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Infrastructure: Umahi Says Buhari Owed N14trn; Minister Ready To Fight Contractors

September 18, 2023

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has disclosed that the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari owed a whopping N14 trillion to contractors.

The sum, according to the minister, is the debt owed to local and foreign contractors after constructing over 2,604 road projects spanning over 18,000 kilometers.

Umahi said the current administration has already paid N4 trillion to contractors leaving N10 trillion outstanding.

He made this known after paying a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the ministry inherited a total of 2,604 projects, worth N14tn and for 18,000 kilometers of road.

He explained that the government is searching for various sources of funding to settle the debt, including the Public Private Partnership, PPP, modality, adding that the slow release of funds has hampered road construction projects across the country.

The minister also hinted that some road projects that have dragged on for more than 20 years will be terminated, while new road projects will be approved for construction.

Umahi said: “Between when we came on board and now, about N4tn has been paid. And so that is a balance of N10tn remaining.

“Now, in this N10tn, we have defined sources that could fund up to N4tn. So, we have a funding gap of about N6tn. That is what is there now.

“We have a number of programs for road development under the previous administration. We inherited all the projects; we have not dropped any of them. But curious to know that some of these projects have lasted for 20 years, some 10 years. In fact, in most cases, they were never appropriated throughout every tenure.

“So I went to seek Mr. President’s nod so that I will be able to terminate some of the projects that have stayed up to 10 years without any defined source of funding.

“Just look at over 2600 projects, 18,000 kilometers of roads, and N14 trillion. That is huge! And the worrisome part of this is that even the ones that are being funded properly, the roads hardly last up to five years.

“So I briefed Mr. President on what we are doing by introducing reinforced concrete technology for our road pavements.

“I know that there are a lot of fights from contractors, but I’m David, I’m known for fight and I will fight this because I’ve reported myself to Mr. President.”

APC National Gubernatorial Campaign Council Inauguration: A Huge Success

The Source

September 17, 2023

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Gubernatorial Campaign Council (Imo NGCC) hosted by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, on Saturday was a huge success.

Judging from the massive crowd of Imolites who have found love with the APC and their workaholic governor, the event was very peaceful, well attended and organized to meet the best standards in modern society.

A statement issued by Sir Amby Uneze, Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, said of the ceremony:

“To put the records straight, the programme was an entirely an APC affair as those present were either members of the national gubernatorial campaign council or members of the party at the national and state levels.”

The attendance witnessed the presence of the APC National Chairman, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, National Secretary of the Party, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, Ph.D, and all the entire national executive council members. Others were the Chairman of the NGCC, Sen. Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, Co-Chairmen, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, Hon. Uche Nnaji, Honourable Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, and Hon. Dr. Nkiru Onyejeocha, Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment.

From the home front, were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, Deputy Governorship candidate, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaro, and her husband, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaro, SAN, former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, Chief of Staff, Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, APC State Chairman, Sir Macdonald Ebere, Ph.D, Chief Uche Nwosu, Sir Jude Ejiogu, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Christogonus Ugochukwu Okoro (Agbara), Hon. Chike Okafor, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah, former Minister of Education (State), and other prominent Imolites.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Ganduje, assured the people of Imo State and members of the APC in particular that the national leadership of the party is committed to leading the party to a resounding victory on November 11.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the Admiral Godwin Ndubusi Kanu Square, Owerri, the National Chairman of the party was highly elated at the quality gathering of members of the party that turned up for the Inauguration of the Imo State National Gubernatorial Campaign Council (NGCC).

Alhaji Ganduje expressed happiness that the governor has done so well and that the party is just emphasising the governor’s achievements.

He said: “We are simply emphasizing the benefits of good governance. To be honest with you, I am so happy. That’s because I have seen happiness in you all. I am surprised and astonished.This is not a campaign rally but a mere inauguration of the campaign council for Imo State. Previously, we were inaugurating in Abuja, but we decided to change the narrative by inaugurating it at the states.

