Home Blog Page 1322

Northern Elders Forum Warns Judiciary, Asks It To Be Cautious, Says Actions Encourage Impunity

November 25, 2023

The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, embarrassed by the pronouncements of different Courts in the Land, especially on Election matters, has warned the Judiciary to be cautious of its actions and their consequences.

In a Press Release on Friday, November 24, 2023, the Convener of NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi, described some of the pronouncements by the Courts, especially, as they concern recent judicial decisions on Election cases, as disheartening. “Such occurrences”, the Professor noted, “are disheartening and pose a significant threat to the future of democracy in Nigeria.”

The full text of the Press Release reads:

“The Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, has stressed the need for the Judiciary to be cautious in its actions to prevent the erosion of its integrity, public trust, and confidence.

“Prof Abdullahi expressed dismay at the controversies surrounding several recent judicial decisions, particularly those concerning elections. Such occurrences, he noted, are disheartening and pose a significant threat to the future of democracy in Nigeria.

“The potential consequences of these actions may ultimately validate the concerns raised by Retired Supreme Court Judge Dajjito Mohammed in his valedictory remarks about corruption and undue compromises within the judiciary.

“The Northern Elders Forum recognizes the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles. The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving the credibility of the electoral process. Any actions that compromise these principles undermine the very foundation of any democratic nation,”

“The judiciary plays a crucial role in sustaining constitutional democracy by ensuring the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and providing checks and balances on the other branches of government. However, if the judiciary fails to fulfill its responsibilities, it can have severe implications for the stability and functioning of a democratic society.

“The current trend may encourage politicians to view politics as a do-or-die affair. When the judiciary fails to effectively adjudicate disputes and hold politicians accountable for their actions, it creates an environment where politicians feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices, abuse their power, and disregard the principles of democracy.

“This erosion of trust in the judiciary can lead to a breakdown of democratic norms and values, ultimately undermining the legitimacy of the political system. Furthermore, a collapsing judiciary jeopardizes the safeguarding of constitutionalism, which is the cornerstone of any democratic society.

“The judiciary acts as the guardian of the constitution, ensuring that laws and policies adhere to the principles enshrined within it. Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’ rights and freedoms. This can result in a loss of public confidence in the democratic process, as citizens may feel that their voices are not being heard or that their rights are being trampled upon,” he said.

“The fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital for fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process,” Ango said.

“NEF believes that the judiciary should be an unbiased and independent arm of government, which is essential to the success of democracy and it should not be seen as compromising the integrity of its decisions, particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with a range of challenges.

“NEF therefore calls on the judiciary to consider the consequences of its actions and decisions, and strive to uphold the rule of law in all its activities to justify the confidence reposed on it by Nigerians.

“The NEF called on the public to remain vigilant as to the direction the nation’s judiciary is headed and not to hesitate to expose any perceived misconduct on the part of the judiciary. It is our firm belief that a strong and incorruptible judiciary is crucial for the development and progress of our great nation.

“The Northern Elders Forum, alongside other concerned stakeholders, will continue to closely monitor the conduct of the judiciary and advocate for its ethical revitalization to safeguard the interests of all Nigerians,” the Prof said.

The Flip Side Of #BBNaija

The Source

November 25, 2023

By Frank Efe Anorue

I love to celebrate substance.

This little girl is Miss Morufat Lawal, a pupil of AUD Basic School in Fiditi Afijio Local Govt of Oyo State.

Fiditi, by all standards is a rural area dominated by farmers. I may not be able to prove it but her parents may not be rich or educated — in Nigeria, the rich children attend private schools as against public schools.

LET ME SHOCK YOU!

Morufat is the overall winner of the National Mathematics Competition in Abuja, Nigeria beating all contestants from both the Public and Private schools in Nigeria.

I celebrate this genius who against all odds remains excellent. She apparently wasn’t attending well equipped school, had no access to best resources, didn’t get best of meals, parents couldn’t afford best of clothings, yet she conquered everyone!

For her brilliant performance, she was awarded a N6 million scholarship by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja.

Morufat now attends International Model Science Academy, Abuja – a school run by the NMC.

Since this is not about touching or sucking breasts, or guzzling alcohol on the free or even showing off nudity and nationally accepted pornography on TV, I do not expect you to share this to go viral! Because starting from you, education doesn’t matter and it’s not worth celebrating. But don’t ever complain we don’t have good doctors, engineers, inventors or scientists. You ‘re among those making them to believe no need to work hard to be the best.

