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Falae Says No Presidential Candidate For Him Yet, Lists Criteria For Choice

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Olu Falae

By Ayodele Oni

Former secretary to the Government of the Federation and a Chieftain of the Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Olu Falae has clarified that he is yet to annoint any presidential candidate for next year’s election.

The elderstatesman distanced himself from the endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, for the elections.

Falae, in a statement issued by his personal assistant, Retired Captain Moshood, said it is to early to endorse any candidate without going through the programmes he has for the masses.

The elder statesman said he has to consider all important parameters, including capacity, experience and proven track record before endorsing a candidate.

Falae admitted that the South East had not had the opportunity of being Nigeria’s President, stressing that It’s not an automatic slot that can be filled without other important considerations.

“As a responsible leader, Chief Falae will consider all important parameters, including capacity, experience and proven track record before endorsing a candidate.

“This correction is necessary in order not to mislead the public that Chief Falae is supporting any of the candidates yet. It is necessary to await the programmes and manifestos of the political parties and their candidates before arriving at a particular candidate to support.

“Although, Chief Falae admitted that he said that it was true that the South East had not had the opportunity of being Nigeria’s President, it’s for them to persuade other Nigerians that they can offer something better than candidates from other geopolitical zones.

” It’s not an automatic slot that can be filled without other important considerations. Chief Falae never canvassed or claimed to be supporting Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party for the 2023 race.”

The Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo, had on Monday justified its decision to back Peter Obi, saying the group would not compromise the principle of justice, equity and inclusiveness.

PDP Crisis: Governor Ortom Distances Self From Wike’s Call For Ayu’s Sack

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By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has made an about-turn and distanced himself from the insistence by Governor Nyesom Wike’s Camp on the resignation of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

Ortom,a prominent member of the Wike Camp made his position clear on the issue in a statement issued by Nathaniel Ikyur, his Chief Press Secretary. He uncharacteristically maintained that he has confidence in Ayu’s ability to lead the party to victory in next year’s general election.

The Governor’s statement was in reaction to the allegations by Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja which accused him of plotting the downfall of his fellow Benue man, Ayu.

The statement where he challenged the Jemgbagh  Community reads in part; “Governor Ortom vouched for the integrity and capacity of Dr Iyorchia Ayu to lead and rebuild the PDP to victory and rescue Nigeria from the misrule of the APC maladministration. That is why Ayu was returned unopposed by the Northern caucus of the party and got elected as the National Chairman of the PDP at the party’s convention.

“Where was Jemgbagh Development Association, when Governor Ortom galvanised support from across the leaders of the party to make Dr. Ayu PDP’s National Chairman? What was their contribution to that project that they now want to use clannish stance to blackmail the governor?

“This amorphous and emergency Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja, which has never been heard of before, is now masquerading as the voice of Jemgbagh to embark on campaign of calumny against Governor Ortom, who has worked selflessly for the people of Benue State.

“Governor Ortom is more Jemgbagh than most of the people claiming it now. This is fact, because he has done more for Jemgbagh, both in terms of appointments and projects executed as well as patronage in the area, than even one of the Jemgbagh sons, who was governor. Besides, Governor Ortom has consistently worked for the unity of Benue State and will never stand in the way of any of her citizens, either here in the state or in the diaspora

“For those, who claimed to be leaders of this Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja, we urge them to be truly developmental in their drive to build cohesion among the people and attract real development to their area rather than engaging in mischief or blackmail.”

It would be recalled that since after the failure of Wike to clinch the Presidential ticket of the Party, he has been at loggerheads with Ayu and Atiku, threatening to work against Atiku’s emergence as President, and also calling for the resignation of Ayu. Wike is backed by four Governors,, including Ortom.

Wike had alleged that Ayu was biased during the PDP Presidential Primary and also worked for Atiku. He added that Ayu was eyeing the seat of  the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

Governor Abiodun’s Aide, Abidemi Rufai, Jailed In USA

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Dapo Abiodun and Abidemi Rufai

By Akinwale Kasali

An Aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, until he was arrested in the United States for fraud, Abidemi Rufai, has been sentenced to five Years imprisonment by a District Court in Western Tacoma, Washington, United States of America. He was jailed for fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Before his arrest, Rufai was a Special Assistant  to the Ogun State Governor.

This was confirmed in a statement by the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, on Monday.

The statement reads in part: “A 45-year-old resident of Lekki, Nigeria, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to five years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for his attempt to steal nearly $2.4m from the United States Government, including approximately $500,000 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown.”

