NNPC Publishes 2020 Audited Financial Statements

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September 8, 2021

By James Orji

In a clear departure from its combative style Miyetti Allah, the umbrella body of cattle breeders in the country has begged the Lagos state government to give its members time to comply with the anti-open grazing law. This is the first time the group has shown its readiness to abide by such laws.

For instance, The national body of the breeders, had during the week, attacked Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state for passing the law that stops open grazing of cows in the state. In defiance, the breeders said they will not obey the law.

Lagos state, in compliance, with the Southern Governors Forum, SGF resolve to address the issue of farmers/ herders’ clashes, is on the verge of passing the law which bars pastoralists from grazing their animal openly. The anti-open Grazing Bill has already passed Second Reading in the state House of Assembly.

Miyetti Allah appears to understand the implication of the bill when it’s eventually signed into law by the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the reason why it has now decided to pacify the government to delay its implementation.

According to the south-west chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, cattle breeders need time time to train its members on how to abide by the new law.

The Zonal Secretary of the body, Maikudi Usman, said on Wednesday that his members needed to be educated first on how to abide by the law.

He said “our breeders are not used to breeding cattle in one place. They move from here to another place. When we say we’ll keep cattle in one place, the owner of the cattle will not have funds to feed the animals in one place,” Usman said.

“They’ve already depended on going from one place to another. Because in the rainy season time, we have where we settle down, and we also have for the dry season.

“We are pleading with Lagos state government to give us time to go tell our people and train them how they will be breeding cattle in one place and not transfer to anybody’s land.

“But breeding in one place, right now, our people do not have the power to do so. What you’re not used to, you have to be taught. And gradually, everybody will understand,” the scribe said.

When passed, Lagos would have joined other Southern states which have already passed the anti-open grazing law. The Governors of the 18 states in Southern part of Nigeria had met in Asaba, Delta state in July where they agreed to enact the law in their various states.

Imo: Ohanaeze Youths Welcome Buhari, Warn Invaders

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September 8, 2021

By James Orji

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Youth Wing has promised to do everything to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Imo state is hit-free, adding that it will roll out the drums to welcome the country’s number one citizen. The president is billed to visit the state on Thursday.

The youths made their position known on the crest of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB’s sit-at-home order to the people of the state during the president’s planned visit.

The state government, however, warned the Nnamdi Kanu IPOB to steer clear of the president’s visit, warning that it will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order.

IPOB declared, on Monday, that Nigeria’s president is not “welcomed into Imo State, Biafra Land on Thursday, September 9, 2021. The statement by One of the IPOB executives, Mazi Chika Edoziem, also stated that “all the traditional rulers, all ndi iche and every Biafran should stay away from any ceremony organised by Hope Uzodimma to welcome him.”

But the state Commissioner for information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, warned that no person should dare the resolve of the government to give the president a befitting reception.

He said, “I have not heard of any sit-at-home by any group. I think the one I heard is the one that said they want their leader released and will be protesting any day he appears in court.”

“However, we are talking of a presidential visit. The president is visiting Imo and we will do everything thing to give a befitting reception. We have made every security arrangement in this regard and I assure you that Imo people are enthusiastic about the visit.”

Reacting to the issue in a statement signed by Onwuasoanya Jones Deputy National Leader Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Youth Wing, the youths said they will prevent any attempt to embarrass the president, adding that it’s not in Ndigbo’s interest to do so.

Onwuasoanya said “the President is not coming for a jamboree but for serious businesses that every true Imo nay Igbo son or daughter should look forward to.

“This visit is especially significant given the recent communication from the governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, to the effect that the President is coming to put final seals on some strategic federal government interventions and partnerships which the Imo State government has agreed with the Federal Government.

“Also, a lineup of people-oriented and audacious projects are scheduled to be unveiled and inaugurated for the use of Imo people and for our individual comfort, notwithstanding our political or social leanings.

He noted that the President will use the opportunity of his visit to meet a broad section of Imo people including traders, market women, religious leaders and others.

According to him “The President is also billed to hold a town hall meeting with all classes of people from across Igbo land, including, the youths, traditional institution, traders, artisans, religious leaders and the political class.

“This town hall meeting shall afford anyone or group the opportunity to ask the President any questions or ventilate whatever might be our personal or group grievances and hopefully, the President shall take adequate note of these questions, observations and complaints.

“It is delighting to note that the President is not coming for a jamboree but for serious businesses that every true Imo nay Igbo son or daughter should look forward to.

