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Kano: My SSG Is Sick, Not Sacked- Gov Yusuf

By
James Orji
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Kano State govrnor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has denied sacking Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG. The governor described the report as a “useless” talk without any iota of truth.
The state’s helmsman was reported to have sacked Bichi last year, after appointing the state’s Head of Service, as acting SThe governor and the SSG were also said to have exchange blows due to some political disagreement.
Governor Yusuf who was sacked last year from office by the Court of Appeal, and has now appealed to the Supreme Court, described the reports of the alleged feud with his SSG, as the product from the rumour mill without any proof.
According to him, what happened is that the SSG has been “sick” and since the position cannot be vacant due to its importance, somebody had to be appointed in acting capacity pending Bichi recuperation.
He said, “I overheard some useless persons speaking with full authority on the local radio programme that there was an exchange of deadly blows between myself and the SSG.

“You know, some people who are jobless see politics as their source of living, and they always try to create rumours to create unnecessary tension, but this time they have failed woefully.”
“Because we have appointed the State Head of Service as acting SSG, that does not mean we sacked Bichi; we cannot allow the position to be vacant because of its sensitive nature.” On December 21, the Supreme Court reserved the judgement after hearing the appeal brought by Governor Yusuf, against the Court of Appeal judgment which had earlier declared Nasir Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of last year’s governorship election.

Full List Of Foreign Universities Delisted By FG Over Fake Degrees

By
The Source
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National Universities Commission

By Gideon Njoku

On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the Federal Government, made public the list of 18 foreign Universities in Nigeria it has suspended from evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates.

The Universities, all from the Republic of Benin and Togo were suspended following a scandal which erupted over a number of fake University degrees awarded by them.

The Government, in a statement from the Ministry of Education, also, warned Nigerians to avoid patronising the institutions.

The decision followed an undercover investigation by a Nigerian newspaper, which unravelled the scandalous activity of a University in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The investigative reporter was awarded a degree from the Cotonou University within six weeks. Worse, he was cleared, and participated in the  National Youth Service Corps even though he had participated in the programme in 2018.

Following, the list of the Universities suspended by the National Universities Commission, NUC.

  1. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
  2. Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
  3. The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
  4. Collumbus University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  5. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  6. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  7. London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  8. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  9. West African Christian University is operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  10. EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
  11. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
  12. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
  13. Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  14. University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  15. Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  16. African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
  17. Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
  18. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.

Ondo PDP, NEC Issue Counter Orders On State Chairman Suspension

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fatai Adams

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo state Working Committee, (SWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and party’s National Working Committee, (NWC) seem divided over the fate of Fatai Adams, state chairman of the party.

Some nine members of the SWC out of eleven, had earlier on Tuesday ratified the suspension of Adams, citing anti party activities, an action the NEC described as null and void.

Reacting to the position of the NEC in a statement signed by the national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the Ondo state chapter insisted that its chairman remains suspended.

In a statement, signed by the state publicity secretary of the PDP,  Kenedy Peretei, noted that “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Chapter is embarrassed by the Statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of our great party Hon. Debo Ologunagba whose opinion about developments in the party in Ondo State is contrary to PDP Constitution as amended.

“For the record, all levels of the party have powers to discipline erring members of their Executive, whether at the Ward, Local Government, State or Zonal levels.

“The State Chairman, Fatai Adams is a member of the State Working Committee and can therefore be sanctioned in the face of his activities with flagrant disregard for SWC decisions. To this end, the suspension of Fatai Adams stays.

“Unfortunately, Hon Ologunagba who is from Ondo State appears not to have up to date information about the party in  Ondo State. If he did, he would have been the last person to issue such a misleading statement.

“Nine out of the Eleven State Working Committee (SWC) members signed the suspension letter. That alone is a confirmation that Fatai Adams has overstayed his usefulness as State Chairman.

“Finally, we wish to re-iterate that, by the provisions of our Constitution, every level of the party can discipline any officer of the party at that level. Therefore, Ologunagba’s personal opinion should not be misconstrued as the provisions of our Constitution.”

Ondo PDP Chairman Suspension: NEC Says It’s Null And Void

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fatai Adams

By Ayodele Oni

The National Working Committee, (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reacted to the suspension of the Ondo state chairman of the party, Fatai Adams  dismissing it as “non and void and of no effect.”

Adams was on Tuesday suspended by the party’s executives in the state over alleged anti-party activities.

Adams himself in a reaction laugh over the matter saying it was all politics.

The NWC in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to the purported suspension of the Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of our Party, Mr. Fatai Adams.

“The NWC declares the said suspension as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down Rules.

