Isaac Kamalu has resigned as River State Commissioner of Finance after he was redeployed to the Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment Ministry by Governor Simi Fubara.

Kamalu, who served as commissioner for Budget and Economics under former Nyesom Wike and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, disclosed this on Tuesday in a letter to Governor Fubura and the Secretary to the Government, Tammy Danagogo.

He accused Fubara of lying about the internally generated revenue of Rivers State.

“In view of the above, I find it difficult to accept the redeployment; I do not accept it. I reject it and convey my immediate resignation as Commissioner and Member of the River State Executive Council with effect from the date of this letter”, the letter reads.

Earlier, DAILY POST reported that Zacchaeus Adangor, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, had resigned, citing a similar issue.

The developments come months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brokered a peace pact between Fubara and Wike amid an untamed political faceoff between the duo.

Recall that in the build-up to the Fubara and Wike crisis, Kamalu had resigned as commissioner but was reinstated in line with the peace pact.

The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, ABCON, has blamed peer-to-peer cryptocurrency platforms like Binance for the recent depreciation of the Naira against the Dollar in the foreign exchange market.

The National President of ABCON, Aminu Gwadabe, disclosed this in an interview with NAN on Wednesday.

He stated that as long as Binance and other platforms remain profitable, the Naira’s depreciation will persist.

He said that the recent wave of depreciation of the Naira was of concern to the BDC operators.

“I am happy that the authorities, and even the BDCs as operators, have identified the peer-to-peer (P2P) platform.

“The P2P is a platform like Binance, where speculators use the Dollar to buy USDT, a stablecoin that is pegged at one to the Dollar.

“As long as Binance and other platforms remain profitable, the Naira will continue to depreciate.

“There are many of them in the system. Binance has been nipped in the bud, but there are still many. They are online platforms with no registration, no restrictions,” he stated.

Recall that Naira slumped against the Dollar in the foreign exchange market despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s release of an additional $10,000 each to legible BDC operators on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, resumed clamping down on Binance and other cryptocurrency platforms to defend the Naira in the FX market.

The anti-graft agency had arraigned Binance and two of its executives before an Abuja High Court over alleged fraud and currency manipulation.

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, said it arrested a father writing exams for his son during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

The board warned that it has improved its technology check for those engaging in all forms of examination malpractices.

Speaking in Kaduna on Wednesday, the JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede who inspected the UTME centres in Kaduna, expressed satisfaction over the 2024 examination, which had 1.94 million students this year.

He, however, frowned at few cases of impersonation, adding that some people now have multiple National Identity Number, NIN, which the examination body would take up with the Identification Management body.

“For those who engage in cheating, they should know that it does not pay. The technology is helping us to check that. Across the country, most of the problem we have is impersonation. For instance now, we say we have NIN, we now have cases of people with two NIN and therefore, that has defeated the purpose of identity verification. We are going to take that up with NIMC, that there are people who have two NIN.

“We have a case of a father impersonating his son, writing examination for the son and I wonder, are you not destroying your son’s future? Of course, two of them are now in custody. I can’t understand what the father will now tell his son when they are both locked up in the same cell. This happened definitely not in Kaduna, but I don’t want to disclose the state,” he said.

He said JAMB needs support of highly populated states like Lagos, to build mega CBT centres like that of Kaduna, which accommodates 4,000 candidates per day.

He expressed hope that the authorities in Lagos would provide a suitable land for JAMB to build the Mega CBT centre in the city.

The bullied student of British Lead International School, Miss. Namtira Bwala has threatened to file a lawsuit against the school authorities if her abusers are not punished within 48 hours.

In a letter drafted by her lawyers, Deji Adeyanju and Co, Namtira asked the school authorities to immediately investigate and pronounce the stiffest punishments in the student’s rule book on Ms.Maryam Hassan, Miss Faliya, and nine other students who bullied her.

Namtira said if the school authorities fail to sanction the student bullies within 48 hours of the receipt of the letter, she would seek immediate and severe legal redress against the school.

The letter reads

“We are Solicitors to Miss. Namtira Bwala (acting through her next friend), hereinafter referred to as our client, on whose instruction we act.

Our client and several other parents in Lead British International School have informed us and we verily believe them that this act of bullying is a reoccurring issue in the school, and despite several attempts to draw the school’s attention to it, the issue has persisted, leaving our client traumatised from the emotional and physical effect of the oppressive acts by these dare devil bullies.

Regrettably, our client has once again, been subjected to physical attacks in the hands of these bullies, with the video of the act going viral on social media.

Sadly, rather than address this issue head-on by imposing severe sanctions on the student bullies, the school has issued a timid statement lacking in force or recognition of the severity of the situation at hand.

Our client completely dissociate herself from the statement issued by the school on April 22, 2024 wherein a case of battery was unconscionably referred to as an “incident between minors.

