The National Examinations Council, NECO, has disclosed that some state governments are still owing the examination body over N2billion.
This was revealed by Prof Dantani Wushishi, the Registrar/Chief Executive of NECO.

He said this while addressing a press briefing in Minna, Niger State.
The Registrar said, “When you talk about the issue of debts, we have done a lot, we have recovered some, some states are still indebted to the Council to the tune of over N2 billion. This is for over so many years, from 2012 till date. We are making efforts and some states are responding.
“And through our efforts to make sure we solve our problems, we have a commitment with the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the states we have MoU with, we can take the MoU to the Accountant-General’s office to deduct from source, but we are very tactical about it, because we also have to sensitise the state governments to the need to keep this place afloat, and it is the payment of what they have subscribed for in the Council that will keep this place afloat.
“So we are tactically doing that, and we are getting the result and we have not yet taken any state to the Accountant General office.”
Wushishi noted further that the exam body relied heavily on money generated from candidates’ registrations for its various capital projects and other activities that related to the conduct of exams.
“From 2021 to date, to June (this year), the Minister of Finance has deducted from NECO’s Treasury Single Account, the total of N6,023,145,000.
“We also need to pursue that this money that was removed, that the 50 percent is supposed to be taken as operating surplus and give us the rest to settle our debts, so we have another battle for the reconciliation,” he added.
The NECO boss said that “In 2020, we had over 30,000 cases of exam malpractice. In 2021 we had just about 20,000, and this year and this year we have confidence it will reduce to the barest minimum. In our last BECE, the malpractice was about 600 cases, and this year it was less than 100.”

Education News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Residents of Ikimo and Ijana in Ijesha land, Osun State have cried out to the federal and state governments to urgently intervene and halt continuous mining activities that have been causing environmental degradation and economic hardship in their locality.

SaharaReporters recently reported that water bodies in the state had been highly contaminated with mercury, lead and cyanide as a result of illegal mining activities going on in parts of the state, putting the health of residents at risk.

During a visit to the state to investigate the extent of the damage done, not only to the farmland of residents but also to their water source through pollution, the residents blamed the government of the state for failing to take action to stop the illegal miners despite numerous promises.

According to the residents, miners, mostly experts from China, enter their farmlands in search of gold and other mineral resources.

Narrating the ordeals that residents of the communities have been going through, a monarch, Oba Ojo Babatunde Peter, Onikimo of Ikimo Ijesa, explained that when mining activities are completed, the law stipulates that dug portions of the land should be covered.

He, however, said that has not been applicable in mining sites in his community, thereby grossly affecting the area. Contaminated Water, Destroyed Farmlands: Osun Residents Bear Brunt Of Illegal Gold Mining As Government Looks Away

Submitted by siteadmin on Thu, 04/14/2022 - 02:56

Speaking for some of the affected communities, the monarch explained that mining activities were done on a license (a land already approved for mining by the government) located on the major road linking Idoka, Ikimo and Ijana, which left a deep pit that has made it difficult for commuters to use the road.

“In the late 2020 up to early 2021, mining activities were done on the major road linking three communities together. When they finished, they didn't cover the pit that was dug. Since then, that road has been bad. Vehicles cannot ply the road; people cannot take that route to the farm and it has been extremely horrible.

"To our surprise, another company using the approved license of Sandplex International is currently operating under the same license to mine gold. If that gold mining should continue, it would be of extreme danger to the community," he said.

Buttressing how detrimental the mining activity could be, the monarch mentioned that the mining site is directly beneath a powerline, noting that there shouldn't be any mining activity in such a place because of the high volatility level.

"The company has channelled water to pass under the powerline, and we know how dangerous this is. It would be worse if they start digging the same portion of land that has been dug previously.

"I am surprised that the government could give approval for mining to take place in such a location. I even reported to the Mining Cadastral Office in Osogbo, an environmental officer came to inspect and said they would look into it but nothing has happened since," he added. Water Pollution: Stakeholders Urge Nigerian Government, Osun State To Stop Illegal Gold Mining

Submitted by siteadmin on Sat, 04/23/2022 - 09:13

He appealed to the government to take action to nip the issue in the bud.

Also complaining about the mining activities, a resident of a neighbouring community who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that if mining activities should continue, it would cause a lot of damage.

She noted that some illegal mining was previously done where an electricity pole was affected and the neighbouring community, Iregun had not had electricity since then.

She also called on the government to take action in the interest of the people, noting that the continuous mining has not been of benefit to the locals.

Stakeholders in the state have also urged the Nigerian and Osun State governments to find a lasting solution to the water pollution and hazardous illegal gold mining in the area said to be affecting millions of residents.

They urged the government to take immediate steps to purify the contaminated Osun River and also compensate residents whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the ongoing mining activities in the state.

Environment News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

A faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called on 'Biafrans' to ignore and reject any call by any individual or group of persons to engage them in any form of street protests anywhere in the South-East against the recent killing of 14 youths in Imo State.

A statement by the spokesperson for Autopilot-IPOB, Simon Ekpa, said the group has taken necessary steps to track down each member of Ebubeagu security outfit in the South East and those who allegedly participated in the gruesome murder of unarmed youths in Imo State and other parts of Biafra land.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that gunmen suspected to be members of the South-East Ebubeagu security outfit on July 17, 2022, massacred no fewer than 14 youths who went for the traditional marriage of their kinsmen at Awomama in the Oru East Council Area of Imo.