“For emphasis, no State Working Committee has the power whatsoever to contemplate or suspend a State Chairman without due recourse to the National Working Committee as provided by the Constitution of PDP.

“The PDP is an organized political Party governed by strict adherence to the provisions of its Constitution and Rules and will not allow any individual or group at any level to violate its Constitution and Rules.

“The NWC cautions those involved in this illegal act in defiance of the PDP Constitution to retrace their steps as the NWC will not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary or punitive actions to preserve the stability of our Party and the sanctity of our Constitution and Rules.

“The NWC states that Mr. Fatai Adams remains the Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the PDP and charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of our Party in Ondo State and the nation to disregard the purported suspension.

“The NWC enjoins all Party members in Ondo State to remain united and continue to work together in the overall interest of our Party and the people.

In his reaction, the embattled Chairman of PDP in Ondo State, Fatai Adams declared his purported suspension plot as politically motivated and unfounded.

Adams described the purported suspension by some of the State Executive Council members of the party as illegal and unfounded

He emphasized that it was a plot to remove him so that they can hatch their plans for the Akoko North East/North East Federal Constituency Bye election.

While stating that he remains the chairman of the party in the State, he maintained that the party will not be taken over by unscrupulous elements who are out there to destroy the democratic values which the party is known for.

Japa Syndrome: Ondo Set To Fill Existing Vacancies

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

As the Japa Syndrome takes toll on Ondo State health sector, Government has promised to recruit more workers to fill existing vacancies.

The State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who on Tuesday joined the annual prayer organized by the Civil Servants in the state to herald the new working year, also promised to pay all outstanding entitlements of workers.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that Aiyedatiwa assured that despite lean resources of the state, the administration would ensure the recruitment of health workers.

The Governor thanked Public Servants in the State for their cooperation and also the labour unions for their support for Government, promising that priority will be given to the welfare of the workers in the State.

Aiyedatiwa also assured prompt payment of salaries, promotion, regular elevation, payment of inherited salary arrears, training and retraining, provision of working tools among other things that will engender an efficient 21st century Civil Service.

“We will forge ahead with the approval already given for the recruitment of health workers as a way of strengthening the health sector, while filling of vacancies will be done on regular basis as need arises.”

The Governor urged civil servants to face their work diligently and shun partisan politics as the people of the State prepare for another governorship election, adding that politicians should also desist from treating the election as a do or die affairs.

“This is an election year; let everyone knows that the peace of the State is not negotiable and election is not a do or die affair.”

The governor assured the administration’s readiness  to open up the State for investors to come and invest their resources for the progress of the State.

The Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, commended the Governor for the continuous support in all areas pertaining to issues affecting public servants in the State.

The HoS unequivocally passed a vote of confidence on Governor Aiyedatiwa as being worker-friendly especially in the areas of regular promotion with financial benefits, equitable distribution of palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, payment of 35,000 wage award, presentation of SUV cars to 30 Permanent Secretaries and other welfare packages aimed at enhancing efficiency.

Ondo PDP Suspends Chairman, Fatai Adams

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fatai Adams

By Ayodele Oni

The State Working  Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has suspended the Party’s Chairman, Fatai Adams.

In a letter of suspension released on Tuesday, and signed by nine members, the SWC explained that Adams was suspended for allegations ranging from anti party activities.

Although, Adams has not been linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, the party said recently that some of the members of the PDP would soon join its rank.

A letter suspending Adams reads “Pursuant to section 58(1b. c, f. h. and i) of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017, the State Working Committee has approved the suspension of the State Chairman, Mr. Fatai Adams, for anti party activities and for engaging in activities likely to bring the party to disrepute.

“He is accordingly advised to appear before the State Disciplinary Committee of the party for further interrogations within the next one week.

“The party wishes to state emphatically that it will deal decisively with any incursion by the ruling party, the APC, into its ranks.”

Nigeria Turns Back, Rejects University Degree Certificates From Togo, Benin Republic

By
Ayodele Oni
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Certificates From Togo

By Ayodele Oni

Following the controversy surrounding University degrees obtained at institutions in neighbouring Benin Republic and Togo, the Federal Government has announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the two countries.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.

According to Obilor-Duru, the decision followed an investigative report by a Nigerian Newspaper titled: “UNDERCOVER: reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in six weeks” published last week.

The Federal Government  lamented that “some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.”

According to the statement, the suspension persists pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria and the two countries as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

Rivers Crisis: Fubara Claims Victory, Dares Wike, Appoints  New  Chief Of Staff

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Twice since New Year’s Day, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has shown that he can bite.  The Governor has been under the shadows of his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Until the two of them disagreed over what none of them has been courageous enough to tell public, Wike was literally in charge of the Government, and made, almost,  all the appointments.

