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FG Moves To Stop Proliferation of Polytechnics

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Dr Tunji Alausa

The federal government says it’s poised to ensure that polytechnics in the country do not admit students which are beyond their capacity to cater for.

Consequently, the federal government said it has put on hold the establishment of new polytechnics and monotechnics in the country for a period of one year.

Therefore, any applications for prospective polytechnics would not be entertained for the next 12 months,  according to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who, however said health institutions will be exempted in the new policy because they already have low enrolment.

According to a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, the policy has taken immediate effect, noting that in institutions who applications are currently under process will be required to pay certain fees.

Prof.  Bugaje: “Polytechnics awaiting ministerial approval will be required to pay an application fee of N4 million and a processing fee of N2 million per programme of study.

“Monotechnics, on the other hand, will pay an application fee of N2 million and a processing fee of N1 million per programme of study.

“Applicants have 30 days to pay these fees, failure to which will result in the termination of the registration process.

“New health institutions, which are exempted from the moratorium, will pay the same fees as Monotechnics for registration.”

Not a few Nigerians have complained about the proliferation of polytechnics and monotechnics in the country, amid fears that some institutions that are currently in operation may not have what it required to train students.

Age Falsification: NPF Disciplinary Committee Investigates Senior Officers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

As allegation of age falsification continues to rage within the hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force, some senior serving and retired officers have been invited to appear before the force disciplinary committee.

The Committee started sitting on the 10th of February 2025, and the committee is expected to end by the 13th of May.

Those already invited include Assistant Inspector General of Police Idowu Owohunwa, alongside other AIGs and Senior Police,  that were instructed by the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, to appear before the Committee.

It was gathered that some Commissioners of Police are also involved in the allegation of falsification of their ages.

An Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) AbdulYari Shuayau Lafia had earlier been suspended over the alleged falsification of his age.

This was even as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, directed the Force Secretary to immediately investigate other AIGs, Commissioners of Police, and senior police officers mentioned in a petition by a group identified as Integrity Youth Alliance.

Officers mentioned in the petition received by the IGP for age falsification are AIG Abdul Yari, AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Ben Igwe, CP Peter Ukachi Opara, CP Obo Obo Ukani, DCP Simon Asamber Lough (SAN) and ACP Akpan Brown.

The latest information, according to sources close to Securitynewsalert, is that these AIGs and CPs should begin to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee.

The source said: “AP/No. 50645 Idowu Owohunwa, AP/No., 50703 AIG Benneth Igweh, AP/No. 41704 Aina Emmanuel, AP/No. 41741 CP  Salama Wakili Abdul, AP/No. 46522 Adepoju Olugbenga Adewole, AP/No. 57917 DCP Simon Lough, to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee sitting from 10th of February to the 13th of May 2025, from 10:am, at the IGP Conference Hall, 7th floor, Force Headquarters.”

TCN: We Are Working To Ensure Stability Of The National Grid

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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TCN - Transmission Line - Power

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has assured electricity consumers in the country that it’s working hard to ensure the stability of the National Grid.

TCN made the assertion following the power outage experienced in some parts of the country on Wednesday, after the grid experienced disturbance.

In a statement on Thursday, TCN said the tripping off of the Omotosho-Ikeja West 330kv transmission line led to the disturbance, but said normalcy has now been restored as the company had immediately swung into action to effect necessary repairs.

According to the statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, TCN General Manager, Public Affairs the power outage which affected Lagos, Abuja and Osogbo axes have now been taken care off, dismissing media reports that it was the national grid that collapsed.

The reports of ‘grid collapse’ she said, is not true, adding that the TCN has continued to implement measures to ensure that electricity is stable across the the country.

“We assure Nigerians of our commitment to efficient delivery of bulk power across the nation as we continue to implement measures to enhance the stability of the national grid.”

Electricity consumers in the country have experienced erratic power supply due to constant national grid collapse, which in  most cases has thrown the country into darkness.

This is the first time the grid will collapse in 2025 though, but last year it collapsed 12 times.

Tinubu Abandoned Us After Supporting Muslim/Muslim Ticket, Appointed More Christians – Yoruba Muslim Leaders

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Northern Muslims Praying

Some Muslim leaders in the south west have decried what they described as marginalisation by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in spite of the massive support he received from Muslim Umal in the region during the 2023 presidential election.