Outrage and condemnation subsequently trailed the killing from various quarters, including from the Catholic church and Amnesty International.

There was also a call for protests across the South-East against the killing.

But Autopilot-IPOB, in a statement tagged "Disclaimer," warned that it had not approved any street protests in any part of the South-East, adding people would be notified if there would be a need for such.

It warned that nobody should be deceived to fall into the trap of the detractors and enemies of ‘’Biafra by engaging in any street protest yet, as "you will be endangering your life because that is what they plan to do."

The statement read in part: "Our attention has been drawn from the land of BIAFRA where urgent meetings were held in some IPOB units and zones across the Biafraland, for the very first time since after over a year now that our Supreme Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has cancelled every kind of IPOB meetings and street protests in Biafraland, before his abduction and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria.

"These meetings were called by some people who see themselves as demigods in IPOB. These set of little tyrants are always hell-bent on making sure that they sabotage the collective interests of the Biafran people and every single effort that we are making, to make sure that Biafra is restored in a very short period of time and for lasting peace restored in our land.

"They have initiated new plans, trying to lure and mobilize Biafrans, especially in Imo State, through calls and text messages, to Ikonso's House, in the guise of staging a protest on the issue of the 14 Biafrans, slain in cold blood by the State-sponsored terrorist group called Ebubeagu, when they attended their friends’ wedding ceremony.

"We call on all Biafrans to ignore and reject any call by any individual or group of persons trying to engage them in any form of street protests anywhere in Biafraland, at least for now.

"We have been informed that as a result of this instigation, another Biafran was murdered by the same Ebubeagu yesterday being 24th July 2022 being Sunday.

"IPOB under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu/ Biafrans has not initiated or approved any form of street protests anywhere in Biafraland; hence, no one has been mandated or instructed to mobilize any Biafran for any such protest.

"Do not fall for the trap of the detractors and enemies of Biafra to engage in any street protest yet; you will be endangering your life because that is what they plan to do. When the time for street protest comes, you will be notified through various channels and we will put all mechanisms in place to defend and protect protesters."

It added, "The lockdown of Friday, 22nd of July 2022, which was successfully observed all over Biafranland is clear evidence of our collective resolve. IPOB does not intend to endanger the lives of any Biafran or put anyone in harm’s way.

"Actions are being taken to hunt every Ebubeagu terrorist Personnel anywhere in Biafraland; we employ every Biafran to stay calm, smart and observant as those whose responsibility it is to do the needful are on the job. Therefore, do not endanger your life by getting involved in any street protest in the name of Biafra, at least for now. They have planned to set you up.

"Further instructions that will be given will come from the Spokesperson for Biafra, through all our avenues for disseminating information.

"Whatever information you don't get from any of our approved platforms (Enter Biafra, Voice of Biafra and all recognized Autopiloted-IPOB Media Platforms) should not be followed until Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released unconditionally from his illegal detention.

"We are in a very critical stage in our march to freedom. Be careful and watchful, so that you don't become a victim of circumstance.

"May ChiukwuOkike Abiama bless you all as we are matching into our promised land in 2023 and nobody can stop it. The sun has risen and it must shine boldly next year, 2023."

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Mrs. Nkem Apollonia Mba, for alleged involvement in fraudulent activities.

ICPC arraigned the accused before Justice Leteem Nyordee of Federal High Court 12, Port Harcourt, on three counts bordering on abuse of office and corrupt demand of gratification by a public officer.

The anti-graft body told the court in one of the counts that the Deputy Chief Registrar received a kickback of N500,000 through her bank account from the purchase of Automotive Gas Oil, popularly known as diesel and other products.

According to ICPC in a statement on Monday, published on its website, Mrs Mba, had argued that the money was her two percent entitlement according to Order 16 of the Admiralty Jurisdiction (Procedure Rule) 2011.

"The court heard that her offence contravened Section 10 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and is punishable under relevant sections of the same Act.

"The accused pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charge was read to her. Consequently, her counsel, S. Somiari applied for bail, praying the court to grant her bail on liberal terms.

"The bail application was not opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Dr. Agada Akogwu. The trial judge in granting the prayers, admitted her to bail in the sum of N500,000 with a surety who must have landed property in Port Harcourt.

"Justice Nyordee further ruled that the accused must deposit her passport with the court registrar. The case was then adjourned to 26th July for commencement of trial."

Corruption CRIME Legal News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

The Federal Ministry of Education on Monday ordered the immediate closure the Federal Government College, Kwali, in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

It was gathered that the closure of the school came after a security breach on Sheda and Lambata villages and suburbs of Kwali Area Council which also threatened FGC Kwali. 

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, had ordered the closure of all Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja due to rising insecurity.

The government directed the immediate evacuation of the students because of the threat to their lives, security and well-being, SaharaReporters learnt on Monday.

It was learnt that on Sunday night, a yet-to-be-verified report trended on social media indicating that there were heavy shootings in Federal Government College (FGC), Kwali, Abuja, and that parents rushed to the school to ascertain the safety of their children and possibly return home with them until calm was restored.

When contacted by SaharaReporters for comments and clarification on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education said it would release a statement on the issue later in the day.