“It is on the strength of the above that Igbo youths and leaders, worldwide have resolved, not only to welcome the President to the Eastern Heartland, Imo but to also come out in their numbers to give the President, the hospitality he deserves within the period he is in Imo.

“May I reiterate that Igbo youths are peace-loving, hardworking and honourable people and would therefore not bring themselves to take part in any activity that aims to disrupt this important State event

“Anyone or group of people found to be involved in any act aimed at disrupting this State visit or harassing those who wish to participate, should be treated as invaders and or felons and not doing so on behalf of Ndigbo or Igbo youths,” Onwuasoanya said.

Imo: Buhari’s Visit: To Be Or Not To Be?

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September 8, 2021

By Gideon Njoku

The political atmosphere in Imo State, a baby of the unprecedented political bitterness, has always been charged and tensed. It has been since that fateful day in January of 2020 when the Supreme Court removed the Governor, the Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from office, and declared Senator Hope Uzodimma, All Progressives Congress, APC, as the Governor of the State. But it has taken an unprecedented slant in the past few days.

The tension is so thick one could cut it with a knife. And so is the bitterness. Raw anger. Even hatred. And a touch of envy and jealousy.

The ante went up when Governor Uzodimma, after about three weeks of a work visit to Abuja, came back to Imo and reeled out the success of his mission. A bag of goodies for the State.The icing on the cake was his announcement that the President, Muhammadu Buhari, would be in the State on Thursday, September 9, 2021, for an official visit.

A Victory For Uzodimma

Uzodimma is of the Roman Catholic Church. As they say, between now and tomorrow, Thursday, he should soak his Chaplet inside water, and pray that the President actually comes. It is not beyond Buhari to send either his Vice President, the cerebral Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, or even his Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the suave Boss Mustapha. That will be an anti- climax.

A Presidential visit to any State is a big deal. It seals relationships in a positive way. It brings goodies to the State. Promises are made and followed up. Deals are sealed. The President feels the people. Appreciates what they are going through. Hears from them, as in this case, as planned, during a Townhall meeting. But, especially for Uzodimma, he would hit smack on the bull’s eyes.

There are a couple of reasons why.

Since Buhari’s election as the President, he has not paid a state visit to the State. This will be his first. Indeed, no President, since 1999, had paid an official visit to the State. They visit only during campaigns, make the usual noise with their entourage, and leave.
Not even during the Rochas Okorocha Government did Buhari visit, inspite of the fact that Okorocha was the first APC Governor in the South-east.

For Uzodimma, therefore, the stakes are high. His ego too is at stake. A Buhari visit will be an endorsement of his activities in the State, activities that have, at every point, been pilloried by the opposition.

Opposition At Work

Since the news of the President’s planned visit became public, the virile opposition has been on an over-drive. Everything has been said to either rubbish the visit, or present it as no big deal.
Here are just a few tit bits:

*What is Buhari coming to do in Imo?
*What is he coming to commission?
*Is he coming to commission mortuaries filled with corpses of Imo youths?
*Oh, he is coming to inspect RUGA settlements and grazing routes in the State.
*Uzodimma is “painting” roads for the President.
*He is coming to endorse corruption and failed projects.
*Uzodimma spent 28 days in Abuja just to beg the President to visit Imo.
*And, on and on and on.

There is no capable shadow of doubt about it, the opposition does realise the importance of the President’s visit, and would be praying he cancels, or sends a representative. In which case, they would literally throw a party. They will rejoice. They will taunt Governor Uzodimma. He would be laughed at. And it would open another chapter in their war against him and his administration. Snubbed by Buhari, they would scream.

Enters, IPOB
Added to the overdrive by the opposition to rubbish the intended visit, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has entered the fray. It has literally barred President Buhari from Imo State and the whole of the South-east. It said it does not want to see Buhari in Imo.

Its leadership says if he comes, Buhari would be welcomed by empty streets, empty stadium, empty hall.
And they are serious.

To make sure the visit fails, IPOB has deployed its most potent weapon – sit-at-home order. In a release signed by Mazi Chika Edoziem, IPOB’s Head of Department of State, the Group declared what it called “an emergency Sit-At-Home Order” on Thursday, the day of the planned Presidential visit.

