The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions have extended their warning strike by two weeks.
The non-academic workers had commenced a two-week warning strike on March 27 over the inability of the Federal Government to meet their demands.
The extension of the strike was contained in a circular addressed to branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in universities and inter-university centres titled, ‘Re: Commencement of two-week warning strike’.
The circular obtained by ABN TV on Friday was signed by SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, and NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi.
Part of the circular read, “Deriving from the failure of the Federal Government to act positively on the ongang warning strike, JAC hereby directs members to continue with the warning stoke for another two weeks, hoping that within the period the government wi11 be in a position to address these issues.
“However, if the present situation persists members of NASU and SSANU will be adequately informed about the next line of action before the expiration of the additional two weeks.
“The meeting observed that the Federal Government has not deemed it fit to invite the JAC of NASU and SSANU to a meeting since the struggle started and also took note of the media statement credited to the representative of the Government Dr Chris Ngige Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment on the application of ‘No Work No Pay policy to our members.
“The meeting, therefore, resolved that the issues in contention are not new ard trial JAC has followed due process and fulfilled all necessary conditions precedent before commencing the strike
“In view of this, all branches of NASU and SSANU are hereby directed to hold congresses on Monday, 11th of April, 2022 and take resolutions on the ongoing strike.
“The outcome of the resolutions should be forwarded to your respective Union Headquarters immediately for collation.”
The Director ABN TV, a leading online medium in Nigeria, Mr. Ifeanyi Okali has felicitated with Interpol Systems Consultant and security expert, Sir Chikwe Udensi at the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a true lover of the people.
In a birthday message on Friday, Okali recalled how Sir Udensi, a governorship aspirant in Abia has continued to touch the lives of less privileged members of the society through empowerment, palliatives and cash distribution.
Okali also applauded the governorship hopeful for being a source of hope and happiness to many, praying God to bless him with good health and prosperity.
Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has sacked Mr Chinenye Nwaogu as his Special Adviser on Social Investments.
The sack is with immediate effect, Secretary to the state Government, Barrister Chris Ezem said in a release.
No reason was given for his disengagement.
This is coming few minutes the governor advised his appointees with political ambition to resign not later than Monday, April 11, 2022.
He said is owing to section 84(12) of the amended Electoral Act 2022, which has been signed by President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequent release of the necessary guidelines to facilitate hitch free election in Nigeria by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
“All Political cum Public office holders in Abia State who are desirous of participating in the political process either as a contestant for elective position or as delegate, are by this notice directed to resign their appointments on or before Monday, April 11, 2022″ Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem said in a release on Friday.
Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has advised his appointees who are interested in running for any political position in 2023 to reign not later than Monday, April 11, 2022.
This he said is owing to section 84(12) of the amended Electoral Act 2022, which has been signed by President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequent release of the necessary guidelines to facilitate hitch free election in Nigeria by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
“All Political cum Public office holders in Abia State who are desirous of participating in the political process either as a contestant for elective position or as delegate, are by this notice directed to resign their appointments on or before Monday, April 11, 2022″ Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem said in a release on Friday.
The governor cautioned that this must be strictly adhered to.
25th March 2022, will remain indelible in the hearts of the good people of Isuikwuato/Umuneochi as eminent personalities, dignitaries, political heavy weights and thousands of loyalists converged at the “Uturu” hometown of Eminent Business mogul and profound Politician, Chief Amobi Ogah into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
From the political cadre, the entrepreneurship community, friends, family and other spheres of human endeavours, they came out in droves to celebrate the official declaration of an astute Political gladiator who spearheaded the propagation his ‘former’ party the All Progressive’s Congress (APC) in Abia-North Senatorial District into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
And for the People’s Democratic Party in Abia state it was a Big win , it was time to align and gloriously receive a distinct personality of his kind into their fold.
Amobi’s formal declaration comes weeks after dumping the APC alongside thousands of his supporters in Abia state under his platform “UgoAbia”. In show of solidarity and support the Umunneochi Progressive Minds (UPM) Abuja Branch had already purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms of the PDP for Chief Amobi Ogah to contest for Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi federal constituency seat in 2023. Dumping his former party, Amobi Ogah cited the basis of the crisis in APC and his zeal to end the unfairness metted on his Isuikwuato people as a result of their 16 years marginalisation from producing a candidate to represent both local governments at the Green Chambers.
The epoch political themed occasion was held at Uturu, the Onuaku Primary School Field was beautifully decorated to a befitting carnival standards, filled with various groups adoring different colourful attires, banners of various political support groups, music band groups, traditional dancers and observers.
The calibre of PDP dignitaries who graced the event attested to the fact that Amobi’s defection to the ruling party in the state was a dream come true and is expected to pave way for other Top Notch heavy weights in the APC and other political parties to join the PDP.
