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FG Calls For Diplomacy As Russian Army Shells Ukraine Capital

By
Bayo Bernard
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By James Orji

The Federal Government has condemned Russia’ s military invasion of Ukraine describing the action as an aggression. Geoffrey Onyema, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated the government’s position on Friday after a meeting with G7 countries, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. USA..

Russia’ s President Vladimir Putin ordered what he described as a special military operation against Ukraine and his armed forces have advanced as far as Kiev, the capital, with strong resistance from the Ukraine army.

Analysts insist that Kiev will fall in a matter of days in the face of heavy Russia bombardment by air, sea and land.

In spite of this,  President Zelensky has urged his citizens to fight on and refused the US offer of evacuation  alongside his immediate family  members. Zelensky, who said on Friday that his country has been ‘left alone’ to fight aggressor Russia, said what Ukraine needs at the moment are weapons to defend itself. Both sides have already suffered human casualties,  the latest being two children who died after Russia’s overnight bombardment  of major cities and military formations.

But the federal government  said the military confrontation  between the two neighbors can still be settled through diplomatic channels. Onyeama said the federal government will not take sides with a call for peace to resolve the conflict.

The minister said Russia must first pull back its troops from Ukraine urging the two warring nations to priotose diplomacy.

“We support every effort being made to stop the aggression and for Russian troops to return to Russia,” Onyeama said.

In attendance at the meeting  were the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing; Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS representative, Samuela Isopi.

Others include the representatives of the Embassies of Japan and Canada.

Meanwhile, President Putin has urged the Ukraine army to overthrow the government of President Zelensky as the military attacks entered the third day. He told the armed force to ‘take power in your own hands”.

Putin spoke on Friday night shortly after US President Joe Biden agreed with other European allies to freeze assets owned by the Russian leader in their territories.

The Russian leader said his country is prepared to negotiate  with the army after they have taken over government describing President Volodymyr  Zelensky and his officials as ‘Nazis and terrorists’.

“It seems like it will be easier for us to agree with you than this gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis,” Putin said, accusing them of “acting like terrorists all over the world: they are hiding behind people in the hope of then blaming Russia for civilian casualties”.

“It is known for a fact that this is happening on the recommendation of foreign consultants, primarily American advisers,” Putin said.

Putin, on Thursday ordered Russian troops to invade Ukraine, claiming that Ukrainian “nationalists” were preparing to deploy multiple rocket launchers to residential areas of Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv in preparation for a military offensive against his country.

Gov Akeredolu Advises Security Agencies Not To See Amotekun As Rival

By
Ayodele Oni
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Akeredolu at Amotekun Launch
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

At last, the frosty relationship between Ondo State Government and the Nigerian Army has become a thing of the past.

This followed a change in the leadership of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Owena Cantonment, Akure.

The situation had led to the withdrawal of military personnel at the road blocks across the state and Correctional Centres before they were returned.

Representatives of the Brigade Command at the State Security Council were also recalled during the period.

It was gathered that the frosty relationship was reportedly caused by what was described as undue preference accorded the regional Security outfit, Amotekun by the State Government.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, while receiving a new Brigade Commander in Akure described the Nigerian Army as the Nation’s pride, adding that the service of the military personnel to the country is hugely appreciated.

The Governor charged the new Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General Mukhtar Adamu, to synergize with other security agencies in the state for effective security.

“What we want is synergy between all our security agencies.  What we want is Synergy. We did not form Amotekun to rival anybody.

“Amotekun cannot work without you. And a number of time you will need Amotekun because they know the terrain very well.

“For me, the issue is working together. Let us understand each other and maintain peace. I want us to work together.

“I want synergy. Let us be friends. In my five years as Governor, I have worked with about four commanders. And we related very well with most of them. I want to assure you, we are prepared to work with you.

“The Military is a place of pride. To wear a uniform of your country and be identified as one of those serving is not a joke.

“The uniform itself should make you proud that you are serving your country. To us, you are doing great services and we appreciate it.”

Earlier, the new Brigade Commander, Brig. General Adamu, thanked Governor Akeredolu and the good people of the state for their cooperation.

While assuring the Governor of his utmost support, the Brigade Commander informed that he has already commenced talking and collaborating with other sister security agencies on how to move the state forward and surmount security challenges.