“Your Governor is an intelligent person. He is cooperating with the President of Nigeria and Mr. President is ready to assist Imo State. We will do everything to ensure that you succeed in this election.”

Speaking earlier, the host Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma assured that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is ready for the November 11 governorship election in the state, adding that the party is a movement in Imo State.

He said if the election was to hold tomorrow, the APC is ready.

According to the Governor, from all indications, APC is the only party in Imo State that is properly positioned and ready for the November election. Even if the election was to hold tomorrow, we are ready for the election. No doubt, my people are very confident and waiting for the D-Day. So, what is already known will be made formal.

The Governor informed the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion that the party has embarked on a reconciliation of members who feel aggrieved one way or another.

He noted that the APC has received a lot of decampees from the opposition political parties in the state and that the doors are open for more to come in.

“We have embarked on a reconciliation. All the leaders and members of our great party who had suffered one grievance or the other; we have opened the doors.

“Of late, not only had many of them come back to join the party, we have also witnessed massive decamping from other political parties. As I speak to you, for majority of the opposition political parties in Imo State, their party structures and majority of their leadership have joined the APC.

“Our people have bought into the party. I want to inform you that I have decided to take the campaign up to the polling units. This is in our effort to drive our campaign directly to the grassroots. Our campaign structure is bottom up.

“We are not doing our formal flag-off rally today. The national leadership of our great party working with members of the Progressive Governors Forum are simply here to inaugurate our national campaign council, the council that will drive the campaign and the management of the election,” he stated.

From all indications, the few people outside the party that parade themselves as opposition are already having a rethink and planning to join hands with Governor Uzodimma to continue the good works in the next four years.

Supreme Court Hit By Dearth Of Justices As Court Of Appeal Gets New Judges

Ayodele Oni

September 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s Apex Court, is now left with 11 Justices. One of them, Honourable Justice Amina Adamu Augie will retire on Thursday having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years on Sunday, 3rd September, 2023.

The traditional valedictory court session in her honour, which ought to have taken place in September 3 was delayed due to the annual vacation of the Court which ended on Friday, 15th September, 2023.

The Supreme Court in its full capacity is expected to have sitting 22 Justices including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN).

The number, it was gathered, was reduced by retirements and deaths of some of the Justices with the last death recorded in July this year of Justice Centus Chima Nweze.

The remaining Justices at the Apex Court bench are Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola; Musa Dattijo, Kudirat Motomori Kekere-Ekun, John Inyang Okoro, Uwani Abba Aji, Garba Lawal and Helen Morenikeji Ogunwumiju.

The rest are Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Tijjani Abubakar and Emmanuela Akomaye Agim.

However, the Court of Appeal is expected to have an additional nine

Justices this week as new appointees will be sworn- in.

Justice Ariwoola will on Wednesday, September 20, administer oath of office on the newly appointed nine Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

A statement on Sunday by the Supreme Court’s Director of Press and Information, Festus Akande, indicated that the CJN will administer oath of office on the new Court of Appeal Justices by 11:00 am.

The new Appellate Court Justices are: Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun from Kaduna State, who was appointed a High Court Judge on 24th May, 1999; Binta Fatima Zubairu from Kaduna State, appointed a High Court Judge on 31st October, 2001; and Peter Chudi Obiora from Anambra State, who was sworn-in as High Court Judge on 17th January, 2005.

Others are Justices Okon Efreti Abang from Akwa Ibom State, who was appointed a High Court Judge on 22nd June, 2009; Asma’u Musa Mainoma from the Federal Capital Territory, appointed High Court Judge on 1st February, 2013; Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu from Oyo State, who became High Court Judge on 26th June, 2014; and Jane Esienanwan Iyang from Cross River State, who was sworn-in as High Court Judge on 12th February, 2015.

