FEATURES
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says the N50 billion it handed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was not a donation from the commission.
In his speech on the #EndBadGovernance protests on August 4, President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the sum to NELFUND.
“This week, I ordered the release of an additional N50billion Naira each for NELFUND – the student loan, and Credit Corporation — from the proceeds of crime recovered by the EFCC,” Tinubu said.
On Wednesday, there were reports that the EFCC “donated” the sum to NELFUND.
In a statement on Thursday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said the fund was not a donation but “part of the recovered proceeds of crime remitted to the government”.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in furtherance of his social intervention policy for the most vulnerable segments of the population, decided in his wisdom, to plough the money into funding the critically acclaimed students loan scheme,” the statement reads.
“It is not the place of the Commission to determine where the government commits recovered proceeds of crime.
“But the student’s loan scheme is a salutary innovation which has the potential to reduce youth involvement in criminality.
“As the Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyde disclosed during a courtesy visit to the Commission by the NELFUND’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr on August, 13, 2026, the EFCC will monitor the use of the funds to ensure accountability and the realization of the objectives of the Scheme.”
[TheCable]
The leadership of Labour Party on Wednesday rejected Chief Olusola Ebiseni, the Secretary-General of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, as the party’s candidate in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
The party’s decision was contained in a statement by Obiora Ifoh who declared that Dr Ayo Olorunfemi emerged as the party’s flag bearer at the primaries held in Akure in June 2024.
“Ebiseni, who contested for the governorship of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state but lost, was yet to relinquish his membership PDP, neither identified with the Labour Party.
“Dr Olorunfemi is the candidate of the Labour Party. He emerged after the governorship primaries witnessed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“His name was subsequently submitted to INEC and was published as the Labour Party’s duly nominated candidate for the Ondo election.
“INEC has since concluded the nomination processes and one wonders how he emerged without the involvement of INEC and the sponsorship of the Labour Party,” he said.
LP subsequently urged the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security(DSS) and other security agencies to apprehend anyone impersonating or being used to fight a proxy battle against
He added that “Labour Party is poised to win the Ondo governorship election having fielded a very credible candidate who is a grassroots politician, a prominent Labour leader and a renowned educationist.
“We think that this unholy alliance between Ebiseni and APC sponsored NLC is geared towards frustrating our expected victory at the polls but we will resist it through every legal means.
“We are therefore calling on party members in Ondo, particularly Obidient family and the entire electorate to ignore the gang up against the party.
“Come out en-masse to vote for Dr Olorunfemi of the Labour Party, secure our votes and make sure our votes count.”
THE WHISTLER recalls that the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) had kicked against the convention that produced Julius Abure as LP’s National Chairman. Subsequently, the former President of NLC, Abduwaheed Omar, was appointed to chair the National Transition Committee(NTC).
Members of the NTC, including Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku, and Folu Bademosi, nominated Ebiseni as flagbearer of the party.
But the Abure faction in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, on Wednesday, insisted that Olorunfemi is the party’s flag bearer, saying he emerged at the primaries held in Akure in June 2024.
In a shocking and disturbing incident, a 16-year-old boy, Abubakar, was buried alive by his two siblings over a missing phone, in Zaria, Kaduna
The brothers, aged 22 and 18, were arrested by the police after a good Samaritan discovered Abubakar’s head protruding from a hole in an abandoned property.
According to eyewitnesses, the siblings had a heated disagreement over a missing phone in Abuja, where they worked.
It was gathered that the duo trailed Abubakar back to Zaria and buried him alive as a form of torture.
“The boy was tied up, and his mouth was sealed. He was buried in a hole, leaving only his head outside,” said Hajiya Rabi Salisu, Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State.
“I’ve never seen someone buried alive apart from in film. This boy, Abubakar, a 16 year old was buried by his brothers because of a missing phone.
“They dug a hole, tied his hands backwards and sealed his mouth. They buried him, leaving only his head outside covered with rags inside an abandoned property near a farm.
“It was a good samaritan who heard the boy coughing that raised the alarm which attracted other farmers that rescued the boy, as contained in the video which went viral in social media.