The statement said he admitted to a long history of using stolen identities to defraud U.S. disaster programs, including aid for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and file fraudulent U.S. tax returns.

At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge, Benjamin Settle, said the motivation was greed, unrestrained greed, and callousness towards those who have suffered.

According to U.S. Attorney Nick Brown, Mr. Rufai was relentless in his scheme to use the stolen identities of Americans for fraud.

“He orchestrated ‘mystery shopper’ scams, business email compromise attempts, and filed fake tax returns to financially harm individuals and businesses.

“But when disaster struck, so did Mr. Rufai. Whether it was hurricane disaster relief, small business loans, or COVID unemployment benefits, he stole aid that should have gone to disaster victims in the United States,” Brown said.

The Associate Deputy Attorney-General, Kevin Chambers, the Justice Department‘s Director of COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement, said, ”Abdemi Rufai chose to exploit the pandemic for personal gain, using stolen identities of Americans to support his lavish lifestyle overseas.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and their law enforcement partners did exceptional work bringing this defendant to justice. The Department will continue to pursue fraudsters who abused these programs and seek to recover their ill-gotten gains, whether they are in the United States or overseas.”

According to records filed in the case, since 2017, Rufai stole the personal identifying information of more than 20,000 Americans to submit more than $2m in claims for federally funded disaster relief benefits and fraudulent tax returns. 

“The various agencies involved paid out more than $600,000. The largest amount of fraud was committed against the Washington State Employment Security Department, which paid out $350,763 in fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims to accounts controlled by Rufai.  Rufai also submitted fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims in at least 17 other states.

“The Employment Security Department deeply appreciates the tireless efforts of the Department of Justice, federal agencies and law enforcement in this matter.

“We always stand ready to hold those accountable who steal public funds and we appreciate the partnership in catching and prosecuting this individual,” the Commissioner for the Employment Security Department, Cami Feek, said in the statement.

2023: Northern Christian Group Warns Tinubu, Says He Should Stop Using Money To Divide Christians

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Northern States Christian Elders Forum, NOSCEF, has warned the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to desist from causing rift and division among Christians by inducing them with money.

The Group said that it was necessary to warn the APC  and its Presidential Candidate so as to allow peace, unity and togetherness reign among its members.

A statement signed by its Chairman, Oyinehi Inalegwu, on Tuesday, stated that, “We warn APC to stop using monetary incentives to recruit and cause divisions amongst the Christians, especially in the North.”

It added, “NOSCEF is concerned that apart from the failure of the desire of the architects of the single faith ticket to cause serious divisions in the forthcoming elections, APC has resorted to clandestine ways of causing division in the body of Christ by recruiting hitherto unknown bodies in the Body of Christ to counter decisions taken by the umbrella body, CAN and its various organs.

The Group added that in December, 2021, Tinubu met with a group in Abuja and sold the Muslim-Muslim Ticket.

“We warned that every patriotic Presidential aspirant should avoid the same faith ticket to avoid polarisation of the nation further along religious lines.

“Before the Commencement of the primaries, NOSCEF again warned presidential aspirants against the one faith ticket in a Nigeria begging for unity, inclusiveness, fairness, and justice.

“Because there was a long term goal and a purpose to be accomplished, APC went ahead with the single faith venture, with the aim of riding on the wings of divisive religious politics to victory,” the statement said.

The group expressed dismay over the show of shame the ruling party is involved in, following desperate efforts to attract public goodwill and acceptance by engaging strange Christian groups for endorsement purposes.

“We frown at the publicity they use to their advantage, to make public ridicule of Christian bodies, particularly in the North, for the purpose of causing disaffection, just to win the election.

“We all know as Christians, Muslims, and people of other faith, that unity, fairness, justice, and inclusiveness will engender National progress, rather than the war of divisive religious, political game, intended through the instrumentation of same faith ticket.

“Christian and Muslim faithful should disappoint divisive self seeking politicians, who want to capitalize on our religious differences to gain political power,” the statement stressed.

Akeredolu, An Ideal Leader For Nigeria – Peter Obi

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Peter Obi with Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has described the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, as an ideal leader Nigerians desire  at this present time.

Obi said that this is because Governor Akeredolu as a leader, speaks the truth at all times no matter the consequences.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde stated that the LP Presidential candidate spoke on Tuesday in Akure, during a condolence visit to the Governor.

Obi, who said things are going wrong in the country because people choose to keep quiet, commended the Governor for speaking up for the people.

He charged Governor Akeredolu to continue to take every necessary step to protect his people, adding that the Governor is doing the right thing.