However, in a letter signed on Monday by the Ministry Director Press and Public Relations, Ben. Bem Goong, the Minister noted that the closure became necessary because of the insecurity in the area

 He added that the timely intervention of security agencies saved the situation. 

In the letter, the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu also directed that arrangements should be made for final-year students to conclude their NECO (National Examination Council).

"The Minister also directed Principals of Unity Colleges across the country to liaise with security Agencies within their jurisdictions in order to forestall any security breach in our schools," the statement said. 
 

Education Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

Troops of the Elite Guards Brigade have foiled an attack by terrorists on the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja.

A military signal obtained by SaharaReporters revealed that the gunmen on Sunday ambushed the soldiers who were on routine patrol of the area.

The troops were said to have successfully repelled the terrorists.

However, three soldiers were wounded in the attack and being treated at a military hospital within Abuja.

“At about 241620A Jul 22, own tps of 7 Gds Bn on routine ptl along Rd Kubwa – Bwari were ambushed by suspected terr. 3 x sldrs were injured during the attk. The sldrs have been evacuated to 7 Gds Bn MRS for med attn,” the signal read.

“Details on the extend of their injuries still under cfm. The ambushed attk happening within the gen area of Bwari shows that the terrs are actually within the loc and possibly to carry out their plans of attacking the law schl in Bwari as earlier reported.”

The attack comes after the management of the Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja asked parents to evacuate their wards from the school over the fear of attack by terrorists.

The school management asked the parents to evacuate their wards following an attack in a nearby village “that shares a fence” with the school.

Insurgency Terrorism News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

 

Nigeria is in a turbulent time. We need a president particularly fitted for the times. The judgment of Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make his ticket Muslim-Muslim has been overwhelmingly condemned by Nigerians.

 

The selection of a running mate in a civilized country is often called the first Presidential act. The choice of a vice-president provides an important glimpse into how a presidential candidate will decide if he becomes the president. It shows whether he possesses the judgment the country expects in a future president. More importantly, it reveals the candidate’s own qualities of character and judgment.

Tinubu is not qualified to be a president for the following reasons:

1. A president must have a strong vision of where Nigeria is going, and must have a plan to bring it there. His eight years as governor of Lagos State with the combined years of cronies he imposed on Lagos as governors totaling 23 years, Lagos in particular and Lagos State as a whole, didn’t witness any economic, infrastructural, educational, and industrial development. Indeed, Lagos is a slum mega city. If Tinubu couldn’t transform Lagos State, how in the world is he going to bring Nigeria back to life?

 

2. Nigeria needs a charismatic president. He must have a powerful charisma to gain the support of Nigerians and inspire them to contribute to its success. The selection of Kashim Shettima as running mate shows Tinubu is an insensitive, divisive person who doesn’t value the support of Nigerians and doesn’t give a damn about what Nigerians think and how they feel.

 

3. A president who is an effective global communicator of Nigeria’s vision on the world stage, is what the country needs now. Tinubu who is suffering from amnesia due to old age and other physical impairments like shaking and stuttering, cannot be an effective global communicator.

 

4. Nigeria’s situation demands a president with a strong mind and incredible stamina to synthesize, process, and understand the vast amount of information coming in daily. With signs of dementia and slurring speech coupled with ambulatory problems, Tinubu will not be able to stand the rigors and regiments of the office of the president.

 

5. The president must be able to focus on the important problems facing Nigeria. Because of limitations due to his health, Tinubu will not be able to compartmentalize problems and deal with each problem swiftly and speedily.

 

6. Tinubu is not a pragmatist. A president must be able to make tough decisions, decisions that not everyone will like. He must put the total good of the Nigerian people above his own selfish interest. His choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket points to the fact that he cannot make tough decisions in the overall interest of the country. Tinubu will not be a pragmatic president.

 

7. A president must show love for all Nigerians. Tinubu practices selective love. Love that’s beneficial to him. Tinubu has demonstrated this on many crucial occasions. Two instances readily come to mind: When Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti was coldly murdered by Fulani herdsmen terrorists. Instead of consoling the bereaved old man, all Tinubu sarcastically asked: “Where are the cows?” Meaning that Fulani herdsmen terrorists didn’t kill Mrs. Olakunrin. Remember the #EndSARS demonstrators that were mowed down at Lekki Toll Gate? Apart from being complicit in the murder, Tinubu ran away to France. Tinubu only loves himself and his family.

 

8. Character is critical to leadership. A president must be honest, reliable, and trustworthy. People are more likely to follow a leader they feel they can fully trust. Tinubu is seriously deformed in character.

 

By renting fake pastors and unknown bishops, Tinubu proves right the saying that a crook will always remain a crook. After all, Tinubu is a fake man, unknown presidential candidate. No one knows his real name. We don’t know his age. We don’t know the schools he attended. We don’t know anything about him. Everything about him is fake and phoney. No wonder, a fake man, unknown presidential candidate, will rent a crowd of fake pastors and unknown bishops to endorse his Muslim-Muslim ticket. Nigeria is irredeemable. Election is not the solution. Dissolution is the solution!

 

 

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Bayo Oluwasanmi Disable advertisements : 

Electricity workers in Nigeria under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have announced that they will join the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its solidarity protests over the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike this week.

 

NLC had directed workers to embark on nationwide protests on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26 and 27, 2022 respectively in solidarity with the ongoing strike by ASUU, which is in its fifth week.