The rest are Hadiza Rabiu Shagari from Sokoto State, who was elevated to the High Court Bench on 12th February, 2015; and Paul Ahmed Bassi from Borno State, appointed to the High Court on 14th July, 2017.

Gov Adeleke Escapes Plane Crash, Says There’s Attempt To Kill Him Through Plane Crash

Ayodele Oni

September 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has said that there was foul play in the near-plane crash he was involved at the weekend.

The Governor dismissed the claim that birds had built nest in one of the engines, which resulted in Foreign Object Damage (FOD) that made the aircraft experience high temperature, which resulted into an explosion.

The incident reportedly occured at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, at about 9am when the private jet, owned by the Governor’s elder brother, Deji, was about to take off to Abuja.

The report stated that the jet, with Governor Adeleke and his aides on board, had taxied to the end of the runway shortly before departure when a loud explosion was heard from the engine, causing it to abort take-off immediately.

Before the planned takeoff, the jet had been parked at the Executive Jet hanger of the Airport, the report added.

Sam Iwuajoku, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Jets, owners of the hangar where the private jet was parked, disclosed that Chief Adeleke’s private jet had Foreign Object Damage (FOD) that made the aircraft experience high temperature, which resulted in the explosion.

“At take-off, the engine had high temperature and it was caused by bird nest in one of the engines of the aircraft. It happens when an aircraft is parked and not properly covered, so, birds will build their nest and anything they bring into the aircraft can spark high temperature”.

But, Adeleke, on Sunday maintained that bird nests “are made with straws not bidding wires.”

A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stated that “There are strong indications that the two aircraft engines were tampered with before boarding.

“The highly technically equipped aircraft was well maintained with the best technical crew and was never an unused platform where birds could build nests.

“Contrary to the claim by the hanger owner that birds’ nests caused the incident, birds’ nests are made with straws not bidding wires as in this case.

“The near-fatal incident was averted shortly after boarding and less than two minutes after commencement of taxing on the tarmac. An early warning noise from the engines immediately prompted the pilots to direct the evacuation of the passengers.

“Everything happened within five minutes. Early reports from internal investigation indicated sabotage. But the authorities, locally and internationally, are still investigating the incident.”

The Governor added that there was no injury or any outward explosion on the plane.

Investigations are on. If confirmed that was sabotage, then, there will be cause for serious worries. The owner of the Hanger will be in serious trouble.

Private Jet owners pay a huge amount of money for the protection of their aircraft. This incident could spark of panic and a lot of questions, including, how safe the hangers are.

Iwuajoku has one of the most luxurious five star hotels in Nigeria – very close to the hanger.

Tinubu Nominates Two Additional Ministers, Aides For Shettima

Ayodele Oni

September 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Two additional ministerial nominees have been approved by President Bola Tinubu. They are Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim who will serve as the Minister of Youth, and Mr Ayodele Olawande to serve as the Minister of State for Youth, subject to clearance by the Senate.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.

According to the statement, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim is a young medical doctor and most recently served as the President of the Progressive Young Women Forum (PYWF).

She has also served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Ayodele Olawande is a community development expert and youth leader in the All Progressives’ Congress (APC). He had recently served in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Innovation from 2019 to 2023.

President Tinubu charged the nominees to ensure that they consistently reflect the dynamism, innovative zeal, and unyielding productivity that are synonymous with the young people of Nigeria as they discharge their duties.

President Tinubu also ratified appointments of new aides for the office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima. They are Stanley Nkwocha, SSA Media, Tope Kolade Fasua, Special Adviser Economy, Sadiq Jambo, SA Economy, Dr. Muhammad Bulama, SSA Special Duty; Mahmud Muhammad, Personal Assistant Domestic, North-East, Ahmed Ningi, SSA Digital media and Emergency Management; Musa Amshi Muhammad Al-Amin, SSA Special Duties, Emmanuella Eduozor, as SA Multimedia Content Production.