LET’S CONTINUE

In 2014, Morufat became the first pupil in primary three and in a public school to represent Oyo State at the national level of the prestigious national Mathematics Olympiad organised by the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN).

She had been selected to represent her school (A.D.S Primary School, Fiditi) at the local level of the competition. She trounced over 40 other contestants to qualify to represent her local government (Afijio) at the zonal in level.

The zonal stage involved 12 winners from four local governments (Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West). Morufat still came tops, despite being in primary three.

At the state level of the competition, held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, this prodigy competed with 23 others, who were winners at the respective zones, and came third and was primed to represent Oyo State at the national edition hosted by the University of Ilorin.

Here, she was paired with another pupil for the quiz category. The duo came first, beating 40 contestants from other states. She was presented with a cash gift.

Morufat, as a primary four pupil, again represented Oyo State in Abuja in a JETS competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Education. She took the first prize to the amazement of guests at the event when she was announced as a public school primary four pupil.

Osun: Gov Adeleke Bemoans Quackery In Medical Profession, Urges Practitioners To Tackle It

Ayodele Oni

November 25, 2023

Ademola Adeleke sworn in as Governor of Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

Worried by the menace of quackery in medical profession, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has said only professionals in the medical field can curb their menace.

The Governor stated this at the opening ceremony of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the National Association of Government General Medical And Dental Practitioners (NAGMDP) in Osogbo.

The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr Akindele Adekunle outlined the enormous responsibilities placed on the shoulders of Doctors in the society, thereby any form of half-baked professionals or quacks should not be encouraged within the association.

“As professionals backed by laws and ordinances of your ethics, you have enormous responsibilities, the reach and the gavel to save lives even before the surgical knifes in the theatre.

“More often is the fact that irreparable damages are done to body system of victims of quackery before they are forced to your table. This I believe we must collaborate to bring to a halt in the country.

“While the government works round our notable challenges in proffering sustainable solutions, I urge this council on behalf of our people and as patients would always beckon on their physicians, to do everything within your professional reach to combat the menace of quackery in the system.”

Adeleke appreciated members of the association for the support his administration has enjoyed in offering their services during the Imole Free Medical Outreach his administration has embarked upon in giving life to people of the state that maybe distress with one ailments or the other.

” Let me use this opportunity to once again appreciate your colleagues in Osun State who have supported us in the immediate medical intervention by this administration tagged Imole Medical Outreach.

”With active support of your members, the third phase of the medical intervention will come up again in few weeks across the zones of the state with thousands of new beneficiaries already mapped out, up from over 55,000 residents who already benefitted from the last two phases.”

He highlighted other interventions in the health sector of the state which includes enrollment of thousands of Pensioners into Osun Health Insurance, approval of total and comprehensive renovation of over 300 primary healthcare centres to prevent avoidable mortalities within the rural dwellers in the state.

According to him, the administration is coming up with comprehensive approach to adequately address the challenges being faced by members of the association as he is aware their challenges goes beyond his recent approval of Hazard allowances for medical practitioners in the state.

Obi Offers Solutions For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women In Our Society

The Source

November 25, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th election, Peter Obi has preferred solutions on how to end violence in our society.

Obi’s view was contained in a series of tweets in his X handle on Saturday to mark the Global International Day for the elimination of Violence against Women.

According to the LP standard bearer, the surest way to eliminate violence against women is to grant them unhindered access to good education and the provision of good health care for them.

“As the global community .marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women today, I join my voice with other lovers of peace in our society, to speak out against all forms of gender-based violence, especially against women, in our nation.

Obi noted that While every form of violence against any Nigerian deserves to be condemned, “the gender-based violence against women must not be given a place among us.’

“The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reports that 1 in 3 Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by age 15 (NDHS 2013). According to a 2019 survey by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, 30% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while a shocking 68% have encountered emotional, economic, or sexual abuse.”

Obi also noted the political influence of women in our polity saying, “Reports also show that women are critical players in our politics as they contribute significantly to the voting numbers but are often hampered by violence which can only be eliminated by playing by the rules of the law guiding the game.”

“This ugly trend of violence must not be allowed to continue, violence against women can be eliminated by empowering the Nigerian women to take their rightful place in society, and contribute to our collective development as a nation. This, we can do by giving them access to education and healthcare, which are most critical to national development.

“To build the New Nigeria of our dreams, completely abhorrent of violence against women, we must understand that development is not gender-based, and we all, men and women, must unite, in love, to move our nation forward.

UBEC Moves To Tackle Rise In Number Of Out Of School Children, Develops Action Plan

Ayodele Oni

November 25, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

In its drive to curtail the number of out of school children, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in partnership with Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Akure has concluded arrangement to develop an action plan to tackle out-of-school children crisis in the state.