Initially, IPOB declared every Monday of every week a Sit-At-Home in the South-east as a weapon to pressurise the Government to release from detention and prosecution, its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, and brought back to Nigeria, Kanu, a British citizen, is being prosecuted for alleged sundry offences against the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The every Monday Sit-At-Home Order has since been reviewed by the IPOB leadership to just the days Kanu would appear in Court at a Federal High Court in Abuja, yet it has not worked.
Controversy dogs the review. And, out of fear, people are forced to still sit at home on Mondays.

Not for nothing.

A few of those who dared have bitter stories to tell. Their businesses have gone down the drain as punishment. IPOB warns that those who disobey Thursday’s Order would have themselves to blame.

Enemy’s Enemy As Friend
That is the case here. As far as the opposition in Imo is concerned, Buhari and Uzodimma are their common enemies. No good can come out of them. No wonder opposition platforms have become an outlet for the IPOB Sit-At-Home Order against Thursday to make nonsense of Buhari’s planned visit. It is almost being celebrated.

Fear of violence

There is the fear of violence in Imo, and by extension other South-east States. If the President is visiting, unprecedented number of security agents, especially, the Military, will be deployed.
Meaning there is likely to be a clash, and possible bloodshed if anybody tries to disrupt the visit in any guise. Innocent people may likely be caught in the crossfire.
Many APC members from across the South-east will storm Imo to receive the President. The APC, in a release, has asked people to come out en masse and receive the President. Problem is: How safe will the road be for them?

Already, the Arewa Youths Forum, pointing accusing fingers, has warned that it would retaliate in like manner, in all Northern States if the President or his entourage is harassed in Imo.

Will the General cave in to threats and blackmail?

Buhari is a retired Army General. He is taciturn too.
He is also said to be strong- willed, and not easily persuaded by emotions.

The question is, will he cave in to the IPOB threat and the opposition’s stand and cancel what has been termed a first historic State visit of a President to Imo?
Tomorrow beckons. And will tell.

2023: Factional Ohanaeze Endorses Tinubu ‘As The Man Nigeria Needs’

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September 8, 2021

Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Muhammedu Buhari in London

By James Orji

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo-social cultural group has described Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu as a forward-looking leader and unifier that the country needs at this time to unite all her people.

The former Lagos State Governor is in the United Kingdom where he’s recuperating from an undisclosed ailment. The Igbo group, who described the APC National Leader as a friend of the people of the South East, prayed for his quick recovery so that he can return to the country ahead the 2023 election.

Some considers the group’s position as a subtle endorsement of the politician, mostly described as the strongman of Lagos politics, for the presidential race, contrary to the views of leaders of the Zone that one of their own succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari. This, obviously, will no go down well with some Igbo-centric people who believe it is their turn to rule the country, analyst say.

Ohanaeze’s Deputy Secretary-General, Dimm Uche Okwukwu, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday said Tinubu is rallying point for the south as the country prepares for the critical election.

The group’s scribed said the former governor deserved accolades for doing so much for Igbo, particularly, for being the first state governor to appoint South Easterners to his cabinet.

Okwukwu said the APC stalwarts represents many things to different people in the country, but that for Igbo he’s a benefactor.

According to him “to Nigerians in general, he is one of the authors of this democracy we enjoy today. He put in so much energy as chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to make sure that Nigeria was returned to democracy in 1999.

“To Yorubas, he is a home-grown leader. Southern Nigeria sees him as a patriot and foremost unifier. “Igbo people see Asiwaju as their protector. We remember that as governor of Lagos State, he appointed an Igbo man from Anambra State, Ben Akabueze, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for eight years, 1999-2007.

“The import of his gesture was not lost on Igbos all over the world and we are very proud of Asiwaju. Indeed, we call him “Nwanne di na mba,” a brother in foreign land.

“Ndigbo pray God Almighty grants Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu quick recovery, particularly now that Nigeria is in serious transition. We need him for the unification of the Southern bloc of Nigeria.

“We need him to mentor the younger generations. Nigerians need Asiwaju to inspire them. We need him to guide us in the right path of democracy. Nigerians want him home in good health,” he said.

The APC stalwarts is believed to be nursing a presidential ambition, though he has not publicly said so. His London home has recently become a Mecca of sort for many politicians in the country, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

Some politicians and groups have been calling on him to join the presidential race. The admonition, by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, many say may be another endorsement of Asiwaju quest to succeed President Buhari.

Fayose Queries President Buhari’s Anti Corruption War

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September 8, 2021

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Ekiti State Governor and strong critic of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Ayo Fayose, has queried the President Muhammadu Buhari, over his acclaimed anti corruption war.