Buhari’s Assent To Electoral Act: CNPP Hails Nigerians, Says Clause 84(12) Must Stay

By
The Source
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Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has congratulated Nigerians and all active citizens within the civil society bloc, urging well-meaning Nigerians to strongly resist the removal of Clause 84(12) from the electoral act, insisting that the clause actually introduced equity into political party primaries at all levels.

The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said that “Mr. President is crying more than the bereaved by ordering the immediate removal of the clause that barred political appointees at all level from voting as delegates or be voted for at party Conventions or Congresses political parties for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for elections.”

According to the CNPP, “Clause 84 (12), which reads, “no political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election”, only introduced equity in political party primary elections.

“An appointee of the Executive should not, and must not, be a delegate in primary elections while still in office, just as an appointee must not be contesting as a delegate while still in office.

“Such appointees have ended up using their offices to intimidate political opponents of their principals during party primaries in a bid to retain their jobs.

“This is the major reason for electoral violence witnessed at local government and state Congresses of most virile political parties in the country with the attendant loss of lives and property.

“Rather than delete the clause, the National Assembly should amend any provision of the constitution that allows any appointee to be a delegate or be a voter or contest as delegate at party Conventions or Congresses the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.

“However, the CNPP congratulates Nigerians, especially active citizens in the civil society community for their resilience, doggedness, and for the nonviolent manner they resisted the attempt to return the bill for the sixth time to the National Assembly by Mr. President.

“We equally commend the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for fighting on the side of the masses. So, we urge INEC to continue to improve on the electoral processes, even as we urge Nigerians to have faith in the leadership of INEC to deliver free and fair elections in 2023 in view of the provisions of the new Act”, the statement read.

Uromi Bank Robbery: Youths Block Escape Route Of Robbers, Money, Cars Recovered, One Arrested

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Uromi Bank Robbery

By Adesina Soyooye

Heart-warming reports say that courageous youths from Ubiaja village Edo State have done the unprecedented.

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, robbers, armed to the teeth, in a brazen manner, in broad day light, as never witnessed before, stormed Uromi, Edo State, and attacked four banks in a row. The robbers, numbering over 20, came in cars and motorcycles. And the operation was fatal. The banks included Zenith, Union, Unity and UBA.

By the time they left, carrying sacks of cash running into tens of  millions which they loaded in their cars, six people – two Policemen and four civilians – lay dead. “It was a well coordinated operation”, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki lamented when he visited the affected banks on Friday for an on the spot assessment.

But fate and nemesis dealt with them. A couple of hours later, all their efforts came crashing. Courageous youths of Ubiaja Community, did the unprecedented.

Using whatever things they could lay their hands on, they blocked the only route the daredevils were to use as escape route.

They blocked Ubiaja  Road by the rail line, which forced the robbers to abandon their cash ladden vehicles off the rail line, and fled in their  motorcycles. One of the devils was, allegedly, arrested, said an unconfirmed report.

“The vehicles and cash were recovered same Thursday  evening”, said a source, and cash counted amounted to over N34 million.

The Edo State Police Command Command confirms the recovery of millions of cash and the armed robbers’ operational vehicles.

In a statement issued on Friday, February 25, 2022,  the Spokesman of the Command, SP Bello Kongtongs;  told the Command’s own version of what happened, and how the vehicles and money were recovered.

According to the Command: “On 25/02/2022, at about 0730, Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, in conjunction with local vigilance members, accompanied by Chief John Odijie, the Oniha of Ubiaja, acting on credible information that some vehicles, suspected to have been used by armed robbers in the Uromi bank robbery operations on the 24/02/2022, were seen hidden in Oruen Quarters bush of Ubiaja in Esan South-east LGA of Edo State.

“On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ubiaja mobilised his men who, during the bank robbery, blocked all the exit routes from in and out of Uromi town, together with the team mobilised to the location and recovered the following  vehicles and items: One red Camry car with Reg. No. KWL 19 DU. One dark Ash Corolla  car with Reg. No. UBJ 784 SZ. One Lexus 330 car with Reg. No. AAA 973 FL. One red Q. Link M/Cycle with Reg. No. ENU 204 QL, two small bags containing women items. One Union Bank ATM card and the sum of thirty four million, five hundred and ten thousand Naira, only (#34,510,000,000).