Banks and airports may also be shut down as aviation and financial institution workers have previously vowed to join the struggle.

However, security agencies, especially the police have warned the NLC to obtain permission from state police commands before embarking on the protests. But lawyers and civil society organisations have accused the government of President Muhammadu Buhari of trying to intimidate protesters and demonstrators, saying Nigeria’s Constitution gives citizens the right to protest peacefully without hindrance.

 

ASUU, the umbrella body of the Nigerian University lecturers embarked on a four-week warning strike on February 14 to demand the implementation of the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, which stipulates funding arrangements for university education in the country.

 

After the expiration of the warning strike, it was extended following the government’s failure to agree on the implementation plan. The government has since said it lacks the financial resources to implement the agreement and efforts to broker a new agreement have since ended in a deadlock.

 

However, ahead of Tuesday’s protest, the General Secretary of NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajaero, has directed all its members to participate in the protest over the prolonged closure of tertiary institutions.

 

Ajaero in a letter dated July 22, said “In line with the NLC’s directive and our position, which was made known at the Central Working Committee and National Executive Council meeting of Congress,” the letter reads.

 

“All members of the union are enjoined to massively mobilise and actively participate in the NLC/ASUU solidarity protest against the continued closure of the nation’s tertiary institutions, scheduled for July 26/27, 2022.

 

“You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Councils of the congress in your various states with a view of having a successful outing. Aluta Continua!”

 

Education News AddThis :  Original Author :  Sahara Reporters, New york. Disable advertisements : 

Pupils of Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Ile-Ife, on Monday staged a protest in front of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus gate in support of the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

 

In a video shared on Twitter by Nigerian Tribune, the pupils were led by adult women suspected to be their teachers.

The pupils carried placards with various inscriptions including “When you stand up for ASUU, you stand up for us,” “Don’t borrow our future away,” “Honourable Minister of Education (HME) Mallam Adamu Adamu are you dere? Daris Gawd oh!,” and “I am the future ASUU. Make no mistake about it!”

 

Chanting “I see ASUU fighting for me,” the pupils appealed to the Nigerian government to fund “universities in Nigeria”, saying once that is done, “Nigeria will become a better place with our hope.”

 

Nigerian university lecturers have been on strike for five months over the government’s failure to meet their demands including university funding and earned allowances.

Pulpils of Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Ile-Ife, protesting in front of OAU campus gate in support of ASUU! pic.twitter.com/yRc1MKfRmS

— Nigerian Tribune (@nigeriantribune) July 25, 2022

Workers from other sectors of the economy including the aviation sector have threatened to join the ongoing strike while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the umbrella body of the Nigeria Labour Force, has fixed July 26 and 27, 2022 nationwide protests over the strike. 

News AddThis :  Original Author :  Sahara Reporters, New york. Disable advertisements : 

The Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has ordered the closure of all Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja due to rising insecurity.

The government directed the immediate evacuation of the students because of the threat to their lives, security and well-being, SaharaReporters learnt on Monday.

It was gathered that on Sunday night, a yet-to-be-verified report trended on social media indicating that there were heavy shootings in Federal Government College (FGC), Kwali, Abuja, and that parents rushed to the school to ascertain the safety of their children and possibly return home with them until calm was restored.

According to Daily Sun, a parent identified as Chika whose three children are in FGC, Kwali, confirmed that a message came from the school that parents should come to pick up their children no later than Monday noon.

Also, a school teacher at FGGC, Bwari, said the directive they received from the Federal Ministry of Education was that students should vacate the school before Wednesday.

 

Similarly, a parent whose son is in Junior Secondary School 3 in Federal Government Boys’ College, Apo, confirmed that the school would close on Monday (today) as against the date in the calendar and that parents had been asked to pick up their children on Monday unfailingly.

He said: “My son told me that they were rushed to finish their examination, that they wrote four subjects every day which, to me, was too much for the brain of these children.

“I also learnt that Federal Government Technical College, Orozo, Abuja, sent children packing on Friday last week, and immediately they rushed them to finish the examination as against the calendar. This is abnormal, and it’s an indication of points to the fact that there’s a threat, and it’s wise for the schools to release the children back to their parents.”

When contacted by SaharaReporters for comments and clarification on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education said it would release a statement on the issue later in the day. 

 

Education Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  Sahara Reporters, New york. Disable advertisements : 

A group under the aegis of the Fund Education Coalition has called on students across the country to ignore the threats by Nigerian security agencies and join the Nigeria Labour Congress nationwide protests to put pressure on the government to resolve the crisis in university education.

University lecturers in Nigeria under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been on strike for five months.

NLC has declared Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26 and 27 respectively as dates for nationwide protests against the failure of the Nigerian government to resolve the crisis, which has grounded activities in public universities.

 

ASUU, the umbrella body of the Nigerian university lecturers had embarked on a four-week warning strike in February to demand the implementation of the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, which stipulates funding arrangements for university education in the country.

 

After the expiration of the warning strike, it was extended following the government’s inability to agree on the implementation of the agreement. The government has since said it lacks the financial resources needed to implement the agreement and efforts to broker a new agreement had ended in a deadlock.

 

Meanwhile, Fund Education Coalition in a statement titled ‘Call On Nigerian Students’, issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Joseph Aliu, “enjoined Nigerian students not to be afraid to come out over the threats by Nigerian security agencies, noting that their future and future of education in the country is in their hands”.

