be done quickly about it,” Ndume stated.

Dalung had in January suggested that Tinubu’s government was under siege “by the notorious cabal,” saying the president seemed to be far from Nigerians to know that the economic situation in the country has become unbearable.

In a post on his X handle on Monday, the former minister said that the President’s body language betrayed him completely from the social reality.

The ex-Minster said, “The President’s body language betrayed him completely from the social reality. He is in his own world distinct from the hardships confronting Nigerians. From my analysis of the speech, Nigeria is on auto pilot dangerous navigating turbulence.

“Does President Tinubu know that Nigerians are suffering? Certainly not, his reckless economic policies, wasteful expenditures, plundering of resources, insensitivity to plights of citizens, boastful and egoistic squandering of goodwill, adoption of corruption and nepotism as state policies are the characteristics of this ignoble regime.

“Sacrifice should begin with @officialABAT and his jumbo size government, then Nigerians can take him serious, but for now it’s mere rhetorics and propaganda.”

Major Highlights Of Federal Executive Council Meeting, July 10, 2024

By
The Source
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - Nigeria President

By Bayo Onanuga

The council meeting took off with the swearing-in of eight new permanent secretaries. Thereafter, council members congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his re-election as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States for another one-year term.

Here are the takeaways:

PROCUREMENT ACT

Council deliberated on the need to align project costs with the budget heads and avoid augmentation after the awards of contracts. Council learnt that the augmented contracts are those inherited by the Tinubu Administration, with most of them awarded more than 10-15 years ago.

Council decided that the Attorney-General of the Federation should review the Procurement Act in operation since 2007 to bring it in line with contemporary demands.

Henceforth, ministries were urged to reconcile project costs with budget provisions and where extra funding is needed, get the clearance of the Minister of Budget and Minister of Finance. The two ministers will now serve as a clearing house for capital projects.

SAMOA AGREEMENT

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the Minister of Information and National Orientation reported to the council about the misinformation being disseminated by a Nigerian newspaper against the agreement to sow disaffection against the Tinubu Administration.

The Minister of Budget reiterated that there was no issue of LGBTQ in the international agreement signed by the Nigerian government. He and the Attorney General also reported that the agreement does not contain any clause that conflicts with our laws and the Constitution, citing the position of the Nigerian Bar Association. Minister of Information reported on the complaint filed against the newspaper with the Ombudsman of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.

ASUU AND IPPIS

The council mandated the Secretary of the Government of the Federation to expedite the implementation of the council decision made months ago, separating the universities from the IPPIS platform.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ABUJA

Council ratified the anticipatory approval given on 28 May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari  to establish the university in the Federal Capital. The university is the first of the network of Pan African Institutes of Science and Technology dedicated to teaching African scientists and technologists.

MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT

Council decided that the Ministry be excised from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and developed along the lines suggested by the  Presidential Livestock Development Council, now headed by Professor Attahiru Jega.

The FEC approved some contracts as follows:

  1. Facility Maintenance Service submitted by EFCC, in favour of Julius Berger at a cost of N392 Million. The contract sum was less than the N533m approved in 2018 for the yearly maintenance of the headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja.
  1. Procurement of 2000 tractors, 4000 disc ploughs, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers and assorted spare parts. The items to be supplied are for the National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme(NAMP) to strengthen national food security. Astride DMCC, which has done a similar job in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa and Togo, will supply all the equipment and will also set up a plant to assemble the machinery, in the second stage of the contract.
  1. Contract for the engineering audit of upstream measurement equipment and facilities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Upstream Sector in favour of Messrs PE Energy Limited. Completion will be 180 days.
  1. Contract for the procurement of pre-field development studies for advanced declaration solution Technology in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Upstream Sector, in favour of Messrs P-Lyne Energy Limited. Completion will also be in 180 days.
  1. Two Contracts for the supply of 21 SUVs to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. The contracts in favour of Elizade Nigeria Limited.
  1. Contract for the procurement of low and high voltage substation connectors in favour of Messrs Maglous Enterprises Limited. The connectors are for Transmission Company of Nigeria.

