Exactly a year after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced Education Loan Fund for Nigerian Students in Tertiary Institutions, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND has revealed that over 60,000 have applied for the fund.
It added that 30,000 applications have been successfully processed.
NELFUND also said so far, 90 percent of Federal Universities have submitted their students’ data to its dashboard, adding that 10 percent of Federal institutions were yet to submit theirs.
Besides, the students loan agency declared that its portal for submission of data from state owned tertiary Institutions will begin in three weeks time.
To this end, it appealed to State Institutions to begin the submission of data of their students for onward processing.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that September governorship election in Edo state will go as scheduled, despite the flood incident which ravaged the commission’s office in Benin city.
The commission promised that it would replace all facilities damaged by flood in its Edo headquarters office, before the poll.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the assurance on Thursday in Benin, when he visited the state for on the spot assessment of the impacts of last week flooding on the state office.
Yakubu also assured Edo people that in spite the setback caused by the flood, INEC would continue with the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the state.
“We are here basically to see for ourselves what happened to our facilities following the unexpected torrential rainfall and the flooding that occurred. Equally importantly for us to come and meet with you who are the staff in the Edo office.
“We thank God no life was lost. We thank God no injuries. But we want to assure you that in spite of the extensive damage, we have recovered to do the continuous voter registration exercise and we will recover to conduct the governorship election in September.
“We have three months and three weeks to the election today. So whatever we have lost in terms of critical equipment, whatever support facilities we need to replace, whatever office furniture and facilities we need to replace, we will do so.”
He said the commission would salvage some of the equipment that can be reclaimed, then mobilized resources from neighbouring states to replace the shortfalls for the successful conduct of the state election.
Yakubu, who was accompanied by some INEC national commissioners; Federal Controller, Federal Ministry of Works in Edo, Hassan Babatunde, said he came with a team that would help to assess the level of loss to the flood and way forward.
“We are also accompanied by the director of ICT because of what happened to some of the critical facilities for the election.
“Whatever we need for the forthcoming Edo governorship election we will make sure that we provide these facilities.
“Fortunately for us this is an off-cycle election so we can rely on our resources from the neighboring states for the election.
“It is only in a general election that each state office must be self-sufficient, but here we will call for additional resources from the neighboring states to ensure that there are no issues with the election.
“The present commission has a lot of experience in handling the Edo governorship election. For me personally this is going to be my third governorship election in Edo.
“We conducted the 2016 election. We conducted the September 2020 election and by God’s grace we are approaching the September 2024 election. So the CVR which is ongoing will not be affected.
“Whatever issues and challenges there, we will listen to the REC and its team and we will continue to respond.”
In Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, promoters of the sit-at-home order against May 29, 30, 31 have a supporter.
Speaking on the sit-at-home order declared by IPÖB in the South-east against the 29, 30, 31st of May to mourn the dead of the Igbo who were killed and/or starved to death during the Civil War, Otti said they have the right to mourn their own in any way they thought appropriate.
On how it would affect students taking their West African Examination Council, WAEC, exams, Otti said his Government had taken care of that, by having discussions with all involved.
The Governor made it clear that his Government has no intention to start a conflict with the promoters of sit-at-home order, but preferred to engage them diplomatically.
The Governor expressed his views through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma.
Otti: ”Government is in touch with all the schools affected to see what could be done so that WAEC exams are not disrupted. We are in touch with schools on how to handle the situation.
”We are not interested in unnecessary confrontation with the people who are appealing for sit- at-home in honour of their dead ones.
“They have every right to mourn their own, especially going by the history of that war.
”It’s something we shouldn’t politicize. It was an emotional period when we remember the genocidal onslaught. We don’t have any interest in confronting those who are asking people to observe that moment of honour for those who were victims of the genocidal war.
”It’s something we are handling with wisdom and diplomacy. We are engaging with all the actors that are involved. We are putting measures in place that the Government may not want to make public.
”The most important thing is to see what we can do to ensure that students write their exams. There are things we don’t want to disclose. But be assured that we are putting measures in place to ensure there is peace in Abia State.’’
As the airlift of Muslims to Mecca continues, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has tasked State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to collaborate with the National Drüg Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb smuggling of prohibited items into Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, made the call in a statement issued by the Commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Thursday in Abuja.
Arabi emphasized the need for State authorities to work with other related agencies in ensuring that persons planning to smuggle prohibited items into Saudi Arabia are apprehended.