 

The statement partly read, "It is no longer news that the Nigerian students who are children of the working class citizens have since been cheated for too long by the ruling and oppressing class by permitting series of incessant ASUU strikes and pocket tearing school fees which has not only marred the bright future of many Nigerian students but also resulted in the increase in school dropouts and also half-baked graduates.

 

"The Fund Education Coalition is charging well-meaning Nigerian students to not give up at this time. Here’s a time to roll our sleeves, dust our boots, march and relocate to the barricades.

 

"Our future lies in our hands. Nobody shall save us from this sinking educational ship if we don’t save ourselves.

 

"Nigerian students should be aware that education is a RIGHT for every one of them and they cannot at this time be bamboozled by the shameless display of clampdown by the government through the men-in-black to students who are merely demanding a better education.

 

"Nigeria students should get set to fight this educational oppression to a logical conclusion.

 

"On this, the Fund Education Coalition is charging and calling on its member in all states and the generality of aggrieved Nigerian students to join the civil mass action initiated by the Nigerian Labour Congress, slated for Tuesday, 26th and Wednesday, 27th of July, 2022."

 

Education News AddThis :  Original Author :  Sahara Reporters, New york. Disable advertisements : 

Peter Obi

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has replied the vice-presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Kashim Shettima for saying that Obi can only be president of Igbo nation.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the running mate of Bola Tinubu, the ruling APC presidential candidate, Shettima said the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, can only be President of Igbo land and not Nigeria.

The former Borno State Governor stated this recently while featuring on a Channel’s TV programme.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the LP candidate lacked the requisite experience to rule Nigeria and that the country is too big for the former Anambra State governor to handle.

Obi who replied to him in an interview with Vanguard, said that such a statement from Shettima is a threat to Nigerian unity.

 

 

He said he satisfied all the requirements to contest for the office of President, adding that he is more qualified than Bola Tinubu who is a principal to Kashim Shetima.

 

He said, "I’ve heard all sorts of things from people and some are statements that should not be made by people who are in leadership positions. One of the presidential candidates once said a section of the country will not vote for me and now another one. Such statements, for me, debases the polity and questions the unity and the love we should have for each other.

 

 

"INEC has stated the qualifications for contesting the elections which I’m sure I’ve fulfilled and I do not know the special qualification his principal, the APC candidate, possesses that I do not possess and I think I’m more qualified than his principal for that office. Is it age qualification? Is it education? Is it in terms of being an entrepreneur?

 

 

"I believe that anybody can be more qualified than me.  But I’m qualified. His principal is a two-term governor, I am a two-term governor too. I’ve managed public resources comfortably and effectively to the best of my knowledge. I’m not saying other people didn’t do well.  I’m not saying others are not qualified. But I’m saying that if we look at what we have been able to do in the past, I’m very very qualified to be the president of the country. 

“Unless there is another qualification unknown to law and the public. Such statements are statements that have made us bring people who are not competent and people who are not qualified to lead us and that is why we are where we are today.”

 

 

"I’ve heard people say ‘Obi can make a good vice president to be in charge of the economy.’ But Nigeria’s problem is the economy.  So, a player you know is very good is the one you want to put on the bench, then you are not ready to solve the problem of the country.

 

 

"If you solve the problem of the economy, insecurity will be reduced in a way. Once the economy is good you can unite the country because once people are productive and are doing well, they will not care about tribalism or religion. And I have said my job is to remove the country from consumption to production," he added.

 

 

 

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  Sahara Reporters, New york. Disable advertisements : 

File Photo

A Twitter user, named Oluwatosin has narrated how he was allegedly brutalised and physically assaulted by officers of Nigeria Police in Agege, Lagos State on Sunday.

 

Oluwatosin said some policemen stopped him on his way to Abule Egba and searched but saw nothing incriminating in his car.

He said despite that the policemen took him to Agege Abattoir Station and forced him to admit to being a criminal. He further alleged that fifty-five thousand, four hundred naira (N55,400) was extorted from him by the police.

He said, "Then they insisted they wanted my particulars in which I showed them. Then they forcefully wanted to collect my phone, I refused and insisted that I won’t let them have it, that I know the law and it says no policeman should ask for any citizen’s phone only on rare cases (which was said by @Princemoye1) and that’s after several investigations had been done.

"Then they slapped me repeatedly and kicked me after explaining the law to them, and punched me on my face. One threatened to shoot me if I didn't let go of my phone.

"Afterwards they forcefully collected my key from me and one of them drove the car into the station (Agege abattoir station) two other policemen dragged me on the floor into the station.

"Then the one that drove the car opened my dashboard locker and collected fifty thousand naira (N50,000) cash I had in my car with some other additional money which was up to five thousand four hundred naira (N5,400) in the car.

"Then the two policemen that were forcefully dragging into the station asked me to open my bank app, and while being dragged and ‘rough handled’ (manhandled) in the station, he then started writing statements for me, they refused to allow me to write my own statement.

“He then started beating me up again and took off my clothes and asked me to carry a placard in making a video of me saying that I’m a criminal, that they should lock me up.

