Home Blog Page 252

LP Chairman: Too Late For Obi To Contest Under The Party

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
1
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman has disclosed that it’s too late for the party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi to contest the 2027 presidential election under the party.

The LP Chairman said Obi is statute barred from contesting the election under the party’s banner per the 2026 Electoral Act, which provides that all political parties in the country must have their register closed before its primaries and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Usman, a former Minister of Finance made the remark during an interview with Arise TV, saying the LP must close its membership Register before May 10, a situation that makes it impossible for him to return to the party.

Obi left the party few months ago and joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the party that’s not embattled due to some legal encumbrances which have hindered the Coalition party.

As speculation mount that the ADC may be exempted from the 2027 ballot, Obi has been suggested to be planning to leave the party for another party, to achieve his presidential ambition next year. The former Anambra state governor, had confirmed this speculation few days ago after he said ADC may not be his last bust stop. Once the ADC failed to do the right thing in choosing its presidential candidate, Obi said he’s not bound to remain in the party.

But Usman said the former presidential candidate cannot pursue his presidential ambition in the party based on the provision of the Electoral Act which has statutorily barred him.

Usman: “Well it will be too late actually for him (Obi)to come back because if you look at the act now, at some point we close the register.

“Once we close the register 21 days before primaries, submit the register, the e-register to INEC, you can’t come from behind the door for us to register you and for you to contest the elections. That would be impossible, legally impossible anyway.”

Your Coercive Measures Will Escalate Tension, Striking Ondo Poly Workers Reply Govt

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa



By Ayodele Oni 

 

Workers at the Ondo state owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, (RUGIPO) have kicked against some anti labour moves by the state government to stop them from agitating for their rights.

 

The state government had announced that it would implement no work no pay rule, and suspension of union activities following continued strike by the workers over non implementation of new minimum wage.

 

The workers, in a reaction, described the measures as “not only unlawful, but a direct affront to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant labour laws.

 

“The attention of the Unions in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo has been drawn to the purported suspension of union activities and its duly elected executives by the Ondo State Government,

 

“The act is allegedly in response to the ongoing legitimate agitation for the implementation of the approved new national minimum wage to workers in Rugipo.

 

“We consider this action not only unlawful but a direct affront to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant labour laws.

 

“First, it is important to state unequivocally that trade unions are legally recognized bodies established under the Trade Unions Act, and their existence, operations, and leadership are protected by law.

 

“Therefore, No state government or authority has the unilateral power to proscribe, suspend, or interfere with the legitimate activities of a registered union or dissolve its elected leadership without due legal process. Any such action is therefore null, void, and of no effect. It lacks legitimacy.

 

“Secondly, the demand for the implementation of the new minimum wage is not a crime, nor is it an act of insubordination. It is a lawful and legitimate right of workers, backed by national policy and collective bargaining principles. 

 

“Workers cannot be punished for peacefully demanding what rightfully belongs to them. To do so amounts to victimization and suppression of lawful industrial expression.

 

“Furthermore, this purported suspension raises serious concerns about the commitment of the government to industrial harmony. 

 

“Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and good-faith negotiations, resorting to coercive measures only escalates tensions and undermines trust between the government and its workforce.

 

“We call on the Ondo State Government to immediately rescind this decision and return to the negotiation table to address the issue of minimum wage implementation and other outstanding concerns.

 

“We call on the government not to take to any ill advise from enemies of progress as such would negate its good posture of being a workers friendly government.

 

“We urge all members of Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute, as the Union is taking appropriate legal steps to address this unlawful act.

Ondo Moves Against Striking Poly Workers: Bans Union Activities, Suspends Leaders, To Implement No Work No Pay

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo



By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Ondo State Government has suspended all union activities as well as the leadership at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, following the continued shutdown of the institution despite directives to resume academic and administrative activities.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed grave concern over the refusal of staff unions, particularly the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), RUGIPO Chapter, to comply with the state government’s order mandating the immediate reopening of the polytechnic.

 

The government noted that despite repeated instructions to staff and union leadership, the directive was defied, leading to the disruption of the academic calendar and what it described as an undermining of lawful authority within the institution.

 

To restore normalcy, the state government announced a number of measures with immediate effect. 