The council adjourned till Monday 15 July

Onanuga is Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy

Residents Of Kano, Kaduna Katsina, Others Groan Under  Scarcity, High Cost Of Bread

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Loaf of Agege Bread

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

One of the most popular essential food items- bread – may soon disappear from the table menu of most Nigerians. This is no thanks to the escalating cost of the commodity in most parts of the country.

In Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and other States in the North-west region of the country ,the prices of bread have gone far above the pockets of the ordinary folks, according to the News Agency of Nigeria NAN.

Residents who volunteered  comments on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, said a loaf of bread that used to go for N600 has gone up to N800 in the last two days.

In other categories of the essential food items, prices have tripled  in the  last few days ,thereby making it impossible for an average consumer to afford them.

But the astronomical increase appears to have no connection with strike actions by bakery operators as being widely speculated.

Some Bakers who spoke attributed the ugly situation to the scarcity of Wheat flour, an essential ingredient in the production of bread .

” lIt is not  that we are on strike . But ,we have stopped production  since July 1, 2024 .

“This unfortunate development was necessitated by the scarcity of wheat flour and its high cost, as well as sugar, oil and other additives.

“For instance, in June,  we were buying a 50 kg bag of flour for between N53,000 and N55,000 . But it has now regrettably skyrocketed to between N67,000 and N70,000.

“How can we produce bread and also break even under this precarious situation?” a Baker told NAN in Kaduna .

Consequently, many shop operators and  consumers have raised the alarm that one of the most  consumed food items by the ordinary people has now gone beyond their reach.

In Kano, Katsina and adjourning North-west States, consumers have resorted to other items considered to be cheaper to remain afloat .

They have had to seek succor in alternatives such as noodles, millet porridge ,bean cake as beans seems to be relatively cheaper in the Northern region, but not in most southern parts where it is even more expensive than rice..

On the average, the prices of bread not minding the size ,have gone up by as much as between 20 and 40 percent in the last few days in Kano ,Kaduna, Katsina and other parts of the Northwest region.

“The people have, therefore, called on the authorities to rise to the occasion, before the situation gets out of hand .

” I went to the shop in the morning to buy bread ,which we could  use as breakfast in my house ,but unfortunately, I couldn’t get it .

“I had to buy spaghetti for the children to eat and go to school since there was no bread .I hope the issue will be alleviated soon” Abdullahi Muhammad a Kaduna resident told the NAN.

Czech Republic, Imo State government partner on food security, others

By
The Source
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Zdenek Krejci and Govenror Hope Uzodimma

The Government of Czech Republic has held meaningful discussion around the exploitation of abundant agricultural and other natural resources in Imo State, with the aim of boosting food production, creating jobs and wealth for the indigenes.

The Ambassador of Czech Republic in Nigeria, Mr. Zdenek Krejci could not hide his feelings over the outcome of the meeting he had with Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State in Owerri, Wednesday when he described it as fulfilling.

Throwing some light on the essence of the meeting, Governor Uzodimma noted that it was basically a partnership that would touch on the efforts his government has been making as regards food security, livestock development, natural and solid minerals exploitation, power generation, industrialization, Orashi dredging, job creation, among other areas of wealth creation for the people.

The Governor said from the dialogue, the Czech Republic Ambassador was disposed to meaningful partnership with Imo State government in the interest of the public.

He noted, for instance, that Mr. Krejci is also interested in the education sector of the State, and had indicated keen interest in Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, with emphasis on skill development.

The Ambassador reiterated that Czech Republic has not only discovered areas of interest in Imo State, but shares a lot in common.

He harped on the need for Imo State to tap from Czech Republic’s expertise in agriculture and manufacturing, to create a sustainable value chain that will result into massive job creation and employment of the people.

He described the meeting with Governor Uzodimma as fulfilling and promising, and that the Czech Republic looks forward to the consummation of the partnership.

