Hardship: Tinubu Is A Street Boy, He Knows Nigerians Are Suffering – Sen Kalu

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October 18, 2024

Senator Orji Kalu says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not unaware of the sufferings of Nigerians.

The senator representing Abia North in Nigeria’s upper chamber of the National Assembly made the remark on Channels Politics Today programme on Thursday.

His remarks comes on the heels of Nigerians criticisms that the All Progressives congress, APC, government is totally detached from the public and insensitive to their plights.

The administration of Bola Tinubu has been highly condemned by not a few Nigerians for being to distant from the people, citing harsh economic policies that have been adopted by his government since it came to power on may 29, 2023 some of which are very unpopular.

The absence of President Tinubu and his vice Kassim Shettima from the country has further fueled this suggestion that they don’t care about what is happening in the country.

President Tinubu is currently on a two-week annual leave while Shettima had left the country for Sweden on an official duty.

Their absence, according to analysts, has left a big leadership vacuum in the country at a very critical time of economic crisis.

Critics of the Tinubu’s administration cited the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, among others unpopular policies that have put many families in the country on the edge of economic collapse.

On August and October this year, many Nigerians had taken to the streets under the #endbadgovernance and #takeitback to express their dissatisfaction with the administration.

In the face of Nigerians disenchantment with what is going on, the government has remained defiant, saying the economic reforms are necessary to turn the country around for good.

Not a few Nigerians disagree with the assertion, saying most of the policies have brought serious hardship to the country were carried out without adequate consultations with major stakeholders.

Speaking Kalu dispelled the suggestion that the president is detached from Nigerians, and does not know what they are facing at the moment

According to the former governor, President Tinubu had on occasions moved around in Abuja, the nation’s capital to feel the pulse of Nigerians, and what they are going through.

Kalu: “The president himself knows that Nigerians are suffering and hungry. He is a street person; he knows the street very well

“The president some nights uses his car to go around and know what is happening in Abuja here.”

Reacting to the alleged leadership vacuum created by Tinubu and Shettima absence from the country, Bayo Onanuga, spokesman for the Presidency said during the week that the government is still running smoothly, saying other top government functionaries are on top of the situation.

Meanwhile, keen political watchers in the country insist that, Kalu with his recent patronising remarks, is only trying to warm himself back to the power-that-be in Abuja having lost out in the power game in the country.

Impeachment Plot: Akpabio Remains Defiant, Says Social Media Can’t Remove Him

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 18, 2024

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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President — Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dared Nigerians heckling him on the social media saying no amount of their rants against him can lead to his removal from the position.

Akpabio made the remark on the floor of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly on Thursday amidst rumour that some senatorswho disagree with his style of leadership were planning to remove him.

According to report, some northern senators are plotting to remover the former Akwa Ibom state governor, from his exalted position because of his leadership style.

But, speaking yesterday after the entire Senate passed a vote of confidence on him and his leadership Akpabio said no ranting on the social media can’t break the ‘bond’ in the senate, reiterating the confidence the senators have on his leadership.

He said, “On behalf of my brother, the Deputy Senate President, and the entire leadership, I assure you that the cooperation and bond existing between us and the Senate will continue.

“No amount of people, no social media will come here to break that bond. I thank you for this, and we are very humbled.”

Some senators had earlier passed a vote of confidence on Akpabio, dismissing the rumour that the senate is divided. They included Senators Abdul Ningi from Bauchi state and Yahaya Abdullahi from Kebbi who dispelled the rumour of impeachment as figment of the imagination of those peddling it.

The senators warned that those carrying the runour are deliberately undermining the nation’s democracy, urging the senators unite in the face of constant attacks on its leadership.

They absolved northern senators from the alleged plot to impeach Akpabio.

Abdullahi: “We must rise and get united under the leadership to ensure that this kind of discourse is completely negated and for the kind of unity we have forged in the last 18 months to be sustained and fully accomplished.”

“For us to be characterised as promoting or supporting anybody to bring the leadership of this institution down is bad and should be disregarded.

“I think this is the work of some enemies which should be resisted, and all of us should stand united behind the Senate leadership to make sure that this institution is preserved.”

Also, Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who moved the motion for a vote of confidence in Akpabio and the Senate leadership, dismissed the impeachment rumour as a fabrication.