The two term Governor took to his official Twitter handle, positing eight questions to the present administration.

Fayose asked the President what had happened to the report on the US$43 Million discovered in an apartment at Osbourne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos few years back.

He added that the President has failed to tell the populace what happened to the allegation of award of US$25 billion contracts without following due process made against Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru, former Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources?

Stressing further, he questioned President Buhari on what has happened to the Department of State Services (DSS) indictment for corruption of Ibrahim Magu, the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Mr. Abubakar Malami, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Investigative Panel set up by the President Muhammadu Buhari?

He also asked him to tell Nigerians the owner of LEGICO Shopping Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, inside which the EFCC claimed that it found US$448.8 Million cash?

“Who brought the Five Sacks in which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed that it found NGN49 Million Cash to the Kaduna Airport? What happened to the Probe Panel on the alleged NGN500 Million bribery said to have been paid to the Chief of Staff (COS), Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abba Kyari by MTN?

“What happened to the report submitted on the fraudulent reinstatement of Abdulrasheed Maina, The Pensions Thief?

“Is the President going to use the All Progressives Congress (APC) Broom to sweep the report on Abdulrasheed Maina, The Pensions Thief, under the carpet just as he did to others before it?”

Fayose said Nigerians need to get answers to the above questions raised, urging Nigerians to spread it and let it become viral as the whole world needs to understand what is happening in Nigeria under President Buhari administration.

Ever since President Buhari came into the saddle in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, Fayose has consistently queried his policies, especially, on insecurity that is a menace in the country and his fight against corruption, which he often says is hypocritical.

Kogi Joins Oil Producing States As Buhari Approves RMAFC Proposal

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September 8, 2021

By Ayodele Oni

Kogi State has joined the league of oil producing states, thus becoming the tenth on the roll.

Governor Yahaya Bello broke the news to State House Correspondents in Abuja while on a thank you visit to President Mohammed Buhari.

He expressed the state Government’s ’s appreciation to President Buhari for the recognition of Kogi as one of the Oil-producing states in the country by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, (RMAFC).

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bello, Mohammed Onogwu, said in a statement on Wednesday that the issue of the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, also in Kogi State, was discussed with the President.”

Governor Bello was quoted in the statement as saying that “The aim of my visit to Mr President this afternoon was to thank him for the recognition of Kogi State as one of the Oil-producing States in the country.

“We also discussed the issue of Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which Mr President said all efforts are ongoing to ensure the Steel Complex comes up before the end of his administration.”

“With the recognition of Kogi and Anambra, the age-long oil wells dispute that resulted in unwarranted killings and destruction of property between two communities of Odeke in Ibaji local government area of Kogi and Aguleri in Anambra state has come to an end, while commending Mr President for the peaceful resolution of the dispute.

“The Ibaji oil crisis had been on for a while and has led to large scale destruction of property with the loss of many lives.

“The Odeke and Aguleri communities of Kogi and Anambra states laid exclusive claim to the ownership of the oil in the disputed area which has been finally resolved in favour of both states.

“By history, the exploration of crude oil in Ibaji Local Government Area which comes under Anambra Basin in geological terms started in 1952 in the villages of Odeke, Echeno, Ihile, Anocha/Uchuchu, Omabo, Ikah, Iregwu and Ujeh all in Ibaji community of the present-day Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.

“Between 1952 and 1986 three companies namely; Shell BP (now SPDC), ELF (now Total Fina Elf) and AGIP Energy have drilled 25 exploration wells, 2 appraisal wells and 8-core drill wells in the entire Basin out of which majority of the wells fall into Kogi State.

“Since the assumption office in 2016, Governor Yahaya Bello who always work in silence understudied the disputed area and with deft political approach pursued the matter which remained unresolved by his predecessors to a logical conclusion.”

Why Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Sued For The Enforcement Of His Fundamental Rights

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The Source

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September 8, 2021

By Aloy Ejimakor

Today, (September 7, 2021) I secured an Order from the High Court of Abia State to serve by substituted means, an Application for enforcement of the Fundamental Rights of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which I recently brought before the High Court of Abia State.

The next hearing date is set for 21st September, 2021 in Umuahia.

The material issue is the unbroken chain of infringements that began with the 2017 extrajudicial attempt on Kanu’s life in Abia State; his involuntary flight to safety/exile; his abduction in Kenya and his extraordinary rendition to Nigeria.

We believe that these supervening issues have complicated Kanu’s prosecution and thus must be judicially dispensed with before any further prosecutorial action can proceed.

