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Ikechebelu Is Back As Acting VC Nnamdi Azikiwe University

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Joseph Ifenayichukwu Ikechebelu

By Ayodele Oni

Coming for the second time, Prof. Joseph Ifenayichukwu Ikechebelu is back as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state.

This was contained in a letter signed by Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Education and made available to journalists on Thursday.

The development followed the nullification of the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeany Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor on November 18.

Odoh is still laying claim to the position of the VC insisting that the Federal ministry of education has no power to terminate his appointment through a mere press release.

The letter of reinstatement of Ikechebelu reads:

“REINSTATEMENT AS THE ACTING CHANCELLOR, NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE

“Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR via letter Ref: PRES/84/EDU/10 dated 18th November, 2024 nullifying the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeany Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University who was illegally appointed by the dissolved 10th Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I am pleased to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister to reinstate you as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University with immediate effect.

“Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the administration of the University.

“Take note that henceforth any matter that requires the approval of the Governing Council shall be forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for his consideration and approval pending the re-constitution of a new Governing Council for the University by Mr. President.”

Ikechebelu had held the position on acting capacities before the university got enmeshed in its current crisis following the election of Prof Bernard Odoh as the VC.

Ikechebelu’s appointment followed the sack of Prof Odoh as the seventh VC of the university by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Prof Odoh, Thursday, told the federal government to refrain from stoking unnecessary tension within the university.

Odoh also warned the education ministry to avoid overriding the powers of the courts, which are currently handling multiple lawsuits on the matter.

Odoh, through his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Charles Otu, described the letter announcing his dismissal and the dissolution of the university’s governing council as “mischievous”, “strange,” and a “grievous attempt to set the institution on fire”.

According to him, the composition of the university’s governing council and his appointment as the seventh substantive VC followed all the due processes.

BREAKING: Senate Approves President Tinubu’s $2.2bn Loan Request

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s loan request of $2.2 billion to partially finance the ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year.

The approval followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Aliyu Wamakko, during plenary.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, commended the committee for its swift action and thorough examination of the loan request.

In a letter read during the Senate and House of Representatives plenaries on Tuesday, Tinubu explained that the loan was integral to his administration’s fiscal strategy for the coming year.

“The Presidential request for $2.2 billion, equivalent to ₦1.77 trillion, is already enshrined in the external borrowing plan for the 2024 fiscal year,”  Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated while reading the letter.

He further directed the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to expedite its review of the request and present a report within 24 hours.

“The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans should, therefore, give the request expeditious consideration and report back within 24 hours,” Akpabio emphasised.

Although the deadline elapsed on Wednesday, the committee submitted its findings during Thursday’s plenary, leading to the loan’s approval.

Gov Radda Mourns  FEDECO Pioneer Scribe, Kurfi

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ahmadu Kurfi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda has described late Ahmadu Kurfi, the first Executive Secretary of the Federal Electoral Commission FEDECO, as rare breed  and exemplary public servant .

Alhaji Kurfi, who was the District Head of Kurfi passed on Thursday ,November 21, 2024 at 93 .

Governor Radda, in a statement issued by his media aide Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, noted that the late FEDECO Scribe, dedicated his entire active life to the service of the country, and the evolution of democracy.

He asserted that Kurfi, will be most remembered by many  Nigerians for playing a crucial role in the count down to the historic transition to civilian rule in 1979.

According to the Governor, the process culminated in the election of President Shehu Shagari as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He emphasized that late Kurfi’s critical role in successfully midwifing the 1979 transition to democracy ,represents an eloquent testimony to  the immense contributions of dedicated civil servants to the growth and development of democratic institutions in Nigeria.

“Alhaji Ahmadu represents a generation of public servants who served Nigeria with unalloyed dedication, integrity and profound commitment to national development.

“As a senior civil servant at the Federal level, Kurfi held pivotal positions that were instrumental to successful national transitions, including serving as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence during the tumultuous period of the 1966 coup and later as Permanent. Secretary in the office of the Head of Service.

“Kurfi made an indelible mark on Nigeria’s democratic journey as the first Executive Secretary of the Federal Electoral Commission FEDECO .

“In  this crucial role, he was responsible for organizing the historic transition to civilian rule in 1979, a process that culminated in the election of Alhaji Shehu Shagari as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” Governor Radda stated .

While praying for the repose of the soul of the dead, the Katsina State Governor also extended his deepest  condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Kurfi District, the Emir of Katsina,and the entire Katsina people.

BREAKING: Simon Ekpa Arrested, Charged With Terrorism

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Simon Ekpa

By Akinwale Kasali

The self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, has been arrested.

