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PDP Slams Gov. Okpebholo’s N3 5 Billion  Foreign Trip Bill

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Monday Okpebholo - Edo State Governor
Monday Okpebholo - Edo State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic party PDP on Sunday, August 10, 2025, berated  Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for spending over N 3.5 billion on foreign travels without a commensurate result.

This is just as the State Government insisted that it has never engaged in any unfruitful trips both local and foreign.

A statement from the spokesperson for the Edo State Chapter of the PDP, Chris Osa Nehikhere, alleged that Governor Okpebholo spent the whopping sum within three months  without attracting a single Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, to the State

It will be recalled that the National Bureau of Statistics had, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in a report, listed Edo as one of the  30 States that incurred an expenditure of over N11 billion on foreign travels within the first quarter of the year.

The report on Capital Importation , instructively stated that the amount was expended without the attraction of any foreign investment.

In the statement entitled  “Stop the Jamboree: Edo Government’s Reckless  N3.51 Billion Travel Spree Amidst Crumbling Infrastructure is Shameful”, the Edo PDP expressed regret that the Edo State Government, under Okpebholo, has been squandering taxpayers funds on needless foreign trips, while other serious States are busy attracting investments.

The PDP, while describing the uncontrolled spending as an affront to the good people of the State, lamented that the resources could have been more meaningfully deployed to the development of infrastructural facilities,and other sectors of the economy.

“The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Edo State Chapter, is outraged by the disgraceful revelation that Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration squandered an alarming N 3.51 billion on travel in just first half of 2025.

“This waste comes at a time when the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Capital Importation Report confirms that Edo State failed to attract a single Kobo in foreign investment while states like Lagos ,Ogun, Oyo , Kaduna, Kano and even Ekiti made the list .

“The contrast is both embarrassing and telling. Other states are opening their doors to the capital. Edo leaders are opening their wallets for endless trips.

“It is unacceptable that while other states are working to attract investments, Edo leadership is squandering scarce resources on trips that yield no tangible benefits .

“Governance is not a jamboree. Leadership demands prudence, vision and a commitment to prioritizing the needs of the people over frivolous indulgences”, the PDP stated

According to the PDP,  Edo State and its people deserve a Government that will rather focus on job creation, improvement of infrastructural facilities, and enhancement of the quality of life of the citizens.

At this trying moment, the party believes that the people do not need a Government that will be obsessed with globe-trotting at public expense .

This is as the party urged the Government to, as a matter of urgent necessity, put an end to such frivolous and unrewarding foreign trips and focus on rejigging the ailing infrastructural facilities ,in the State.

However, while reacting to the PDP’s allegations, Fred Itua, the Governor’s spokesperson noted that unlike the PDP era ,the Government has been intentional in its official engagements.

According to him, all local and international travels have been strategically programmed to forge partnerships, attract investments, and secure opportunities both in the short and long-term basis .

“Unlike the PDP era where foreign trips were little more than shopping expeditions and family vacations for political office holders, officials of this Government travel with clear objectives, measurable results and unwavering commitment to the people’s progress”, Itua stated.

Fmr  Super Eagles Player, John Utaka, Appointed Montpellier Female Team Coach

By
Akinwale Kasali
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John Utaka

By Akinwale Kasali

John Utaka, former Super Eagles forward, has been appointed Head Coach of Montpellier’s Women Football Team in France’s top-tier Division 1 Féminine.

The landmark appointment of the 43-Year-old former Lens Football Club players, makes him the only African currently managing a team in France’s Elite Women’s League.

Utaka, who previously starred for Montpellier’s men’s team during their historic 2011-2012 Ligue 1 title win, returns to the club’s technical staff after serving as assistant coach for their U-19 men’s side.

He will share coaching responsibilities with Baptiste Merle under Sporting Director Jean-Louis Saez.

The ex-forward brings continental experience to the role, having briefly managed the women’s team in 2021 before completing his UEFA A Licence in 2022.

His appointment reunites him with Super Falcons striker, Ifeoma Onumonu, who joined Montpellier earlier this year.

Montpellier is currently fifth in the league, and will be looking up to Utaka’s attacking pedigree – horned during his playing days across Six countries – to close the 11-point gap to third-placed, Girondins Bordeaux Female Team.

The Nigerian legend’s extensive European experience positions him uniquely to develop the team’s emerging talents.

NEMA, World Bank, List Seven States For Sensitization On Disaster Management

By
Ayodele Oni
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NEMA

By Ayodele Oni

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the World Bank Group are set to commence Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) in Ondo state.