We state that it is this type of statements, coupled with the school’s gross negligence, that has enabled the student bullies, leading to increased incidents of unchecked bullying in the school, an environment that should ordinarily be a safe space for students.

Sequel to the foregoing, we have our client’s instruction to demand for the immediate investigation and the pronouncement of the stiffest possible sanctions in the student’s rule book, on Ms. Maryam Hassan, Miss Faliya and nine other students who have formed a cult of bullies in Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, Abuja.

Please note that if the school fails to sanction the student bullies within 48 hours of the receipt of this letter, we have our client’s further instruction to seek an immediate and severe legal redress against Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, without further recourse to you.”''

Following a runway excursion incident suffered by Nigerian carrier, Dana Air, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, yesterday, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to suspend the airline until comprehensive audits on its fleet are conducted.

A letter signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Meribole to the NCAA, on Wednesday, said recent incidents involving Dana Air have raised concerns about the safety and financial viability of the airline’s operations.

Meribole, who stated that the audit must include safety protocols, maintenance procedures and financial health, stressed that the move to suspend the airline was aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

The statement reads: “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the Honourable Minister’s attention that recent incidents involving Dana Airline have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.

“In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travelers, the Honourable Minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted. This audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations.

“The recent incidents have underscored the urgency of this matter, and it is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved. I trust in your expertise and diligence in carrying out this audit thoroughly and expeditiously. Please keep me informed of the progress and any significant findings throughout this process.”

Tunde Onakoya, the popular Nigerian chess master, has talked about how he cancelled his flight returning to Nigeria from the United States to embark on the Guinness World Record (GWR) breaking chess marathon.

He also noted that he walked to the chess board with sickness, tears in his eyes, fear and uncertainty.

Onakoya said that two days before the record attempt, his health failed him, and it was so bad that he had started sneezing blood and coughing violently but he was resolute to embark on the record attempt for 58 hours.

Recall that  Onakoya on Saturday set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess after playing for 60 hours nonstop.

Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018.

The challenge was held at New York City’s iconic Times Square.

The new record holder had said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

Recounting his experience during the record attempt and expressing gratitude to his supporters, Onakoya in a post on his X handle on Wednesday said that during the attempt, it got to a point when was on the verge of calling it off but he had to continue because he had promised the children back home that he was going to make them proud and come back to them with tales of triumph.

He wrote, “I have struggled to find the right words to capture all of the emotions I’ve felt in the last couple of days - it is indeed one of those weeks when decades happened.

“I had woken up in the middle of the night some two weeks ago, cancelled my flight back home and decided to pursue this crazy idea of breaking the world record right in the heart of Times Square.

“It was basically attempting the impossible due to time constraints, but we made it work and got all the necessary permissions as our will was far greater than any resistance we faced.

“But two days before the record attempt, my health failed me. It was so bad I had started sneezing blood, and coughing violently.

“I was on the verge of calling it off but I had promised the children back home that I was going to make them proud and come back to them with tales of triumph. After all, I had taught them that it was possible to do great things from a small place against all odds.

“On the day of the attempt, I still wasn’t feeling well but I dressed up and walked down to Times Square to see that Nigerians had turned up in numbers with Flags and flowers in hand to cheer me on.

“With tears in my eyes, I walked up to the chess board and did it afraid, unwell, uncertain but with a resolute mind.

“After 60 hours of mental torture, we set a new record for the longest chess marathon in the world. We pushed human limitation and gave the world something new to believe in.

“But my greatest joy wasn’t just breaking the record, it was in the little moments we shared with everyone that was present and the wave of support back home in Nigeria.

“I experienced human love and kindness in its purest form. People travelled from all over the world to come sit with us in the cold as we spared for several hours.

“To everyone who supported our vision, donated to our cause and stood by us - this record is yours as much as it is mine. Together we have done something truly extraordinary. Thank you

“As I sit here on my flight back home, my heart is full and I can’t wait to tell the children their dreams are valid as well.

“Well done Tunde-The one who gives the forgotten little children big caps to wear, now the world will see them through your light.”

Former Anambra Governor and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party at the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has revealed that he is more concerned about the well-being of poor Nigerians than he is interested in politics.

Naija News reports that the former governor, who made this comment while speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, lamented that Nigerians were allowing themselves to be carried away by issues that do not concern people.

Obi said, “What we are doing in this country is not fair to the people of the country because we bother ourselves with elections, transactions, and all sorts of things that do not concern the people; it is about the people. I have never gone where I am drilling boreholes or paying for people to eat and everything and mention the party; I will even tell them I am not here on the campaign; you can vote whoever you want to when the campaign comes. However, I am here to ensure that I support your well-being. And the well-being of the poor people is my concern 24 hours .”