“The culprits were a 22-year-old and his brother, an 18-year-old who was arrested by the police. We would be going to court after their investigation.
“The Government would not take it lightly,in the protection of children’s rights and others whose rights are violated in Kaduna State,” Rabi told the BBC Hausa Service.
The police have confirmed the incident and are currently investigating, adding that the suspects are in custody and would be charged to court soon.
Advertisement
The spokesman of the state police command, Mansir Hassan, who confirmed the incident, said the culprits have since accepted committing the crime.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, on Wednesday, stated that it has taken decisive action following the horrific incident in the Gauraki community, Kufaina Ward, Zaria Local Government Area, where the teenager was buried alive after being accused of stealing the phone.
The statement credited to the Commissioner, said, “the victim, Abubakar Aliyu, survived the ordeal and has since been rescued. The suspects, identified as Yahaya Abdulkadir (20) and Abdul Abdulkadir (17), who are cousins of the victim, have been arrested by the police.
“The Social Officer in charge of Zaria visited the community where the incident occurred to assess the situation and provide necessary support.
“The Ministry has assured the public that justice will be served and that they will continue to monitor the case closely.
“The Kaduna State Government has condemned the act in the strongest terms and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all citizens, especially children.
Advertisement
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) said it has cleared an extra 22 state-owned tertiary institutions to apply for student loans.
The implementation of the student loan scheme is President Bola Tinubu’s flagship project in the education sector.
The statement posted via @NELFUND on X said, “The Nigeria Education Loan Fund has announced that students from the following 22 state-owned tertiary institutions can now apply for loans on its portal: nelf.gov.ng
“This followed a review by the committee responsible for the Student Verification System. Prior to this, 86 state-owned institutions were cleared, bringing a total of 108 institutions whose students are now able to apply,” the statement posted via @NELFUND on X said.
The onboarding of the 22 state-owned institutions brings total number of approved state institutions to 108.
The development comes barely one month after the fund was set up by President, Tinubu. The president introduced the fund when he signed the Access to Higher Education Act, which creates a legal framework for granting loans to indigent or low-income Nigerians to facilitate the payment of their fees in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The law, reenacted earlier this year, created the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
NELFUND is saddled with the responsibility of handling all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.
The fund, according to the act, is to be funded from multiple streams and will engage in other productive activities.
The Newly Cleared Institutions Are As Follows:
1. Abia State University, Uturu
2. College of Education, Nsugbe
3. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
4. Delta State University, Abraka.
5. Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State
6. Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti
7. Kogi State University, Kabba, Kogi State
8. Prince Abubakar Audu University
9. Kwara State University
10. Kwara State College of Health Technology
11. Abdulkadir Kure University Minna
12. Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu
13. Moshod Abiola Polytechnic
14. Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo
15. The Polytechnic, Ibadan
16. The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki
17. Rivers State University, Port Harcourt
18. Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic
19. Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu
20. College of Administration, Management andTechnology Potiskum, Yobe State 21. College of Agriculture, Science & Technology, Gujba
22. College of Education Legal Studies, Nguru
Previously Cleared Institutions Are As Follows:
1. Abia State Polytechnic
2. Adamawa State University Mubi
3. Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola
4. College of Education Afaha Nsit
5. Akwa Ibom State University
6. Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic
7. Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare
8. Niger Delta University
9. Benue State University, Makurdi
10. Borno State University
11. College of Education, Waka-Biu
12. Mohammed Lawan College Of Agriculture
13. Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri
14. Cross River State University
15. Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku
16. Delta State University of Science and Technology
17. Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba 18.