On his part Ningi said, “I move that, on behalf of other senators, we pass a vote of confidence in your leadership and that of the entire Senate leadership,”

Akpabio had been under consistent fire from Nigerians over his alleged anti-masses comments. The Senate President, last week , came under trenchant criticisms after after a video, where he urged Nigerians, to get food to eat anywhere they can went viral on the social media.

Not a few Nigerians say they have not forgiven him over his “let the poor breed” remark believed to be disparaging to the suffering Nigerians who are victims of the harsh policies of the All Progressives Congress, APC, government under which Akpabio is a top notch.

Court Stops Abure’s Appointed Interim SWC For Abia Labour Party

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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October 18, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

INEC Shuns Senator Nenadi’s INC, Invites Abure’s NWC

The Julius Abure- appointed Caretaker Committee leadership of the Abia State Chapter of the Labour Labour has been restrained by an Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia from parading itself as such pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice before it.

The Court order comes on the heels of the invitation to the Abure-led National Working Committee NWC by the Independent National Electoral Committee, INEC, meeting with political parties and major stakeholders in Abuja on Thursday October 17, 2024 .

The electoral umpire had, before now, refused to recognize the leadership ,citing the expiry of its tenure in June this year.

But INEC had to recant in the face of an Abuja Federal High Court order last week recognizing the leadership as enthroned by the Nnewi controversial Convention of the party early in the year.

On the strength of same judgment, the Abure-led NWC had gone ahead same last week to announce the dissolution of the Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti backed Caretaker leadership of the party in Abia State.

In place of the Sir Emmanuel Nwaeze Otti-led Interim Leadership, Abure had appointed a 15 member Caretaker Committee headed by Dr G O Ndubueze.

The sack of the Abia SWC and its replacement was contained in a letter addressed to the INEC and jointly signed by Abure and the National secretary Umar Farouk Ibrahim dated Monday October 14,2024.

The letter informed that the appointment of the Interim Committee for the only State which the party controls takes immediate effect.

The Committee according to the Abure-led NWC, will be in place for three months within which period a substantive leadership will be put in place.

“In exercise of the power bestowed upon by the Labour Party Constitution, Article 13 3 Bvi to dissolve and reconstitute State Executive Council/State Working Committee where necessary pending the State Congress, the National Working Committee hereby dissolves and appoints a Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of the party in Abia state”, part of the letter reads.

But while ruling in an ex-parte application filed by the Emmanuel Otti-led SWC on Thursday October 17, Hon Justice T C Eruba, also restrained the Abure-led Interim leadership from holding out themselves or taking any actions whatsoever and howsoever which may affect the rights of the claimant/applicant pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The Court also barred the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, and the Inspector General of Police IGP from dealing with the respondents, until the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The Source reports that the Abure-led faction of the party and that of Esther Nenadi Usman have been engaged in a fierce battle over which will select and submit party candidates to the ABSIEC for the November 2 Local Council Polls in the State.

NDLEA Secures Conviction Of Kano Notorious Drug Barons, Lauds Judiciary

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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October 17, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency on Thursday October 17, 2024, announced that it has secured multiple convictions of two deadly drug traffickers in a single day.

It described the conviction of Ibrahim Tahir aged 25 and James Temitope Ajayi a 40 year old same day, as representing a significant milestone in its relentless fight against drug related offences.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, noted that the convictions ,along side others were secured within the short stint of Justice M S Shuaibu of the Federal High Court Kano.

According to the statement, Tahir was convicted on three counts related to drug offences,with each carrying a three-year sentence.

The sentences the NDLEA said will run consecutively, totalling nine- years in correctional custody.

The second convict of the day, Ajayi, before now an ex-convict and according to the drugs agency a notorious player in the distribution chain of hard substances, was sentenced to seven years in correctional Centre for trafficking in illicit drugs.

“Temitope’s conviction is particularly significant, given his history of trafficking and distributing illicit substances across regional lines.

“The NDLEA’s efforts have disrupted a major chain preventing further harm to communities”, part of the statement reads.

The NDLEA also noted that in addition to the convictions of Ajayi and Tahir ,it also succeeded in the last few weeks to secure jail terms for Adekunle Sunday Adebayo, and Yahaya Mamuda aged 40 and 35 respectively.