From the commencement of the event till the curtain was drawn, the political shindig was characterised with elements of a first class political rally. The retinue of political stalwarts present at the event include; Abia State PDP Party Chairman Alwell Asiforo ; South East zonal chairman of the PDP, Chief Ali Odefa;Deputy Chairman, Hon. Obinna Nwachukwu; Chairman Ebonyi chapter , Mr Tochukwu Okorie; Abia North PDP Zonal Chairman, Elder Amah Abraham; Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia House of Assembly, Barr Okey Igwe; Isuikwuato Local Government Chairman, Hon Chima Agbaeze; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barr Eze Chikamnayo; Isuikwuato PDP chairman, Emenike Charles Chinyere; PDP state woman leader; Immediate past Commissioner for Sports, Hon Emeka Ikwuagwu; other PDP state and ward Executives; Commissioners; UgoAbia movement Political structure and other notable individuals.
In reverence to God Almighty, prayers were offered despite the event being Political in nature, followed by speeches from various individuals who took time to welcome Amobi into their fold. Most of them took time to elucidate his capacity and political sagacity, stating that being an already established successful entrepreneur with over 3000 direct and indirect workers , Amobi will no doubt contribute to the growth of the PDP in and beyond the state.
Shortly after the introductory addresses , Ogah in his address to the mammoth crowd assured that his return to the PDP will herald the era of added greatness to the fortunes of the party. He said; when we formed, not too young to run, Chima Anyaso was part of it , that is why when I was here in the other party (APC) , I told them to allow us to go to the field because I know the road.
“In 2014 I brought the APC to Abia North as then my brother was contesting for Governorship and I told him that the APC will win the Presidency , he said it’s a lie and I told him let’s watch , people didn’t believe but I was calm because I knew that the APC will win, but now I have come again to declare that PDP will take over come 2023. If you’re yet to join the PDP please go and register and obtain your registration card.
Urging the party leadership not to be perturbed, Ogah added that with hew alliance with the PDP , the party will soon witness the influx of stalwarts from other opposition parties in the State. He also urged the party leadership to be fair and just in the conduct of its primary elections, stressing that only credible candidates with capacity and capability should be considered.
His words ; “When people like us join the party , Mr. Chairman goes and sleeps. I will bring more men of Timber and Calibre that will make things happen. The time has gone when Tickets will be reserved for a particular person, now we are talking about capability, capacity and the interest of the people. My only appeal to the party is for it to look out for credible candidates to represent us , so that at the end of the day we shall all be Happy. We shall not disappoint you , we will make you proud.
Amobi expressed optimism that the PDP will take over all lost seats, ranging from the Isuikwuato State Constituency seat,to the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency seat,the Abia North seat,as well as the Presidency. In his speech, Chief Amobi Ogah assured the party of a landslide victory come 2023, stating that with him in the PDP, the party can go to sleep.
Abia North PDP Zonal Chairman, Elder Amah Abraham in his speech, stated that the Amobi Ogah’s defection to the PDP, was simply a public testimony of what the country is going through under the APC. He said Nigerians are not happy with what the APC is doing to the economy, adding that very soon, APC would witness massive defection of members to the PDP.
“Isuikwuato used to be one of the strong holds of the PDP, but somehow during the last general elections, the party lost all its seats due to the inability to balance differences in the party. Thus, this defection is our 2023 testimony”,he added.
Also, the Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia House of Assembly, Barr Okey Igwe, described the return of Amobi Ogah to the PDP as a guarantee that the party would recover all lost seats.
While welcoming Amobi Ogah back to the Party, Barr Igwe noted that politics was a game of number, therefore, he is happy over Ogah’s return to the party, alongside his supporters.
The Isuikwuato Local Government Chairman, Hon Chima Agbaeze, said he is fulfilled with Amobi Ogah’s return, stating that the Governor of the state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, would always instruct them to ensure they reconcile aggrieved members who left the party for one reason or the other, adding that Ogah’s defection is a proof of such wooing.
Hon Chima Agbaeze further noted that Ogah’s defection was highly significant, as it would herald a new chapter for the PDP in the area come 2023, assuring the over 500 decampees of the party’s readiness to accommodate and carry them along in the scheme of things. Also, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barr Eze Chikamnayo, lauded the sterling qualities of Chief Amobi Ogah,who he described as a grassrooter, intelligent and vibrant politician that can add great value to the PDP. The Commissioner welcomed him home, urging him to answer the call of his people come 2023.
The Abia North Zonal Chairman, expressed delight over the defection of Chief Amobi Ogah, stating that his defection would help the PDP recover the Isuikwuato State House of Assembly seat and also the Federal House seat.