This, according to him, will guard against embarrassment on Nigeria, as it causes delay during screening of pilgrims in both countries.
Arabi said “intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj have been cautioned against travelling with illícit drügs, kolanüts and Cígarëtte into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Pilgrims have been reminded that as a nation deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage, Saudi Arabia holds strict laws against drug trafficking, penalty for which is death.
“NAHCON wishes to remind pilgrims that the purpose of the trip to Saudi Arabia is for worship, therefore they should not be distracted by acts that will violate the sanctity of their Hajj.
“Hajj period is a time for spiritual reflection and prayers that should be approached with respect for the laws and customs of the host country.”
The NAHCON boss also warned intending pilgrims to beware of being used as conduit for any illicit trade without their knowledge.
He added that “pilgrims have also been advised to be extra vigilant over their bags at the airport to avoid implantation of prohibited items in their luggage unawares.”
He urged pilgrims to uphold their honour and dignity and that of the country, saying “any individual caught smuggling prohibited items not only brings shame upon themselves but also tarnishes the reputation of the nation.”
The crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly is yet to abate as a Rivers State High Court Sitting in Port Harcourt, has granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining Martin Amaewhule and 24 other Lawmakers from parading, and holding themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Justice C.N Wali, who presided over the case issued an interlocutory injunction against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the State Attorney General of Rivers State, and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, who are the 26th to 28th defendants in the suit.
They are restrained from dealing with, interfacing, or accepting any resolution, bill, or other actions from Amaewhule and the 24 others.
Justice Wali, ruling on a suit filed by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus-Timothy as claimants, restrained Amaewhule and the 24 others from sitting in the auditorium of the House of Assembly quarters, or at any other place to carry out any legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The court also declared the seats of Amaewhule and the 24 others vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The matter was adjourned to 1st July 2024 for a motion hearing.
It would be recalled that Amaewhule and 24 Other Lawmakers had announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the wake of the battle of supremacy between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara.
The 25 Lawmakers are loyal to Wike which was why they defected.
The order reads in part: “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/ sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at Off Aba Road, Port Harcourt or at any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
“An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is hereby made restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”
The case was, thereafter, adjourned to 1st July, 2024 for mention.
Other lawmakers affected by the order are Hon. Dumle Maol, Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Hon. Christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Hon. Azeru Opara, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington, Hon. Ngbar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima, Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Hon. Loolo Isaiah Opuende amd Hon, Abbey Peter.
Disaster has once again rocked Lagos State, following the collapse of a three storey building in the Lagos Island Local Government Area.
This is coming less than a week after a Mosque caved in and collapsed, leaving five people dead with several others injured.
Occupants of the building were reported to have been trapped under rubbles of the structure sited on 15, Iga Idungaran Close, Lagos Island.
The said building is just few meters away from the Palace of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu.
The building collapsed around 12:30pm, leading to panic and fear among residents of the area.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Nosa Okunbor, in a statement made available to newsmen, said that the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, led the search and rescue operations at the scene.
At the time of filing in this report, the number of casualties was yet to be ascertained, as there has not been any record of life lost so far.
The immediate past Presidents of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta Liberian’s George Weah, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar are among dignitaries expected to grace this year’s Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue.
The dialogue, which holds in Benin city, Edo state, has as chief hosts Governor Godwin Obaseki and former president Goodluck Jonathan.
Other personalities expected at the annual event with the theme ‘Functional Education, Effective Political Leadership as a Panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development,’ are former Vice President of Zambia, Dr. Nevers Mumba and the head of the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa, Njoya Tikum.
Expected as a keynote speaker is Prof. Olubayi, a seasoned educationist, Chief Academic Officer at Maarifa Education, a Kenya based Pan-African company that owns private universities across Africa and former Vice Chancellor of the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Uganda.
In a statement by the Executive Director, GJF, Ms Ann Iyonu, disclosed that this year’s Dialogue, is the third in the series.
Iyonu added that the event scheduled to hold on June 13, is designed to “bring together a cross-section of key political leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the continent.
“They will be examining the critical role of education and effective political leadership recruitment in the actualisation of the development aspirations of African nations.”
She explained that this year’s Dialogue follows the 2023 edition which explored the interface between democracy and development.
The Supreme Court has fixed June 13 for hearing in the suit filed by the Attorney General of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi seeking full autonomy for the 774 local councils in the country.
The apex court also ordered the 36 state governors to file within seven days their respective defence in the suit.