University of Delta Agbor
19. Ebonyi State University, AbakalikI
20. Edo State University Uzairue.
21. Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti
22. Bamidele Olumilua University of Edu., Sc., and Tech
23. University of Medical and Applied Sciences Enugu State
24. Gombe State University
25. Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo
26. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University
27. Benjamin Uwajumogu State College of Education IhitteUboma
28. Imo State Polytechnic Omuma
29. Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State
30. Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria
31. Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya
32. Kaduna State University
33. Aliko Dangote University of science and Technology wudil
34. Yusuf Maitama Sule University
35. Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management
36. Umar Musa Yaradua University Katsina
37. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
38. Confluence University of Science and Technology
39. Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba
40. Kwara Polytechnic
41. Kwara State College of Education Oro
42. Lagos state university of education
43. Lagos State University of Science and Technology
44. Lagos State University
45. Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia
46. Nasarawa State University Keffi
47. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Uniersity Lapai
48. Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru
49. Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic
50. Olabisi Onabanjo University
51. Tai Solarin University of Education
52. Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa
53. D.S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic Itori-Ewekoro.
54. Gateway ICT Polytechnic Saapade
55. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
56. Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State
57. Government Technical College Ile-Ife 58. GTC, ARA Osun State
59. GTC, GBONGAN Osun State
60. GTC, IJEBU-JESA Osun State
We are sorry, ‘It’s a skit,’ - Husband Of Woman Who Tore ‘Nigerian Passport’ Begs After Wife’s Arrest
AFOLABI
The man featured in a viral video, in which his wife reportedly tore up his passport upon their return to Nigeria, has clarified that the entire incident was staged as a skit.
In a recent video shared on the family’s Instagram page, the man could be seen in the company of his children begging Nigerians to forgive him and understand.
According to him, what his wife tore was not a passport, adding that as a Nigerian, he cannot go against the laws of the country.
He said, “What my wife tore is not passport, she never tore my passport, she never spoilt my passport, we are doing a skit, this is somebody’s story of what happened that we are passing to the world. But I didn’t even know it would go viral.
“Please, I’m begging everybody, this is not passport, my passport is intact. Nobody should drag this thing to the mud.
“We are sorry, we cannot defile the law of Nigeria, we are full bonafide Nigerian, we cannot go against the law by destroying the passport of Nigeria, it is not possible.”
Recall on Monday, the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS on Monday said it has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of the video on social media, showing the man’s wife destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Kenneth Udo disclosed that the individual has been identified and invited for further investigation.
“If the allegations are substantiated, her actions would have constituted a breach of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), with corresponding penalties outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security, and to preserving the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments”, he stated.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) says it will be a “grave mistake” for the federal government to disregard the factors that triggered the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Nigerians held a nationwide protest against economic hardship from August 1–10.
The protesters demanded a lean government, a return to the petrol subsidy regime, food security, and fiscal discipline, among others.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF’s spokesperson, said the nationwide protest against hunger and poor leadership was largely fueled by the selfish and corrupt behaviour of those in power.
Muhammad-Baba asked the government officials to adopt modest habits and responsibly manage public funds to ease the nation’s economic struggles.
“The existential conditions of citizens, ostensibly, the rationale behind the protests are dire and need urgent attention; and it will be a grave mistake to ignore this,” the statement reads.
“Far too many citizens lack education, access to health facilities, economic opportunities, and basic necessities to live comfortable, unbearable lives.
“Confounding the dire living conditions has been the challenge of insecurity in the country.”
The ACF asked President Bola Tinubu to follow through on his commitment and launch a nationwide dialogue to address the country’s pressing issues.
“Such consultations ought to be well-organised and purpose-driven to include representatives of the people, community-based organisations, interest groups, professional and trade associations, regional interest groups, and religious clergy,” the forum said.
“Robust and dynamic engagement between citizens and government, including representatives of the people, on the direction of public policies.
“The entrenchment of the principles of accountability and good governance by government at all levels.
“The reinvigorated and robust anti-corruption drive by local, state and federal governments”.
The forum lauded the Russian embassy’s prompt clarification of non-involvement in the protest and also condemned the looting and destruction of public and private properties by hoodlums.
The ACF also offered sympathies to families who suffered losses during the protest.
Tanko Yakasai, founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, says Nigeria’s constitution is not the problem, but those operating it.
Yakasai said this in reaction to a call by The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen who recently visited President Bola Tinubu and canvassed for a new constitution.