EPR project involves hazard mapping, community sensitization, data collection and analysis, and training of residents on appropriate response measures during disasters.

Already, NEMA and World Bank officials are in the state for the flag off ceremony of the project. The project is expected to cover seven states in Nigeria.

Speaking on Sunday, during a courtesy visit by the team, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said his administration is intentional and deliberate in preventing emergency situations, especially flooding, and will continue to adopt proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described Ondo State’s inclusion among the seven states selected for the project as a privilege, noting that it was not because the state is the most prone to disasters, but due to its proactive stance and the commitment of his administration to disaster prevention.

“We are intentional and deliberate about preventing emergencies, especially in the area of flood control.

“The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Infrastructure are working together to deploy our swamp buggy machine for extensive channelization before the rains start.

“This is why we have largely been spared of major flooding this year, except for rising water levels in riverine areas,” the governor said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the state’s swift response to a recent incident where strong winds damaged the Akure Airport tower, restoring normal operations within three days to avoid disruption of air travel.

He further lamented the long-standing sea incursion in Aiyetoro community, describing it as a pathetic situation that had defied past measures.

“The Aiyetoro case is a major problem that requires careful design. Nothing concrete had been done before now, but with the current approach, I believe we will finally provide a lasting solution for Aiyetoro and other affected communities.”

The Governor urged residents to support government efforts by refraining from dumping waste into drainage channels or erecting structures that could block waterways and worsen flooding.

Earlier, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Mr. Badele Onimode, explained that the EPR project, supported by the World Bank, is designed to help Ondo State develop a robust emergency response plan.

According to him, the project will involve hazard mapping, community sensitization, data collection and analysis, and training of residents on appropriate response measures during disasters.

“This project is taking place in only seven states in Nigeria, and Ondo was chosen because of the state government’s commitment to disaster preparedness.

“The World Bank will also identify specific projects in the state for possible support.”

He appealed to the state government to ensure the sustainability of the project by integrating it into its long-term development plans.

On the role of the World Bank in the project, Mr. Francis Nkoka explained that the institution’s mandate is not only to provide financial assistance to both the state and federal governments, but also to offer technical support.

“In our discussions with NEMA, we recognized the need to place strong emphasis on preparedness. However, we also understand that, despite our best efforts, disasters can still occur.

“Therefore, we must also strengthen the capacity to respond effectively when they happen,” Nkoka said.

He added that the World Bank would work closely with NEMA to guide the process, offering technical expertise in preparedness assessments as well as in enhancing emergency response capabilities.

SERAP, Editors, Sue Niger State Governor, NBC Over Badeggi FM

By
The Source
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Mohammed Umar Bago

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have filed a lawsuit against Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the intimidation of Minna-based Radio Station, Badeggi FM, and the threat to shut and crack down on the station using law enforcement.

Governor Bago recently directed security operatives to seal Badeggi FM,  with threat to revoked its license, demolish the station’s premises, and profiling the station’s owner, Shuiabu Badeggi.

In the suit filed on Friday, with number FHC/L/CS/1587/2025, at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP and NGE are asking the court to determine “whether, by section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and section 2(1) (t) of the NBC Act, the NBC has the duty to protect Badeggi FM from the ongoing intimidation from the Governor.

SERAP and NGE are asking the court for “a declaration that by the combined provisions of section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution and section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act, the NBC has the legal duty to protect Badeggi FM and other broadcasting outlets in Nigeria from any intimidation and undue interference.”

SERAP and NGE are seeking “an order of perpetual injunction restraining Niger State governor and NBC from harassing, intimidating and/or threatening to shutdown Badeggi FM and revoke the licence of station.”

In the suit, SERAP and NGE are arguing that: “the failure and or neglect of the NBC to protect and defend the independence of Badeggi FM radio against arbitrary executive interference constitutes a breach of its statutory duty to ensure fair, independent, and lawful broadcasting practices in Nigeria.”

SERAP and NGE are also arguing that, “the ongoing intimidation, and threat by Governor Bago to strip Badeggi FM station of its operational licence, further threat to demolish the station’s premises and to profile the station’s owner is unlawful and a violation of the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.”

According to SERAP and NGE, “the allegations of inciting violence against Badeggi FM and its owner are vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP and NGE by their lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Agunbiade, and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.

“Intimidating, harassing and silencing critical or dissenting voices under the guise of vague and unsubstantiated national security concerns is a fundamental breach of your constitutional oath of office and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

“Intimidating, harassing and silencing Badeggi FM and its owner would have a chilling effect on the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom across several states.

