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EFCC Invades University Hostels, Arrests Students, FUTA Mgt. Protests

By
Ayodele Oni
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EFCC invades FUTA

By Ayodele Oni

The Management of the Federal University of Technology, (FUTA) has kicked against the invasion of off campus hostels, maltreatment and arrest of students by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

The Management flayed the timing and mode of operation of the operatives which was said to have taken place at about 2.00 am Wednesday.

A statement signed by Adegbenro Adebanjo, Director, Corporate Communication of FUTA, maintained that such patently dangerous tactics should not have been employed by the Operatives.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA has been drawn to an incident involving some operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC who raided some private hostels in the Orita Obele area of Akure metropolis where some students of the University reside.

“Contrary to some false reports making the round, the operatives of EFCC did not invade FUTA and there was no operation whatsoever within the hostels or precincts of the University. The Incident in question happened in private hostels off campus.

“However the University expresses strong reservation about the timing and mode of the operation said to have taken place around 2.00am on Wednesday February 14, 2024.

“Reports indicate that the Operatives barged in and violently woke sleeping students and treated them most unfairly in the course of the operation.

“Such patently dangerous tactics should not have been employed by the operatives. The process should always follow the due process without causing harm or injuries to anybody physically or psychologically.

“Indeed but for providence something untoward could have happened in the course of the operation carried out in the off campus hostels.

“The University is in touch with the EFCC to ascertain the identity of those arrested and validate their studentship and also to ensure that innocent FUTA students are not punished for offences they have not committed.

“FUTA abhors all forms of anti-social practices including acts of criminality in all its forms and supports all initiatives to bring perpetrators to face the consequences of their actions within the ambits of the law.

“The University rules and regulations as contained in the Students Code of Conduct as stipulated in the University Handbook and oath of Matriculation which all students are made to sign specifically prescribes varying degree of punishment for students who run afoul of the laws governing their studentship or engage in illegal acts or odious behavior. The Handbook will guide the University in the current situation.”

CBN: Few Days To MPC Meeting Tinubu Names Cardoso Chair

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Olayemi Cardoso, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor has been named the Chairman of the newly constituted Monetary Policy Committee, MPC.

MPC is a committee of the CBN established under CBN Decree 1999 (Amendment) and CBN Act of 2007 (Amended) to facilitate the attainment of price stability and to support the economic policy of the Federal Government, according to the apex bank.

Its membership apart from the Governor include four deputy governors of the bank; two members of the board of directors of the bank; three members appointed by the President; and two members appointed by the CBN governor.

Cardoso’s appointment was contained in a letter sent to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asking for the confirmation of the members of the committee.

Since he was appointed CBN Governor last year, Cardoso has not held any MPC meeting, he later agreed to hold one by the end of February, even though he also stated that under his watch as CBN boss, MPC would not be held monthly.

Therefore, Tinubu’s letter is coming few days to the maiden MPC of the Cardoso-led CBN, to be held between February 26 and 27.

The letter for the confirmation of the new MPC members was read on the flour of the Senate by Godswill Akpabio, the senate president few minutes ago on the floor of the chamber.

It reads in part: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 12 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointments of the under-listed 12 persons as chairman and members of Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Olayemi Cardoso, CBN governor, chairman; Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, CBN deputy governor, member, Bala M. Bello, CBN deputy Governor (member), Emem Usoro, CBN deputy governor (member), Philip Ikeazor, CBN deputy governor  (member), Lamido Yuguda, DG Securities and Exchange Commission (member), Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance (member),  Muritala Sabo Sagagi, CBN director (member), Alloycius Uche Odu (member), Aku Pullen Odukemelu (member), Mustapha Akinwunmi (Member) and Bamidele A.G. Amuh (member).”

According to checks from the apex bank website, the 2024 MPC meetings have been scheduled for February, March, May, July, September and November 2024.

Japa: FG Moves To Stop Nurses, After 42,000 Left

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The problem facing the Nigerian health sector could get worse as a result of the exodus of health professionals from the country.