Based in Finland, Ekpa was arrested by the Finnish Police. Arrested along with four others, they are in custody, and Ekpa has been charged with terrorism.

A report from Finland informed that Ekpa is in custody on the orders of the District Court of Päijät-Häme.

Among other things, he is charged with suspicion of causing public incitement in order to commit a crime which borders on terrorism.

A statement on Thursday, November 21, published on its website, the Central Criminal Police, Finland confirmed it arrested five persons on suspicion of terrorist crimes.

The Police revealed that the main suspect (Ekpa), was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”. The  others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime”.

The Police further  declared that: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”

The statement reads in part:  “The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

“The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”

The  Head of the investigation, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen from the Central Crime Police was quoted  as saying that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.

“Four other persons are suspected of financing the aforementioned activity. All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week.

“International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation”.

Ekpa entered into national consciousness in Nigeria after the rendition of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was arrested. That was when he introduced himself as a disciple of the detained IPOB Leader, and gave the impression that he had become the leader with Kanu in the custody of the Nigerian Government and being prosecuted in Court.

But Ekpa soon fell out with the IPOB Leadership over his conduct which IPOB said ran contrary to their ideals. He has disagreed with IPOB on a couple of issues, including the cancellation by IPOB, of the weakly sit-at-home order which has brought the economy of the South-east to its knees. While IPOB said stop, Ekpa said continue, and atimes, imposed it for days on end.

IPOB has since expelled him from the organisation, and holds him responsible for the inexplicable and unprecedented blood bath and mindless destructions in the South-east.

This is the second time Ekpa would be arrested in Finland. In the earlier arrest months ago, over issues, allegedly, unrelated to Terrorism, he was let go hours later.

The Nigerian Government had, on a couple of times, reported Ekpa to the Finnish   Government.

Ekpa, until his arrest was billed to declare an independent Biafra Republic  on December 2, 2024.

South West Speakers’ Conference To Address Strategies For Improved Lawmaking

By
Ayodele Oni
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South West Speakers

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, is leading other resources persons to a retreat for House of Assembly Speakers and principal officers in the south west, which holds at Ikogosi on Friday.

Ekiti Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, who disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Thursday highlighted the importance of sharpening strategies for improved lawmaking and related roles.

Aribasoye, who is also chairman, south west Conference of Speakers, disclosed that the lawmakers would be drawing lessons and sharing thoughts with experts at the retreat which has the theme, “Strengthening Democratic Governance at Subnational Level”.

He added that the retreat, is supported by Policy & Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

“Speakers and resource persons for the retreat include former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Lagos State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

“Dr. Abel Ochigbo, Dr. Umar Aminu, Mr. Ben Ekeyi, Dr. Otive Igbuzor,  Dr. Umar Aminu and Prof. Abdulganiyu Raji will be handling different sessions at the forum while the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji is expected to lead a team of the executive arm to grace the opening session.”

The conference chairman analysed that participants would be taking in-depth sessions to unlock strategies for effective governance at states, seek concensus on legislative reforms to tackle state and regional challenges, and deepen collaboration among state legislative bodies in the south west.

He emphasized that the legislature occupied a most strategic space in shaping the future of the country through the instrumentality of lawmaking and proper oversight, highlighting the need to get them more equipped for the onerous responsibility.

Aribasoye, had at different fora, underlined the place of common legislation for regional integration and transformation, with the aim of improving food security, safety of lives and property, and upgrading critical sectors of common interest among other aspects.

Bribes for Appointments: CNPP Demands Independent Probe Of Allegations Within Tinubu’s Inner Circle

By
The Source
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Comrade James Ezema

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP noted that the “allegations of bribery, misappropriation of funds, and the involvement of high-ranking officials in corrupt practices are not only disturbing but also pose a significant threat to the integrity of current administration of President Bola Tinubu.”

The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria stated that “the claims that Femi Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief of Staff to the President, accepted a $1 million bribe in connection with the appointment of the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) are deeply troubling.

“Furthermore, the reported disappearance of $180 million from the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) under the watch of the current administration raises serious questions about the financial stewardship and ethical standards of those in power.

“We recall the grave warnings issued recently by former President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding the escalating levels of corruption in Nigeria.

“His concerns resonate now more than ever, as the nation grapples with the implications of these allegations. It is imperative that President Tinubu recognizes that the fight against corruption must begin within his own inner circle. If he is genuinely committed to eradicating corruption, he must take decisive action to investigate these claims thoroughly and transparently”, the CNPP stated.

The CNPP then called for “an independent investigation into these allegations, free from the influence of those implicated.