They accused the administration of shortchanging the Muslims in the zone in key appointment, while favoring Christians by appointing them into more lucrative and sensitive positions.

The leaders made their position known during at a World Press Conference in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Wednesday.

Not a few Nigerians opposed the Muslim/ Muslim ticket of President Tinubu and Kassim Shettima during the presidential election, but their party, the All Progressives Congress, APC went ahead to win the election with the support of Muslims in the country.

Having participated actively in the emergence of President Tinubu, the scholars said they had expected that the president will correct the imbalance in government appointment which has been swayed against Muslims in the country.

For instance, they alleged that federal ministerial appointments from the zone have gone to Christians, while Muslims were left with barely 20 percent of the appointments, the president made from the zone since he came to power.

They also asserted their support for the establishment of Sharia courts in the six south west states, as being clamored by some Muslims, saying it’s their religious right to do so, citing cited Section 275 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows for the establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal.

According to them, out of the 11 ministerial positions from the south west, only four were alloted to Muslims while seven went to Christians.

“Ministers (11 total): Seven Christians: Hon. Dele Alake, Hon. Bosun Tijani, Hon. Wale Edun, Hon. Lola Ade John, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Hon. Jumoke Oduwole, and Hon. Ayodele Olawande,” the scholars said.

They added, “Four Muslims: Hon. Ishak Salako Adekunle, Hon. Waheed Adelabu, Hon. Isiaka Oyetola, and Hon. Tunji Alausa Morufu.

“Key security positions and top appointments: Christian appointees include Yemi Cardoso (CBN Governor), Zaccheus Adedeji (FIRS Chairman), and Olanipekun Olukayode (EFCC Chairman).” The magazine reports that not a few leaders from the zone have kicked against the establishment of Sharia court in the zone, saying it will lead to crisis and religious disharmony.

Ex-PDP National Chairmen, Nwodo And Secondus Congratulate Ude Okoye, NWC, Draw Road map For Party

By
The Source
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Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo and Prince Uche Secondus

Two former National Chairmen of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo and Prince Uche Secondus have congratulated the new substantive National Secretary of the party, Chief Sunday Ude Okoye, for his new position. They, also, congratulated the members of the National Working Committee, NWC, for standing firm in defence of the rule of law and party discipline.

The two former National Chairmen, in a joint statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, said that by recognizing Chief Ude Okoye, the party leadership has demonstrated its total commitment to the rule of law and rightly portrayed the party as a truly democratic institution.

SKE Udeh-Okoye
Ude Okoye

In the statement signed by Ike Abonyi, Media Adviser,  Nwodo and Secondus warned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Federal Government to allow the opposition parties to breathe as a strong opposition is the right measure for vibrant democracy all over the World.

The experienced party leaders advised the new Secretary and the members of the NWC to work towards strengthening the party to position it as the party to beat in the subsequent elections.

The party leaders finally advised the party leadership to be forward-looking and not allow their acrimonious past to affect their vision for the party.

Moghalu: Why Soludo Should Be One – Term Governor

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chief George Moghalu
Chief George Moghalu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A founding member, of the All Progressive Congress APC, George Moghalu, has  formally joined the race for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship polls.

The former Managing Director of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, on Wednesday February ,12, 2025, picked the Labour Party, LP, Expression of Interest and Nomination forms ,with a resolve to unseat Governor Charles Soludo .

The Source reports that Anambra voters will, on  November 8, 2025, go to the polls to either elect a new Governor or renew Governor  Soludo’s mandate for a second tenure in office .

In addition to LP,  APC ,Peoples Democratic Party and PDP are some of the political parties that will be slugging it out with the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, which is widely expected to field Governor Soludo for the contest .

The LP forms were formally presented to Moghalu ,at the National Headquarters by the National Chairman ,Julius Abure in company with other members of the National Working Committee, NWC .

The former APC National Auditor expressed the confidence of not only securing LP’s nod for the  contest ,but also clinching the gubernatorial election proper.

” I have the confidence that the party leadership will provide us with the platform for free and fair primaries

“Our ambition is not a war. The truth is that at the end of the day ,one person will fly the flag of the Labour Party in Anambra State and I have the confidence that I will be the flag bearer by the grace of God .

