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SWAN Writes, Congratulates BOT Member Alabi As Traditional Ruler-Elect In Ekiti

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By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON

The National Leadership Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has formally congratulated its Board of Trustees Member and former President Barr. Steve Alabi on his emergence as the Olosi of Osi in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

In a letter written to the new traditional ruler-elect, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, eulogised  Barr. Alabi for his numerous positive contributions to the upliftment of mankind over the years.

Part of the letter dated May 6, 2024 and signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, reads, “We write to officially congratulate you on your latest selection as the Olosi of Osi in Ido/Osi local Government Area of Ekiti state.

“Your selection is no doubt a testament of your unwavering desire and determination to always give your best in the service of God and humanity.

“Over the years, you have without any iota of reservation stood tall in discharging your duties creditably anywhere, anytime.

“Even as the President of SWAN then, you made your indelible mark and we can testify that you have all it takes to set the pace both now and always.

“As you step on the throne as the Traditional Ruler in your community, after official installation processes, incumbent SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, other members of the National Executive Committee and the entire SWAN family pray for your successful reign in good health and vitality.

“Always be rest assured of our highest regards.”

Law Professor,  Joy Ezeilo, Faults Lagos Deportation Of Osun State Indigenes

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*Says it’s reprehensible, illegal.

By;  KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu 

As the recent deportation of over 300  Osun state indigenes residing in Lagos back to their state by authorities of the Lagos State Government continues to attract sharp criticisms, a renowned  law professor, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, has faulted the action, saying it’s ‘reprehensible and illegal’.

Reacting to the development in a short statement she personally singed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Enugu State, and social crusader, frowned at and condemned the action in all its entirety.

Prof. Ezeilo, pointed out that “deporting Nigerian citizens within the country’s borders is morally reprehensible and illegal. It violates their right to move and reside freely in Nigeria and could be used to target specific ethnic or vulnerable groups.”

According to her, “This cruel act cannot be justified. The government should instead focus on assisting marginalized communities and holding offenders accountable for their actions.”

She noted further that “section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended states that: “ Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom.”

The Lagos State Government had confirmed that it deported some people to Osun and other states on their request to be helped to go back home.

However, the action has continued to generate negative reactions, with Osun State  Governor, Ademola Adeleke expressing anger over the incident.

The Lagos State Commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, had in  a statement he issued late Sunday on the issue, said that 450 miscreants were rescued at the weekend and that out of the lot, 371 people pleaded for assistance to relocate to their various states due to the hardship they were facing in Lagos.

The statement reads: “The Statewide exercise to free Lagos of visible security risks has continued after the arrest of some suspects under the Dolphin Estate bridge.”

It added: “The ceaseless influx of miscreants, beggars, and the destitute onto Lagos streets has raised fears of insecurity of lives and property. This is unacceptable.

“As part of the exercise, 450 miscreants were at the weekend rescued. Of the lot, 371 pleaded for assistance to relocate to their various states due to the hardship they are facing in Lagos; 79 have been absorbed into some government facilities for rehabilitation after showing signs of being unwell.

“The exercise will continue as part of the government’s responsibility to keep our citizens safe and secure.” 

However, reports has it that some of the 371 people rescued were relocated to Osun on their request.

Governor Adeleke said he interfaced with his Lagos State  counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the action, saying an investigation team it set up confirmed the veracity of the story, adding that the investigative team reported that eye witness accounts confirmed the dropping of the youth in several luxurious buses by a team suspected to be from Lagos State.

The state’s report showed that the youth were systematically dropped at Ilesa-Akure Express junction, Breweries; Ilesa – Ibodi – Iginla to Ife Express junction; Osun Ankara Express junction; Imelu Express junction; and Iperindo Express junction.

CBN Cyber Security Levy, Another Heartless  Policy – PRP

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By;  SANI ALIYU,  Zaria

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has condemned the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent directive to impose a 0.5% cyber security levy on electronic transfers.