“We urge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant bodies to act swiftly and impartially to restore public confidence in our institutions. The Nigerian people deserve to know the truth, and those found guilty of wrongdoing must face the full weight of the law.

“Moreover, we are prepared to mobilize allied civil society organizations for a showdown if these allegations are not thoroughly investigated and appropriate punitive measures are not enforced. It is crucial that we send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated in any form, especially within the highest echelons of power.

“The CNPP stands firm in its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. We call upon all Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand justice. The time for action is now; we must not allow the specter of corruption to undermine our democracy and the future of our great nation”, the CNPP concluded.

E-Signed,
Comrade James Ezema
Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP)

Anger Grows After Army General Shamefully Beat Up Couple In Abuja; Calls For His Probe Intensify

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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General Mohammed Assault

Major General GS Mohammed should be thoroughly sanctioned and disciplined if found guilty of assaulting a couple in Abuja, according to Nigerians.

The allegation should not be swept under the carpet by the military authorities those who spoke on the issue said on Thursday.

A video of General Mohammed alongside his aides allegedly attacking the couple in the nation’s capital recently went vital on social media, prompting well-meaning Nigerians to call for accountability on the part of the officers.

Nigerians’ demand is coming on the heels of assurance by the Nigerian Army that an investigation is currently going on to ascertain what actually transpired between the Two Stars General and the couple, Vershima Mker &  Lami Jennifer Iorvihi.

Responding to the incident Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said the Army is aware of the alleged assault and has ordered an investigation to the issue.

According to Nwachukwu, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS, has directed that the matter be investigated as soon as the video went viral, saying because “we don’t know what led to the exchange” it will be impossible to do something immediately.

He said, “The Chief of Army Staff has directed investigation into the matter. But we have not been able to ascertain the veracity of the video now because we were not privileged or privy to the incident that led to the altercation

“So I can’t make further comments other than the fact that the Chief of Army Staff has directed that it should be investigated. You know you can have a video of where there was an exchange but we don’t know what led to the exchange.

“Maybe when the army hears from the major general, then we will know what actually transpired. So right now, the Chief of Army Staff has directed that we should investigate it.”

Since the video went viral, not a few Nigerians have criticised General Mohammed for his shameful behavior, which they insist did not befit a senior officer of his rank.

The couple on their part has called for General Mohammed’s dismissal for allegedly subjecting them to physical and mental abuse.

Those familiar with what happened said General Mohammed and his aides decided to harass the couple after their vehicle overtook the General’s convoy.

They however insist that the road belongs to Nigerians and not exclusive of the General, saying bearing this in mind General Mohammed should have handled the situation differently, and that with his high ranking position in the Armed Forces he is expected to be above board no matter the situation. He behaved so lowly, and brought the military to disrepute by his shameful behavior, according to other persons who spoke on the issue.

Commenting on his X handle E.J.@Enwagboso said “@HQNigerianArmy, this is completely unacceptable. This is one of the reasons that many Nigerians don’t like force officers in the country.”

Also, Philemon KUZA @attamakuzawhile describing the incident as oppressive said “When Nigerians are serious, we all will rise against Oppressive Forces>”

On his part Aji Bussu Onye Mpiawa azụ 🇨🇮@AfamDeluxo said this is unacceptable saying such incident could only happened in Nigeria “Lol. An Army Major? Only in Nigeria. Tụfịakwa! He said.

Reacting to the unfortunate incident Ê£ΊŤ@simpleiykejnr said this is a “Very shameful act! A higher ranking officer watching this happen… I don’t care what the driver did. Military should never involve in violence against their citizens.”

Ọ́chichi@VC_Ekezie @HQNigerianArmy said “this is unacceptable. The Love and confidence that the citizens of this country have for/on you must not be diminished by acts like this.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians insist that the outcome of the ongoing investigations by the Army authorities will prove whether erring officers could actually be disciplined when they go haywire in public disgracing their commission.

Military Reopens Umuahia/Owerri Road One Week After Attack On Checkpoint

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Military, after over seven days of closure, has finally opened Abia’s major route to, and from Imo state.

The all-important Umuahia/Mbaise/Owerri road was, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, closed to traffic by  Military authorities, following the killing of three of their personnel by gunmen.

Some yet to be identified gunmen had attacked and killed the three soldiers at a military checkpoint in Ekenobisi ,Umuokpara, along the Umuahia/ Owerri road in the morning of that day.

The armed men, also, dismantled the checkpoint, and destroyed all the sand bags used in its formation.

They later posted  a video of the unfortunate incident, wherein they also railed at the Abia State Governor and security agencies operating in the State.