“The ongoing intimidation and threat to arbitrarily revoke the station’s licence, unlawfully demolish its premises and profile its owner are all clearly antithetical to the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations.

“The ongoing intimidation and harassment of Badeggi FM and its owner is capable of discouraging participation of the press in debates over matters of legitimate public concern ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The ongoing intimidation and harassment of Badeggi FM, its owner and other staff members of the station constitute a serious restriction on the development of democracy in the country, since it impedes free debate over ideas and opinions.

“Media outlets in Niger State should be free to enable debate on issues of public interest without fear of reprisals.

“Both Governor ago and the NBC have the duty to respect and uphold the constitutional and statutory obligations to ensure that journalists and media houses that regularly impart information on matters of public interest including Badeggi FM enjoy an environment to perform that function.

“There is significant public interest in the capacity of the press, including Badeggi FM to obtain and impart the information that it needs to function properly and perform its vital public watchdog role.

“Any restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom must be provided by law, imposed to protect legitimate aims, and necessary to protect those aims.

“While the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties recognize national security and public order as legitimate aims for restricting freedom of expression, the UN Human Rights Council has stressed ‘the need to ensure that the invocation of national security is not used arbitrarily to restrict freedom of expression.’

“Governor Bago reportedly ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi, a privately owned radio station in Minna, ordered the station’s premises to be marked for demolition and requested the Commissioner of Homeland Security to profile the station’s owner; Shuaibu Badeggi, on unfounded allegations that the station ‘promotes violence.

“Governor Bago also reportedly stated that the ‘daily activities of the radio station have been unethical’, and accused the owner of the station of incitement of the people against the government.

“A journalist’s or a radio station’s right to freedom of expression is protected even if the opinion advanced is not positively received.

“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties protect the press not merely so that specific journalists may conduct their work; they protect the press in order to guarantee the public’s right of access to information in the public interest.

“The free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates and elected representatives is essential. This implies a free press and other media to be able to comment on public issues without censorship or restraint and to inform public opinion.”

SERAP and NGE are therefore asking the court for the following reliefs:

  1. A DECLARATION that by the combined provisions of section 22 Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) section 2(1)(t) of the National Broadcasting Act, the NBC is obligated by law to protect Badeggi FM station and other broadcasting outlets in Nigeria from undue interference from unauthorized persons or entity.
  2. A DECLARATION that the failure and or neglect of the NBC to protect and defend the independence of the radio station against arbitrary executive interference constitutes a breach of its statutory duty to ensure fair, independent, and lawful broadcasting practices in Nigeria.
  3. A DECLARATION that the ongoing intimidation and threat issued by Governir Bago to strip Badeggi FM station of its operational licence and further threat to demolish the station’s premises is unlawful and a violation of the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.
  4. A DECLARATION that the threat issued by Governor Bago to strip Badeggi FM radio station of its operational licence encroaches upon the statutory powers of the NBC provided for under section 2 of the National Broadcasting Commission Act, thereby rendering the decision of the NBC ultra vires its constitutional duties and unlawful.
  5. AN ORDER of perpetual injunction restraining the NBC, its agents and privies from harassing, intimidating and/or threatening to revoke the operating licence of Badeggi FM station or any other broadcasting outlet in Niger State.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit, according to a release signed by Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

Lagos, Nigeria, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary,

Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

10/8/2023

Ondo: Gov Advisory Council Clarifies Roles Of Support Groups Canvassing For Tinubu’s Re-election

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has doused tension over the existence of some quasi political support groups in the state championing the reelection bid of President Bola Tinubu.

The Groups, some of which are formed by serving minister and former political office holders, have been on membership recruitment, ahead of the 2027 elections.

However at a stakeholders meeting few days ago in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had issued an order directing the groups to place their activities under his control, as the leader of the party in the state.

Reactions to the order have been massive as some leaders of the groups insisted on operating independently of the governor and even the party.

At its meeting in Akure at the weekend, the newly constituted Governor’s Advisory Council approved that the support groups can exist and are free to work for President Tinubu.

Secretary of GAC, Isaac Kekemeke,  while speaking on the outcome of the inaugural meeting if the council, stated that “We also agreed that support groups, particularly presidential support groups, can continue to exist, but cannot serve as alternatives to the party or be used to divide it.

“Support groups are meant to support the party and the presidential aspiration of our national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

On the inauguration of GAC by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa the Secretary, said the meeting was aimed at stabilising the government and party in the state.