Among the action plan is an intensive five–week training for School Administrators and Head teachers in the State to redefine the state priorities.

The Chairman of the SUBEB, Victor Olabimtan who disclosed this in Akure, explained that the Programme, which is an integral component of Better Education Service Delivery For All (BESDA) is for Education Management Information System (EMIS) Officers.

In a Press Release issued by the Board’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Bolu Ajijo said other participants include Education Secretaries, Zonal and Area Education Officers and about one thousand Teachers drawn from Schools across the Eighteen Local Government Areas of the State.

Olabimtan noted that the training being anchored by UBEC, Abuja under Better Education Service Delivery For All, (BESDA) Project is designed to combat the growing menace of Out of School Children in the country especially in the State.

The Chairman underscored the need for participants, who he described as lucky ones to take the training seriously because they are the bedrock for the success of the project in the State.

He said the programme is designed to train EMIS Officers, Education Secretaries, Zonal and Areas Education Officers especially over 900 Teachers drawn from Schools across the State in the use of digital platforms, a modern trend in Attendance Management Information System in our schools.

The Chairman pointed out that, apart from helping teachers to digitally mark class Register at the end of the training, it will be possible from the Head Office of the Board in Akure to track and know the actual number of teachers and learners in each classroom and school at all time.

The SUBEB Chairman, who commended the Federal Government for initiating the programme opined that, Ondo SUBEB has taken delivery of high – Tech digital platform of over 1,000 Tablets to be used in the training of the participants.

Elaborating on the Project, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics Dr. Ayodele Akanle said the training has been divided into three modules.

The first tranche which begins on Monday 27th November and ends on Friday 1st December is for EMIS Officers drawn from the Ministry of Education, Ondo SUBEB and the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

He added that the second tranche coming up from Monday 4th to Friday 8th December, 2023, will accommodate the training of Education Secretaries, Zonal and Areas Education Officers while cluster training to be undertaken by the EMIS Officers that will cascade the training to the grassroots for three consecutive weeks would commence Monday 11th December, 2023.

MAN Laments The Lifting Of Forex Ban On Toothpicks, Others, Fault Federal Government

Akinwale Kasali

November 25, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The lifting of ban on the importation of 43 Items into the Country, including toothpicks, has been criticized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN.

MAN faulted the Federal Government for allowing the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to lift the foreign exchange restrictions it placed on importation of 43 items eight years ago.

The banned Items include rice, cement margarine, palm kernel, palm oil products, vegetable oils, toothpicks, meat and processed meat products, vegetables and processed vegetable products, and poultry and processed poultry products among others.

Okwara Udensi, MAN Chairman, Edo/Delta branch, faulted the decision at the 37th Annual General meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

He said: “The effect of lifting these 43 items is so much because local manufacturers have invested in these items.

“It seems the Government is not part of this country. Why did they reverse on these items? Nigerians always feel that items coming from abroad are superior.

“Companies are now closing down because of the bad policies of the government. If the manufacturing sector is allowed to die, Nigeria is finished.”

Speaking further, Udensi said, “A critical appraisal of the business environment in Delta State shows that the cost of doing business in the state is high and the operating environment is still not conducive enough.

“The period is incredibly challenging for manufacturing companies due to the worsening prohibitive cost of energy. As a result of epileptic power supply, most companies had to depend on the already prohibitive cost of diesel to run their factories”

Udensi appealed to the Edo State Government to upgrade the road infrastructure, especially within the Utesi industrial estates.

He urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to, as a matter of urgency, address the use of touts in the guise of consultants who go about harassing manufacturers for revenue collection.

Uzodimma Warns MDAs Over Extortion Abuse Of Revenue Collection

The Source

November 25, 2023

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reiterated his warning to ministries departments and agencies of government whose personnel are allegedly involved in extorting members of the public and abusing the collection of government revenue, saying the hammer will descend on them without notice.

The Governor noted that reports from ministries, departments and agencies of government over continued harassment of hapless members of the public, particularly petty traders, have continued to question the integrity of those entrusted with the responsibility of managing the so-called MDAs.

A statement on Saturday by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor said Governor Uzodimma’s warning is against the backdrop of a trending voice message on social media alleging extortion of petty traders operating with umbrella shades in Owerri by those believed to be agencies of government.

While the officials of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) were linked to the voice message, the management of the body have distanced themselves from the allegation, insisting that their mandate does not include collection of fees on the streets.