This was contained ia a statement  signed by the acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Muhammad Ishaq said this decision is  ill-timed and insensitive policy, set to be implemented within the next two weeks, will only serve to exacerbate the financial woes of Nigerian citizens who are already grappling with economic hardship.

He said, the new levy will have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable sections of society, including hardworking individuals, families, and small business owners.

” It is particularly distressing to note that the funds collected will directly benefit the National Security Adviser’s office without any obligation for transparency or accountability in the utilization of these funds”.

The PRP questioned the rationale behind this policy, as it appears to be yet another instance of the government extracting additional resources from its citizens without providing any tangible benefits in return. 

According to the statement,  the ongoing struggles of Nigerians, including skyrocketing food inflation, fuel scarcity, depreciating currency, and general insecurity, make it clear that the imposition of this levy is heartless,  callous and unjust.

The PRP called upon the CBN and the Nigerian Government to immediately rescind this policy and instead focus on implementing measures that genuinely address the pressing concerns of the citizens. 

It also  urged the authorities to prioritize policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and equitable distribution of resources rather than imposing additional burdens on an already overburdened populace.

The party therefore,  demanded that, the CBN immediately retracts this misguided directive and seeks alternative, more inclusive solutions to safeguard the financial well-being of Nigerians. 

It  reiterated that it stands in solidarity with the citizens of this great nation and remain committed to fighting for a fairer and more prosperous future for all.

It’s Too Early To Judge Tinubu’s Administration, Masari Counsels Opposition

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By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina

Former Speaker of the  House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Aminu Bello Masari has enjoined anxious members of the opposition parties for judging the performance of the current administration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country of its four year journey now at less then one year.

Honourable Bello Masari who

was also a former Governor of Katsina State, expressed this while speaking at the APC stakeholders meeting in preparatory to the forth coming local government councils elections in the state held at Presidential Banquet Hall of General Muhammadu Buhari (Government) house, katsina.

 Honourable Masari expressed the need for tolerance to enable

governments at all level plan properly in an efforts to advance  greatly.

On his part a former Governor of the state, Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema  appreciated the unity among card carrying members of the party in the state and called  for sustenance.

 Earlier the state chairman of the APC,   Sani Aliyu Daura and his Deputy Bala Abu Musawa  said the  meeting was to plan ahead of the forth coming general elections.

While welcoming the former Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema into the APC from the opposition Party, PDP, the leadership of the APC called for more collaboration and unity for the general development of the state 

Also speaking, Senator Abu Ibrahim and and former  Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika appreciated the large turn out of the  stakeholders at the meeting which attracted the three serving senators and former members of the state and national Assemblies, including senator Abu Ibrahim,, council chairmen and other elders of the APC including three senators for Katsina, Abdul’Aziz Musa Yar’adua, Daura Senator Nasiru Sani Zango and Funtua, Senator Muktari Dandutse and former Governor of  Borno, Colonel Abdulmumini Aminu (rtd).

Senator Shehu Sani Objects To United States, French military Bases In Nigeria 

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By; AMOS TAUNA,  Kaduna 

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to allow bases for the United States and  French military in Nigeria.

Sani, on Tuesday, made this appeal in a statement via his verified X handle.

He stated that the French forces and American troops evicted from Niger Republic must not be accommodated in the Nigerian soil.

According to him, “President Tinubu should fully equip and fund our Military and other security forces to confront our security challenges. This should be clear and simple.”

He urged Tinubu to properly fund Nigeria’s military to confront the country’s challenges anytime, anywhere.

Some Northern leaders in the same  vein, urged the Nigerian government not to allow the US and the French governments to relocate their military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.

According to them, allowing the US and the French governments to carry out such a move posed danger to Nigeria.

They also claimed that the US and the French governments have been lobbying Nigeria and other countries in the region, to sign new defence pacts allowing them to redeploy their expelled troops and appealed to the government not succumb to their ideas.