Chairman of the state chapter of the party, Hon. Alwell Asiforo welcomed Amobi into the party’s fold , he lauded his decision to dump the All Progressive’s Congress describing it as a wise motive.
“What our brother Amobi Ogah is very significant, in life there must be a time to take a decision, either you take a decision that will lead you to greatness or the one that will lead you to doom. But this one that he has taken today shows that he knows his way and he is wise. From today you and your supporters that joined APC will see a new life. You will see a better life, Alwell stated.
Harping on fairness and credible elections, Asiforo assured Amobi that a level playing ground will be put in place for all aspirants to contest for various offices. He emphasised that the party will eschew the imposition of candidates urging all political aspirants to campaign and engage vigorously with all relevance stakeholders of the party from the state , local government and ward levels.
His words “Today will give you an umbrella that will cover you under the sun and under the rain. Our umbrella is very large to accommodate all of you. The difference between the PDP and other parties is that our party, the PDP, is a party owned by everybody . It is a party that when it’s time for primaries we all vote and a winner is declared.
“We are not like other parties that impose candidates from the superiors at the top at Abuja. In our party, every position is contested and in the forthcoming primary we are going to give everybody a level playing ground to contest and compete. Anyone interested in contesting must engage with the delegates in every local government and ward and one that is chosen by the people of Isuikwuato will be our candidate.
Highpoint of the event was the burning down of APC brooms by Chief Ogah and his supporters and the handing over of the PDP umbrella to him. Present at the event, were the South East zonal chairman of the PDP, Chief Ali Odefa the Abia PDP State Working Committee, among others
Nonso Kalu a public commentator writes from Umuahia.
Some families of kidnapped victims of Tuesday, 28th March Kaduna-Abuja train attack have stormed a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Transportation, demanding the immediate release of their loved ones.
The incident created a mild drama at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja.
The families numbering about 20 were seen displaying placards with the inscription “Please, release our loved ones”.
Hajiya Idayat Yusuf, a family member of some of the victims, broke down in tears while speaking to journalists, narrating that her two sisters are among those still missing.
She said that attack was a national embarrassment and urged the government to quickly do anything within its power to rescue the affected victims.
She said, “We want the government to do something immediately to bring back our families that were kidnapped.”
The Canadian government has revealed that it will restrict foreign nationals including Nigerians from acquiring ‘non-recreational, residential property in Canada for a period of two years.
The restriction, however, excludes foreign nationals who have become permanent residents of the country.
“To make sure that housing is owned by Canadians instead of foreign investors, Budget 2022 announces the government’s intention to propose restrictions that would prohibit foreign commercial enterprises and people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents from acquiring non-recreational, residential property in Canada for a period of two years,” the budget document states.
The budget 2022 document is titled ‘A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable.’ It was presented by Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister, and finance minister.
“So let me explain what we need if we are to build a strong country here at home: we need housing that is affordable for everyone, and investments that ensure an entire generation is not priced out of owning a home,” Ms. Freeland said in a tweet explaining the importance of the budget.
According to the budget document, for years, foreign money has been coming into Canada to buy residential real estate.
This has fueled concerns about the impact on costs in cities like Vancouver and Toronto and worries about Canadians being priced out of the housing market in cities and towns across the country.
The new law will exempt refugees and people who have been authorized to come to Canada under emergency travel while fleeing international crises.
Additionally, “international students on the path to permanent residency would also be exempt in certain circumstances, as would individuals on work permits who are residing in Canada.”
Home prices in Canada have soared more than 50 percent since 2020. The market saw a record monthly increase in February as buyers acted ahead of rate increases by the Bank of Canada, taking the benchmark price of a home to C$869,300 ($693,000).
Canada, since 2015 when it commenced its ‘Express Entry programme’ to immigrants, has become a choice location for Nigerians and has seen a significant influx of Nigerians into its territory.
The numbers have more than tripled since 2015 when they rose from about 4,000 to nearly 13,000 in 2019.
For the fifth year running, more Nigerians emigrated to Canada than the year before and the number of Nigerians granted permanent residency has more than tripled since 2015, rising from 4,090 to a peak of 12,600 in 2019, before COVID-19 slowed it.
A 2020 survey conducted by the Africa Polling Institute (API), a non-profit research think-tank, found the key “push factors” for the exodus of Nigerian immigrants to Canada to be due to Nigeria’s weak economy, heightened insecurity, perceived poor governance, and the huge appetite for foreign degrees by citizens.
Second only to Russia by land size, Canada’s total land area of approximately 3.9 million square miles (10 million square km) means it is about 11 times the size of Nigeria.
