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Showing posts from August, 2020

COVID-19: Varsity workers warn against re-opening

…There‘ll be consequences —ASUU …We  won’t go back until… — Non-teaching staff By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & James Ogunnaike The Academic  and non-academic staff  in the nation’s university education, yesterday, warned that there would be dire consequences if the Federal Government went ahead to reopen the ivory tower closed following to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, warned the federal government to be ready for negative consequences of reopening the tertiary institutions, the Non-teaching staff described it as dangerous,  plan to re-open universities, arguing that it would  lead to higher number of cases of the COVID-19 pandemic not only on campus but also the host communities. ASUU, speaking through its Coordinator, Lagos Zone, Prof Olusiji Sowande, at a briefing after a meeting at Olabisi Onababjo University, Ago-Iwoye, insisted that reopening of tertiary institutions without addressing issues in the universities wou

Water Resources bill: I’ll sue FG, NASS — GOV ORTOM

…Labour, Soyinka urge Nigerians to resist water Bill By Victor Ahiuma-Young & Peter Duru Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday,  threatened to drag the Federal Government to court if the National Assembly continued to deliberate on the National Water Resources Bill jettisoned by the Assembly in 2018, but allegedly being reintroduced. This came as Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, called on Nigerians to resist any plan by the Federal Government to resurrect the rejected National Water Resources Bill, warning that the nation would be doomed if the bill was passed into law. At separate fora, the trio pleaded with the leadership of the National Assembly not to resurrect or cause to be passed into law the Water Bill because of the danger it portends  to national unity. Benue threatens legal action Meanwhile, Governor  Ortom while threatening legal action when he hosted the new leadership of Mdzough U Tiv, MUT, an umbrella body of Ti

Buhari names Osinbajo chairman of Exco-Legislative Party forum

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday tapped Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to head the Executive/Legislative/Party Consultative Committee at the State House in Abuja. President Buhari set up the consultative committee to help fine-tune the relationship between the executive, legislature and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). It would be recalled that there have been months of hot exchanges between both arms of government and that leaders of both tiers met before the inauguration of the committee. Speaking at a consultative meeting among the executive, legislative and the party leadership at the Presidential Villa, he said the situation had cost the governing party governorship and legislative seats during elections. He also regretted that despite the dominance of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at all levels of government, the party is embroiled in bitter and unnecessary squabbles. The President said the meeting and the Committee was therefore called to avert the o

WASSCE: All COVID-19 positive students treated, return to classes

Students who tested positive for COVID-19 during the ongoing 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination have returned to classes after treatment and discharge. The Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 62nd Joint National Briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. According to him, all the students have tested negative. “We have confirmed that all of them are back to class. They have all been discharged. We do not have any further cases. READ ALSO:  COVID-19: FG to probe low sample collection rates in states “There were four in Gombe, there was one in Kwara and there were few in Bayelsa, but those of them have been discharged as they all tested negative. “We are still getting feedback from the field in case there are any new places where this may crop up,” Nwajiuba said. On plans to reopen tertiary institutions, he said the preparedness of tertiary institutions had been tabled before the

Adieu, Walter Carrington

By Yinka Odumakin A FORTNIGHT after celebrating his 90th birthday, former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Walter Carrrington, peacefully exited this world on August 11, 2020. His Nigerian wife, Arese, said in a family statement: “It is with a heavy and broken heart but with gratitude to God for his life of selfless humanity that I announce the passing of my beloved husband Walter Carrington, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and Senegal. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 90 years old on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Further announcements will be made shortly.” Mrs. Carrington described the late diplomat as a loving husband, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, friend and in-law. “Ralph Waldo Emerson said:… It is not the length of life but the depth of life. Walter was fortunate, his life had both length and depth,” she said in the statement. About the late diplomat We celebrated the length of his life at 90 and we celebrated the depth over a decade ago wh

STRANGE: Pilot of ill-fated Helicopter in Lagos seen in a body bag hours before flight (VIDEO)

  The pilot of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed into a building in Lagos, Captain Chika Ernest playing on the eve of the flight, in a sack, where friends were chanting “Chika must go”. He died the next day and his body taken away in a body bad. Also read: Boko Haram: I can’t travel to my village and sleep, Northern Lawmaker fumes   Vanguard News The post STRANGE: Pilot of ill-fated Helicopter in Lagos seen in a body bag hours before flight (VIDEO) appeared first on Vanguard News . by Bankole via Vanguard News https://ift.tt/3hPjFzi Best Known Member of the Cabinet Wikipedia