 

These include the suspension of all activities of ASUP, the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), and the Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) within the institution.

 

 The suspension of unions leadership from all official engagements with the state and the polytechnic, pending further administrative review.

 

The statement further directed the immediate with holding of salaries of union members who have failed to resume duties in line with the government’s directive, while reaffirming the enforcement of the “No work, no pay” policy.

 

The industrial action by the staff unions was triggered by protests over the non-payment of the approved minimum wage, which the Ondo State Government has so far declined to implement for workers of the institution.

 

The statement was signed on behalf of the governor by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, to the Chairman of the institution’s chapter of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, SSANIP;

 

“The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has noted with grave concern the continued refusal of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), RUGIPO Chapter to comply with the directive mandating the immediate reopening of the institution and resumption of academic and administrative activities.

 

“Despite clear instructions issued to all staff and the leadership of the Union, it is observed that the Union has willfully defied the directive thereby disrupting the academic calendar and undermining lawful authority.

 

“In view of the foregoing, and in the interest of restoring normalcy, the Ondo State Government hereby issues the following directives with immediate effect”:

 

The directive was also copied to the Rector; and Chairmen of the institution’s chapters of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP; Non Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics, NOTSUP; the state Commissioner of Police; and Director of State Security Services.

 

 Governor Aiyedatiwa had last week cleared the outstanding three months’ salary arrears of the institution’s workers.

 

Also, he confirmed the appointment of the Rector, Dr. Simeon Olorunwa Adegun, who has been on the seat in acting capacity since October 2024, a situation that had been crippling development at the institution.

NSCDC Speaks On Confirmed Covid-19 Case In Cross River, Assures Continued Routine Surveillance

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
File photo

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured that the  reported COVID-19 Case in Cross River State remains the only confirmed case in Nigeria at present.

Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed that the body is aware of recent media reports regarding a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River State.

The Cross River State Government had confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19, on Tuesday, raising concerns about a possible resurgence of the virus in the state.

Dr Jide Idris
Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed during a press briefing in Calabar, the state capital, that the index case involves a Chinese national working with Lafarge, who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 before falling ill weeks later.

According to Ayuk, the patient’s condition deteriorated at a state medical facility, prompting an emergency transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where further medical investigations were conducted.

“At UCTH, samples were taken in line with established protocols, and it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms consistent with COVID-19,” Ayuk said, adding that the patient is currently responding to treatment.

NSCDC DG states that “This is the only confirmed case that has been isolated and is currently being managed in line with national treatment guidelines.

“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care.

Following confirmation of the case, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, in coordination with NCDC and with support from partners, has activated response measures, including contact tracing,  surveillance, and infection prevention & control.

“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission.

“We continue to maintain routine surveillance for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

“The detection of this case reflects that these systems remain functional and responsive. Members of the public are advised to:

“Maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene, Stay home and seek care if unwell and Follow updates from official public health authorities.

“NCDC will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.”

Gov Soludo Appoints Bishop Kukah Chancellor Of Ojukwu University

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Dr Mathew Hassan Kukah

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah as the Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Anambra State.

A statement on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from Christian Aburime, the Chief press Secretary to the Governor, noted that the renowned Catholic Cleric is expected to bring his global network “to foster international partnerships and  inspire ethical leadership in the university.”

The statement  emphasized that Bishop Kukah’s appointment signals the institution’s renewed commitment to the production of quality graduates.

While describing Kukah as an accomplished Nigerian intellectual and cleric whose contributions over the years integrate academic scholarship with pursuit of social justice, the statement expressed the confidence that his rich antecedents will positively impact the university.

“He attended St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos, Plateau State where he studied Philosophy and Theology; the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma in religious studies, the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, where he got a Bachelor of Divinity; followed by a Master’s degree in Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, and a Ph.D from the University of London’s School of Oriental Studies (SOAS) in 1990.

“He, also, at certain times studied at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and at Harvard University, in Massachusetts, the United States of America”, the statement reads

Ekiti Police Command Trains Personnel For New VCRU

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni

Some selected personnel of the Ekiti State Police Command are undergoing training preparatory to deploying them to a new Violent Crime Response Uniti, (VCRU) under the command.

The new unit followed the disbandment of special squads inherited by the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Tunji Disu.