The Police did not, however, confirm the arrest of any of the armed robbers as claimed by earlier reports.

Investigations are ongoing.

A Summary Of Ten Key Provisions Of The New Electoral Act Signed Into Law By President Buhari

By
The Source
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President Buhari
President Buhari

*Clause 29(1) stipulates that parties must conduct primaries and submit their list of candidates at least 180 days before the general elections.

*Clause 65 states that INEC can review results declared under duress.

*Clause 3(3) states that funds for general elections must be released at least one year before the election.

*Clause 51 says that the total number of accredited voters will become a factor in determining over-voting at election tribunals.

*Clause 54(2) makes provisions for people with disabilities and special needs.

*Clause 47 gives legislative backing for smart card readers and any other voter accreditation technology that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deploy.

*Clause 34 gives political parties power to conduct a primary election to replace a candidate who died during an election.

*Clause 50 gives INEC the legal backing for electronic transmission of election results.

*Clause 94 allows for early commencement of the campaign season. By this provision, the campaign season will now start 150 days to the election day and end 24 hours before the election.

*Clause 84 stipulates that anyone holding a political office – ministers, commissioners, special advisers and others – must relinquish the position before they can be eligible to participate in the electoral process either as a candidate or as a delegate.

All Set For 2023: INEC Excited Over Signing Of New Electoral Bill Into Law By Buhari

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

With the signing of the new Electoral Bill into law on Friday by President Mohamadu Buhari, the coast  is clear for the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to commence preparations for the 2023 general elections.

The Chairman of the Commission, Prof Mahmud Yakubu, had earlier cried out that disagreement over the new law between the presidency and the National Assembly was hindering preparations for the election.

Area of disagreement in the bill was the aspect which mandated political parties to adopt indirect primary in picking candidates for elections, which the Presidency considered to be too expensive and rigorous.

Reacting to the signing on Friday, in Abuja, INEC’s spokesman, Festus Okoye said: “Today Friday 25th February 2022, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed the Electoral Bill 2022 into law.

“It contains many progressive provisions that will facilitate the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

“The Nation now has the Electoral Act 2022, which replaces the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

“Together with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the new Act constitutes the principal law to govern the conduct of future elections, including the 2023 General Election.

“Given the tight timelines contained in the law, the Commission fully appreciates the importance of proceedings with their implementation in earnest.

“Consequently, an extraordinary meeting of the Commission is scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 26th February. Thereafter, a statement will be issued on the way forward.”

INEC had earlier released a calenderized programme for the election, which will usher in new President, some Governors, national and states assembly members.

According to the outline, the programme had kicked off in January with Consultation, which will end by February to be followed by release of guidelines for aspirants, candidates, parties in respect of congress, primary election and campaigns in March.

Campaign for Presidential and Gubernatorial elections is expected to kick-start in March, while political parties are expected to conduct their Congresses in May.

By June, parties are to hold Primary Elections to pick candidates for President, Governors, national and state assembly members to be followed in July, by petitions arising from Primary elections.

In August, Court of Appeal will hear appeals arising from Primary elections with Supreme Court verdict on all Primary elections in September from Candidates and winners for Presidential and Gubernatorial flag bearer of Parties contesting.

The months of October and November are expected to witness aggressive campaign by candidates/Parties across the federation.

A stakeholders’ parley, to be organized by INEC will hold in December during which a peace accord will be

signed by all presidential and Gubernatorial candidates.

The first election on INEC calendar, which is Presidential and National Assembly will hold in February 2023, to be followed by Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.

Inauguration of a new President and State Governors will hold in May 29.

Alleged Disrespect Of Emir Of Kano: Bayero Said He Would Incite Kano People Again Us – Air Peace

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

The Management of Air Peace Airline has revealed that  a Prince of Kano, Isa Bayero, said he would incite the people of Kano against the Airline.

The Airline was reacting to the allegation made by Prince Bayero that it disrespected the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero and thus insulted him and the Kano people.

Isa Bayero had written a letter of complaint to the Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to the effect that the Ailine refused to delay its 6.15am flight to Kano in order to accommodate the Emir who was late for the flight.