"Then he asked me to bring two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) to bail myself. I told him that I don’t have such money on me, he didn’t believe me, that was when they started beating me, in which I opened my bank app for them, so when they saw that I had only 7k (N7,000) in my account, one of them now said “make we allow am dey go, shebi we don see money for inside his car already.

 

 

"That was when they now returned my car key and my cloth to me, they now ordered me to leave the station and not say a word to anyone else they would come back looking for me, so I left the station.”

"If this could happen during daylight publicly, what then guarantees my safety at night. Since the people that sworn to protect us are now the ones intimidating and publicly humiliating us. I fear for the fate of every youth out there.

“Woe to @LagosPoliceNG, this is the greatest height of shamelessness," he lamented.

Meanwhile, all efforts to get the reaction of the Lagos State Police Command concerning Oluwatosin's allegations and what was being done about them were unsuccessful. The spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin did not answer his calls from SaharaReporters. He also did not reply to a text message sent to him.

 

 

 

 

 

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Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi on Sunday said the ‘bishops’ who attended the recent unveiling of Kashim Shettima as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may not be real bishops.

Amaechi, however, said they are Christians.

Following the event, there have been public criticisms and allegations that some persons who wore cassocks to the programme, appearing like bishops or other senior Christian clerics, were hired by the APC.

 

The incident caused a stir at the entrance of the venue as the crowd taunted them and shouted, "The bishops are here."

 

Meanwhile, the so-called bishops could not get seats at the main hall, as they were seen being ushered to the gallery which took care of the overflow.

 

Amaechi while speaking over the weekend at an event to mark the 60th birthday of Eugene Ogu, General Overseer of Abundant Life Evangel Mission in Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital, said the persons in question are Christians but many not be bishops, as portrayed.

 

“Those bishops you saw (at Kashim Shettima’s unveiling in Abuja], they may not be bishops, but they are Christians,” Amaechi said.

 

Rotimi Amaechi also said delegates, who sold their votes at the APC presidential primary election won by Bola Tinubu, were already regretting doing so.

“I don’t believe that is the solution to Nigeria’s problem — giving money. I hope you know. I give you N10 million now and when it finishes, what happens? The solution to Nigeria’s problem is that all of you must rise.

 

“God should save the ordinary Nigerian because they are the problem. Those who voted at the APC primary, who are they? The ordinary Nigerian. The small money they got solved their immediate problems.

 

“Now ‘oh we made a mistake,' ‘we didn’t make a mistake.' We are hearing different things. Pray for the leadership of the country, but also pray that ordinary Nigerians choose the right person to govern," he said.

 

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has lambasted the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, saying that allegations against him were indications that his memory was no longer what it used to be.

 

Atiku had said in an interview with Arise TV that he rejected Tinubu’s offer to be his running mate in 2007 because it would have presented a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Atiku was the presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He said because he refused, Tinubu worked against the party in the 2007 presidential election, in favour of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umaru Yar’Adua, who emerged as President.

 

But Tinubu, through his media aide, Tunde Rahman responded to Atiku on Saturday, refuting the claims.

Tinubu said he felt sorry for Atiku, whom he described as old because his ambition had allegedly made him untruthful.

 

He had said, "We are saddened to see such a man become unhinged from the truth. So obsessed is he with his quest for office, Atiku is willing to render any form of untruth if he thinks it might gain him a single vote. Atiku may want to be president. However, all he has shown is that he is pathological.

 

“Whatever moral compass he had has been lost. During a 22 July television interview, Atiku assaulted historic truth by lying that he did not name Tinubu as his running mate in 2007 on the Action Congress ticket because Atiku did not want a Muslim as his running mate."

 

However, in tit for tat, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, in a statement also slammed APC presidential candidate again, saying that Tinubu's allegations were indications that his brain is failing him because facts on the ground contradict his statement.

 

Ibe said, "The major accusation made by Asiwaju Tinubu is that the Waziri Adamawa offered him the opportunity of being his running mate in 2007, which means that the former vice-president was not then mindful of Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity, making his statements during the Arise TV interview hypocritical.

 

“We would not say that Bola Tinubu has lied. Rather, it is our desire to give him the benefit of the doubt, and believe that his memory may not be what it used to be.

 

“Nigerians may want to note that on 14 September, 2005, the then US Consul General, Brian L. Browne, drafted a memo, leaked via Wikileaks, wherein he stated that Bola Tinubu was scheming to be a running mate to either Atiku Abubakar or Muhammadu Buhari.

 

“This is further historically corroborated by the subsequent political history of Nigeria. Biographers of President Muhammadu Buhari, have variously recounted how Bola Tinubu made the same request of then-presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

 

“In his 2016 authorised biography of President Muhammadu Buhari titled ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’, Professor John Paden, an American, wrote about the issue as follows:

 

“Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and political ‘godfather’ of the South-West geopolitical zone, felt he should be the vice-presidential candidate.

 

“The above clearly shows a behavioural pattern here. So, if anyone is “unhinged from the truth” (to borrow Asiwaju Tinubu’s words), it certainly is not Atiku Abubakar.

 

“In any case, if Bola Tinubu can forget the name of his own political party, why will he not also forget what transpired in 2007 and 2015? We do sympathise with him.

 

"The fact remains that in a fragile and ethnically diverse nation, such as ours, religious and ethnic balance must be observed at the highest levels, and from there flow downwards.