The Ekiti State Police Command has unveiled the new Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat violent crimes across the state.

The initiative, introduced in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, is designed to enhance rapid response to criminal activities in both urban and rural communities.

Speaking at the launch held at the Command Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, described the VCRU as a strategic addition to the state’s security framework.

He explained that the unit was established to address the changing dynamics of crime and ensure swift intervention during emergencies.

He also called on residents to support the new unit by providing timely and credible information that would aid crime prevention and detection, stressing that community collaboration remains essential for effective policing.

Falade noted that operatives of the unit are currently undergoing intensive tactical and intelligence-driven training ahead of full deployment.

He emphasized that the officers are expected to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties, warning that any form of misconduct or abuse of power would not be tolerated.

The Commissioner commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his continued support, particularly in the provision of logistics and operational mobility, which he said has contributed to recent successes recorded by the Command.

In his goodwill message, the Secretary of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ekiti State, Lawrence Ogunsetire, pledged the committee’s full support, assuring that it would mobilize communities to work closely with the VCRU.

“You Are Committing Big Political Blunder By Aligning With Senator Yari,  Matawalle Warns Governor Lawal

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a development that has signposted the brewing of a  deep crack within the ranks of the All Progressive Congress in Zamfara State, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has warned Governor Dauda Lawal to be wary of his new found political love with a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.

This is as he lamented his alleged neglect and exclusion from the running of the affairs of the APC in the State since the coming on board of Governor Lawal.

The Source reports that Governor Lawal, who defeated Matawalle in the 2023 general elections on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had, in the wake of the Court of Appeal ruling on March 9, 2026, nullifying the Ibadan National Convention of the party, as well as recognizing the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led faction, defected to the APC.

But in a viral audio online, the Minister expressed serious concern that after receiving Governor Lawal with warmth into the APC, including publicly renouncing his political ambition, he has been relegated, completely, to the background by the duo of Senator Yari and Governor Lawal.

According to him, only Governor Lawal and Yari meet and decide what happens, and who gets what within the APC in Zamfara State, without any reference to him, both as a former Governor, a serving Minister, and one of the old leaders of the APC in the State.

Matawalle emphasized that when he first defected to the APC during his tenure as a Governor, he made sure that every interest was accommodated,and represented.

According to him, even with his large heart and open mindedness ,some forces in the state, including those now romancing with the Governor, sponsored internal insurrection ,and got the APC defeated in 2019 elections.

He expressed serious fears that the same forces are bent on misleading the Governor, and jeopardising the interest of the party in Zamfara State,

“I defected to the ruling Party when I was a Governor ,but I carried everybody along to avoid grudges both within the Party and Government.

“But all the  selfless efforts did not stop some of the party members from embarking.on secret anti-party activities which ultimately led to the failure of the APC in the state.

“Since the day Governor Lawal was formally welcomed into the party by the Vice President, Kashim Ibrahim Shettima ,I made a public declaration that I have renounced my ambition, and asked all my followers to redirect their votes in favour of the second term ambition of the Governor.

“Since then, Governor Lawal has openly embraced Senator Yari Abubakar, and abandoned me. But this should be seen as a clear political blunder, because I have my own people across 14 Local Government Areas of the State, and they are just waiting for my order.

”My people have contacted, complaining that they learnt that the present arrangement is not in any way respecting me as one of the party leaders in the state.

“But I asked them to remain patient and loyal to the APC, and that we still have a long way to go.

“I am warning Governor Lawal to be very careful . The posters of Mukhtar Shehu vying for Governorship in 2027 are still flying in the State, and this underground project is sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yari as he did in 2019, which was the development that finally led to the APC losing both the gubernatorial and legislative positions”, stated.

President Tinubu Appoints New Board Chairmen In The Education Sector

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Hours after reshuffling his Cabinet, President Bola Tinubu has also made some significant changes in the Education Sector.

He has made new appointments for the National Examination Council, NECO,  the National Board of Technical Education, NBTE, the Federal Polytechnic in N’yak Shendam, Plateau State, and the National Library of Nigeria, all institutions under the Federal Ministry of Education.

He appointed Prof Modupe Adeola Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of NECO, and retained the current registrar, Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi.