In the complaint letter, Isa said that the fault was that of Air Peace, as its flight from Banjul to Lagos which they boarded was delayed for over an hour,  which was why they arrived for their Lagos-Kano connecting flight late. He accused the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Airline, Allen Onyema, of refusing to help when he, Isa, called him.

What irked him most, he said, was that the Airline  made them pay for “no-show” when they had also paid for hotel where they stayed to wait for the 7.00pm flight. He, therefore demanded for punitive measures against the Airline. What he hid, however, is that the Airline offered the Emir and his entourage an alternative to fly them to Abuja on a 7.00am flight, and from Abuja, fly them to Kano same morning without any extra cost. Prince Bayero rejected the offer and threatened the existence of Air Peace in Kano, unless an aircraft which engines were already on was stopped to wait for over an hour, with the passengers, for the arrival of the Emir and his entourage.

Air Peace, in its reaction signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Toyin Olajide, wondered why Isa was economical with the truth, and what he wanted to gain by his attitude and action.

The C.O.O. said what they did was to protect the image of the Emir since it would have been damaging to his reputation and that of the Airline if an aircraft which was already set to take off; was delayed for an hour, only for the Emir and his entourage to walk-in. Quoting the time Isa called, he said even though he woke Onyema up from sleep, Onyema still tried to help, but that it was too late.

The alternative they offered for free was rejected by Isa who threatened to incite the people of Kano against the Airline.

Mrs Olajide’s statement reads: ” Our attention has been drawn to a letter of complaint written by Prince Isa Bayero to the DG of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) against Air Peace and which is published in the public domain.

“In the said letter, Mr Isa alleged that Air Peace disrespected the Emir of Kano and the people of Kano for not delaying our 6.15am flight to Kano for the Emir.

“Rather than disrespect the revered Emir of Kano, Air Peace did everything to PROTECT THE NAME AND IMAGE OF THE EMIR FROM RIDICULE by not succumbing to what Isa Bayero wanted us to do.

“If we had agreed to stop and delay an aircraft, already set for take-off, for another one hour only for the Emir to walk in, there would have been a very serious uproar in the media nationwide against both the Airline and the  Emir. This, we pleaded with Isa Bayero to understand, but he refused to accept.

“How could Isa Bayero want the Management of Air Peace to stop and delay a fully boarded plane with doors already shut and aircraft already moving while our respected Emir and eight others on his entourage, including Isa Bayero, were still at the International Wing of the Murtalla Muhammed Airport, Lagos, after arriving from Banjul.

“The statement is shocking to us. We want to state the true facts herein: From the telephone log evidence on the phone of our Chairman/CEO, Allen Onyema, Mr Isa Bayero called our Chairman at about 5.22am, at a time he was still sleeping.

“From the same log, it could be seen that Isa called him again at 5.59am. This call woke him up, and on seeing that it was Isa Bayero calling, he took the call.

“Isa told the Chairman that he and the Emir of Kano, had just landed the Murtala Mohammed International Airport from Banjul and would be proceeding to kano same morning. He told the Chairman to delay the first flight of the day, the 6.15am Lagos-Kano flight for him and the Emir with another eight persons.

“It was not true that our Chairman refused flatly. He; rather, told Mr Isa Bayero to give him a few minutes to call the airport to find out the status of the flight. I was the one he called. To show his desire to help, he called me immediately and intimated me with the request.

“I am the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Peace. I quickly called the Local Airport from where we carry on our day to day domestic flight operation  and was told that the aircraft had since finished boarding and was almost taxiing out.

“I quickly called Mr Isa Bayero with this information and I expressed our desire to put him, their entourage, and the Emir of Kano on our 7.00am Lagos-Abuja, and that on landling in Abuja, we would then put  them on our flight going to Kano at no cost to them. Mr Isa Bayero refused this offer; he insisted that the already taxiing aircraft should be stopped and be delayed until the Emir and the other eight passengers arrive from the International airport.

“At this point, as stated earlier, Isa Bayero and the Emir had just landed at the International Wing of the airport. This means that they would still go through Immigration, get their baggage, and of course, clear with Customs before entering the morning Lagos traffic to get to the local wing of the airport. This would mean that the passengers in the plane ready to depart, would have to wait in the plane for nothing less than an hour.

“I called Isa Bayero to explain the status and also to proffer a solution which would be a win-win for both the waiting passengers and the Emir. We decided instead to fly the Emir and his entourage on the 7.00am flight to Abuja and then from Abuja to Kano at no extra cost.