The crisis has had a devastating effect on the State and factionalised the House of Assembly.

In the  aftermath, there were two Speakers, one loyal to Wike, the other, loyal to Governor Fubara. And even though the Court recognised Edison Ehie,  the Speaker loyal to Fubara, when President Bola Tinubu intervened in the crisis between Wike and Fubara, he asked Ehie to stand down for Wike’s Speaker Amaewhule.

On January 1st, 2024 Ehie not only quit as Speaker but resigned from the House of Assembly. That resignation brought out the man in Fubara.

On January 2, 2024, Fubara

appointed Ehie as his new Chief of Staff, CoS. Before the crisis, Wike’s Chief of Staff as Governor continued  as Fubara’s Chief of Staff.

On the same day, in Opobo where he spoke to the people, Fubara told his audience that he remains the winner in the crisis between him and Wike.

He said that those who wanted him out of office have lost because “I am still in office as Governor.”

The drama is still unfolding.

What President Tinubu’s New Year Message Failed To Address – Omokri

By
Ayodele Oni
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Reno Omokri

By Ayodele Oni

As reactions continue to trail President Bola Tinubu’s New Year message to Nigerians, Social Media influencer, Reno Omokri, has noted that the speech was silent on sacrifices being made by the ruling class as a result of the economic downturn.

Omokri wrote on his X page:

“What was missing from President Bola Tinubu’s New Year’s Day broadcast to the nation was sacrifice.

“Yes, he admitted that the economy was tottering when he took over on May 29, 2023, and he has had to make difficult decisions that have been telling on the Nigerian people, and has resulted in an inflation rate of 28%. But where is his own sacrifice? And that of his government?

“It is not enough for him to ask us to play our parts. We must first see that the government is living up to its commitments.

“When a country faces economic challenges, the leadership cannot expect the people to make sacrifices without first making them. What I expected to hear from the president was, for example, that:

“All jets in the Presidential Air Fleet have been sold except two. All foreign travel by public and civil servants have been embargoed, except where they are strictly in the national interest, and must first be approved by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, if they are civilians, or the National Security Adviser, if they are military and paramilitary personnel.

“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government are hereby directed to purchase made-in-Nigeria goods and services exclusively, and it will be a dismissible offence for any MDA to patronise a foreign good or service where there is a Nigerian alternative.

“The Legislature and Judiciary are advised to take the same course.

Forthwith, the Federal Government shall not participate in sponsoring, subsidising, or supporting pilgrimages, whether by Muslim or Christian pilgrims.

“Religion and pilgrimages are a personal exercise, and the only time that the government shall play is to regulate the processes to make them orderly.

“All military and police personnel performing non-essential duties, as well as those who retired in the last ten years, are hereby recalled to active duty and shall be sent to Plateau, Zamfara, Niger, Benue and other security hotspots to end the carnage in those places and ensure that there is security of life and property for all Nigerians.

“Finally, the Federal Government, under my leadership, shall operate under a low profile, and any overt or covert acts of exhibition of wealth are not to be tolerated and shall be met with punitive measures.

“If the President’s New Year’s message had taken steps along the lines above, then he would have become a national hero and disarmed all his political opponents, as well as mobilised the nation behind him. But it is not too late. It is not too late.

“I wish all Nigerians a happy New Year and pray for our leaders at the Federal, state and Local Governments that God may give them the wisdom needed to fulfil their duties properly.”

Actor Zack Orji’s Health Improves, As First Lady, Remi Tinubu, Visits Him

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Zack Orji

By Adesina Soyooye

Hope for the full recovery of veteran Nollywood Actor, Zack Orji is alive, according to the National Hospital Abuja.

The Actor was rushed to the hospital after he slumped in the restroom over the weekend.  His condition remained critical. But on Tuesday, January 2, the Public Relations Officer of the National Hospital, Tayo Hastrop gave an inkling of hope when he said that the Actor’s condition has improved. Proof: Orji, he disclosed, is in stable condition, and has started talking – unlike before when he couldn’t talk.

The cheery news came just as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visited the Actor on New  Year’s Day in the hospital. The First Lady who was there to welcome the first baby of the year, siezed the opportunity to visit the ailing Actor.

Mrs Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the Minister for Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the wife of the Minister for Works, Mrs Rachael Umahi, and the wife of the Minister of State, Defence, Hajia Bello Matawalle

For the records, Zack Orji is a strong loyalist of President Bola Tinubu. During Tinubu’s campaign for the Presidential seat, the Actor was very active.

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