But despite this specialty sprawling beneath the grandeur of its arctic frozen tundra and archipelago, the bilingual country (English and French) is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
Nearly 80 percent of Canada’s 38 million population live within 93 miles (150 kilometers) of the Canada-United States border, leaving a vast swathe of the nation’s territory unoccupied. Senior citizens outnumber children too.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State has expressed its dissatisfaction with the verdict of Abuja High Court in a suit seeking the removal of Ben Ayade as governor of the state for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the opposition party.
Recall that in his ruling on Thursday, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, affirmed the right of Ayade and his deputy to join any political party of their choice, adding that such action is not unconstitutional.
Reacting to the judgment, the PDP said it was studying the judgment with a view to approaching the appellate court to overturn it.
The development points to PDP’s willingness to pursue the matter up to the Supreme Court.
The opposition party announced its decision to head to the appeal court in a statement released early Friday morning and signed by its Chairman, Vena Ikem
In the statement, the party said proceeding to the Appeal Court would remain “a civilized struggle and an intellectual exploration of the limits and vastness of our jurisprudence in this untested territory.”
The party said they will not rest until they get justice.
The party had approached the High Court in Abuja over Ayade’s defection to the ruling APC with its governorship mandate, describing it as a provocation by unscrupulous elements who were mistakenly given the mandate of the party in the past.
“We will be studying the judgment in its entirety with the certainty of appealing to the next Court of Law until justice is manifestly done.
“The judgment of yesterday by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja is yet another successful exploration of the dept of legal jurisprudence in the uncharted territory such as we have at hand. Let me assure you that this judgment is only a step in the overall picture envisaged by our lawyers when they took steps to explore this legal option which has the potential to take both the Judiciary and indeed our entire democracy to another level entirely.
“We will continue to support our lawyers as they lead us in this battle for the soul of our democracy and good governance of our people.”
He hailed party stakeholders and supporters for not allowing Ayade to sleep well “with our stolen mandate and will continue to keep them sleepless for the remainder of the tenure which they shamelessly flaunt at us who made it happen.”
Several people have been reportedly abducted by gunmen suspected to be bandits in Danjanku village, Musawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
ABN TV learned from residents that the bandits stormed the community in the early hours of today, Friday, and operated for many hours.
On arrival at the village on motorcycles, the gunmen started shooting indiscriminately. They abducted some locals and escaped with them into the forest.
Katsina, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari, has witnessed sporadic attacks by bandits and kidnappers that have claimed the lives of many.
Over 700 people have been reportedly killed by the gunmen in Jibia, Kankara, Dutsinma, Musawa, Danmusa, and Safana local government areas of the state in the last five months.
In January, President Buhari promised to smoke out the bandits terrorising Nigeria’s northern region.
“In keeping with my commitment to tackle the monster of terrorism head on, let me reassure these besieged communities and other Nigerians that this government will not abandon them to their fate because we are more than ever determined to get rid of these outlaws.
“These criminals will be history because we are not going to relent in our current military operations to get rid of these thugs who have been terrorising innocent people.
“We are fiercely determined to smoke out and destroy these outlaws who have no regard for the sanctity of life,” President Buhari had said.
On Thursday, April 7, 2022, an Akwa Ibom State High Court in Ikot Ekpene condemned one Nsikak Joseph Udofia, age 31, to death for armed robbery and life imprisonment for rape in the state.
The convict, who is a native of Utu Edem Usung in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state, was convicted of robbery and rape by Justice Augustine Odokwo.
Udofia, as well as others now at large, were said to have “robbed a shoe mender, Gabriel Akpan Victor, of his torchlight, two knives, a roll of black thread, two palm slippers and a cash sum of two thousand, three hundred and fifty Naira while on his way home from work on 31st December, 2017.”
Three weeks after, the convict is also said to have raped a 16-year-old SS 2 student in an uncompleted building in Utu Edem Usung, Ikot Ekpene on 21st January, 2018.
In a two-hour judgement, the trial judge, Justice Augustine Odokwo, found the accused guilty of the two-count charge, which are punishable under Section One sub-one of Robbery and Firearms Special Provisions Act, Laws of the Federation and Section three-six-seven of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000.
The Court held that the Prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the accused person committed the offenses.
In the first count charge of robbery, Justice Odokwo sentenced Nsikak Joseph Udofia to death by hanging, praying God to have mercy on his soul.
In the second count charge of rape, the Court held that Nsikak Joseph Udofia shall serve a life sentence in Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre.
Justice Odokwo held that “the sentence is to run consecutively as the offense of rape is prevalent in Ikot Ekpene.”
He ordered the Clerk of the Court to keep in her safe custody, all the exhibits pending appeal, if any, and return them to the parties that tendered the exhibits, if after the period allowed for appeal, no notice of appeal is filed.
The convict, however, wept in the Courtroom, begging the Judge to tamper justice with mercy on him.
Abians residing in Oyo State, have expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, for approving free transportation that enabled...