A message from the General Manager of OCDA, Hon. Franklin Nkem Nzewodo did not only frown at the trending voice mail, but saw it as an orchestrated ploy to undermine his office and good job they are doing.

Nzewodo said: “The management of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) has frowned at insinuations from interested parties who go about creating the impression that the body collects money from vendors on the streets of Owerri.

“Contrary to such insinuations by callous blackmailers who would deploy any tool to undermine the good work the OCDA is doing in Imo State currently, the management notes that our job specification is not ambiguous for the personnel to comprehend.

“The Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) is a government agency responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of the capital city of Owerri in Imo State. Its primary objective is to ensure the orderly growth and development of the city, focusing on urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental management, and beautification,” the General Manager said in a statement on Saturday.

“It is s necessary to put the records straight against the backdrop of a voice message, obviously deliberately orchestrated by interested parties to undermine the role of the minders of the OCDA’s business.

“While we appeal to members of the public to be mindful of such allegations aimed at tarnishing the image of the office of the GM, OCDA and his operatives, the management is also aware that the government of Sen Hope Uzodimma has zero intolerance for acts of corruption and other unwholesome activities that can bring hardship to the public, and will never subscribe to them.

“The OCDA management further regrets that many members of the public have been deceived not to different between activities expected to be carried out by the personnel of OCDA and those of other agencies, and urges them to come up with evidence of any alleged acts not in line with the OCDA’s job specification as the case may be.

“It is essential to clarify that OCDA does not engage in the collection of fees from roadside vendors who display their wares under umbrella or any other form of roadside vendors.

“The mandate of OCDA revolves around urban development and enhancement. The voice note’s claim linking OCDA to an operation is a misinterpretation of the events, and attributing the actions of workers of other agencies to OCDA’s officials is entirely misleading.

“Misinformation can spread rapidly, especially in today’s digital age. It is essential to verify the facts before sharing information to prevent the spread of false claims that can harm the reputation of individuals or organisations.

“In the case of the voice mail in question circulating in Imo State, it is imperative to de- associate OCDA officials as involved in extorting money from umbrella sellers as OCDA’s core mandate does not include revenue collection from roadside petty – traders or engaging in such activities.

“Let us remain vigilant and responsible in sharing accurate information to promote transparency in government and avoid unnecessary acts that create confusion.

“Of late, significant amount of misinformation circulating through various WhatsApp platforms have tended to target the OCDA.

“A case in point is this recent voice note recorded by an uninformed individual, maliciously spreading the false claim that OCDA officials are extorting money from roadside sellers who display their wares under umbrellas.

“It is therefore crucial to address this misinformation promptly and set the record straight as the OCDA’s core mandate does not involve collecting fees from roadside vendors or engaging in any form of extortion. If anything, the OCDA has been chasing the roadside vendors away from the road, stopping them from obstructing traffic.

‘The Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) is a government agency responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of the capital city of Owerri in Imo State. Its primary objective is to ensure the orderly growth and development of the city, focusing on urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental management, and beautification.

“Therefore, the voice note’s claim is not only a misinterpretation of the alleged event, but also attributing the actions of workers of other agencies to OCDA officials is entirely unacceptable and misleading.”

Regardless, Governor Uzodimma insists that the harmonised mode of revenue collection in Imo State (treasury single account- TSA) under the watch of Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) still subsists and that any MDA doing the contrary will be poking its hands in the eyes of the government.

NAF Kills Boko Haram Kingpin, Abu Asad, 100 Terrorists In Borno

James Orji

November 25, 2023

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, says it has killed Abu Asad in Borno state during an air operation.

NAF made this known in a statement on Saturday signed by its spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who stated that over 100 terrorists were also neutralized during the operation by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.

According to Gabkwet, the terrorists were killed while planning an attack on troops, describing the operation “one of the most successful strikes undertaken by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.”

The statement reads in part: “In what could be described as arguably one of the most successful strikes undertaken by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Air Force aircraft, on November 24, 2023, carried out air strikes on a massing of terrorists in an isolated location consisting of three zinced structures amid several trees.

“From the footage, it was evident that the terrorists were massing up at the location for either a well-planned meeting or preparing for a major attack on own troops. Over 100 heavily armed terrorists were observed throwing banters and moving randomly around the structures which also had 4 troop carriers.

“The aftermath of the air strike revealed that two out of the three structures, as well as the entire troop carriers, were destroyed. There were also indications that one Abu Asad, a key figure in the Ali Ngulde group under Boko Haram, and

several of his fighters like Ibrahim Nakeeb, Mujaheed Dimtu, and Mustafa Munzir among others were eliminated in the air strike.”

