2023: Northerners Need Me, Not Yoruba Or Igbo Candidate – Atiku

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October 15, 2022

Chief Dan Okeke Salutes Dr. Chidia Maduekwe On Birthday

The APC House of Representatives candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Dan Okeke has congratulated the CEO/MD of Nigeria Film Corporation( NFC), Dr. Chidia Maduekwe on his birthday, describing him as illustrious Statesman.

In a felicitation message on Saturday, Chief Okeke applauded the commitment of Dr. Maduekwe who holds the traditional title of Ishinka 1 of Ohafia for his zeal towards Abia development.

He further praised Dr. Maduekwe his friend and brother, for being a man of exemplary character whose good name in public service and elsewhere is worth more than gold.

He added, “His interminable commitment for the development of abia state has placed and characterized him as the foremost illustrious Statesman in our contemporary society.

“Celebrating with him today is a ilk of eternal joy to us. We all wish him many blessings and many joyful years on earth.”

Chief Okeke wished Dr. Maduekwe best of life in good health and more prosperity.

I’m Confident Of Becoming President With Your Support, Tinubu Tells El-Rufai

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October 15, 2022

2023 Election: Tinubu Will Make Nigeria Work, Says Nnamani — Bola Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that with the support of the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, he is confident of leading the country.

Speaking at the 7th edition of the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit on Friday, Tinubu begged El-Rufai to stay back in the country in 2023 to work with him if he is eventually elected president.

He said, “If you leave me on the podium I will continue to campaign here, begging El-Rufai not to run away from Nigeria in 2023 because we need your creativity at this critical time.

“I am confidently telling you that I will lead this country in 2023 with your support. I have the ability to surmount all the problems and to bring the country on the right track to prosperity.”

On insecurity, Tinubu said, “No inch of this country will be conceded to banditry, we will fight it to a standstill. Under my leadership, we will use counter-insurgency technology to eliminate crimes in our society and your lives will be secure.”

Speaking on the economy, the APC presidential flagbearer said, “We will privatise the ease of doing business and ensure steady power supply and distribution.”

He maintained that Nigeria will succeed and move on to prosperity adding, “I will assemble intelligent Nigerians both men and women for the progress of our country. We will champion an effective government that will block revenue leakages for proper accountability.”

Responding, El-Rufai promised to stay in the country even if it was on a part-time basis.

FG Begs Students For Pardon After ASUU Called Off Eight Months Strike

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October 15, 2022

The Federal Government has apologised to students and parents for the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a statement on Friday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige assured students that they won’t have to experience the ugly situation in the future.

ASUU embarked on strike on February 14, 2022 over poor welfare of its members amongst others. The union, however, decided to suspend the strike during a meeting of its leadership that started on Thursday night and lasted into the early hours of Friday after a Court of Appeal ruling last week.

In his statement, Ngige, who said the industrial action was unwarranted in the first place, commended those who worked alongside the government to resolve the impasse.

Read full statement:

PRESS STATEMENT 14/10/2022

Ngige Commends Nigerians as ASUU ends strike.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians who participated in various ways in the negotiations leading to the calling off of the eight-month strike by the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria(ASUU)

A statement by the Deputy Director Press in the Ministry, Olajide Oshundun, Friday assured Nigerians that with the steps the federal government is taking, Nigerian students will be saved the unpalatable experience of intermittent, prolonged industrial actions in future.

“In a special way, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige expresses gratitude to the Honourable Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the leadership of the House of the House of Representatives.

“We particularly recognize the patriotic efforts of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, all members of Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIREC) and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria whose wisdom and intervention raised a ray of hope while the strike was at infancy but for ASUU’s intransigence to negotiation.

“We were forced to migrate the matter to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) created by the 1999 Constitution as amended, for the settlement of industrial disputes because every channel of negotiation including the tripartite plus, in which eminent Nigerians participated in failed. We were left with no other option than to trigger Section 17 of the Trade Disputes Act .CAP T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 on dispute resolution mechanism in seeking the intervention of the National Industrial Court .

“ Now that ASUU has decided to obey the judgement of the National Industrial Court by calling off the devastating action, we apologize to all students and parents , of which the Honorable Minister is one, for this unduly prolonged strike, which is unwarranted ab initio.

“We wish to assure that with the decision, steps and measures being taken by the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in holistic repositioning of higher education, a groundwork is being laid, of which we are confident, will save Nigerians, this unpalatable experience of incessant strike in future.

“ It is verily our hope that now that the strike has been called off, the National Industrial Court will deal with the substantive issues as contained in the referral letter by the Honourable Minister. This is to ensure that justice is given to all parties including ASUU and their employers- the Federal Ministry of Education who acts on behalf of the Federal Government.”