Mr. Krejci attended the meeting with the Czech Republic honourary Counsellor, Dr. Mrs. Derek Awosika.

FG To Crash Food Prices With Massive Importation Of Wheat, Maize

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Tinubu Democracy Day Speech

Minister of Agriculture  Abubakar Kyari has promised that prices of food item will crash within six months.

The Minister made the remark on his verified X handle on  Wednesday, saying the federal government has put all necessary plan in motion to ensure that this happened.

Recall that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has directed that import tax on food items such as rice, Wheat, millet, cowpeas amongst other   be removed immediately.

The government has also set in motion the plan to import some food items in large quantities, including wheat and maize, the minister said.

Kyari said the federal government will now subject the prices of specific food items that will be imported to a “Recommended Retail Price (RRP).”

Kyari said, “Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days;

“150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities

“Suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

“Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.

“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

“Engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.

“Ramp-Up of Production for the 2024/2025 Farming Cycle

“Continued support to smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives; Strengthening and accelerating dry season farming nationwide,” the minister said.

Gov Aiyedatiwa Donates Vehicles To Security Agencies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gov Aiyedatiwa donate Vehicles to Security Agencies

By Ayodele Oni

To further empower security agents to tackle insecurity, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday handed over 25 Hilux vehicles to various security agencies in the State.

It was the first batch of the provision of operational vehicles to boost security by the administration.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, in Akure, the Governor emphasized the vital role that the security agencies play in safeguarding the lives and properties of the people of the State.

“As an integral part of government functionaries, it is no gainsaying that security agencies are pivotal to the overall security architecture of any society.

“This daunting task often requires patrolling from one location to another. To ease this important yet herculean function, we are providing these high-grade Toyota Hilux vehicles to enhance performance in the discharge of their security mandate.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the security and safety of residents.

“I remain steadfastly committed to putting the security and safety of our people first. Since I assumed office, I have consistently emphasized the need for all security stakeholders and state actors to work as one to secure lives and property.”

The Governor also highlighted the increased need for security during election periods, acknowledging the surge in criminal activities during such times.

He noted that the new vehicles would motivate and assist security agencies in their critical duties.

The governor also assured that his administration would continue to support security agencies, promising that those who did not benefit from this batch would receive their vehicles in due course.

Aiyedatiwa further promised continued logistic support and urged the security agencies to make good use of the vehicles to maintain law and order in the state.

“It should be noted that these vehicles are in addition to the regular logistic support we have been providing for all our security outfits.

“While assuring you that this kind of intervention shall continue subject to availability of funds, I charge you to make good use of these vehicles and continue to work tirelessly to keep our State safe.

“To the good people of the Sunshine State, we assure you that we will not relent in creating a secure and prosperous environment for all.”

Edo: PDP NWC Suspends Wike’s Associate, Orbih, National Vice Chairman, South South, Sets Up Investigation Committee

By
The Source
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Chief Dan Orbih

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its National Vice Chairman, South-south, Chief Dan Orbih.

The suspension was slammed on Orbih, a close political associate of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT at NWC’s 588th meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

According to a statement  signed by the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunnagba, he was suspended “after the NWC  considered all issues, including complaints on the activities of the National Vice Chairman (South South) Chief Dan Orbih concerning the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Edo State”

In the statement, Ologunagba said:

“The NWC at the meeting unanimously condemned the embarrassing actions and utterances of Chief Dan Orbih relating to the Edo State Governorship Primary Election of our great Party which actions and utterances are inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and the demand of his office as a national officer of the Party.

“Consequently, the NWC has set up a six-member committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issue pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.

“In the meantime, the NWC forthwith suspends Chief Dan Orbih from participating in all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee.

“The NWC acknowledges the support and solidarity of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State who are rallying with our Party and Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, whose vision is in tandem with the Will and aspiration of the people for continued massive development of the State on the platform of the PDP.