LP’s Datti-Ahmed’s Baze University Banned From Running Law Programme

Ayodele Oni

November 25, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

For violating its admission Quota, the Nigerian Law School has imposed a five-year ban on the Faculty of Law at Baze University, Abuja.

Baze University is owned by the Labour Party’s Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

The Council of Legal Education explained that the institution has been consistently exceeding its approved admission quota for years.

The decision was announced by Aderonke Osho, the Acting Secretary and Director of Administration of the Nigerian Law School, following the findings of the Council of Legal Education.

The Council’s quarterly meeting on November 23, 2023, chaired by Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, OFR, considered a report from the Accreditation panel to Baze University’s Law Faculty.

The Panel, led by Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, discovered that Baze University has repeatedly violated its approved admission quota of 50 students per session.

As a result, the Law Faculty currently faces a backlog of over 347 Law students awaiting admission to the Nigerian Law School.

Since 2017, Baze University has admitted more than 750 law students, a number that would typically span a 15-year period based on the approved quota.

The University also runs a three-year LL.B programme for some UTME candidates without the necessary approvals from the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the Council of Legal Education.

The Council recommended an imposition of a moratorium on the admission of law students to the Faculty of Law, Baze University, Abuja, with immediate effect.

The moratorium will last for a period of five years initially, and may be renewed if satisfactory actions are not taken to address the situation.

The Council will utilize this five-year period to address the backlog of Law students admitted by Baze University in excess of its admission quota, while follow-up visits will be conducted to the University to assess the measures taken to rectify the observed anomalies during the accreditation visit.

The NUC, JAMB, parents, guardians, prospective applicants, and the public are advised to take note of the status of Baze University Abuja and its Faculty of Law.

A number of high profile accomplished Nigerians had in recent years passed out from the Law Faculty of Baze University. They include, among many others, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and a former Minister for Aviation, Osita Chidoka.

Ogun: Appeal Court Has Created A ‘Pathway’ For My Victory At Supreme Court, Says PDP Adebutu

James Orji

November 25, 2023

Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the February 18, election in Ogun state has urged Governor Dapo Abiodun not to rejoice yet over his victory at the Court of Appeal.

Governor Abiodun’s election was affirmed on Friday by the court two months after the state’s election petition tribunal ruled in his favour that he won the keenly contested gubernatorial election.

The judgment was a spilt one by the three-man panel of the appellate court.

Reacting to the judgment, Adebutu said the judgment was a miscarriage of justice, adding that he will reclaim his stolen mandate back at the Supreme Court, which is the final court on the matter.

According to a statement signed by his Media Directorate on Saturday, the PDP candidate said he’s confident of recovering his mandate at the Supreme Court, adding that the appellate court judgment gives him an impetus to be hopeful that the apex court will rule in his favour.

He said, “The appeal judgment that can be described as the pathway to victory resolved unanimously, five out the eight issues in our favour, only one issue in favour of the respondents ( Dapo Abiodun and APC) while the other two issues were resolved in ratio two to one.

“We are indeed glad and hopeful that the judiciary at higher level is gradually considering the merits of the petition, unlike the lower court that chose to address technicalities in place of merit.

“Obviously, that human decision has no place in our rule of law and cannot stand. It is however heartwarming that the appeal court resolved all the issues.”

Adebutu salutes Justice Jane Inyang who delivered the minority judgement, describing her as a reputable judge who based her judgment on the Electiral Act.

Adebutu said further: “We specially want to salute the courage and boldness of Justice Jane Inyang who delivered the minority judgment that was well-detailed and true to the provisions of the rule of law.

“The judgment sacked the incumbent governor, recalled his certificate of return and ordered INEC to organise a rerun within 90 days in the affected 92 polling units where election was cancelled due to violence and election malpractices.

“This reputable judge also said that INEC should not have made a declaration on the March 18 governorship election, a fact that is enshrined in the Electoral Act considering the margin of lead rule.

“We make bold to say that if our courts can emulate the uprightness of Justice Jane Inyang, there will be a great hope for a greater Nigeria and democracy.

“It should be crystal clear to the placeholders in the government of Ogun State that they need not to rejoice over nothing as what they enjoy now is temporal and cannot last because the truth will still prevail.

“We call on all the good people and stakeholders in Ogun State to celebrate Justice Jane Inyang as a role model for true justice and pray for more of such courageous Justices as we move up the ladder. We remain committed to our vision of a brighter future for our beloved state.”

1...1,3211,3221,323...2,904 Page 1,322 of 2,904