Lagos HoS Now President Tinubu Principal Secretary

Ayodele Oni

September 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, is now Principal secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okunola’s appointment came alongside 15 other appointees, including Tanko Yakasai, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and Moremi Ojudu.

The 51-year-old Legal Practitioner had worked for President Tinubu during his years as the Governor of Lagos State.

He served as a Personal Assistant to Tinubu during his stint as governor.

His journey to the Lagos State Civil Service dates back to the early 2000s, when he served as Executive Secretary of the Land Use and Allocation Committee, Permanent Secretary and later Head of Service.

Moremi Ojudu, the first daughter of Babafemi Ojudu, the former Special Political Adviser to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, was appointed as a Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement in the Southwest zone.

Tanko Yakasai, Chioma Nweze, Abiodun Essiet, and Abdulhamid Yahaya Abba were similarly appointed to serve the other five geographical zones.

Yakasai is for North West, Essiet North Central, Nweze South East, Yahaya Abba North East.

The appointment batch also showed that former deputy governor of Lagos, Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, has been reappointed as SSAP Sustainable Development Goals.

The President also approved the appointment of Tope Kolade Fasua as the Special Adviser on Economic Affairs in the office of the Vice President.

The 52-year-old Fasua announced his appointment via his social media handle on Friday, September 15.

Obasanjo’s Order To Oyo Monarchs Confirms He’s Not Yoruba Man – Council Of Elders

Ayodele Oni

September 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

A South West Group, Council of Yoruba Elders has advised former President Olusegun Obasanjo to apologize to Traditional Rulers he denigrated at Iseyin, Oyo State.

In a military fiat, the former President had ordered the Royal Fathers to stand up as a mark of recognition for him and Governor Seyi Makinde.

Mixed reactions have been trailing Obasanjo’s action which they all described as desecration of Obaship in Yorubaland.

The Council of Elders in a statement stated that “We write with great pains of the heart and regret of immeasurable quantum to imagine the ugly incident that occurred at Iseyin, Oyo State yesterday 15th September, 2023 on the occasion of the road commissioning by the Oyo State Government where Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was invited as the Chief Guest of Honour.”

The statement was signed by Dr. Victor Taiwo, Secretary General and Mr. Lanre Ogundipe, Publicity Secretary.

The statement: “It was at this occasion that we saw, through a video which has gone viral, Chief Obasanjo acting like an adept overwhelmed by the spirit of Sango sect, repugnantly vituperating and lambasting the large congregation of our Obas in attendance and commandeering them in the utmost contemptuous and denigrating manner to rise, and sit down like an Army General would his soldiers.

“When we saw this video, it initially occurred to us as a fictional movie. But when it dawned on us that it was a reality, lo and behold, it was a scene that could burst one’s lachrymal gland into rupture.

“For one thing, what Obasanjo did was infra dignitatem to our Yoruba culture and tradition. It was a taboo. It was an arrant display of megalomania and utter rudeness to our crowns in Yorubaland.

“The position of our Obas could be discerned from their appellation as the Igbakeji Orisa (Second in command to the deity). And so, that the desecration of our Obas has come from a person of the status of Obasanjo whose Yoruba identity is under question is a great shame and denigration of the Yoruba culture and tradition.

“We, therefore, condemn this dastardly act from Obasanjo in all totality and so, we call for his public apology to all the disgraced Obas and the entire Yoruba people by extension.

“While we condemn the arrogant act of Obasanjo, we also feel ashamed and let down as well by all the Obas in attendance who kowtowed to the command of the lesser mortal as pupil would their teacher.

“This organization – Council of Yoruba Elders – has poised itself to protect the glory and dignity of Yoruba race in all ramifications.”

World Clean-up Day: LAWMA Advocates Responsible Waste Management

Akinwale Kasali

September 16, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has joined the rest of the world In observing this year’s World Clean-up Day.

The celebration which is a global initiative dedicated to eliminate littering and waste from the surroundings, has prompted LAWMA to call on residents to show commitment towards responsible waste management.