82-yr-old Guinea’s President, Conde, to run for 3rd term

Guinea’s President Alpha Conde Guinea’s ruling party on Monday confirmed months of speculation that President Alpha Conde will seek a third term in office, a possibility that had already sparked deadly mass protests. The news came after the 82-year-old president pushed through a constitutional reform in March that critics had already argued was designed to allow him to run for office again in the October 18 election. “President Alpha Conde will indeed be our candidate in the presidential election,” said the statement from the Rally of the Guinean People (RPG), read out on televsion. ALSO READ:  Guinea schedules presidential election for October 18 The party had formally nominated him to run again back in August, but Conde had made no formal response. Under Guinea’s constitution, presidents may only serve two terms. Conde was elected president in 2010 and again in 2015. But according to analysts, the new constitution could reset the presidential term counter and enable him to

Kano CJ appoints two acting Chief Registrar, Secretary

By Bashir Bello The Kano State Chief Judge, Justice Nura Sagir Umar has on Monday approved the appointment of two acting Chief Registrar for the state high court and Shariah Court of Appeal and a secretary for the state Judicial Service Commission. Justice Umar in a statement by the Spokesman, Kano State Judiciary, Baba Jibo Ibrahim made available to newsmen in the state, said Abdullahi Ado Bayero and Abubakar Haruna Khalil were appointed Chief Registrar State High Court and Shariah Court of Appeal respectively following the elevation of the Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Kano, Jamilu Shehu Sulaiman to the Higher Bench. According to the statement, “the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Nura Sagir Umar has approved the redeployment of Abdullahi Ado Bayero from Sharia Court of Appeal to the High Court of Justice, kano as the acting Chief Registrar High Court of Justice, Kano pending the ratification by the Judicial Service Commission, Kano. “Similarly, the Chief Judge, als

COVID-19: FG cautions State Govts against hasty reopening of schools

The Federal Government has called for caution as some state governments announce reopening of schools, saying that COVID-19  remains potent and very dangerous.  Mr Boss Mustapha,  Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the 62nd joint national briefing of the taskforce. According to Mustapha, as the nation plans to re-open more sectors, everyone must stay the course and stick with the winning strategy which is anchored on the ability of our health institutions to contain the virus.  “While citizens wear facemasks properly, stay away from crowded places, avoid mass gatherings, maintain simple hygienic practices and as much as possible protect the elderly and most vulnerable to this pandemic. READ ASLO:  Education stakeholders laud Lagos for planned school reopening “It is in the above context that the PTF appreciates the on-going calls for re-opening of the education sector

Edo 2020: PDP calls for police investigation in Akoko-Edo campaign violence

By Gabriel Enogholease and Ozioruva Aliu LEADERS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo state have called on the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu to set up a special squad to investigate the shootings that disrupted political campaigns in Ekpe and Ososo in the local government alleging that contrary to claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that suspected thugs of the PDP attacked its campaign, it was actually the APC that attacked its members who were holding unit meetings. Led by former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Kabiru Adjoto, the leaders alleged that the attack led to injuries being sustained by 16 of their members: 13 in Ekpe and three in Ososo and some in critical condition including an 84 years old man. But the chairman, APC Media Campaign Council, John Mayaki denied the allegation saying the PDP orchestrated attacks on itself and lay the blame on the APC. Adjoto who was accompanied by the chairman

Lagos Assembly asks Sanwo-Olu to take anti-drug campaign to schools

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a motion calling on Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately embark on anti-drug campaign programmes in secondary schools. The House made the resolution following the motion by Mr Desmond Elliot (Surulere I) during plenary on Monday. The motion was titled “A Call on the Lagos State Government to embark on Anti-drug Corruption Campaign in Secondary Schools in the state”. Elliot said the House observed an increasing rate of drug abuse and alcohol consumption among students of secondary schools. He said:“It was observed that such an experiment with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco sometimes started from elementary schools and peaked in high schools where its adverse effect is remarkably high on the students. READ ALSO:  BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu orders reopening of tertiary institutions Sept 14 “It was further observed that the unrestrained abuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other prohibited drugs used