“My chairman ,one assurance I will give you today is that I will not betray the confidence that is reposed in me. I will  not let you down. I will go with Labour Party ,and I will win with Labour Party by God’s grace”, Moghalu stated.

Explaining his mission, the former NIWA boss noted that after consulting widely with stakeholders ,he has  decided to join in the race to salvage Anambra State from its present unfortunate low level.

He expressed strong belief that Labour party will provide him with the needed support towards actualizing his ambition.

“A lot of people who know me have expressed surprise that I even decided to change my political platform. This is because I have always maintained one political platform since the inception of the present democratic dispensation . But I had to leave to join the Labour Party”, he noted .

The LP National Chairman ,while appreciating the former APC chieftain for preferring the Party, also, assured him and others of a level playing ground in the count down to the primaries.

Moghalu is expected to be joined by Valentine Ozoigbo ,and others in the battle for the LP’s ticket.

Ude-Okoye Is PDP National Scribe- NWC Declares

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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SKE Udeh-Okoye

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has affirmed a former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, as the party’s National Secretary.

the NWC is the highest decision making body of the party.

The decision came barely a week after the party’s Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees, BOT,  took the same decision.

The state PDP governors have also affirmed him amidst the tussle between him and Sam Anyanwu, who contested the Imo state governorship election and lost.

Anyanwu has continued to lay claim to the position, citing, for instance that the decision of the BOT is non-binding because the body, according to him is purely advisory, adding that the issue is still in court and has not been fully dissipated.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP NWC said it took the decision to back Okoye based on the recent decision of the Court of Appeal.

Consequently, the party said the indepnedent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will be dully informed about their decision.

Part of the statement reads, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its meeting today, Wednesday, February 12, 2025 extensively considered the memo dated 11th February, 2025 presented by the Acting National Chairman on the issue of the National Secretary of the PDP.

“The NWC, in considering the memo thoroughly examined the attached documents namely; the declaratory judgment of the High Court of Enugu, the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division which pronounced and declared Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the National Secretary of the PDP; the legal opinion and advice by Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki SAN as well as that of the National Legal Adviser of the PDP.

“After due consideration of the memo and the attachments, the NWC overwhelmingly recognises, acknowledges and confirms Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP in full compliance with and obedience to the judgment of the Court of Appeal, recognising that there is no subsisting or superseding judgment or order from any court of superior authority or hierarchy.

“The NWC has commenced the transmission of its resolution/decision affirming Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the PDP National Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies for recognition in line with the judgment of the Court of Appeal.”

The magazine reports that Wabara, the PDP BOT chairman was suspended by the Abia state chapter of the party, accusing him of anti-party activities, while in the actual sense, sources say the former Senate President was a victim of the protracted crisis in the party, particularly for backing Ude-Okoye as National Secretary of the embattled opposition  party.

Vanguard Nominates Uzodimma Infrastructure Governor Of The Year

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

Vanguard newspaper has  named Gov Hope Uzodimma as the infrastructure governor of the year on account of his road revolution in Imo State.

Although Senator Uzodimma was listed under the category of Good Governance award, he was singled out for his development of infrastructure since he assumed office as GOVERNOR of Imo State in 2020.

In a publication on Tuesday,  the newspaper traced the history of infrastructural development Uzodimma embarked upon against the sordid State of roads he inherited.

For instance,  it noted that Uzodimma had not only constructed and reconstructed more than 100 roads, including the dualization of Owerri-Orlu Road, but gone ahead to revive other decayed infrastructures.

According to the paper,  the governor also made a significant difference in urban renewal,  provision of night landing facilities at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri and rehabilitated the Owerri water works which had been abandoned for more than 15 years.

According to the Vanguard,  the interesting phenomenon about the Uzodimma’s Road revolution is that they have added value to the economic development of the state as well as connecting Imo to all the neighbouring states.

It expressed satisfaction that Uzodimma made such a giant stride in infrastructural development without abandoning human capital development and social services.

It noted that the training of more than 40 youths in digital technology aimed at boosting the economy of the state was highly commendable.

It concluded that with what Uzodimma had done with infrastructure in the state,  he has set Imo on the path of economic revival.

LAHA Laments Open Defecation, Urges LASG To Build More Public Toilets

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mojisola Meranda - Speaker Lagos State

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed great concern over the menace of open defecation across the State. The Members  called on relevant authorities to curb the anomaly.