No fewer than 42, 000 nurses have left the country in the last few months to look for better opportunity abroad, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN.

Faruk Abubakar, the registrar of the Council made this known on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The revelation comes against the backdrop of apprehension among Nigerians that the sector could face a dearth of qualified professionals if not checked immediately.

In spite of this, the federal and state government appear not to be doing enough to stop the drift of professionals from the sector.

Recall that Chris Ngige, the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, had in his response to complaints that health workers were leaving the country in droves to Europe, US and Asia, said new doctors and other health workers would be trained to replace those that had left the country.

Not a few Nigerians consider his remark very insensitive considering that the sector had been struggling with the scarcity of professionals.

Ngige is a medical doctor.

Speaking yesterday, Farouk spoke on the heels of the protest by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, against the new certification verification guidelines issued by the Council.

NMCN had issued a circular saying applicants seeking verification of certificates to foreign nursing boards and councils must have two years of qualification experience and also pay a non-refundable application fee.

But Farouk, in his response to the protest said the decision was in line with international best practices, adding that the Council also wants to ensure that new nursing graduates stay in the country.

He said: “Now if we allow every Nigerian to leave as they graduate, who is going to handle our healthcare services? Who is going to provide these services? We are Nigerians and it is our responsibility to these services.

“So, we are not against anybody travelling but Nigerians must be served and must be provided with this quality healthcare since we are producing the quality and best nurses that are working anywhere in the world.”

“Just last year, a number of nurses were found with fake documents in America and when we did a background search, about eight of them were not in our database, they hadn’t collected their verification letter or letter of good standing and they faked the documents.

“We don’t want to recall the individual because it will dent the image of the country. So we decided to strengthen the verification process before they leave and that’s what we did.”

Ondo PDP Chair Adams, Complains Of Headache, Dies, PDP Mourns

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Fatai Adams - Ondo PDP Chairman

By Adesina Soyooye

The Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party. PDP, Fatai Adams is dead.

Adams died on Wednesday I after he, allegedly, complained of a splitting headache while in his Ikare home. He was rushed to a

hospital in Akure where he finally died.

Adams was removed as the State Chairman of the Party 43 days ago. But the National Leadership of the Party deared his removal null and void.

The Ondo PDP has declared a three-day mourning in his honour.

Hardship: Rethink Nigeria’s Romance With Bretton Woods Institutions, Sack Unproductive Appointees  – CNPP Tells Tinubu

By
The Source
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “to struggle through the hard path by rethinking Nigeria’s relationship with the Bretton Woods Institutions, realistically assessing the performance of his appointees and sacking those constituting a cog in the wheel of the progress of his administration through their clear unproductivity and sabotage.”

The CNPP, a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, while reacting to the call by the called by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the federal government to completely phase out petrol and electricity subsidies in the country in its ‘Post Financing Assessment (PFA)’ report.

The umbrella association of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria noted in the statement that “restoring macroeconomic stability in Nigeria should come from homegrown policies and programmes as IMF solutions have never aided Nigeria’s economic recovery, rather our economic woes worsened every time Bretton Woods Institutions’ advisories were implemented in Africa.

“While removal of subsidy, due to the attendant corruption that bedevilled its payment was desirable, it was akin to shooting down Nigeria’s economy by implementing subsidy removal policy without functional refineries for local production of petroleum products.

“The call by IMF for the complete phase out of petrol and electricity subsidies in the country is a suggestion to the Bola Tinubu administration to inflict more hardship on already suffering masses of Nigeria.

“Has the IMF ever advised the USA and European countries on removal of subsidies on cotton, which has been detrimental to one of Africa’s leading cotton exporters, Burkina Faso?

“It’s on record that in Europe in 2019, €38.2 billion was spent on direct payments to farmers and €13.8 billion on rural development, with a further €2.4 billion supported the market for agricultural products. Has the IMF ever spoken about energy and agricultural subsidies in the USA and the European countries?

“We therefore urge President Bola Tinubu to focus on homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s economic crisis and jettison policy advisories from the IMF and other Bretton Woods Institutions.