“I urge you to continue in that direction. You represent one of those things Nigerians desire, ability to speak the truth no matter the consequences.

“What is lacking in Nigeria is that we choose to keep quiet when things are going wrong. You have a man here who always speaks when things are going wrong, and I urge you to continue.”

He backed Governor Akeredolu’s resolve to arm the Amotekun security Corps, saying the Governor must continue to do his best to defend his people.

“Arm those special security people. Take every step to protect your people. It is important and it is your duty. I’m happy that you are speaking out always when necessary. May God Almighty continue to be with you and bless all of you.”

Obi condoled the Governor on the demise of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu,  praying God to grant her eternal rest.

The LP presidential standard bearer equally used the occasion to commiserate with the Governor over the sad incident at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where 41 people were killed and several other injured.

In his response, Governor Akeredolu appreciated Obi and his entourage for finding time to visit him.

Akeredolu, who said what happened on June 5 at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, was horrendous, also described the sad incident as unexpected and uncommon, especially in the Southern part of the country.

How Nigeria Solid Minerals Are Being Exploited Without Royalty To Government – RMAFC

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Tokunbo Ajasin

By Ayodele Oni

Lack of proper monitoring of activities in solid minerals sector has caused Nigeria huge loses in revenue in the sector.

Activities of some miners, that invaded some south west states of Oyo and Osun states, carrying out Illegal exploration activities are also major drain in the country’s finances.

To this end, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) says it has embarked on verification and reconciliation of revenue collections in the Solid Minerals sector of the Economy.

The Federal Commissioner, RMFAC, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin disclosed this at a strategic meeting on the Commission’s 2022 nationwide monitoring of revenue collections of the Nigerian mining sector holding in Akure, Ondo State.

Chief Ajasin, who led the team, said 25 enterprises exported minerals in 2019 with no record of royalty payment, while the total sum of N2.76bn outstanding liabilities have been established against 2,119 mining companies nationwide, which he said arises from failure to pay the Annual Service Fees for their respective mineral titles.

The RMAFC commissioner, who,  did not provide the names of the companies, explained that the Commission is empowered to monitor all revenue accruals from the extractive industries to ensure prompt and accurate remittances to the Federation Accounts.

He added that the monitoring was a follow-up on the 2016 exercise to assess the challenges hindering optimum revenue collection from the sector.

Chief Ajasin said the monitoring comprises revenue collections and the activities of miners in the state and local government councils.

According to him, the major issues of concern to the Commission is the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparent Initiative NEITI 2020 report.

He stressed that the revenue loss of the non-responsive companies was put at N54.25 million, and the number of defaulting companies will be determined after engagements.

“There is also the issue of underpayment of royalty by 25 enterprises that exported minerals in 2019 with no record of royalty payments,” he said.

“These companies owe the government about N482 million in overdue royalty.

“There is equally the issue of N2.76 billion outstanding liabilities against 2,119 mining companies nationwide, which arose from the failure to pay the annual service fees for their respective mineral titles.”

Ajasin also said the Commission’s mandate in the extractive sector was to recover the established liabilities owed  the Federation Account.

He therefore urged all participants to explore the opportunities in Ondo State to harness the revenue potential in the Solid Minerals sector to boost Internal Generated Revenue.

On his part, the State commissioner  for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, stated that the process of allocating the 13 percent derivation on crude oil paid to the States across the Nation is dependent on the effective monitoring of revenue and the collection of established liabilities from Minerals resources from the state.

Mr Akinterinwa noted that the cooperation and collaboration given by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs and other relevant stakeholders in the state to enforce payment of the reported Liabilities would go a long way in fulfilling the objectives of the exercise and a means of engaging some Strategic Revenue Drive ( SRD) for the State.

The Commissioner,  assured that the present administration would do everything at its disposal to facilitate the collection of revenue as listed in the NEITI Audit Report 2022.

2023: INEC, Religious Bodies Warn Political Parties Against Campaign Of Calumny, Violent Campaigns

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Independent National Electoral Commission

By Akinwale Kasali

As the 2023 Electioneering Campaign begins on Wednesday , 28th September, 2022, electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned Political Parties and politicians alike to desist from violent campaigns and campaign of calumny that could heat the polity and cause unrest in the nation.

Chairman of INEC, Mahmud Yakubu, said abusive and slanderous words could provoke violence during the campaigns.

Yakubu, who was represented by a National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, spoke at a workshop in Lagos on Monday.