He also appointed Engr. Dr Bongfa Binfa as Rector, Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam, Plateau State; and renewed the tenure of Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi as Director/Chief Executive of the National Library of Nigeria.

The Chairmanship position in the National Board of Technical Education, NBTE, is distinguished academic, Professor Babatunde Salako.

12 days ago, President Tinubu had reappointed the incumbent executive secretary, Prof Idris M Bugaje, for a second and final term of five years.

Professor Adelabu, who chairs NECO, is a retired Professor of educational administration who rose through the ranks to full professorship at the Obafemi Awolowo University.

She was a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State (2013- 2014) and the Chairman of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) between 2018 and 2021.

Prof. Babatunde Salako, the new chair of NBTE, is a globally respected researcher with decades of experience in higher education, institutional governance and national policy leadership.

She had served as the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) from 2016 to 2024, a period during which the institute experienced significant revitalisation, enhanced research governance, expanded international collaborations, and improved infrastructure and research outputs.

Bongfa Binfa, from Plateau State, succeeds Dr Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, the pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam, whose tenure expired on March 16, 2026.

The appointment of Binfa by President Tinubu is for a single term of five years, following the conclusion of the process for appointing a new Rector through a public advertisement in national dailies in September 2025.

Gov Otti Appoints Wife Of His Potential 2027 Challenger, ABSUTH Board Chairperson

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
L-R: Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu,, Governor Alex Otti and Dr Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a move that has provoked widespread and diverse discuss and speculations  within the Abia state political space, Governor Alex Otti, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, appointed Dr Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu , wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital ABSUTH Aba.

For the records, the Deputy Speaker, apart from being one of the most  vociferous critics of the present Abia state Government, has  been the rallying point of the opposition camp in Abia State.

Although he has not formally declared his intention to vie for the highest office in the State, he has nevertheless remained the most visible potential challenger for the gubernatorial race in the State on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Governor Otti is the national leader of the Labour Party, LP, and the only Governor elected on its platform.

Dr Ezinne’s appointment is contained in a release from the Secretary to the State Government SSG ,Dr Emmanuel Meribole who announced the reconstitution of the hospital’s Board.

According to the release, the reconstitution of the 11-member Board is aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and enhancing the quality of medical training and healthcare services provided by the tertiary hospital.

Other members of the board whose appointments are with immediate effect, include the Chief Medical Director CMD of the hospital, Prof. Nneka Chioma Okoronkwo, Dr Kelechi Omende, Dr Temple Nwosu, Dr Patrick Umezurike ,and Dr Mrs Ifeyinwa Blossom Uma Kalu.

Others are Prof. Gazie Okpara ,the Deputy Vice Chancellor and representative of the Abia State University Uturu, Prof.Chuks Kamanu, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Mrs Ihuoma Nwagbara, the Director of Administration/Secretary to the Board, and a representative of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr Odochi Ewurum.

The Abia State Governor charged the Board Members to work in concert and assiduously to reposition the hospital as a  centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical training and research.

As at the time of reporting, it could not be established if the Deputy Speaker was consulted before  his wife’s appointment.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker was yet to officially react to the development which has aroused the curiosity of not a few Abians.

President Tinubu’s Newly Appointed Ambassador Mohammed Lele Passes On

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Ambassador Mohammed Lele
Mohammed Lele

By Akinwale Kasali

Mohammed Mahmud Lele, Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador-Designate to Algeria has passed on.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced his death in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday. He died at the age of 50 in Ankara, Turkey, where he had been receiving medical care over an undisclosed ailment.

President Bola Tinubu had appointed him as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, and he was later confirmed by the Senate.

Before his demise, he was a career diplomat and served as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry.

He was born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976. Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano.

Over the years, he worked in Nigerian foreign missions in cities such as Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh, building experience in international relations and diplomacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a committed officer who contributed to Nigeria’s foreign service and worked actively in support of the country’s diplomatic goals.

His remains were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry before being moved for burial.

He was laid to rest in Kano on Wednesday according to Islamic rites.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sadness over his death, noting that it is a great loss to his family, colleagues in the foreign service, and the country as a whole. It also extended condolences to his loved ones and the people of Bauchi State, while praying for peace for the deceased and strength for those he left behind.

1...251252253...3,109Page 252 of 3,109