“Basically, it’s meant to stabilise government and the party. The governor has been availed of the experience of many people, and we have resolved a number of issues. We restated the obvious fact that the governor is the leader of the party in the state.

“We were satisfied with the governor’s performance and advised him on wider consultations with stakeholders.

“We concluded that our party is one, with no factions, and advised on collegiate leadership at the local government level for more inclusive decision-making.”

The GAC is made up of selected leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, with the objective of offering counsel and support to the Governor on issues of governance and the growth of the ruling party.

The GAC, is under the chairmanship of former Chairman of the Board of Directors of NNPC Limited and former National Vice Chairman of the APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the GAC chairman, Chief Akinyelure described the parley as fruitful, noting that it focused on strengthening ties between the government and the party.

“The Governor is very happy about the meeting. What we have basically discussed is the growth the party and the success of the government, which is headed by Mr. Governor. Ours is to bridge the gap, to make sure that thw party grows and the government is successful.

“Whatever is going on in government is exposed to the party, so that there can be a smooth relationship. I am not only satisfied, I am encouraged by the participation of our members.”

NUC Approves 20 Additional Courses For Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education

By
The Source
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0
Alvan Ikoku University of Education Owerri

The National Universities Commission, NUC, has approved 20 more courses for the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State.

This was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Stella Nlemchi on behalf og the Management, in a statement signed by the Head, Public Relations Unit of the Institution, Nnaemeka Ijioma.

Based on the approval of the new courses, the University has, therefore, asked candidates who scored 150 and above in the 2025 UTME to apply for admission into the new courses for the 2025/26 academic session.

The statement reads:

“The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stella Ngozi Lemchi, on behalf of the Governing Council and University Management, is delighted to inform the entire University Community and the public of the commencement of 20 new programmes following approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“This new development, which adds to our existing 25 undergraduate programmes, provides prospective students with a wider range of high-quality courses.

“The newly approved courses are distributed across our various faculties and include:

“1. B.Ed. Early Childhood Education

  1. B.Ed. Primary Education
  2. B.Ed. Special Needs Education
  3. B.Sc. Library and Information Science
  4. B.Ed. Educational Management
  5. B.Ed. Adult and Continuing Education
  6. B.A. Fine and Applied Arts
  7. B.A. English Studies
  8. B.A. Linguistics
  9. B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies
  10. B.Sc. Chemistry
  11. B.Sc. Biology
  12. B.Sc. Physics
  13. B.Sc. Mathematics
  14. B.Sc. Industrial Technology
  15. B. Agriculture
  16. B.Sc. Economics
  17. B.Sc. Political Science
  18. B.Sc. Sociology
  19. B.Sc. Information and Communication Technology

“Consequently, the University is pleased to announce that candidates who scored 150 and above in the 2025 UTME can apply for admission into the new programmes for the 2025/26 academic session.

“Candidates who did not make AIFUE their first choice in JAMB are advised to visit a JAMB Accredited centre or JAMB office, including Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education CBT Centre to make Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri their first choice of institution.”

“Why We Withheld Discharge Certificate Of  Uguamaye, 130 Others” – NYSC Mgt

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
NYSC Corps Rita Member and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has explained that the discharge Certificate of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, was among those withheld  for “valid disciplinary reason ”

The service denied claims that it withheld the discharge certificate of  Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye,” because of her criticism of government policies.

In a statement on Sunday, the NYSC described the allegation as “entirely unfounded and false in its entirety,” insisting that the decision was based on disciplinary grounds.

“Rita is among the 131 Corps Members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons,” the NYSC said.

“Specifically, Rita’s service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, a decision that aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws.”

The management stressed that the measure was “a standard procedure and not unique to her case,” adding that the principle of equal treatment applied.

“This extension is a longstanding tradition within the NYSC and should not be politicized. The NYSC Scheme remains committed to discharging its mandate in line with the dictates of the constitution. Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.”

Amnesty International had accused the NYSC of punishing Raye for her social media criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

“The NYSC must rescind its arbitrary and outrageous decision to deny Rita Ushei, widely known as Raye, her discharge certificate after completing her service,” Amnesty said.

“Withholding her certificate may not be unconnected with her social media comments on Nigeria’s economic hardship.”

The group described the action as “unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices” and urged authorities to stop using “abuse of power and intimidation” against citizens who speak out.