“So, the decision was then to fly them from Abuja to Kano still in the morning, considering that the next flight from Lagos to Kano was for 7.00pm. How this became a disrespectful action by Air Peace baffles us.

“We took this decision so as to defend the image of our highly revered Emir of Kano, and not as an insult as insinuated by Isa Bayero because if passengers were delayed for an hour after boarding and ready to fly, and then to see the Emir and his entourage walk in, considering the pulse of the general public lately due to the complaints of delays, it would not have done justice to the image of the Emir.

“After explaining this to Isa Bayero; he threatened that he would incite the people of Kano against the Airline if we did not stop the flight. When I reported this statement to the Chairman, he did not believe me and insinuated that I may not have heard him right because Isa Bayero was well acquainted with him, and could not have said such.

“It is, therefore, to my utmost shock that we saw in the media this deliberate falsehood. It is  unfortunately that Isa Bayero will go to this extend to portray the Chairman and Air Peace in this manner.

“The Chairman of Air Peace has the highest regard for the traditional institution as it could be recalled that the Emir of Kano had previously issued a certificate of commendation to the Chairman for his philanthropic work to the people of Kano, and as such holds the office of the Emir and all traditional institutions in high esteem.

“We are, therefore, appalled that this statement would be made to incite such negativity towards the Airline. We make bold to say that the Emir of Kano that we know would have been offended to know that a flight already going was stopped and delayed for over one hour for him.

“The Emir would never have supported that publication. He may not have even known our offers and our reasons given to Prince Isa Bayero. We reiterate our respect to our revered Emir of Kano.”

The NCAA has neither acknowledged receipt of the complaint, nor reacted to the incident.

Anyim Commends President Buhari For Signing The Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2022

By
The Source
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0
Anyim Pius Anyim

Frontline Presidential aspirant for 2023, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into Law on Friday.

In a statement released by the Senator Anyim Media Office and signed by Sam Nwaobasi on Friday 25th February, 2022, Anyim commended Buhari for “acting like a patriotic National leader by signing the Bill.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant observed that it “takes a man committed to the good of Nigeria to sign the Bill despite his objection to some provisions of the Bill.”

Anyim also stated that “without the Electoral Act in place, the conduct of the 2023 general elections would be in jeopardy.

Already, the country and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were on edge over the delay in signing the Bill before Friday.

“With the Electoral Act in place, a significant step towards the conduct of credible elections next year has been taken, as the INEC, the political parties, aspirants and other critical stakeholders now have a legal document to guide them”, Anyim posited.

It would be recalled that Buhari while signing the Bill on Friday had praised many provisions of the Act while objecting to some others.

Buhari had observed that “salient and praiseworthy provisions that could positively revolutionize elections in Nigeria through the introduction of new technological innovations. These innovations would guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to vote and to do so effectively.

“The Bill would also improve and engender clarity, effectiveness and transparency of the election process, as well as reduce to the barest minimum incidences of acrimony arising from dissatisfied candidates and political parties.

“These commendable efforts are in line with our policy to bequeath posterity and landmark legal framework that paves the way for credible and sound electoral process that we would all be proud of.

“Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, from the review it is my perspective that the substance of the Bill is both reformative and progressive. I am making this bold declaration because I foresee the great potentials of the Bill. Worthy of note include the democratic efficacy of the Bill with particular reference to sections 3, 9(2), 34, 41, 47, 84(9), (10) and (11) among others.

“This however, cannot be said about one provision as contained in the proposed Bill, which provision constitutes fundamental defect, as it is in conflict with extant constitutional provisions.

“Section 84 (12) constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at Conventions or Congresses of any political party, for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the National Election. The section provides as follows:-

“No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election”.

“This provision has introduced qualification and disqualification criteria that ultra vires the Constitution by way of importing blanket restriction and disqualification to serving political office holders of which they are constitutionally accorded protection.

“The practical application of section 84(12) of the Electoral Bill, 2022 will, if assented to, by operation of law, subject serving political office holders to inhibitions and restrictions referred to under section 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“It is imperative to note that the only constitutional expectation placed on serving political office holders that qualify, by extension as public officers within the context of the constitution is resignation, withdrawal or retirement at least 30 days before the date of the election.