Notably, all convictions were without the option of fines, thereby sending a strong warning to drug offenders that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on them, according to the drug control agency.

“These convictions were all within the short stint of Hon Justice M S Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Court One sitting in Kano, showcasing his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating drug related offences .

The swift delivery of Justice in these cases serves as a deterrent to potential drug offenders, emphasizing that crime does not pay .

By holding individuals accountable for their actions, Justice Shuaibu is contributing to a safer and more just society” the NDLEA noted.

The agency further stated that the convictions demonstrate its unwavering commitment to combating drug related offences, as well as upholding the rule of law in line with its mission of ensuring a drug free society.

JAMB Clarifies: 16 Years Old By August Qualifies For Admission Into Universities

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Ayodele Oni

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October 17, 2024

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Prof Ishaq Oloyede -JAMB registrar — Prof Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar

By Ayodele Oni

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has re modified its minimum age requirement for admission into Nigerian universities.

The issue of the minimum age for admission to the nation’s tertiary institutions was discussed at the 2024 Policy Meeting, where it was decided that the minimum age for the 2024/25 academic session would be 16 years.

The examination board had few months ago pegged minimum required age for admission to 16, a decision which generated mixed reactions from parents and students.

Already, JAMB is currently facing a legal action by one of the affected pupils.

The board has authorized higher institutions of learning to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025.

JAMB director of admission, Muhammed Babaji, stated in a press release on Thursday that candidates who meet the institution’s admission standards should not be denied admission by August 2025 solely based on age.

“The Board acknowledges that some institutions expect the 2024/2025 admission process to extend into July 2025.

“Without compromising standards or infringing on individual institutions’ admission policies, the Board has decided to allow any willing institution to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025.

“This is without prejudice to any institution that has set its own minimum age requirement of 16 years, which remains unchanged.”

The statement also requested institutions to gather information from their Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) and submit a list of candidates who will turn 16 between January 1 and August 31, 2025, who are eligible for admission, within a week of the announcement.

He noted that this effort is aimed at ensuring fairness, as those whose 2024 admissions extend until August 2025 should not be unduly favored.

The Board reiterated that any institution that insists on maintaining a minimum age of 16 years as of 2024 is free to do so.

Anambra Gov. Election Is November, 8, 2025 – INEC

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Ayodele Oni

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October 17, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

While putting finishing touches to November governorship election in Ondo state, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the date for the Anambra governorship poll.

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Thursday during a briefing with political party representatives at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

He confirmed that the election is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

According to Yakubu, “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.

“Consequently, the Commission has approved that the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will hold on Saturday 8th November 2025.

“In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”

NURTW Launches 3,000 CNG-Powered Tricycles To Reduce Transport Costs

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 17, 2024

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The National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Lagos State chapter, has launched 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered commercial tricycles.

Azeez Abiola, one state NURWT leaders launched the CNG powered tricycle on Wednesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

According to the report, the 3,000 CNG tricycles aimed at reducing transport costs in the state is worth over N10 billion, and supported by the federal government.

The NURTW leader said the initiative is meant to improve the livelihood of their members, as ell as bring succour to Lagosians who have been paying high cost of transportaion due to the high cost of petrol.

Abiola, who is the Zonal Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria under the NURTW however stated that the current challenge is to get filling stations where CNG can be purchased for the tricycles, noting that there are only few CNG stations across the state.

He said the new CNG stations should be established in areas where their members mostly operate, stressing that this will make it easy for their members to benefit from the initiative.

He said, “Over 3,000 CNG tricycles have been deployed to the state to ease the cost of transportation among the residents and at the same time reduce economic hardship.

“We thank God Almighty for the opportunity to launch this laudable project with the support of President Bola Tinubu.

“As we launch this initiative today, residents will begin to experience a reduction in the cost of transportation within their locality.

“This development will reduce the cost of living among our people drastically because it costs a tricyclist N15,000 fuel to operate daily, while CNG operation will cost between N2,500 and N3,000 for daily operations.