Re-investors dump Lagos as Ogun becomes new industrial hub

By Tayo Ogunbiyi THE above story, published in the Business Day of Monday, August 10, 2020, purportedly based on a study done in the last five years, made certain allusions that need prompt clarifications. It was alleged in the report, though with no empirical rationalisation, that local governments’ touts terrorise corporate organisations to collect multiple taxes and levies in Lagos State. Since the above allegation is rather weighty, one would have expected the writers to come up with factual cases of such harassment, stating where, when and how it happened. Until such issues are properly addressed, the claim would remain nothing but a spurious and baseless assumption. Not only that, it is equally pejorative because it gives potential investors the false impression that the state is a lawless jungle where touting reigns supreme. Is this really the true picture of Lagos? No! Lagos is run on law and order. Any study giving the impression that Lagos is a place where corporate or

PDP tasks military, INEC on credible poll

By Dirisu Yakubu The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on the military, the federal government and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to respect the will of the electorate by ensuring the conduct of credible and transparent election. Diran Odeyemi, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, made the call yesterday in an exclusive chat with Vanguard. According to Odeyemi, the PDP is aware of moves by the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government to deploy the military to cause panic in the fear of voters to pave way for the manipulation of the election in favour of the opposition party. ALSO READ:  CAMA law obnoxious, draconian, anti-Christ ― Anglican Bishop He said: “The PDP has done its homework well and our candidate, the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has in the past four years, delivered on his electioneering promises. ”But we are aware of moves to truncate the will of the people. So, we are calling on INEC to live to its independ

Edo Election: ‘Character, Performance favour Obaseki’

Governor Godwin Obaseki By Isiramen Enobun In seasons of intense politics, truth is always the first casualty. So it is in Edo State at the moment, elections are holding on September 19, 2020, and the people are trying to understand the true meaning of reverse thinking, of the difference between the two major candidates, Godwin Obaseki of PDP, who is the incumbent governor, and Ize Iyamu, who is running on the platform of APC, and how Adams Oshiomole has appropriated the story to become the common factor in a context that should otherwise be very exciting. As it is the beauty of democracy is unfolding in the state. Politicians are crisscrossing the land advertising their wares and capacity, but so also is the nastiness of politics. Some deviants in their midst are threatening fire and brimstone, and the tigers and lions which were once restricted to the Ogba Zoo in Benin City may be released on that particular day. Also read: Join me to free Edo from destructive people, Obaseki b

FG secures $6.15bn for Nigeria’s power infrastructure

By Udeme Akpan The Federal Government has disclosed that it has secured $6.15 billion for infrastructural development in the power sector. The Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, who disclosed this in his report – One Year Anniversary: Key achievements–obtained by Energy Vanguard, stated: “I am glad to state that to date, a total sum of $6.15 billion have been secured for infrastructural development. The total sum has been earmarked for the following critical projects: $2.3 billion Siemens, $1.6 billion Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme, $1.7 billion DISP and $550 million NEP (WB/AFDB). “With the securing of the $6.150 billion in funding, the Federal Ministry of Power, under the present administration, has commenced the implementation of critical infrastructure that will enable the country to achieve generation, transmission and distribution of 25,000mw of electricity by 2025. “We embarked on the biggest infrastructural development along the entire electricity

Eulogies as Ike Nwachukwu clocks 80

…ABC Nwosu, Akinsanya, Onuoha, others speak By Clifford Ndujihe & Johnbosco Agbakwuru THERE were torrents of tributes for Elder statesman, Major General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, retd, as he clocked 80 years. Among those who feted Senator Nwachukwu, Monday were former Health Minister, Professor ABC Nwosu; Former Ambassador to Ethiopia, Otunba Olusegun Akinsanya; former Registrar Asia State University, Ernest Onuoha and Barrister George Etomi, who described Nwachukwu as a mentor and selfless leader, who took a special interest in the welfare of people He is a leader, gentleman — ABC Nwosu Saluting Nwachukwu at 80, Professor ABC Nwosu said: “Everybody knows General Ike Nwachukwu as a gentleman and a leader of people. What people don’t know about Ike Nwachukwu which you can guess from his stature, bearing and demeanor is his royalty. If you see him, you will see that he represents everything that is royal in a person. Three events made me to know him very well, when I served i