Addressing the Media on the theme of this year’s event, “Celebrate the Earth”, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the annual program provided an opportunity for deep reflection on the need for sustained clean-up and effective waste management in the state, and called on residents to actively participate in community cleanup activities, with particular emphasis on waterways.

He said, “Residents are encouraged to actively participate in community cleanup activities, particularly focusing on waterways. This collective effort helps in the removal of plastic waste from our vulnerable ecosystems, safeguarding them from further harm. We also advise residents to own a waste bin and patronise only accredited PSP operators.

“One of LAWMA’s most impactful initiatives is the promotion of plastic recycling program. This program plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation and contributes to economic growth by creating employment opportunities within the state. So, we encourage residents to embrace sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable water bottles”, Gbadegesin stated.

Gbadegesin also highlighted the importance of source separation, the practice of separating waste at its point of generation, which streamlines the recycling process and minimises contamination, making the recycling effort more effective.

He urged residents to shun improper disposal of waste on drainages, set-backs, walkways, and other inappropriate locations, adding that littering not only mars the environment but also poses a serious threat to wildlife and aquatic life.

He stressed that the overuse of single-use plastics worsens the pollution problem, advising residents to limit their use and seek sustainable alternatives.

The LAWMA boss emphasised that it was imperative to keep drains and gutters free of debris, to prevent water logging and flooding, adding that neglecting this responsibility could lead to avoidable environmental hazards.

He noted further that the use of waste to reclaim lands must be shunned as it endangered both the environment and the people living in it.

“As we observe World Clean-up Day, let us all come together to Celebrate the Earth and take meaningful steps towards caring for our environment. With LAWMA’s comprehensive guidelines and initiatives, we are poised to make a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution and for a sustainable, cleaner future”, he stated.

Inauguration: How Uzodinma’s Re-election Was Sealed

The Source

September 16, 2023

By Collins Opurozor

What happened in Owerri today was not a mega political rally. It was not even a rally. I recall leafing through a report that described it as APC campaign flag-off. No. It was just an inauguration. The National Campaign Council for the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodinma was inaugurated. And Owerri was shut down.

Today’s inauguration reminds me of a saying by Jerry Alagbaoso. A lady was told, “Nne, you’re beautiful.” She responded, “You have not seen my younger sister.” If the inauguration of campaign council was like this, how would the campaign flag-off be?

One message that today’s star-studded inauguration has delivered is the strength of Imo APC’s internal solidarity and the collective resolve of Imo people to renew the mandate of Governor Uzodinma for another four years given his stellar performance across all sectors. The Governor has surpassed the righteous expectations of Imo people. Simple and short.

Is it not interesting that for the first time in the history of Imo State, no governorship candidate is promising to build roads anymore? Also, nobody talks about China roads. Even the unrepentant enemies of good things would say, “Na only road we go chop?” They forget that the pre-condition for the economic takeoff of every society is the provision of associated infrastructure, and that every development goes through the road.

When we discussed Imo during the governorship campaigns in 2019, the monthly IGR of the State was a paltry N465 million, lowest in the Southeast. Today, Imo is posting almost N3 billion monthly. This is the logical consequence of the regime of fiscal discipline and accountable stewardship which Governor Uzodinma has engenderd. The position of Imo in the Annual States Viability Index has skyrocketed. Many good things are happening at the same time.

An ICT revolution is taking place in Imo State through the Skill-Up Imo Project of the Government. This initiative has trained thousands of young Imolites in different digital skills and equipped them, thereby making them viable human beings who are today economically self-reliant. Hundreds of web developers, many hundreds of video and graphics editors, more hundreds of cyber security experts from Imo are now being supplied to the global market.

It is now clear that another four years of Governor Uzodinma would mean that unemployment might become a taboo in the State. It is always cheaper to train people and engage them than to fight them when they become criminals. This is the soft security philosophy that the Governor has implemented. And the result has been mind-blowing.