“The only challenge we are having now is that of the CNG filling station which is only situated at Agidingbi in Ikeja, while our members are operating in Alagbado, Agbado-Okeodo, Ifako-Ijaiye, Agege and Alimosho,” Abiola said.

“APC Responsible For Crisis Within Opposition Parties” – NNPP National Chairman

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Ayodele Oni

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October 17, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, has blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on series of crisis rocking some of the opposition political parties in the country.

Ahmed believed that one of the strategies of the ruling APC to sustain its grip on power beyond 2027 is to ignite crises in some of the opposition political parties.

Ahmed disclosed this in Akure, Ondo state capital, on Thursday, while speaking at the party’s governorship campaign flag-off.

NNPP is one of the opposition parties which is currently battling with internal wranglings among members, which has led to emergence of parallel leadership.

The NNPP chairman pointed out that the APC was doing everything it could do in order to win the 2027 general elections.

He accused the ruling party of masterminding crises in some of the opposition political parties.

Ahmed said: “APC is doing everything it can in order to win the 2027 general elections. Certainly, there is evidence everywhere that they are interfering in other parties.

“But it is left to the other political parties to maintain their integrity and ensure they remain one and viable opposition to the APC before and after the 2027 election.”

He disclosed that NNPP was ready to form an alliance with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections with a view to dislodging APC.

“The ruling APC should be prepared to hand over power after President Bola Tinubu’s government. NNPP had been in collaboration with opposition parties to form an alliance ahead of the 2027 poll.”

Kebbi Health College Students Protest, Set Ablaze Provost’s Resident, Vandalize Car

By

Ayodele Oni

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October 17, 2024

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Kebbi State College of Health Science and Technology Jega

By Ayodele Oni

Protesting over hike in registration fees for some courses, students of the College of Health Sciences and Technology in Jega, Kebbi State, have allegedly set the residence of the Provost, Alhaji Haruna Saidu-Sauwa ablaze and vandalized his vehicle.

Report stated that the students are protesting the alleged extortion of N23 million by the college management regarding the index registration for 250 graduands.

According to sources within the college, tension rose following a newly introduced Public Health programme initially affiliated with Reproductive Health and the Public Health Association of Nigeria.

It was gathered that the college management merged the two courses with the Environmental Health department to secure certification.

As a result, students were asked to pay N65,000 for index registration, in addition to the initial N30,000 they had already paid.

The students alleged that this was extortion and responded violently, stoning vehicles and setting the provost’s residence ablaze. College staff fled in fear, jumping fences to escape the irate students before security personnel arrived.

The Kebbi Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, who confirmed the incident, promised to provide more information once details from the Divisional Police Officer in Jega are available.

The arrival of security personnel on the campus has however dispersed the rampaging students while policemen were stationed at strategic places to curtail the protest.

Bauchi Governor To President Tinubu: “Your Economic Reforms Not Working”

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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October 17, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammad, has strongly emphasised the need for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to be flexible in its monetary and fiscal policies.

Governor Muhammad who is, also, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Governors Forum, at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja on Thursday October 17, 2024, passed a damning verdict on the Federal Government’s current economic measures.

Speaking at the event which featured the Central Bank Governor and World Bank Country Director, the Bauchi State Governor looked them in the face and retorted “My brother Cardoso, these policies are not working.

“They need to be reviewed. Let us not resort to blackmail. The purchasing power of the people has drastically diminished.

“What are you doing to reduce hunger? We must help the people. when the reforms started, the subnationals supported the President .

Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

“But now, the macroeconomic policies causing inflation need to be reconsidered . There is hunger and people are suffering. Nigerians are not benefitting from these reforms” Gov Muhammad stated.

He cautioned the Central Bank of Nigeria. CBN, and Federal Government against the temptation of being dogmatic in their implementation of their reforms.

The PDP Governors Forum Chairman called for a re-examination of all ongoing policies and introduction of more effective ones.

According to him, the present hard economic condition in the country has thrown up a very dicey situation which, if not properly handled, may lead to revolt by the people.

He warned that under such volatile development, frustrated Nigerians may vent their anger on the political class which includes himself.

However, the World Bank, despite the challenges being faced by the people, has insisted on the necessities of the ongoing reforms.

Country Director Dr Ndiame Diop said the policies though momentarily harsh, will produce long term cheering results.