The Lawmakers urged the  Lagos State Government to curb the act through massive construction of public toilets in the State.

The members who raised this during its plenary session, Wednesday, strongly condemned the rampant practice of open defecation across the State.

The Lawmakers strongly condemned the rampant practice of open defecation across the State, saying the menace must ne addressed in earnest.

They, therefore, urged the Local Government Areas, and Local Council Development Areas to collaborate with private organizations, construct adequate public toilets in their respective localities and Intensify sensitization and publicity against open defecation in the State.

Raising this under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi I, maintained that Lagos State, as a smart city, must take decisive action to curb open defecation, which remained prevalent in areas such as Oshodi, Mile 2, Agege, among others.

Ogundipe stressed the need for proper sanitation facilities to align with the State’s vision of cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

The Deputy Speaker, Mojeed Fatai, reiterated the responsibility of LGAs and LCDAs in providing public toilets within their jurisdictions.

Fatai explained that such facilities would significantly reduce the occurrence of open defecation and enhance public hygiene across the State.

In his contribution, Gbolahan Yishawu, acknowledged the severity of the issue and questioned the government’s existing efforts to curb the menace.

Yishawu, urged the State government to prioritize the establishment of public toilets at strategic locations, noting that public-private partnerships could play a crucial role in achieving the objective.

Corroborating his colleagues, Aro Moshood, highlighted the adverse impact of open defecation in riverine areas, where it contaminates water bodies and poses risks to both human health and marine life.

All stakeholders were implored to eradicate the menace and improve sanitation standards across Lagos.

PSC Demands Investigation Of Zone 7 Officers Involved In Corruption, Land Matters, Writes IGP

By
The Source
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Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, in line with his avowed commitment to purge the Police from meddling into civil matters, has officially written to the Inspector General of Police demanding investigation into the roles of some officers of the Zone 7 Police Command. DIG Argungu is requesting that the Inspector General of Police sets up a competent  Committee to conduct further investigation into the activities of the Officer in charge of Legal Unit and the Deputy Commissioner incharge of Operations of the Zone for abuse of office, extortion and gross misconduct contrary to the rules of engagement and conduct of Police Officers.

He said the letter was prompted by a complaint/petition received from one Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya against the two officers of the zone who, against repeated warnings, were involved in civil matters and supervised/provided cover in the demolition of the petitioner’s residential property where he had lived for over 15 years.

In the letter to the IGP,  the PSC Chairman said that on the 19th of December 2024, the Police and enforcement staff from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, went to the residence of the petitioner, Abubakar Yahaya, “threw away his property and chased his family members  out of his residence.”

DIG Argungu disclosed that the enforcement Unit of the High Court led by one Shamsudeen Ubandoma took “the sum of seven hundred thousand Naira (N700,000.00) from the petitioner under the guise or pretence of giving it to the Policemen who came with him for enforcement, so that they won’t come back for enforcement again.”

He said on the 16th of January 2025; “some Policemen with enforcement team from the court, accompanied by one faceless Alhaji Usman Sarki – purported owner of the plot on the said No 75 Lome  Crescent, Wuse Zone 7 Abuja, under dispute in court, brought trucks and bulldozers which were used in the demolition of the petitioner’s residence.”

The PSC Chairman, in the letter to the IGP, said the petitioner was arrested by the Officer in charge of Legal Unit, Zone 7 Police Command for criminal conspiracy, trespass and mischief, adding that the sum of one million Naira was collected from him for securing his bail. He noted that the faceless Alhaji Usman Sarki “is not known to the petitioner, as only his lawyers were always  appearing on his behalf.

The petitioner claimed that he has been in possession of the said plot of land for more than 15 years without any issue, developed the land and has been in occupation of the residence without any hindrance.

“That it is now very apparent that the demolition of his residence was done solely on the strength of the Police, led by the Officer in charge of Legal Unit, who is meant to be a Police prosecutor but turned into a tool of oppression and aided by the Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of Operations who led the Police to demolish the petitioner’s residence  without any justification or adhering to the principle of natural justice.

The PSC Chairman said the petitioner’s prayers include; “having been rendered homeless  as a result of the act of the Officers-in-Charge of Legal Unit and the Deputy Commissioner incharge of Operations who are the major culprits of this heinous act, that the duo should be investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them, as well as the payment of one billion Naira for the action of the Police, as compensation.

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