What is even more heartwarming is that the Governor has begun to diversify the economic base of the State for post-oil realities. Alternative sources of energy are being explored globally. It means the economic relevance of our crude oil is dwindling every day. But Imo State is already ahead.

With the pure clay which deposits are vast in Amuro-Okigwe, this Shared Prosperity Government is set to make Imo a net exporter of ceramics, earning foreign exchange. This is even as the State’s agricultural assets are being aggressively revamped. A leader looks into the future.

As we savour the joy of today’s inauguration, may we remember that Governor Uzodinma’s first term is just like that proverbial pretty lady with a prettier younger sister. Another four years will be prettier, Ndimo!

Women Activists Demand Apology From Minister Over Unguarded Statement On UNICAL Se€ual Harassment Scandal

Akinwale Kasali

September 16, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs is in trouble over her alleged statements on the se€ual harassment scandal that rocked the University of Calabar, UNICAL, recently.

A coalition of of over 500 Women Rights Organisations under the aegis of Womanifesto has demanded an unreserved apology from the Minister for allegedly working against the interest of Nigerian Women.

The group said it was gravely concerned about her utterances on the UNICAL case and their implications for the interest and protection of vulnerable women and children in Nigeria.

The Minister, in the video, also purportedly insinuated that the students were being used and manipulated by some people to get Professor Cyril Ndifon out of office, so they themselves could take his place.

According to the video, the Minister said since the female students had admitted that they were not ra**d, it meant they were not se€ually harassed.

But Womanifesto in a letter to Ohaneye dated September 15, 2023, obtained by journalists in Abuja on Saturday, recalled a recent meeting with the Minister where she was warned to desist from interfering in the case of se€ual harassment against Ndifon and interfacing with the female student victims in the case, with the possible motive/outcome of silencing them.

The letter signed by the co-Convener of Womenifesto and Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, was copied to President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye; Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Tony Ojukwu (SAN); Attorney-General Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The petitioners said, “We will spare no efforts in taking further lawful action that may affect your position if you do not do the needful by taking steps to apologize publicly and retract your threats to the students and utterances on rape and se€ual harassment.

“Your utterances, Honourable Minister, have no doubt done a lot of damage to the collective of Nigerian Women and girls and we hereby demand that you publicly apologize for meddling in the UNICAL sexual harassment case against Prof. Ndifon and attempting to silence the voices of the students who are victims of the harassment. We expect your commitment to justice and fair play. We expect no less from the office of the Minister of Women Affairs.

“It is shocking, to say the least, that a Minister of Women Affairs should hold such a narrow and erroneous view of what constitutes se€ual harassment. The United Nations clearly describes se€ual harassment as se€ual advances, requests for se€ual favours and verbal or physical conduct of a se€ual nature, whether implicitly or explicitly.

“We note that Professor Ndifon, who is currently on suspension from the university, has gone to court to make a case against what he called a campaign to smear his image. The utterances of the Minister of Women Affairs on the case of sexual harassment against Ndifon, therefore, can only be seen as taking sides with him. Our delegation was clear in explaining this issue to your good self during the meeting.

“Let it be stated clearly that Womanifesto outrightly condemns attempts to trivialise sexual harassment by narrowly reducing it to penetrative s€x or rape only. We demand a retraction from the Honourable Minister and an apology to the innocent students who have been bullied and traumatised by you.

“We believe the Office of the Minister of Women Affairs should be investing its energies in rallying support for victims and survivors of sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based violence, and mitigating all factors that could compound the vulnerability of women and girls.”

It called on the NHRC, ICPC and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that se€ually violated women and girls who have the courage to speak out, receive adequate protection and justice.

The Group also pleaded with well-meaning Nigerians to lend their support to efforts to rid the campuses of se€ual predators who abuse their office and power to se€ually exploit young women and children who simply want to pursue academic aspirations.

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