Who Is Hon Chimobi Friday?

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By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON

Comrade Chimobi Ogbumdiogu was born in Ubakala Umuahia South LGA of Abia State Nigeria.

He finished he primary and secondary education in Ilorin, Kwara State. 

He further went to Federal University of Technology Mina Niger state where he obtained his Bachelor of Technology in Geology 

Comrade Chimobi is the Chief Executive of C&C international used cars, Titanium autoplex LLC, in the United States of America

Also he’s the founder and president of FC Ogbumdiogu foundation which is centred to actively contribute tohe social and economic development of the community in which it operates and to remain an organization that continually responds to changing realities through the developments and application of knowledge.

The foundation was birthed out of his burning desire to better the life’s of the under privileged in Nigeria especially in his community. He believes that every person has the right to access resources  and opportunities to live and develop with dignity.

He strongly believes that we can work together to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry 

Comrade  Chimobi is married with two lovely kids.

Land Grabbing:  Rights Group, CRRAN, Petitions Defence Minister Over Threat By 82 Division GOC To Forcefully Take Over Citizen’s Land In Enugu

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By;  KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu 

Worried by what it viewed as grave act of lawlessness and insubordination by authorities  of the 82 Division of the Nigeria Army Enugu, a human rights group, Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), has petitioned the Minister of Defence, to as a matter of urgency, intervene in a threat by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the said division to forcefully and unlawfully take over the property of a citizen of Enugu State, Barr. Nana Ogbodo.

The petition dated  May 6, 2024, signed by president of the organization, Barrister Olu Omotayo, and made available to our correspondent  on Monday, was copied to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and the  General Officer Commanding, 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu.

It read,: “We write to you in respect of the above mentioned matter, in which the authorities of the Nigerian Army at the 82 Division, Enugu, in defiance to the letter from the office of the Chief of Army Staff that the matter is under investigation by his office have decided to take the law into its’ hand and supplant the rule of law with the rule of the jungle.

“The summary of the facts are as follows: Citizen Nana Ogbodos’ house was unlawfully destroyed by the administration of former Chimaroke Nnamani sometime in November 2004. In the quest to uphold justice by the former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, vis a vis  the suit no. E/925/2005, filed by citizen Nana Ogbodo, at the State High Court in 2005, his administration gave a COMPENSATORY PLOT of land for the unlawful demolition of Ogbodo’s home by the past administration. 

According to CRRAN, “the property is situated behind No.7, Abakaliki Lane, GRA, Enugu. The property was duly registered and Certificate of Occupancy duly granted to the beneficiary by the state government in January 2022.

“Mr. Ogbodo, fenced the property round and built a bungalow apartment on the property. The said apartment currently has a tenant occupying it. 

“Sometime on  May 1, 2023, some military officers from the 82, Division of the Nigerian Army visited the property and said the property belongs to the Army that it was among the properties they were holding in trust for the state government, and therefore, directed that the landlord should furnish the Nigerian Army 82 Division, with all the documents relating to his ownership of the property.

“Mr. Ogbodo, in response vide a letter dated 1st May 2023, duly furnished the General Officer Commanding (GOC), with all his title documents including the Certificate of Occupancy duly issued by the government. 

“Thereafter there was no further response to the letter by the military authorities until February 2024.

“Sometimes in February 2024, the tenant informed the landlord again that there was further visit by some soldiers from 82, Division, directing her to vacate the property within 7 days. 

“The incident made Mr. Ogbodo, to visit the 82, Division of the Nigerian Army and met the then Garrison Commander and showed him all his documents including the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) , but the Army authorities only claimed that the property belong to it without showing any document of ownership. 

“On that occasion one of the officers told him that the property was one of the properties captured by the Army during the civil war.

“Mr. Ogbodo thereafter got a lawyer to serve the Chief of Army Staff a “Pre Action Notice” informing the Army authorities of his intention to file an action against it in the court of law. 