 

"That is what Atiku Abubakar said during his interview with Arise TV on Thursday, July 21, 2022, and he stands on that principle and will continue to so stand without apology to anyone.

 

“From the foregoing, it is clear that His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar’s memory and recollection of the event has been corroborated by multiple, independent, and unconnected third parties, and if this were a court of law, this issue would have been regarded as proved beyond a reasonable doubt,” the statement added.

 

The former vice president reminded Nigerians that sources have testified that Bola Tinubu desperately lobbied to be made Buhari’s deputy on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, in 2015, even though he denied and instead accused President Buhari of offering him the position of Vice President.

 

“Which is exactly the same false allegation he has made against Atiku Abubakar. This is a pattern of behaviour; not owning up to his actions.”

 

On the need to be moderate and make use of temperate languages, the statement said, “The issue of Atiku Abubakar offering to make Bola Tinubu his running mate in 2007, the Waziri says as a statesman, which he believes Asiwaju Bola Tinubu also is, or should be, it is pertinent that they use temperate language at all times. It not only shows that they are seasoned and mature, but more importantly, it is a good indicator of fitness for the office.”

 

Atiku said even though he had read Tinubu’s denial, “It was replete with indiscreet language, the former Vice President has elected to respond to the claims made by Asiwaju, adding he has chosen the route of a friendly riposte, in the hope that his gesture will be reciprocated by the Asiwaju in future.”

 

 

 

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Zenith Bank

 

Zenith Bank Plc has been ranked as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the 2022 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine. 

For the thirteenth consecutive year, the Bank retained its position as the number one Tier-1 bank in Nigeria with a Tier-1 Capital of $2.75 billion, emerging as the 460th Bank globally.

The ranking, which was published in the July 2022 edition of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, was based on the 2021 year-end Tier-1 capital of banks globally. Zenith Bank's financial performance for the year was underpinned by double-digit growth of 10% in gross earnings, with an improved market share in both retail and corporate sectors despite a very challenging macroeconomic environment aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Commenting on the 2022 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said: "This ranking is a testament to our resilience and doggedness as an institution despite economic headwinds and a persistent challenging macroeconomic environment. Indeed, being ranked as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the thirteenth year in a row underscores our commitment to sustaining the superior performance we are renowned for and creating value for our highly esteemed customers.” He expressed his appreciation to the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CON, for his guidance and for laying the foundation and building the structures of an enduring and very successful institution; the Board for the outstanding leadership they provide; the staff, whose drive and commitment sustains the exceptional performance; and the Bank’s customers for their unflinching loyalty to the Zenith brand.

Tier 1 Capital describes capital adequacy, which is the core measure of a bank's financial strength from a regulator's point of view. According to the ranking, Tier 1 Capital, as defined by the latest Bank for International Settlements (BIS) guidelines, includes loss-absorbing capital, i.e. common stock, disclosed reserves, retained earnings and minority interests in the equity of subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned.

Zenith Bank's track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, with this latest accolade coming on the heels of several recognitions, including being recognised as the Best Bank in Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria 2021 and 2022 in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022; Best in Corporate Governance 'Financial Services' Africa, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, by the Ethical Boardroom; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards; and Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards 2020. Also, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDayBanks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards 2020 and 2021.

Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People's Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021, carting home the awards for "Best Company in Reporting and Transparency", "Best Company in Infrastructure Development", "Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment", and the coveted "Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.

 

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A Lagos-based business mogul, Biola Osundiya was shot dead last Wednesday in Ilorin, Kwara State by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. 

SaharaReporters gathered that Osundiya was in Ilorin to spend time with his family and during one of his outings within the metropolis, he was trailed and killed by the suspected gunmen at a drinking joint beside the Kwara State Centre for Art and Culture.

One of his relatives who spoke to SaharaReporters on the issue said the deceased was killed by some of his business rivals.

"From what we have been gathering, those that killed him were his business rivals," the source confirmed.

Similarly, one of his brothers, simply identified as Segun, said the development had left his family and friends devastated.

He begged the security agencies to bring the culprit to justice.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Kwara Command, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed that the police were still investigating the matter and assured killers will be brought to justice.

“We can’t say for now whether the killing was by cultists or business-related, but an AK- 47 ammunition was recovered from the scene and we are working to establish those behind it. But no arrest has been made for now," Okasanmi.

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A Nigerian female athlete, Tobi Amusan, has broken the world record by winning the first ever Gold medal at the World Athletics Championship Women's 100m Hurdles in Oregon.

 

Tobi emerged winner after finishing at 12.06sec seconds to break the Women's 100m Hurdles World record at Hayward Field on Sunday evening.

She had earlier in the day broken the world record by emerging a winner at the semi-final after she clocked 12.12 seconds, breaking the 2016 record of 12.20 seconds held by Keni Harrison of the United States of America.

 

Britany Anderson of Jamaica took silver in 12.23 seconds, while Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico clinched the bronze medal in 12.23 in her first World Championships.

 

Tobi was in tears of joy as she was presented with a cheque of $100,000 on Sunday evening after her victory.

 

The 25-year-old Tobi from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State has been receiving applause on Twitter and across social media platforms since her victory.  

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IGP Usman Baba Alkali

The factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State, ‘Deji Ogunsakin, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba over alleged criminal intimidation, cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking by Prince Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Ayodele Fayose.