“Abusive, intemperate, slanderous or base language or innuendoes designed or likely to provoke violent reaction or emotions shall not be employed or used in political campaigns. Let me also remind the media of their constitutional and legal obligations,” he said.

Yakubu reiterated this position during a sensitisation forum on political broadcasting in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Towards a fair and responsible broadcast coverage of the 2023 general elections.’

He warned that the Commission would do everything within its power to ensure that the 2023 general election was free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive and verifiable.

He said, “Candidates and their supporters, as well as the media have a responsibility to operate within the confines of the law and the provisions of the commission’s regulations and guidelines. Issue-based campaigns are essential for safe electioneering. In turn, this will create the atmosphere for the successful deployment and conduct of all electoral activities.

“Campaigns should be devoid of hate speech, abusive or slanderous language, insinuations or innuendos likely to provoke a violent reaction, physical attacks on supporters of one party or another or the destruction of campaign materials.

“More specifically, section 95 of the Electoral Act defines the responsibilities of political parties and candidates, the media and public institutions. It also provides sanctions for violations.

“For instance, in the course of our numerous interactions with political parties over the years, many of them have complained about the denial of access to public facilities for their meetings or rallies, exorbitant charges for signage and billboards and equal access to the state media.”

In the same vein, religious bodies like the Christian Association of Nigerian, CAN, through its President, Anthony Okoh and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III have urged Nigerians to work together for peace and justice ahead of the 2023 general elections.

They made the call on Monday during the 2022 third quarter meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religion Council, held on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event themed, ‘Working together for justice and peace,’ was also attended by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha and leaders of NIREC.

Abubakar said, “The role of religious leaders is to be just and fair to earn the trust of the people and I urge Muslims and Christians in the country to come together to pursue peace and justice because we are inseparable.”

Okoh said, “As we prepare for another significant milestone in our country, the 2023 general elections, it is important that we guard our actions and utterances as leaders. We must not be seen as people who are fanning embers of hate, disunity, encouraging political violence, or attempting to divide the populace along tribal or religious lines.”

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, gave a stern warning to political parties to avoid violence during the exercise.

Mustapha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Dr Maurice Mbaeri, urged religious leaders to create the needed change so that Nigerians can always live in unity and harmony.

“I want to charge every one of us to work for peace that will endure and outlast us by creating functional structures for generations unborn. This structure must have the capacity to be proactive in responding to emerging issues while reinforcing longer and larger change processes. We cannot fold our hands when we see problems emerging,” he said.

Why Atiku Ignored Wike, Appointed Secondus Adviser; Governor Admits He Maligned Secondus

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Atiku Abubakar and Uche Scondus

By Adesina Soyooye

For the second time within a few days, good news went  the way of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus.

The Presidential Candidate of the Party, Atiku Abubakar, has just appointed him as one of his  Advisers, inspite of Governor Nyesom Wike.

The appointment came on the heels of the “confession” by the Rivers State Governor that Secondus was deliberately painted in unflattering colours to remove him from office as the National Chairman of the Party.

Secondus, Wike’s kinsman, was backed by the Governor to become the PDP National Chairman. But some months to the end of his first tenure, Wike moved against Secondus. The Governor led a war against him, and insisted, inspite of the vote of confidence in Secondus passed by the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the Party, that Secondus must go.

He described Secondus as incompetent. He said Secondus’ Chairmanship of the Party has been a disaster. And that his continued stay as the Chairman, would lead to a complete demise of the Party. Wike had his way.

Since then, he has continued to wage a war against Secondus, and anybody seen associating with him.

But a few days ago, during what he termed a World Press Conference, Wike contradicted himself on why he moved against Secondus. It turns out that he did not move against him because Secondus was incompetent. He moved against him because he wanted a Northerner to be the Chairman of the Party, Wike confessed, so that the Presidential candidate will be a Southerner. Perhaps, he had himself in mind. So, he installed Dr Iyorchia Ayu, just as he installed Secondus, and Ali Modu Sheriff before Secondus.

In sacking Secondus, and installing Ayu, Wike miscalculated. He lost both ways. He neither got the Chairmanship of the Party, nor the Presidential ticket for the South. Seeing that he has lost out, Wike is fighting for  the removal of Ayu as the Chairman, and the appointment of a Southerner in his stead.

Even though that is the condition he and his team gave to be part of the PDP Presidential Campaign, he is not likely to have his way. Both the PDP and its Presidential candidate has obviously moved on without him since all entreaties to him failed. He has withdrawn from the Presidential Campaign Council along with his team. And, he forbade the Rivers State Chapter of the Party from sending nominees to the Council. Neither Atiku, Ayu nor the Party is perturbed anymore.