“The office of the Chief of Army Staff in response vide a letter dated 26 March 2024, stated that it has commenced investigation into the matter and will revert back on its’ findings.

“The said letter is attached herewith, adding that it is surprising that in a clear act of insubordination one Major H.Y. Shehu, writing on behalf of the GOC 82, Division of the Nigerian Army , vide a letter dated 30th April 2024, directed Mrs. Roseline Okoye the tenant on the property to vacate the property within 7 days. The said letter is attached herewith.

“We submit that the hallmark of democracy is the observance of the Rule of Law by the citizenry and all the institutions in the polity. 

‘The Army in its’ civil transactions and relationship are bound by the law of the land. More worrisome is the fact that while the office of the Chief of Army Staff is looking into a matter, an officer of the rank of a Major is threatening to throw out the lawful occupant of the property. 

“This is a grave act of lawlessness and insubordination. It should be noted that the by virtue of the Land Use Act, the Governor is vested with the sole authority over all state land and not by conquest.

 “The only way the military can claim ownership of the property is to show documentary evidence and not rely on the ridiculous claim of the property being among the ones captured by the Army during the Civil war which took place over 50 years ago.

“We urge you to in the interest of justice and Rule of Law directs the Army authorities particularly the GOC 82 Division, to allow the conclusion of the due process initiated by the Chief of Army Staff and also submit to the jurisdiction of the court of competent jurisdiction which is now seized of the matter.”

Efforts by our correspondent to obtain  reaction of the  Director, Army Public Relations, General  Onyema Nwachukwu were  not successful, as his mobile phone could not be reached as at the time of filing this report.

Zulum Flags Off 3-day  1,949 Teachers Training In Biu

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*Provides N30,000 for each participants apart from salary

*Says enrolled full-time NCE programme teachers will receive automatic in-service status

By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri 

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State  on Monday, flagged off a three-day training workshop for 1,949 teachers selected across the 27 LGAs of the state  at Waka Biu Colleague of Education.

“It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of accomplishment,  I stand before you today at the commencement ceremony for the training of one thousand nine hundred and forty-nine (1,949) teachers from twenty-

seven (27) local government education authorities across

Borno State, taking place here at the College of Education,

Waka-Biu,” he said.

He added that  the training was informed by  the needs assessment carried out in 2021, which prompted the competency test for teachers across the different Local

Government Education Authorities that took place from 5th

to 20th January 2022. 

“The outcome of the test revealed that Five thousand Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven (5,257)

individuals passed, Six Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty-seven (6,227) were considered trainable, and Four Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty-Nine (4,339) were found to be untrainable. 

“Expanding on this initiative, during the inauguration of the Local Government Education Secretaries on March 19th, 2024, the Government approved the allocation of One Billion Naira (N1 billion) for the training of Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty (2,730) teachers. 

“These teachers will undergo training at both the College of Education Waka-Biu and Umar Ibn Ibrahim El kanemi College of Education, Science, and Technology Bama for Three Months Sandwich

program for One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty-Four (1,884) teachers and a full time NCE program for Eight Hundred and Forty-Six (846) teachers. 

“This endeavour underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of education, aligning seamlessly with our broader infrastructural development objectives,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the primary objective of this training initiative is to tackle long standing issues surrounding remuneration, retention, and most importantly, the competency of teachers in

accordance with national standards. 

He further revealed that the  participants will receive this training free of charge, along with a monthly. stipend of Thirty Thousand Naira (N30,000) in addition to their regular salaries while  those enrolled in the full-time NCE program will receive automatic in-service status while urging each

of you to approach this opportunity with utmost seriousness, as successful completion of the programme. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Borno State Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe  lamented that the problems facing basic education in the state  escalated since the discontinuation of the direct absorption of primary school teachers from their teachers’ colleges.

He added that with no structured employment approach in place, the indiscriminate replacement of teachers has resulted in several challenges, including salary scale discrepancies and the hiring of underqualified persons, among others. 