The PDP chieftain made this known in a petition signed by his solicitors; Ademola Adeleye & Associates, which was made available to SaharaReporters.

He pleaded with the Inspector General of Police to investigate Prince Isaac Fayose for allegedly spreading false information through Facebook that he ran away with N35 million election money.

Ogunsakin asked the IGP to invite Isaac Fayose for possible interrogation and investigation.

 "We request that upon the conclusion of your investigation, your good office will find that this petition is meritorious and thus should take all necessary legal actions against Prince Isaac Fayose and charge him to Court for Prosecution in line with the relevant laws and statutes in Nigeria, amongst which should be for offences bothering on cyberbullying and cyber stalking contrary to Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015."

The petition letter reads: "At about 2 pm on 7th July, 2022, our client's attention was drawn to a Facebook Post and Video made on 5th July, 2022 through a Facebook Account with the name: Prince Isaac Fayose wherein the said Prince Isaac Fayose wrote false information, damaging post and blatant lie against the person of our client with the following words:

"Do you know that Hon ‘Deji Ogunsakin ran away with #35 million election money on Election Day? PDP Ekiti Chapter majority are hungry and desperate now. Now attached and marked as Annexure 1 is the Screenshot of the Facebook Post of Prince Isaac Fayose.

 

"Our client refutes in its entirety, the post written by Prince Isaac Fayose against his reputable name as false, malicious, knowingly and intentionally transmitted falsehood to bully, harass, criminally intimidate, annoy, cause danger and inconvenience him and want the Prince Isaac Fayose to proof contrary.

"Also attached and uploaded alongside the above-captioned post by the Prince Isaac Fayose on 5th July, 2022 through his Facebook Account is a Video of 1.00minute length wherein the said Prince Isaac Fayose spread more false information and disparaging comments about our client.

"As of the time of writing this Petition, the Facebook Post and Video posted by Prince Isaac Fayose on 5th July, 2022 through Prince Fayose's Facebook page against our client has generated 91 Likes, 96 Comments, 26 Shares and 3,000 Views.

"Prince Isaac Fayose is aware that our client, being a vibrant young Community leader, Politician and Businessman is having a meteoric rise and that our client commands the goodwill and respect of well-meaning people of Ekiti State and Nigeria and is therefore hellbent and out to tarnish, maliciously harass, lie and intimidate our client and possibly rob our client of the goodwill that our client enjoys from both the old and young people of Ekiti State and other Nigerians.

"Some paid agents and followers of Prince Isaac Fayose have reposted the blatant lies and falsehood written by Prince Isaac Fayose on 5th July, 2022 against our client and this has caused irreparable damage to the well-cherished reputation and name of our client. Attached and marked as Annexure 2 is the screenshot of the repost of Prince Isaac Fayose's Facebook Post of 5th July, 2022 by one person named SICO.

"To this end, our client being a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria has caused this Petition to be written to your good office so that a response from him to the lies peddled against him by Prince Isaac Fayose will not lead to any breach of law and order."

 

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A factional youth group of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has described the latest threat from one of the terrorist groups operating in the Northern part of the country to abduct President Muhammadu Buhari and governors as worrisome.

 

It said that if the current security situation is the best Nigerians can get from Buhari, a retired Major General, then the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should bury its head in shame.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the terrorists that attacked an Abuja-Kaduna bound train on March 28, 2022 were seen in a viral video, threatening that unless the government complied with their demands, they would turn the area into an abattoir.

 

In the video, the terrorists were seen beating their male victims.

 

“This is our message to the government of Nigeria and just as you have seen these people here, by God’s grace, you will see your leaders; your senators and governors will come before us.

 

“These ones you are seeing here, we will keep some as our slaves and sell them off just as our Imam told you in the past.

 

“Just like the Chibok girls that were sold off, we will equally sell these ones as slaves.

 

“If you don’t adhere to our demands, we will kill the ones we need to kill and sell the remaining. By God’s grace, (Kaduna governor, Nasir) El-Rufai, Buhari, we will bring you here,” one of the terrorists said.

 

But reacting to the development on Monday in a statement, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Okwu Nnabuike said the APC-led Nigerian government has failed to provide security for Nigerians and should bury its head in shame.

 

“How else can we explain the fact that mass abductions go on under this government on a daily basis, yet none of such victims has ever been rescued, except when ransom is paid.

 

“Not long ago, these daring terrorists attacked the President’s convoy. As if that was not enough, Kuje Prison was breached.

 

“When we thought we had heard the last, they have now threatened to abduct a sitting President. As usual, this threat will be treated with levity by the government in power."

 

He alleged that the increasing insecurity across Nigeria has fuelled the suspicion that the President has Fulani agenda in the country.

 

“This situation intensifies the fear that there could be a grand plan to Islamize this country by simply handing it over to terrorists.

 

“The time has come for Mr. President to prove otherwise to Nigerians. Security agencies should not be busy pursuing Biafra agitators when the real threats to individual and national security are walking the streets free, receiving chieftaincy titles.

 

“Security was number one on the APC’s change mantra, but they have failed so low, worse than any previous government in this country.

 

“It is even more shameful to read a statement from Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu, that the President had done all, and even more than what was expected of him as the Commander-in-Chief.

“If this is the best we can get from Mr. President, a General, then, the Government should bury its head in shame. This is not a time to play politics,” Nnabuike said.

 

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