It also mandated the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), who filed the suit on behalf of the federal government to reply to the governors processes within two days upon receipt.
A seven member panel of Justices of the apex court, led by Justice Garba Lawal on Thursday, issued the orders while ruling on an application filed by the AGF, seeking abridgement of time in the filing and exchange of processes in the matter.
Fagbemi, while arguing the application requested the court to order the governors to file their defense within five days in view of the urgency and importance of the matter.
However, the Chairman, Body of Attorneys General of the states of the federation, Ben Odoh, who is also the Attorney General of Ebony state did not object to the request for abridgement of time, but requested that they be given 15 days as against the five days proposed by the AGF.
Justice Lawal, in his ruling said, the decision of the court to give 7 days was predicated on the national importance and urgency of the suit and the non objection from the Attorneys General of the 36 states of the federation.
The Supreme Court held that filing of all processes and exchanging of same must be completed within the time and subsequently fixed June 13, 2024 for hearing of the suit.
At Thursday’s proceedings, the Attorneys General of Borno, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Osun , Oyo and Sokoto states were absent in court and not represented by any lawyer despite been served with hearing notice.
Justice Lawal ordered that the eight states that were not in attendance at Thursday’s proceedings must be served with fresh hearing notice against the next adjourned date of June 13, 2024 for hearing of the matter.
Within a year of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Amnesty International (AI), said its record of performance in the area of human rights and rule of law fell below expectations.
The human rights body pointed out that its findings have raised significant concerns about the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring justice and accountability for human rights abuses.
It particularly noted what it described as the severe human rights violations being committed with impunity across the country in the past one year under President Tinubu’s watch.
The organization specifically said that the abuses were not isolated incidents but, part of a broader pattern of systemic human rights failures under President Tinubu’s administration.
Amnesty International, which stated these while giving a scathing assessment of Nigeria under President Tinubu, pointedly accused his administration of failing to uphold human rights and the rule of law after one year in office.
These were contained on its verified social media accounts, entitled “Human Rights Through Tinubu’s One Year in Office,” in which Amnesty International stressed that the persistent and alarming issue of frequent attacks and abductions by armed groups, known locally as bandits were worrisome.
“These incidents have been particularly rampant in the states of Plateau, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, and several areas within Sokoto state, creating an atmosphere of fear and instability among rural communities and travellers.”
Amnesty International stated that its report should serve as a call to action for the Tinubu’s administration to address these critical issues and to take concrete steps towards safeguarding human rights and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria
Tension and palpable apprehension have enveloped some parts of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia state,.
This followed the kïllïng of unspecified number of soldiers by gunmen at a military check point/post at the Obikabia Junction in Obingwa Local Councils of Abia state.
It is not known if the attack is connected to the warning given by, allegedly, members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, warning people in the South- east to stay indoors on the 29, 30, and 31 of May in memory of the dead and to mark Biafra Day. Earlier, they had asked the West African Examination Council, WAEC, to reschedule the West African School Certificate Examination scheduled for March 30. WAEC ignored the request, triggering the fear that about 300,000 candidates in the Zone could miss the Mathematics examination scheduled for that day.
Witnesses said the gunmen, early Thursday, May 30, 2024, stormed the military post ,and started shooting sporadically at the military operatives on duty.
At the end, some of the soldiers were reportedly killed ,with the attackers razing the military post.
At the time of reporting, there were heightened tension and anxiety, in the Ogbohill part of Aba fand adjourning areas ,with reports indicating that military operatives who are not happy with the development have laid siege on Obikabia and environs .
It would be recalled that only early this month ,some unknown gunmen killed a soldier and injured one at a military post at the Aba main park ,following a purported disagreement.
Frantic messages are being sent by some people to friends,relations and others to avoid the areas which are all parts of the commercial hub of Aba .
But ,it is not yet known if the suspected gunmen and the incident are linked with the Biafra Day celebration called by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB andor an isolated case of hoodlums attack .
The Source reports that the IPOB had set aside May 30 every year to observe the Biafra Day in the Southeast region.
But despite the stiff opposition that trailed this year’s edition of the sit at home order ,as directed by IPOB ,many of the region’s cities remain relatively deserted.
Many had raised concerns and openly called for the celebration of the Day without locking down the region owing to the ongoing West Africa Examination Council WAEC examinations .
Also as at the time of reporting, police ,Military and Abia state authorities were yet to react to the development.