In a statement on Wednesday, Yakasai said without a change of mindset and conduct of the country’s leaders, “even the most perfectly crafted constitution will fail to deliver the progress and stability”.
The elder statesman said internal cohesion and “rigorous debate” must be prioritised by The Patriots before engaging in external advocacy.
“I have observed with deep concern the recent visit by some members of The Patriots to the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where they canvassed for a new constitution for our beloved country, Nigeria,” he said.
“As a founding member of this esteemed group and an elder statesman committed to the well-being of our nation, I must express my reservations about both the process and the content of the submission made during this visit.
“First, it is regrettable that due process was not followed in articulating the views that were presented to the president. A matter of such national importance requires thorough consultation, inclusive deliberation and the consensus of all founding members.
“The exclusion of key voices, particularly in a group like The Patriots, undermines the credibility and unity of our mission. It is essential that our decisions and representations are rooted in collective wisdom and not rushed or unilateral actions.
“Second, I align with the views expressed by President Olusegun Obasanjo that the core problem facing Nigeria is not necessarily the constitution or the tenure of office. The crux of our challenges lies in the attitude and character of those who operate the constitution.”
Yakasai said the president should tread carefully and consult widely on the demand by The Patriots.
A lifeless body of a baby suspected to be a day-old has been found on a church premises (name withheld) at Engr Chukelu Street, Ububa South, Nkpor Agu in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
No one knows whether the baby girl was dumped there dead or alive, but our correspondent gathered from the residents of the area on Wednesday that the lifeless body was found in the early hours of Monday, fuelling suspicions that it might have been dumped in the midnight of Sunday.
PUNCH Metro further gathered that the incident caused a stir within the community as people gathered to catch a glimpse of the situation.
This was corroborated by a two-minute video currently circulating on social media, showing the location where the baby was dumped and covered with dried plantain leaves with the voiceover in the video calling for whoever knew the owner of the baby to come forward and disclose the identity of the mother to the police for further investigations.
The male voice, who described himself as the Chief Security Officer of the Nkpor community, said, “I had the misfortune of going to examine a dead one-day-old girl abandoned at a church premises at Engr Chukelu Street, Ububa South, Nkpor Agu.
“Anyone who knows who may have committed this dastardly act should please come forward so we can assist police in their investigation. The incident has been reported to the Ogidi Police Division.”
When our correspondent visited the community on Wednesday, he observed a group of people, including residents of the community, gathered around the area and analysing the development.
It was gathered that the residents on sighting the abandoned baby invited the neighbourhood security watch who came and inspected the situation before inviting the police.
Speaking to our correspondent, the community’s Chief Security Officer, Chris Udeze, said efforts made by operatives to trace the mother had been unsuccessful, as no one was able to recognise or identify the baby.
Udeze said, “We were alerted to the scene of the abandoned dead baby on Monday morning and when we got there, we met the lifeless body, suspected to be that of a one-day-old baby covered with leaves.
“We suspect that the baby might have been dumped there on the midnight of Sunday, but we couldn’t ascertain if the baby was dumped dead or alive. After inspecting the situation, we quickly alerted the police officers at the Ogidi Police Division, who also came around to examine the area.
“After examining the scene, the policemen directed that the lifeless body be evacuated. The incident is still under investigation with the aid of community members, who may know the mother of the baby. People have been told to watch out for any lactating woman, this will aid in the investigation and arrest of the perpetrator of such an act.”
Another resident of the area, who gave her name simply as Nkechi, said the baby must have been abandoned by a woman who got pregnant out of wedlock.
She said, “The person must have abandoned the baby while still alive, but due to severe exposure to cold, the baby died. This is the first time we are seeing such an occurrence in the area.
“The abandoned lifeless body of the baby was found at a corner of the church premises covered with dried plantain leaves on Monday. The church premises are not fenced nor gated.”
However, when contacted on the development on Wednesday, the spokesman for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, expressed surprise, saying, “Very unfortunate. I will escalate this to the Area Commander for proper investigation and get back please.”