“We equally call on Mr. President to sack all unproductive appointees and identify those who are engaging in economic sabotage, especially as regards revenue generation in the oil and gas sector, and relieve them of their duties to increase foreign exchange earnings”, the CNPP counselled.

How To Strengthen Naira Against Dollar – LAHA

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has lamented the economic downturn of the Nation, most especially the continued downward slide in the value of the Naira against the Dollar.

At the close of Foreign Exchange Market  as at Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, a Dollar hovered between N1,474 and N1,500 and the lawmakers, at plenary, advised the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on some bold steps to take so as to shore up its value of the naira.

Part of the resolutions by the House was that the Federal Government should come up with a mechanism to reduce foreign trips for seminars and conferences by Ministries and Agencies adding that this should apply to States.

While stressing the need to strengthen security across the nation, the House also called on the CBN “to embark on sensitisation of Nigerians on the steps being taken by the apex bank to reduce the pressure on naira while informing on the expected roles of Nigerians at this time.”

The Assembly urged that depositors of dollars in banks can be engaged for an acceptable arrangement where such funds can be utilised by the government to help reduce pressure on the Naira.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, lamented the disparity between the dollar and naira while commending the CBN for taking some measures with the hope that such actions would yield positive results.

Obasa, who further commended the National Assembly for inviting the CBN governor for discussion recently, said: “In my opinion, the CBN and government should embark on sensitisation and information dissemination to make people understand what the government is doing.

“The pressure on the Naira is too much, but the CBN should make sure that national interest is supreme.”

The Speaker urged the government to regulate religious pilgrimages as they attract undue interest in dollars and put pressure on the naira. According to him, this action could be sustained until the naira stabilises.

“To save the naira, the federal government and states can stop foreign conferences and seminars. If possible, we can bring the resource persons to Nigeria to deliver their lectures.

We all need to look inward to support the government.

“Locally, some people in Nigeria doing businesses demand dollars instead of naira. Even at parties now, you see people spray dollars instead of naira. We need a way out and to do this, we need the support of citizens. That’s the essence of sensitisation.

Speaking earlier under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe Constituency 2), said the current naira-dollar disparity is the direct consequence of the policies of the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN.

According to him, the naira will gain strength if measures including fixing the nation’s refineries, strengthening the education and health sectors are taken.

“I think the current CBN governor should work on moral suasion to get people to pull out the dollars in their domiciliary account,” he said.

Pan Yoruba Group Urges South West Governors To Set Regional Security Trust Fund To Tackle Insecurity Menace

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the spate of insecurity challenges bedeviling the nation, Pan Yoruba Group, Alliance Of Yoruba Democratic Movements, AYDM, has urged Governors of the South West States to set up a Regional Security Trust Fund to address the insecurity challenges in the zone.

AYDM said the Fund should be managed by non-state actors selected by each of the six States  in the South West.

The Group, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its General Secretary, Mr Popoola Ajayi, stated that the Governors of the region need to up the ante and as a matter of urgency address the issue before it worsens.

AYDM is an alliance of over 130 Pan Yoruba and community based groups in  largely Yoruba territories including Kwara, Kogi, Akoko Edo and Itsekiri part of Delta State.

The Group said it estimates that the South West States should be able to realise at least N100b in the first six months of its launch.

It stated that no single state in the West can resolve insecurity without networking with others in the region.

Ajayi said the funds should be raised from contributions of State Governments, corporate organisations, Yoruba in Diaspora, individuals, professional and artisan groups resident in the West.

“There are some 60million people in South West. Every adult from the age of 18 resident in the West should be encouraged to contribute a minimum of N500 to the Fund. This will be invested in providing necessary material and training for Amotekun, while creating and building a strong Intelligence Bureau that would tackle all varieties of crime in the region, ” the AYDM said.

AYDM said part of the Fund should be used to set up security posts in all the borders across the region and also establish a Training School on Intelligence and Counter intelligence adding that it would aid the ability of the region to prevent crime before and not after the acts have been committed.