The killing expectedly elicited widespread condemnation both from the Government and groups.

Governor Alex Otti, while describing the incident as unacceptable, also, assured that every legal step will be explored to unmask the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

Regrettably, however, military operatives, since the sad incident closed the interstate road to traffic ,a development that unleashed untold pains and economic hardships on the already suffering populace .

The Military finally bowed to persistent appeal and pressure and the reopened the road on Wednesday November, 20, one week after the killings.

The Commanding Officer of the 145 Battalion, Umuahia, Major Martin Domkat, led a delegation of the Military authorities to the reopening exercise.

The Special Adviser to the Governor, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (rtd) who led the Government team, while interacting with the media,  informed that the affected military checkpoint will be relocated to the Onuimo River for a more effective operation.

According to him ,the location of the attacked checkpoint,was not conducive enough for operational efficiency by the military.

While commending the supportive roles of the community’s traditional ruler and other leaders in facilitating the checkpoint relocation, Commander Ubah called for more cooperation with the military in its efforts to halt the security challenges facing the state.

He expressed satisfaction that the community leaders have already pledged to collaborate and share  intelligence with the military on its renewed commitment to combating insecurity.

IMO Scribe Charges FG On Key Conventions

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Gboyega Oyetola
Gboyega Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has deposited three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu.

The development is coming a few weeks after Nigeria declared its intention to contest election for a seat on the IMO Council, is expected to enhance Nigeria’s maritime governance and align its practices with international standards, promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

Shortly after the presentation ceremonies, Oyetola informed the IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, of the President’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria aligns with international maritime standards regarding maritime safety, security, and sustainable marine practices. He also called on the IMO to extend technical support to Nigeria.

In his words: “These instruments, duly acceded by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, signify Nigeria’s continued commitment to aligning with international maritime standards, ensuring maritime safety and security, and promoting sustainable marine practices.”

“We hereby request tailored technical cooperation under the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) to enhance Nigeria’s compliance with IMO conventions and improve our maritime governance and implementation of the instruments we submitted today,” he stated.

On his part, the IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, acknowledged with appreciation the formal deposition of the Instruments of Accession, stating that it underscores Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to aligning with global maritime standards.

“I congratulate Nigeria for its exceptional efforts in acceding to these six critical IMO instruments. I encourage continued momentum by securing presidential assent to additional key conventions. We at the IMO remains fully committed to supporting Nigeria through technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the successful implementation of these instrumentsm,” Arsenio said.

ACF To Tinubu: You Are Insensitive To North’s Sufferings; Your Policies Lack Human Face

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Arewa

The Tinubu’s administration policies lack human face and very insensitive to the plight of Northerners, according to the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF.

The ACF disclosed this in a communique released to journalists after its National Executive Council, FEC, meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, urging the government to promptly address the  problem of insecurity, hunger and out-of-school-children, for which the region is most affected.

The forum in the communique signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba said the administration should re-assess its reforms policies with the aim of aligning them with the current needs of Nigerians.

It however urge northern leaders to unite and speak against government policies that can hinder the progress of the region, saying the “interests of the North will be best served by northerners.”

According to the northern social/political organisation, the conditions of the region has further nosedived under the Tinubu’s administration, it cites the areas of health, education, food security amongst others where they region is seriously lagging behind.

Rather than address these problems, ACF said the current “Federal Government have continued to make matters much worse” has made things worse for the region.

The communiqué in part:  “Despite the dire economic conditions in Arewa, the policies of the current Federal Government have continued to worsen the situation, showing little sensitivity to the precarious existential challenges faced by the Arewa people.

“Succinctly stated, economic reforms, while indeed desirable, should not impoverish the same people they are meant to serve; the people may not be alive to reap the putative benefits.

“In view of the above, the meeting resolved as follows: calls on the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review, reassess, reevaluate and re-order the direction of its economic policies with a view to giving it the needed human face.

“Strongly calls on the governors of the northern states to adopt a strong, coordinated approach to policy planning and implementation, as these relate to security, education, skills acquisition, agricultural production, health services, etc.

“Calls on the Federal Government to be receptive to criticisms, suggestions, etc., not only in line with the principles of democracy but also because they improve, not retard the policy process for the ultimate benefit of the people.

“Calls on the northern elite, in all spheres of life, to take it upon themselves to counter negative narratives about the North and also imbibe the spirit of community service, individually and collectively. The interests of the North will be best served by northerners.”

The ACF’s position is coming barely  a few days after Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano state and New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP leader accused the Tinubu’s administration of forcing the north to servitude under ‘Lagos’ which he said is trying to ‘colonise’ the region.

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