The statement further noted that the Ministry of Labour and Employment will continue to cooperate with both parties in finding amicable solution to other issues not placed before the industrial court, in finding lasting solution to the instability in the university system.

“ We certainly can’t be less grateful to the judiciary for deepening our labour jurisprudence in upholding the essence of the 3rdalteration of the 1999 Constitution , especially as it relates to Sections 243 and 254A.”

Olajide Oshundun

Deputy Director Press and Public Relations

16,000 Students Participate As Open University Holds Matriculation

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October 15, 2022

The National Open University of Nigeria on Saturday matriculated no fewer than 16,000 new students into its study centres across the country.

Speaking at during the virtual matriculation, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Olufemi Peters, challenged the new students of the institution to demonstrate at all times to the society that NOUN offers quality education delivered with equality and flexible access.

According to him, this is what makes it possible to “learn at your pace and at any place.”

In a statement released by the university and made available to our correspondent in Abuja, the new entrants, comprising 11, 851 undergraduates and 4, 808 postgraduate students in various faculties, will join the over 150,000 returning students of the university.

Peters told them, “As our ambassadors, therefore, I expect you to be well-behaved and demonstrate at all times, to your family members, friends and associates, the value that distinguishes you from your counterparts.

“Our country needs your resourcefulness to excel in the competitive world of today.”

The vice-chancellor added: “It is my steadfast desire that you will acquire, at this university, appropriate knowledge and skills, as well as the requisite strength of character and tenacity to sail through the challenges of a modern world of global competition.

“This will enable you to contribute meaningfully in elevation of Nigeria to its deserved place of greatness in Africa and the world.”

He further reiterated that NOUN is the only accredited single mode Open and Distance Learning institution in Nigeria, established by the enabling Act No. 6, 1983 CAP N63, fulfilling its mandate of equal access for all Nigerians and bringing education within reach.

‘’It is a proof of our commitment to equity for the teeming population of Nigerians that seek to gain access to university education for better prospects and self-actualisation,” he said.

Emphasising on the openness of the university, Peters stated that the openness as associated to the university simply means that the mode of teaching and service delivery is not restricted by the barriers of distance and location, or the bias of creed.

He said: “Our university uses modern and emerging technologies to impart knowledge to students, you will require some basic ICT skills. With an internet enabled computer and, in some instances, a smart phone, you will have online access to our study materials, instructional videos, tutorials, library resources and facilitation classrooms.”

He implored the students to dedicate themselves to timely and appropriate use of learning materials and teaching aids which are available at the study centre of their choice as the flexibility and access to study materials and learning aids is a unique attribute of the university in ensuring equity in the right to education for all.

Speaking on the e-ticketing platform, the VC stated that the system was successfully deployed in last academic session as a feedback system to resolve complaints that students may have during the course of their studies.

He said: “This and other service delivery applications, including the simplified assessment processes (tutorials, tests and examinations) will make your study at NOUN a most rewarding educational experience.

“Due to the special mode of teaching and learning at NOUN, our graduates are usually the focus of exceptional interests from people that are eager to determine the quality of training received whilst studying with us.”

Ooni Of Ife Marries 4th Wife, Ashley Adegoke (PHOTOS)

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October 15, 2022

Ooni Of Ife Marries 4th Wife, Ashley Adegoke (PHOTOS)

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Friday, married another wife, Princess Ashley Adegoke, ABN TV learnt.

The wedding was held at the bride’s family house situated on Olubose Street, along Ede road, IIe-Ife. Olori Ashley is one of the women the first class monarch has married in recent days.

Rumour Of Helicopter Dropping Unknown Persons In Enugu False — Police (Photos)

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October 15, 2022

Rumour Of Helicopter Dropping Unknown Persons In Enugu False — Police

From Chris Ikechukwu, Nsukka

The Enugu state police command has explained that the unfortunate viral video clip of alleged helicopters dropping hundreds of unknown persons on the top of Ugwu-Ajali hill, bordering Ologo, Jamboree and Coal Camp areas of Enugu is fake and should be disregarded.

In a press release on Friday night, the command stated that investigation is on top gear to fish out the peddlers of the fake news.

Below is the full text of the release;

“Following the receipt of a viral video, with female voices alleging, in a mixture of Igbo and English languages, that in the afternoon hours of 14/10/2022, helicopters dropped unknown persons, numbering about one hundred (100), on the top of Ugwu-ajali hill, bordering Ologo, Jamboree and Coal Camp areas of Enugu; the State Police Command wishes to inform residents of the said locations and the entire State, that the clearly doctored video and information therein is fake and purely a product of the mongers’ figment of imagination and disinformation, aimed at misleading and creating panic and confusion amongst law-abiding citizens of the State.