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Edo State to remain united, focused and continue to work hard for the victory of our Party and Candidate in the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Edo State.”

Orbih has been against the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo, the Party’s Governorship Candidate in the oncoming election. Last week, a Court voided Ighodalo’s Candidacy on the grounds that he was allegedly, properly elected as the Candidate.

LAHA Lawmakers, Stakeholders Meet As LASG Plans Own Electricity Market

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos State Electricity Stakeholders

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government is not leaving any Stone unturned in attaining its Megacity projection as Lawmakers of the Lagos State House of have met to deliberate on the plans of the State to have its own Electricity Market.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Wednesday, said the Electricity Bill currently before the Assembly is the confirmation of the State Government’s zeal to ensure regular and uninterrupted power supply to residents.

This was as the House held a stakeholders’ meeting on the bill which if passed into law, will allow the state government to licence, generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to unserved and underserved areas of the state.

The proposed law, according to the Speaker, who was represented by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, “seeks to take care of everything in the electricity sector majorly by contributing to the sustainable development of the State.”

The Speaker added that the bill establishes a mechanism for electricity planning that promotes off-grid solutions for households and micro, small and medium scale enterprises.

“This bill is most timely because electrification is one of the most important aspects of a viable economy and improvement of the wellbeing of the people.

“Being a responsible Government, the Lagos State government has decided to create an agency, market and fund with the responsibility of ensuring adequate access of electricity with professional standards and modern technology.

“The bill is pursuant to our resolve to improve the electricity situation in the State,” he said adding that Lagos is proactive by taking advantage of the movement of electricity to the concurrent list.

Speaking further about the bill, the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy, Hon. Sabur Oluwa made these known at the public hearing on the bill organised at the assembly complex.

Oluwa said the bill establishes a commercial and technical regulatory framework for the Lagos Electricity

Market to ensure reliable and universal access to electricity for all residents of the state.

“The bill outlines the creation of the Lagos State Electrification Agency to manage public electricity works and infrastructure as well as the Lagos State Electrification Fund.

“These institutions will play pivotal roles in the delivery of reliable electricity to the unserved and underserved areas of our State.

“Through these initiatives, we aim to bridge the gap in electricity supply and enhance the quality of life for all Lagosians. We understand that reliable electricity is not a luxury but a necessity.

In his comment, the Chairman, South West of the Charted Institute of Power Engineering, Vincent Umoh, urged the Assembly to ensure the bill mandated the state government to appoint technocrats with 15 years experience to head the proposed agency.

Umoh said Lagos State state Government needs about 1,000 megawatts for it to ensure stable electricity supply to residents.

Ganduje, Wife Likely To Be Absent, As Corruption Case Resumes At Kano High Court

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abdulahi Umar Ganduje

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress  APC, Dr Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, his wife, and six others are to appear  before Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the Kano State High Court in  continuation of the hearing of a corruption case filed against them.

But it is highly doubtful the immediate past Governor of Kano State will be available at the Court.

The Source reports that the Kano State Government had, in May 2024, filed corruption charges against the APC National Chairman, his wife, and six others, including some corporate bodies.

The charges were, however, filed against the grains of an earlier Federal High Court Kano’s ruling that only the Federal Government and its agencies are empowered to investigate and prosecute the past governor on such grounds.

Only on Thursday, June 28, Justice Simon Amobeda of a Federal High Court, Kano, also, in his ruling chided the Kano State Government for bringing up  the same matter already decided by the trial court.

According to  him, the decision of the State Government to  bring the matter back  to the trial Court, instead of appealing the earlier judgment amounted to an abuse of  Court processes.

During the last hearing on the motion, only one  of the respondents in the case, Lamash Properties was present in court owing to lack of service of court papers on Ganduje and others.

This prompted an order  by the Judge for them to be served the Court papers through substituted means before the next adjourned date of Thursday July 11 2024.