But nothing rubs it in more than anything that Atiku has decided to call Wike’s bluff by his appointment of Secondus as his Technical Adviser.

In a Press Release signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe,  Atiku appointed  Secondus as one of his Advisers, along with former Senate Presidents,  Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Dr Bukola Saraki, and others.

The Release reads:

2023 Presidential Campaign: Atiku Appoints Secondus, Saraki, Anyim, Shekarau, Others as Special Advisers

“Ahead of the commencement of the 2023 election campaign on Wednesday, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has made key appointments of Special Advisers aimed at strengthening his Presidential campaign team.

“The appointees are former Senate Presidents, Dr. Bukola Saraki as Special Envoy to the Presidential candidate and Senator Pius Anyim, as Special Adviser.

“Also appointed as Special Advisers to the candidate are former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Senator Ehigie Uzamere.

“Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus was also appointed as Technical Adviser to the presidential candidate.

“The appointments are to take immediate effect.

“Atiku Abubakar charged the appointees to use their vast political experiences in ensuring that the PDP presidential campaign records resounding success in the 2023 election.”

Secondus has accepted the appointment. In a tweet, he said: “I have just received the news of my appointment as Technical Adviser to H.E.@atiku Abubakar in his 2023 Presidential Campaign.

“The mission to Rescue Nigeria thar was initiated in 2018 will come to a fulfilment by the Special Grace of Almighty God.”

Atiku’s appointment of Secondus is generally seen as a dare to Wike. Not a few people think that Wike owes Secondus an apology for removing him from office – using false narratives.

2023: INEC To Publish Voters Register By January 2023

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Independent National Electoral Commission

By Akinwale Kasali

Electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has proposed January 2023 as its date for publication of Voters Register, ahead of the 2023 general election.

The Commission made this disclosure Monday, at the two-day Capacity Building Workshop for INEC Press Corps on critical issues in the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Commission’s Processes, Innovations, Preparations for the 2023 General Election.

It would be recalled that INEC had revealed that it found 1,126,359 out of the 2, 523,458 fresh registrants who registered between June 28, 2021, and January 14, 2022, to be invalid and consequently delisted them.

INEC had said that it also detected several double, multiple, and ineligible registrants and had consequently invalidated them, adding that these included entries that failed to meet the commission’s business rules.

The publication, the Commission said, was in fulfilment of section 10 (6) of the Electoral Act 2022 which stated that “as soon as claims and objections has expired, the supplementary list shall be included in the revised register which shall be certified by the Commission as the official register of voters for the purpose of any election conducted under this act and supersedes all previous registers.

“In compliance of the above section, the Commission will certify the register of voters that will be used for 2023 general election.

“The publication of register of voters is proposed to hold in January, 2023.”

Mixed Reactions Trail FG’s Order To Universities To Resume Immediately

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ASUU Meeting

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government’s order to Universities to resume and commence lectures immediately have generated mixed feelings among Nigerians and, especially, Social Media Users.

The FG ordered the resumption of lectures after a seven-month ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

However, the order has caused outrage among social media users, who faulted FG’s directive and decried the ongoing clash between the Union and the Government.

The Social Media space has seen barrage of criticism against the FG. A Twitter user, @kingsley wrote, “It’s so unfortunate. In 2014, the same Buhari was against Goodluck Jonathan that ASUU strike has taken too long. Now it’s his turn. No wonder they think there is a political party using ASUU because they know what they used ASUU to achieve in the past government.”

Another tweep, @sagecares, wrote, “FG is weak to meet demands but has the strength to (give) order.”

Other Twitter users decried the non-payment of lecturers’ salaries during the strike and expressed sadness about the strike’s effect on students.

@KOsaigbevo said, “Imagine a lecturer with unpaid salaries for months setting and marking exam questions. Mentally, are they ready to lecture? Plus, you can only force a horse to the river, you can’t force it to drink.

“It’s so sad to see innocent students caught up in a fight they know nothing about.”

In support, @ogundeleIsrae10 added, “Ordering them to resume without meeting their demands or paying their backlog salaries is as good as they don’t resume. You cannot force them to lecture on an empty stomach.”

Hailing the Union’s struggles, @ernesticano11 tweeted, “It is only those with same bad minds with FG that will support them in this their nonsense order. Why haven’t we heard that presidents, governors, senators, honourables, ministers and soldiers are being owed? ASUU should never back out of this journey. They must stand and fight FG.”