The Group said the West is the most industrialised in Nigeria and continues to witness mass migration of people from other parts of Nigeria, the Magreb and even Sudan who see the region as economic haven.”

It further stated that it is deeply concerned about the rising menace of kidnapping and other violent criminal activities in Yorubaland and the occupation of arable land by armed groups.

“AYDM is urging the Southwest Governors to take collective proactive measures in securing the region by establishing the Regional Security Trust Fund”, Popoola stated.

It argued that the recent surge in criminal activities, particularly kidnapping, banditry, cultism, cyber crime and drug abuse has raised alarm bells within the Yoruba communities

AYDM said it recognizes the need for a collective effort to address these challenges and believes that a Regional Security Trust Fund would provide a sustainable and community-driven solution.

It calls on the Southwest Governors to ensure  a transparent and accountable Regional Security Trust Fund that will allow Yoruba worldwide to make generous donations.

“This fund will also be instrumental in supporting police and other efforts of security agencies and initiatives aimed at tackling the growing threats to the safety and well being of the people.

“The time has come for creative thinking.  It is time for us to unite and take decisive action against the rising insecurity in our beloved indigenous territories by establishing a Regional Security Trust Fund, we can harness the collective strength and resources of Yoruba worldwide to support our security agencies and ensure a safer future for our communities,” said Ajayi

AYDM said the proposed Security Trust Fund will serve as a channel for individuals, businesses, and organizations, both within and outside  to contribute towards the enhancement of security infrastructure, training, and intelligence gathering efforts.

“This collaborative approach is crucial in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among all stakeholders” Ajayi said.

The Group emphasized that the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the Regional Security Trust Fund.

“Clear mechanisms for monitoring and reporting the utilization of funds should be established to ensure that contributions are utilized effectively and efficiently” Ajayi said.

The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements said it is ready to collaborate with the Southwest Governors, security agencies, and other stakeholders to make this Security Trust Fund a reality.

Ajayi said “AYDM is confident that through collective action, we can create a safer and more secure environment for Yoruba at home and abroad.”

Jonathan Mourns ex-Chief of Staff, Gen. Arogbofa

By
The Source
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0

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed shock over the passing of Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa (Rtd), his former Chief of Staff, who died at the age of 72.

Dr. Jonathan, in a condolence message to the Arogbofa family and the people of Ondo State described him as a dedicated and loyal Nigerian who served our nation and humanity to the best of his abilities.

Dr. Jonathan further noted that Gen. Arogbofa was a sincere patriot with an enviable record both in public service and the military where he rose to the rank of Brigadier General.

The former President stated: “Gen. Arogbofa was a devoted officer and sincere patriot whose passion and dedication to duty stood him out and reflected in the considerable achievements he made towards the development of our nation.

“He will be remembered for his professionalism, passion for service and commitment to the task of nation building.”

Dr. Jonathan urged his family to take solace in the fact that Arogbofa led an impactful life and  also prayed for the repose of his soul.

Ikechukwu Eze
S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

FG Asks PDP Governors To Face Governance In Their States, Stop Criticism Of Tinubu’s Administration

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has accused Governors elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party  (PDP) of misleading Nigerians by  manipulating facts and misinformation  about the country’s true state of affairs.

Governors elected on the  PDP platform had met on Monday in Bauchi State and addressed a press conference, where their Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, read out their position on the country’s economic and security situation.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Tuesday, reacted to issues in a communique of the PDP Governors.

Said the FG: “We welcome their call for a bipartisan approach to solving our nation’s economic and security problems.

“As critical stakeholders and leaders at the sub-national level, the PDP Governors certainly have the right to state their position on national concerns as is expected.

“However, as leaders in the country who are members of two important constitutional organs of government – the National Economic Council, which is the highest economic management organ of the country, and the National Council of States, we believe the PDP Governors did not conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles as leaders.

“It is far-fetched when PDP Governors, who are supposed to be major players in driving economic growth and prosperity for our citizens in their respective states, mischievously and falsely compare our current economic challenges to Venezuela.