However, Ganduje, his wife and some of the other respondents, The Source have gathered, are  most probably not going to make it to the resumed hearing for reasons not  unconnected with the earlier Court rulings on the matter.

PSC: Rtd DIG Argungu Assumes Duty In PSC, Flags Off Arena Of Knowledge Lectures

By
The Source
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Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The new leadership of the Police Service Commission has assumed duty at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission in Jabi, Abuja with a commitment to drive a deliberate knowledge acquisition programme for the Staff called “The Arena of Knowledge”.

The new Board of the Commission, recently appointed by the President, has DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd as Chairman, DIG Taiwo Lekanu rtd, Member and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary.  The new Chairman, Member and Secretary assumed duty on Thursday, July 4th, 2024.

, DIG Taiwo Lekanu rtd
, DIG Taiwo Lekanu rtd

Earlier today, Wednesday, July 10th 2024, the new Board flagged off an innovative programme, the Arena of Knowledge, a weekly lecture series for the Staff  of the Commission.

Chairman of the Commission, rtd DIG Argungu in his introductory remarks at the training programme said since nobody has monopoly of Knowledge, there was need for the Commission to meet weekly to share knowledge on the different areas of the staff day to day work.

He noted that he has always introduced the “Arena of Knowledge ” in all the places he has worked, adding that the nation’s civil service needs knowledge for improved service delivery.

The Commission Chairman and the Director Legal Services of the Commission, Bar. Babatunde Dada presented papers at today’s lecture.

In a paper, titled: “The Innocent  Victim: Wrongful  Garnishment Against  Police Service Commission”, the Commission Chairman examined a pending garnishee proceedings  against the Commission in respect of an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria  which  training money was lodged. He also examined the grounds that the judgment  creditors have executed Wrongful  garnishments against the Commission  other than the real judgment debtor.

DIG Argungu rtd traced possible objections which included that the garnishee does not reside within jurisdiction; that there was no proper service on the garnishee; that the order nisi is not predicated on a valid and subsisting judgment  and that the certified copy of the judgment has not been attached to the application.

He also looked at other possible objections and noted that the Commission “is an innocent victim for Wrongful garnishment.

The PSC Chairman  recommended that the Commission’s legal department should urgently liaise with the Commissioner of Police Legal Services of the Nigeria Police Force to trace the civil suits in question  with the view to ascertain the genuineness  of the claims and also to urgently liaise with the necessary organisations to see the final conclusion against the order absolute.

DIG Argungu rtd also said the Secretary to the Commission,  the Director Legal Services  and the Director Finance and Accounts should put a mechanism in place to find out the remote and immediate causes of these problems .

In his presentation, the Director, Legal Services, Bar. Dada traced the persisting problem of garnishee proceedings against the Commission to the inability of the Commission to mobilize its lawyers  to put up appearances for its cases  which normally result to judgment passed against it. According to him “If cases are effectively attended to and appearances made, then no judgment  will be against the Commission “.

He noted that in view of the fact that the Commission  has not been able to resolve its funding problem, the Legal Department  entered into Public-private partnership  (PPP) with private legal firms who “are willing to handle the cases pro-bono (free)”.

Bar. Dada said that for a permanent solution, there should be an inter Agency Cooperation where  the Commission,  the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation  will need to meet and discuss this issue  and work out the modalities to liquidate this debt which are orders from Court.

He also recommended the introduction of its disciplinary power on any Police Officer  who is the subject of the litigation  and who caused its account  to be garnished by implementing of Public Service Rule 030414. He said the Alternative  Dispute Resolution should also be adopted since various High Court Rules have made provisions for that.

The Director also suggested the need to liaise with the National Youth Service Corps  (NYSC) for the deployment  of Corps Members  who have been called to Bar to the Legal Department  of the Commission .

The next in the series of the Arena of Knowlege lectures holds on Wednesday July 27th, 2024 and this will look into Leakages of classified documents/Information  and the consequences. It will be followed a week later by another lecture on the serious issues of cyber crime since 2015.

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