But a police source from the Ogidi Police Division, who craved anonymity because she was not authorised to do so, confirmed that the lifeless body was found on the premises of a church, but had been evacuated and buried. He added, “Investigations have begun and locals of the community have been told to look out for any lactating mother in the area whose baby is not with her and report to the station.”
Passengers in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) were reportedly attacked and robbed by some street thugs on Tuesday, in Orile Lagos State.
A victim of the attack, Dare Abiola, told The Nation that street boys disguised as protesters against the seizure of motorcycles by the task force, attacked their bus around 1 pm and took away the passengers’ valuables.
He lamented that his money and some of his valuables were stolen by the hoodlums.
He added that the attack went on for about 20 to 30 minutes without the intervention of security personnel.
He said: “I boarded a BRT bus from Mile 2 going to CMS. When we got to the Odunade bus stop, we noticed a crowd had gathered, and some were marching to the Orile bus stop.
“From what we heard, they said they were going to Orile police station to go and attack some policemen who I learnt had raided some motorcyclists around the Odunade-Coker axis.
“As we moved further, the crowd grew. When we got to the Alafia bus stop, in front of the NNPC fuel station, some guys started breaking the BRT windshield and the windows.
“Personally, they collected my bag and my phone. Before I released the items, they threatened to stab me with a Trophy bottle.”
However, he noted that he went to Orile police station to file a formal complaint.
Speaking on the incident, the state’s police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, noted that he does not have the details of the incident yet.
Do Not Mistake Our Peaceful Attitude For Weakness – FG Sends Warning To Political Thugs Ahead Of Edo State Gubernatorial
Admin
The Federal Government has warned those planning to unleash havoc in next month’s governorship election in Edo State to perish the thought.
The government stated that it is ready to deploy the full weight of the law in dealing with such elements.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja at the third regular quarterly consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security ICCES hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ribadu warned that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to peace must not be taken for granted.
He said, “Any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.
“We want to reassure you, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election is unwavering.
“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness. We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.
“To the voters in Edo State, you are encouraged to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with you and is determined to protect your voice. Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls.
“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld.
“Let’s move forward knowing that together we are stronger and that we will protect the peaceful conduct of the Edo State governorship election on September 21st, 2024.”
[NaijaNews]
More...
Tobe Oboli, the 22-year-old son of renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli, has welcomed his first child with his wife, Marelle Bergsma, just five months after their wedding.
The exciting news was shared by Omoni Oboli on Monday via her instagram page.
In a heartfelt post, the filmmaker expressed her joy and gratitude, sharing a video from Marelle’s baby shower and celebrating the arrival of the newborn, whom she called the “perfect gift from God.”
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. We never knew we could love a tiny human this much,” Omoni wrote. “Our baby Naya is here, and she’s the perfect gift from God. Our hearts are filled with so much love. Naya, mummy, daddy, grandparents, and uncles are all doing amazing. THANK YOU LORD.”
The actress also confirmed that both mother and baby were healthy, and the entire family was overjoyed by the new addition. The post has since been greeted with congratulatory messages from fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry, all sending their best wishes to the Oboli family.
Tobe, who is the eldest of Omoni Oboli’s three sons, was born in 2001. He got engaged to Marelle in January 2024, and the couple tied the knot in a simple ceremony held in Canada in March.
[Leadership]
On Tuesday, a document titled the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 sparked widespread controversy on social media.
Sponsored by speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the bill has already passed its first reading.
The bill proposes severe penalties for Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or insult politicians and community leaders.
Major provisions of the bill include:
1. Penalty for national anthem violations: Failure to recite the national anthem or pledge could result in a fine of up to N5 million, a prison sentence of five to ten years, or both.
2. Destruction of national symbols: Anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols or defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence will face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
3. Unauthorised activities: Setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorised traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organising unlawful processions could lead to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both.
4. Insulting leadership: Insulting, defaming, or bringing disrepute to community, religious, or government leaders carries a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison sentence.
5. Threatening national security: Engaging in activities that foster mistrust, intolerance, or violence threatening Nigeria’s peace and security could result in a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.