“We want to state categorically that though our country is going through some rough patches, which are being addressed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our situation is nowhere near what is happening in Venezuela.

“The Nigerian economy is still very strong and is expected to record a 3% GDP growth this year. The economy is meeting financial obligations to lenders at home and abroad.

“The Nigerian government is running effectively, and our government can pay all its bills while maintaining a healthy trade balance with trading partners worldwide.

“While opposition politicians are expected to play politics, it should be done within the bounds of truth and fidelity to facts. It is unconscionable of PDP Governors to manipulate facts and misinform Nigerians about our country’s true state of affairs.

“Since President Tinubu assumed office, the revenue available to the three tiers of government has more than doubled.

“All 36 States, including the 774 Local Governments, have been receiving significantly larger allocations on the back of the reforms being pursued by President Tinubu to reposition our national economy.

“Nigerians should ask PDP Governors how far and how well they have utilized the increased revenue to better the lives of Nigerians in their respective states.

“It is on record that most States controlled by PDP owe workers and pensioners months of unpaid salary and pension arrears.

“The PDP Governors have defaulted in paying gratuities to their retired workers. It is also a fact that many of the PDP Governors have not paid N30,000 minimum wage to their workers since it took effect more than 4 years ago.

“All of these anomalies in their states contribute significantly to the economic pressure their citizens face.

“If PDP governors are genuinely interested in the living conditions of Nigerians and are not just stirring up disaffection and ill-will towards the federal government, we urge them to meet their obligations to workers, pensioners, and local contractors and see the multiplier effect.

“It is disappointing that PDP Governors talk about rising costs of living and food when they have not done much to increase food production in their States. The land in Nigeria belongs to the States, not the Federal Government.

“PDP Governors, in their communique yesterday, did not tell Nigerians how they are supporting farmers in their states to boost food production – a responsibility that is strictly within their purview.

“Instead, they shift all the blame to the Federal Government, while shirking their own responsibilities to the people they govern.”

Aftermath Of Fire Outbreak: Abia Market Authorities Order Relocation Of Warehouses

By
The Source
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0
Alex Otti

By Daniel Maduka

The authorities of the Eziukwu Road market Aba, one of the largest business outlets in the commercial hub of Abia state, have directed all dealers on  inflammable products at the market to, within 14 days, relocate their businesses to areas with enough ventilation, as well as put in place all necessary fire prevention and control equipment.

This is even as  the zonal executives of the market’s 84 zones have been tasked to provide water facilities through the sinking of new boreholes and the rehabilitation of existing ,but malfunctioning ones at all strategic parts of the market.

The directives are coming on the heels of the presentation of the reports of a seven-man panel instituted to investigate the causes of the February 5, 2024, inferno that erupted at the popular and ever busy A- Line of the market,  during which goods worth several millions of Naira were lost.

The Comrade Ibe  Nzenwa led seven-man panel which was empowered on February 7,  submitted its findings to the leadership of the market last weekend .

The Chairman of the market ,Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, while commending the Committee members for their dedication ,and commitment, said a task force to monitor compliance with the directives on the setting up of warehouses and shops containing inflammable products only on conducive parts of the market would be immediately inaugurated.

The Task Force, apart from ensuring that warehouses containing  inflammable products are properly located, will, also, enforce compliance  with the directives on the provision of adequate fire fighting equipment in all sensitive business outlets within the precincts of the market.

Chief Udeigbo, who is also the Chairman of All Chairmen of Aba markets, noted that the authorities of the Eziukwu Road market, have decided to adopt proactive measures in handling security and safety affairs of the market.

The Source (Magazine) reports that the investigative panel in its  report had traced  the fire outbreak to a business facility laden with inflammable products, with explosions there from  hampering initial efforts at putting out  the fire.

The panel consequently recommeded  among other things, that all warehouses, shops and other business outlets. dealing on inflammable products should be relocated to  conducive areas of the market, as well as  the provision of water in strategic points with a view to preventing future occurrence.

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