“Hence, it will be stretching things beyond the constitutional limit to import extraneous restriction into the constitution on account of practical application of section 84(12) of the bill where political parties’ conventions and congresses were to hold earlier than 30 days to the election.

“Arising from the foregoing, with particular regards to the benefits of the Bill, industry, time, resources and energy committed in its passage, I hereby assent to the Bill and request the Nationally Assembly to consider immediate amendments that will bring the Bill in tune with constitutionality by way of deleting section 84(12) accordingly.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu To Reduce LASUST Tuition Fee, Make Institution Bigger

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Lagos State Polytechnic

By Akinwale Kasali

In what could be described as a way of canvassing for re-election as the 2023 General Election draws closer, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has  promised the Students of Lagos State Polytechnic now known as Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUST, Ikorodu, Lagos, that he would reduce their tuition fee.

The Governor made this pledge when he visited the institution while on his way to the commissioning of the new plant of Kimberly-Clark Factory in Odonguyan area.

Addressing the students who came out to welcome him after his helicopter landed at the University of Technology car park, the Governor said he is committed to making Lagos State University of Science and Technology one of the best Universities of choice in Nigeria, and also reduce the student’s tuition fee.

“Great students of Lagos State University of Science and Technology. You are now University students; it is going to work well. We’d continue to do what we’re doing to ensure that you finish well. JAMB has put your name (Lagos State University of Science and Technology) as a full University.

“We know you have a small concern about your school fees, we are going to look at it and we are going to bring it down. We are going to be building this University that would be bigger than even LASU, very soon,” Governor Sanwo-Olu assured.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, on February 8 handed over certificates for two new Lagos Universities – Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST) to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

With the issuance of Clearance Certificates of Operation by NUC, Lagos State University of Education is now the 56th State University and 204th University in Nigeria, as well as the second University of Education in Nigeria while Lagos State University of Science and Technology is 57th State University and 205th University in Nigeria.

The two Universities are in addition to the existing Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, established in 1982 by the first Civilian Governor of Lagos, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande. Lagos State now has three State-owned Universities.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that the two newly approved state-owned Universities would be reference points in academic circle in no distant time.

He said operation of the two additional Universities would assist in meeting the demands and needs of the teeming youths who are craving for higher education to be future leaders and reference points not only for themselves and families but for the nation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said converting erstwhile Lagos State Polytechnic to a University of Science and Technology will bring about innovative engineering, science invention and other innovations that are critical to the development of the country and state; adding that the conversion of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education into a University of Education is a proper and right thing to do given the demands and the present needs of students.

Update: For Evans, The Kidnapper, It is Life Imprisonment

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike aka Evans

By Adesina Soyooye

For the notorious kidnapper,  Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popular as Evans, it is life behind bars till the end of his miserable life.

On Friday, February 25, the Honourable Justice Hakeem Oshodi sentenced him and two others to life imprisonment. His life-sentence colleagues are: Uchenna Amadi and Okechukwu Nwachukwu.

They were charged by the Lagos State Government over the kidnapping of  Donatus Duru, the Managing Director  of Maydon Pharmaceuticals. Duru was kidnapped at about 7.45pm along Obokun Street, in the Ilupeju area of Lagos in February 2017.

In condemning Evans, Justice Oshodi said that the convict tried to lie himself out of his heinous crime but that the video evidence of his confession before the Police was damning.

He noted that there was no sign of torture on his body, and that Evans freely confessed to his crime, and was even laughing about it while mentioning the names of his colleagues in crime. Even in the dock, the Judge noted, Evans showed no remorse.

Oshodi: ” He was seen freely laughing and willingly answered questions. A close look at his body showed no sign of torture. He did not look unkempt. He is seen laughing even when he was told that he must be a rich kidnapper.

“He showed no remorse in the dock and tried to lie his way out of the crime despite video evidence.”

Evans collected the sum of 223,000 Euros from Duru before he agreed to release him.

He was arraigned on August 17, 2017, after his arrest in his house at the high brow Magodo GRA, Phase 2, Lagos.

Evans is also facing other charges of kidnapping and alleged murder before the Honourable Justices Oluwatoyin Taiwo and Justice Adedayo Akintoye both of the Lagos High Court.

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