6. Illegal occupation of public or private spaces: Forcefully taking over places like worship centres, schools, or public arenas can lead to a fine of N5 million or up to 10 years in prison.
7. Disregarding Nigerian sovereignty: Pledging loyalty to or supporting organisations disregarding Nigeria’s sovereignty could result in a fine of N3 million or a four-year prison sentence.
8. Foreign interference: Receiving financial or political support from foreign entities that conflict with Nigeria’s interests could lead to a fine of N15 million or a 20-year prison term.
9. Undermining national security: Any activities that disrupt community harmony, disturb peaceful coexistence, or undermine national security could result in a fine of N3 million, five years in prison, or both.
10. Disobedience to authority: Persistently disobeying or disrespecting constituted authority could lead to a three-year prison sentence on the first offence and seven years for subsequent offences, or a fine of N5 million.
In response to public outcry, Abbas defended the bill, stating that its primary aim is to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework by addressing subversive activities, similar to laws in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada.
He emphasised that the House of Representatives, as the “People’s House,” encourages robust public engagement and welcomes input from Nigerians to shape the outcome of the legislation.
[Businessday]
The Empower Ekiti Initiative (EEI) has expressed shock over the tragic murder of the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Olaofe.
The initiative extolled the late Don who was kidnapped and later murdered for dedicating his life to education and public service.
It lamented that his untimely death represents a grave loss to our academic community and society at large.
The statement said: “In recent months, Ekiti State has been plagued by escalating insecurity and a disturbing loss of lives. The brutal nature of Prof. Olaofe’s kidnapping and murder is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing these growing security challenges.
“We vehemently condemn this abhorrent act of violence and extend our heartfelt condolences to Prof. Olaofe’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who were touched by his remarkable contributions. His legacy of scholarly excellence and commitment to societal advancement will forever be remembered and honoured.
“In response to this tragic event, we make the following urgent recommendations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the State Government to address the escalating violence and enhance public safety: Strengthening Law Enforcement: Allocate additional resources and support to law enforcement agencies to bolster their effectiveness and ensure a rapid and robust response to criminal activities, including kidnapping and murder.
“Enhancing Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Invest in state-of-the-art surveillance technologies and intelligence systems to better monitor and prevent potential threats, ensuring timely intervention in cases of violence and abductions.
“Promoting Community Policing and Engagement: Develop and implement community policing strategies that encourage collaboration between law enforcement and local communities, fostering trust and cooperation in the fight against crime.
“Ensuring Accountability and Justice: Commit to a transparent and rigorous investigation into Prof. Olaofe’s kidnapping and murder, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and that the rule of law is upheld.
“Supporting Victims and Families: Provide comprehensive support services for the families affected by violent crimes, including counselling, legal assistance, and protection measures.
“Implementing Preventive Measures: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on crime prevention and the importance of reporting suspicious activities, fostering a culture of vigilance and community responsibility.
“Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration: Facilitate better coordination and information sharing among various security agencies to enhance overall effectiveness and efficiency in addressing security challenges, particularly those involving kidnappings and violent crimes.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens are of paramount importance, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the State Government must take immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of violence and ensure a secure environment for all.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and the public, to unite in this critical effort to restore peace and security in Ekiti State.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislations following widespread public concern.
The decision, announced in a press statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, on Wednesday was said to have come after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.
The Counter Subversion Bill, which was introduced on July 23, 2024, sparked public debate and raised concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties.
The statement read, “In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
“His decision to withdraw the bill reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will.”
Krishi noted that the withdrawal of the bill underscores Tajudeen’s pledge to never support any legislation that could potentially disrupt the peace and unity of the nation.
“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritised listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.
“He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.
“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024,” he added.
The Counter Subversion Bill 2024 went viral on social media on Tuesday after it scaled through the first reading and proceeded to the second, where its general principles would be debated on July 23.
It aims to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or abuse politicians or community leaders.
According to the bill, anyone found guilty shall be fined up to N5 million and would face five to 10 years prison sentence or both.
[Punch]