“2. Consequently, the Command being mindful of the negative impacts of disinformation on public peace, security and safety in this age, is calling on the citizenry to totally disregard the unfounded and fake video, as there is no record of such incident in the mentioned locations or any other part of the State.

“3. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, *CP Ahmed Ammani, fdc*, has ordered the conduct of intelligence-guided discreet investigation to fish out the creators and peddlers of the fake video, while reiterating the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensure maximum public security and safety of citizens of the State.

“4. The Commissioner further calls on residents of the State to always remain law-abiding, vigilante and endeavour to analyze and/or verify tensive and misleading social media information of this nature, before acting on them.

“5. He also enjoins them to continue to promptly report criminals and acts of criminality to the nearest Police Station or by calling the Command’s hotlines on: 08032003702, 08075390883 or 08086671202.

FG Moves 101 Ex-Terrorists From Prison To Deradicalisation Camp

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October 15, 2022

The Federal Government on Friday said 101 convicted terrorists and those awaiting trial have been moved from custodial centre to a deradicalisation camp for onward reintegration into the society.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the National Security Council (NSC) meeting at Aso Villa in Abuja.

Irabor and some ministers including Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi; attended the NSC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Controversy had surrounded the release of 101 convicted terrorists after the vicious insurgents, who kidnapped train travellers in Kaduna on March 28, released the last batch of their abductees on October 5.

However, speaking on Friday, Irabor said the ex-combatants were moved from custodial centre to Operation Safe Corridor which was established by the Federal Government in 2016 to receive repentant terrorists.

The CDS said, “The council was also briefed that a total of 101 ex-combatants were taken to Operation Safe Corridor and currently undergoing the process of deradicalisation at the centre.

“These were ex-combatants that have been in detention for several years some of whom have served their terms, others were those who were awaiting trial because of the long time that they have been involved and in line with the procedure for handling anyone who has been exposed to terrorism and related offences.”

Also, Aregbesola said the ex-combatants were moved for deradicalisation and onward reintegration into the society, noting that there was a court order to that effect.

“Actually, there was a judicial order on them which necessitated their transfer from the detention centre to the deradicalisation camp. So, those are the only thing I could add that as a result of a legal decision on their status in detention, those 101 ex-combatants which you want to refer to as terrorist detainees had been moved from the custodial facility to a more appropriate camp for deradicalisation.”

Amnesty Programme

For over a decade, bloodthirsty fighters of the Boko Haram group and its splinter, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have wreaked havoc in parts of the country, especially the North-East zone of Nigeria with Borno, Adamawa and Yobe having the highest casualty figure in the past years.

The President last week Thursday said his government has devised both military and non-military methods to quell the insurgency war.

“We have devised both military and non-military methods to intervene, and even rolled out an amnesty programme to rehabilitate repentant terrorists who surrendered and laid down their arms unconditionally,” Buhari had said.

IPOB Urges Buhari To Obey Court Judgment Discharging, Acquitting Nnamdi Kanu

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October 15, 2022

Battle Of Conscience Not Won In Court, Seek Dialogue With Nnamdi Kanu, Ikpeazu Tells FG — Nnamdi Kanu and Muhammadu Buhari

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB has commended the Appeal Court judges for discharging and acquitting its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, of all charges against him.

The pro-Biafran group also appreciated its team of lawyers, who it said never capitulated until the legal victory was achieved.

They urged President Muhammadu Buhari to obey the court orders and release Kanu, reminding him of his claim that he would not interfere with the judicial process.

These remarks were contained in a statement by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Friday.

The statement read in part, “The President, Mohammadu Buhari, publicly told Elder Amaechi Mbazuluike; Ohaeneze Ndigbo President, Prof. George Obiozor; and other Igbo leaders, who visited and appealed for presidential fiat to be applied in the release of Kanu, that they should wait for the court to decide.

“Even in one of the international meetings, the Ex-British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, asked him why Kanu was still in detention, and he claimed that he would not interfere with the judiciary.

“Now the same judiciary has decided on this case. They must obey their own court and stop making a mockery of themselves both locally and internationally.

“We are aware that Malami is doing the bidding of his brothers and kinsmen to keep our leader in detention longer, but we assure them that they cannot change what the competent court has said because the world is watching them.

“The United Nations Working group has given them instructions to ensure the quick and unconditional release of our leader within six months. Now the Appeal court has also discharged and acquitted him and called for his immediate release.

“Nigeria Presidency have the opportunity to release him unconditionally and save themselves from the shame that will befall them. IPOB is ready to bring more shame against them if they delay in releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Let God’s servant, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and his people go or face more plagues. A stitch in time saves nine.”

Suspension Of Strike: Sen. Kalu Hails FG, ASUU, Seeks Synergy To Improve Education

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October 15, 2022