EFCC Swoops On  Obasanjo’s Hotel, Arrests Internet Fraudsters

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Olusegun Obasanjo
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

By Ayodele Oni

In furtherance of the war against Internet fraud, Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Sunday, reportedly carried out a raid at the Green Legacy Hotel, situated within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

During the raid carried out by Operatives from the Lagos Directorate, of the EFCC, some youths suspected to be engaging in social media fraud were arrested.

Report revealed that the raid was carried out in the early hours of Sunday during a pool party at the premises of the Library.

This came barely five days after Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the commission arrested a suspected internet fraudster with two locally-made pistols in a raid at K-Hotel in Itori, Ewekoro area of the state.

The suspect, according to the anti-graft agency, was among the 55 others arrested during the raid carried out on Wednesday.

A viral video of the Sunday raid at the Obasanjo Library showed youths scampering for safety as the sound of gunshots filled the air.

The Operatives reportedly arrested a number of youths and seized “more than 20 luxury cars and other valuable items.”

An X user, A.Ayomide, in a post said, “Literally left my house past midnight to go to OOPL, got there and the crowd was too much. I don’t like the settings, my guy doesn’t like the settings, so we were just at the car park.

“Left around 1:30, 20 minutes later I get home and I’m getting calls that EFCC is raiding OOPL.”

The operatives were said to have taken several suspects into custody and confiscated “more than 20 luxury cars and other valuable items.

The Managing Director of OOPL Ventures, Vitalis Ortese, confirmed the development, but withheld details.

“Yes, they did. There was an incident this morning. We will find out and we will let you know.”

The Lagos Zonal Command’s spokesperson, Ayo Oyewole, said he was not aware of the operation, but promised to follow up. EFCC’s National Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, also pledged to verify the incident and provide feedback.

Fmr. Gov Fayemi Disclaims Amaechi’s Claim, Says He Remains Solid APC Member

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi

By Ayodele Oni

“We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the APC in Ekiti State” – Media office

For the umpteenth time, former Governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi has clarified that he is still an active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fayemi, whose media office was on Sunday reacting to social media report, where former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi claimed that Fayemi was among those behind the formation of a coalition group to remove President Bola Tinubu in 2027, stated that he remains dedicated to the APC.

The statement, signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head, Fayemi Media Office, Abuja declared that “We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr. Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State.

“At various public forums in Ekiti and nationwide, he has consistently affirmed his dedication to the APC, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria. Nothing has changed.

“Furthermore, Dr. Fayemi has publicly endorsed His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, for re-election, clearly supporting his candidacy for the APC gubernatorial ticket. This underscores his loyalty to the APC.

“We also wish to note that Dr Fayemi is a politician and thought leader with friends and associates that span political, religious, ethnic and regional divides.

“And from time to time, he is part of conversations about the Nigeria project, how to deepen our fledgling democracy, make the country work for the greater good of all and overcome its numerous challenges.

“These conversations, however, do not amount to defections or leaving the APC. Dr Fayemi has the courage to pursue his convictions.

“If he were to leave the APC, he would make it public and not require a third party to do so.  We state again, maybe for the umpteenth time: Dr Fayemi remains a principal member of the APC and is fully behind the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

“We understand that the constant speculation about his party affiliation may stem from perceived limited public visibility, but that is because he has been actively engaged as a visiting professor at King’s College London and as the founder of Amandla Institute.

“Even then, while this may be true at the national level, it’s not so at the local level in Ekiti State, where he has been present at several leadership caucus meetings of the APC and publicly endorsed the Governor to contest in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.”

ASUU Condemns Lack Of Merit In Appointment Of VCs

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Christopher Piwuna - ASUU President

By Ayodele Oni

“You have turned the selection of University Vice Chancellors into a commodity for politicians and contractors”

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed disappointment over high tech politicking on appointment of Vice Chancellors of Universities.

The Union questioned the pattern the Federal Government uses in the  selection of University Vice Chancellors.

The body, in a statement signed by its President, Christopher Piwuna, cited the VC selection process at the Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, as an example.

The Union lamented that the Government has turned the selection of University leaders into a commodity for politicians and contractors.

In addition, ASUU pointed out that the Government no longer promotes merit and scholarship for which the institutions should be known.

Piwuna, said, “Our Union is also gravely concerned by decisions of some Governing Councils at the Federal and State Universities.

“Universities that are built on merit and scholarship have been turned into commodities for politicians and contractors in the appointment of Vice Chancellors.

“ASUU condemns the attempt to bring back the Ag. Vice Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, despite clear evidence to the fact that her promotion to the rank of a Reader and Professor was fraught with a lot of contradictions; similar things are unfolding in Federal Universities.”

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