Wakilbe noted that the consequences of these practices were highlighted through the verification exercise conducted in 2019 and the subsequent Competency Test conducted in 2022, results of which are in the public domain. 

According to him, the situation has resulted in longstanding issues that have plagued the education sector for over three decades, stemming from policy neglect and the questionable actions of education administrators and politicians. 

He added that  the situation has further led the Borno State Government to be grappling with the challenges surrounding the recruitment, renumeration, and retention of teachers  which crippled state education system while highlighting in the irregularities, discrepancies, illegalities and mismanagement of schools and education facilities  among others were perpetrated at the detriment of the teachers service in barely all the 27 LGAs of the state.

NECO Digitizes Recruitment To Address Sharp Practices

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By;  AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna 

In order to address sharp practices among examination supervisors and assistant supervisors, the National Examinations Council (NECO)  has  decided to transit to a digitlized recruitment process.

NECO before now, conducted a manual examination to recruit supervisors for both the Basic Education Certificate Examination and the Senior School Certificate Examination.

A statement on Sunday, explained that NECO is responsible for administering the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination and the General Certificate in Education, in June/July and November/December, respectively.

According to the statement, the move would enhance efficiency and effective service delivery in the entire process.

NECO also explained that the digitalisation involved shifting from manual to online recruitment procedures, assuring, “it will ensure the generation of supervisors’ nomination forms, appointment letters, and e-photo albums through an online platform.”

The statement stated that the National Examinations Council has digitalised the recruitment process for examination supervisors and assistant supervisors for the Basic Education Certificate Examination and the Senior School Certificate Examination Internal and External.

The digitalisation, according to the statement is to check sharp practices in the recruitment process and to enhance efficiency and effective service delivery.

It added that the digitalisation process involves migration from the manual recruitment of supervisors and assistant supervisors to the online system, stressing that it would ensure that supervisors’ nomination forms, appointment letters, and supervisors’ e-photo albums are generated online.

The examination body also to be managed online is the routine swapping of supervisors and assistant supervisors during examinations.

It then called for applications as supervisors from eligible interested qualified teachers with NCE, degree certificates, master degrees, PhD, and Professors for its BECE and SSCE, internal and external.

National Association Of Seadogs Committed To Advancing UN Development Goals  – Adesope  

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By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan 

The Capon, National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Jolly Rogers Deck also known as the Pyrate Confraternity, Mr. Oluremi Adesope has stated that the association is committed to advancing UN development goals.

Mr Adesope who stated this on Monday during a courtesy visit by NAS delegation to the Executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council in Ibadan to commemorate the Year 2024 World Press Freedom Day, also called for the release of the detained President of the Humanist Association, Mubarak Bala.

He stressed that the UN development goals included quality education, healthcare, strong institutions, and sustainable peace.

Mr Adesope pointed out that the 72-year-old association, was founded at the University College Ibadan to advocate for a society where peace and justice prevail.

Acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between the association and the press, the NAS Capoon commended the media’s crucial role in fostering peace, adding that the association is committed to collaboration with the press for the realization of a more just society, 

Praising the intellectual depth within the association and its dedication to providing solutions to the nation’s challenges, Mr Adesope called for the release of Mubarak Bala, who has been detained for four years without trial, 

He specifically tasked the NUJ to  join efforts in securing the release of Bala Mubarak, the detained president of the Humanist Association.

Oyo state NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola while welcoming the NAS delegation commended them for the visit and assured to positively looked into the collaboration between the body and the NUJ. 

Comrade Babalola lauded the NAS’s developmental initiatives, countering misconceptions about the association’s objectives, the NUJ Chairman tasked NAS to persist in its endeavours towards a fairer society, pledging ongoing collaboration from NUJ.

He then tasked NAS to re-echo the call for Bala Mubarak’s release, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law and sanctity of detainee’s human rights.

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