Accordingly, I have placed the following reliefs before the Court:

1: A DECLARATION that the military invasion of the Applicant’s building and premises at Isiama, Afaraukwu Ibeku, Abia State on 10th September, 2017 by the Respondents or their agents is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and amount to infringement of the Applicant’s fundamental right to life, dignity of his person, his personal liberty and fair hearing as guaranteed under the pertinent provisions of Chapter IV of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (hereafter, CFRN) and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (hereafter, the Charter).

2: A DECLARATION that the arrest of the Applicant in Kenya by the Respondents or their agents without due process of law is arbitrary, illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and amounts to infringement of the Applicant’s fundamental right against arbitrary arrest, to his personal liberty and to fair hearing as enshrined and guaranteed under the pertinent provisions of CFRN and the Charter.

3: A DECLARATION that the torture and detention of the Applicant in Kenya by the Respondents or their agents is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and amounts to infringement of the Applicant’s fundamental right against torture and to fair hearing, as enshrined and guaranteed under the pertinent provisions of CFRN and the Charter).

4: A DECLARATION that the expulsion of the Applicant from Kenya to Nigeria by the Respondents or their agents and their consequent detention and planned prosecution of the Applicant in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nnamdi Kanu) is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and amount to infringement of the Applicant’s fundamental right against unlawful expulsion and detention, and to fair hearing, as enshrined and guaranteed under the pertinent provisions of CFRN and the Charter).

5: AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents or their agents from taking any further step in the prosecution of the Applicant in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nnamdi Kanu) pursuant to said unlawful expulsion of the Applicant from Kenya to Nigeria.

6: AN ORDER mandating and compelling the Respondents or their agents to forthwith release the Applicant from detention and restitute or otherwise restore Applicant to his liberty, same being his state of being as of 19th June, 2021; and to thereupon repatriate the Applicant to his country of domicile (to wit: Britain) to await the outcome of any formal request the Respondents may file before the competent authorities in Britain for the lawful extradition of the Applicant to Nigeria to continue his prosecution in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nnamdi Kanu).

7: AN ORDER mandating and compelling the Respondents to issue an official Letter of Apology to the Applicant for the infringement of his fundamental rights; and publication of said Letter of Apology in three (3) national dailies.

8: AN ORDER mandating and compelling the Respondents to pay the sum of N5000,000,000.00 (Five Billion Naira) to the Applicant, being monetary damages claimed by the Applicant against the Respondents jointly and severally for the physical, mental, emotional, psychological and other damages suffered by the Applicant as a result of the infringements of Applicant’s fundamental rights.

Ejimakor, ESQ, is the Special Counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

Again, OAU Sacks Lecturer Over Sexual Harassment Of Female Student

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September 8, 2021

By Ayodele Oni

The Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile Ife, has dismissed another lecturer for alleged sexual harassment of a female student.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju explained that the decision was taken in the avowed determination to rid the University of any form of sexual intimidation, harassment and, or coercion.

The statement reads “The Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has dismissed another lecturer who was found guilty of sexual misdemeanor against a female student.

“The decision to dismiss Dr. Adebayo Mosobalaje, of the Department of English Language, in the Faculty of Arts, was taken by the University Council at its last sitting on Monday 7th September, 2021.

“Having exhaustively deliberated on the report of the Joint Committee of Council and Senate, which investigated the case of sexual harassment against Dr Mosobalaje, the University Council, unambiguously declared its zero tolerance to sexual harassment in any form or guise and, accordingly, applied the appropriate University sanctions for such an offence as contained in the University regulation.

“It would be recalled that almost two weeks ago, the University Management formally inaugurated an “anti – sexual harassment policy” where their excellencies, Erelu Bisi Fayemi (the wife of Ekiti State Governor) and Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola (the wife of Osun State Governor) presented papers while a former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Professor Yemisi Obilade, was the main speaker.

“At several fora, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, had reiterated the commitment of his administration to uphold the “Zero tolerance policy” for Sexual harassment and other social vices.

“The Council of the University, Chaired by Owelle Oscar Udoji, has also pledged to support policies that promote mutual co- existence between all the members of the University Community.”

Just less than two years ago, there was a celebrated case of a female student who accused one of her lecturers of scoring her with low marks for refusing his sexual advances.

After a Committee set up by the University found the lecturer guilty, he was dismissed.

Leave Ondo Or Obey Our Laws, Government Replies Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders

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September 8, 2021