Multichoice Group, the owner of DSTV has again hiked the tariff plan for its satellite television service by 25.4 per cent despite public outcry.

The price raise was announced on Wednesday in a message sent to customers, adding it will take effect on May 1, 2024.

The statement signed by John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer was titled, ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages.’

The new price review is the third since May 2023 when the company announced change in tariff.

DSTV said, “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to make this difficult decision.

“It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service. So, from Wednesday, 1 May 2024, the price adjustment will take effect.”

Based on the review, the Premium tariff subscribers will no longer pay N29,500 as it has been adjusted by 25.4 per cent to N37,000,.

Compact Plus tariff was raised from 19,800 to N25,000 while Compact was increased to N15,700 from N12,500.

DSTV hiked the Confam tariff from N7,400 to N9300; Yanga tariff price was revised to N5,100 from N4,200 while Padi plan was reviewed from NN2900 to N3,600.

HDPVR Access Service, Access Fees, and XtraView subscribers will pay N5,000 respectively after review from the old rate of N4,000.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has written to the state’s Ministry of Finance, requesting details of financial transactions under former governor of the state, Nasir El-rufai.

El-Rufai was governor between 2015 and 2023.

The request is to enable the State Assembly to obtain relevant documents to probe all finances, loans and contract projects awarded under the El-Rufai administration.

The State Assembly instituted a probe panel a week ago following Governor Uba Sani’s revelation that the state inherited far too much debt that it could handle.

Sani, who spoke during a town hall meeting in Kaduna, has said, “Despite the huge debt burden of N587m, N85bn, and N115bn contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.”

After weeks of accusation and counter accusation, the State House of Assembly resolved to probe the administration, which led to the establishment of a fact-finding committee.

The letter with reference number LEG/S. 382/VOL. II/615, from the office of the Clerk of the Assembly, to the Finance Commissioner, requested the submission of memorandum and documents related to financial transactions between the years 2015 and May 2023.

In the letter signed by the Clerk of the Assembly, Sakinatu Idris on Wednesday, the House directed the ministry to forward all the transaction details to the fact-finding committee set to probe all finances, loans and contract projects awarded under El-Rufai’s administration.

It read, “I am directed to request you to forward to the Ad-Hoc Committee Memorandum to be accompanied with the underlisted documents and all other documents you consider relevant to the assignment of the Committee: –”total Loans from May, 2015 to May, 2023 with the approvals of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the Accounts into which the loans were lodged and drawn as recorded by Project Finance Management Unit (PFMU) & Debt Management Office (DMO).

“Relevant State Executive Council Minutes of meetings, Council’s Extracts and Resolutions with regards to the LOANS. (c) Payments and Outstanding Liabilities to Contractors from May, 2015-May, 2023.

“Reports of Salaries paid to Staff from 2016-2022. (e) Dloyd Reports on KADRIS from 2015 to 2023. (ii) Terms, Purpose and Conditions on those LOANS. (iii) Appropriation items related to the LOANS. (iv) All Records of payments made to all Contractors engaged by the State Government and relevant documents from May, 2015 to May, 2023 including Bank Statements.

“(v)Modalities for payments of contracts. (vi) Documents of all payments made to the contractors. (vii) Sales of Government Houses/Properties and Accounts the proceeds were lodged and how the money was expended.

“Thirty (30) copies of the Memo/documents should reach the office of the Clerk to the Legislature on or before Thursday, 25th April, 2024 by 10:00 am, please. 4. Accept the highest regards of my office, please.*

— As FG plans to make skill acquisition compulsory for primary, secondary schools

AS the Tripartite Committee of the National Minimum Wage prepares to release the harmonised recommendation for the new minimum wage expected to take effect from May, the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, on Wednesday, proposed N350,000 as the new living wage.

NAAT based its recommendation on the present economic situation in the country occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, high inflationary rate and the attendant hardship. 

This is as the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has hinted that the federal government will soon introduce the policy that will make skill acquisition compulsory for primary and secondary schools.

The Minister said that NAAT is very important the present education curriculum, pointing out that the present world is driven by technology which is used to solve problems.

The Minister dropped the hint while declaring open the NAAT’s National Delegate Conference in Abuja.

Prof. Mamman, who described NAAT as being pivotal and at the centre of the nation’s development, disclosed that, “The Federal Government is planning to bring skills education in primary and secondary schools.”

In his welcome address at the 5th National Delegate Conference, NDC, in University of Abuja, the President of NAAT, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, said what workers need should be a living wage that should take care of the immediate needs.

The theme of the conference is, “Technology, a recipe for national development and socioeconomic growth in the 21st century: the Nigeria quest for a better tomorrow.”

While differentiating between minimum wage and living wage, Comrade Nwokoma said, “Nigeria must transcend the concept of a mere minimum wage to embrace the notion of a living wage, commensurate with the rising cost of living.

“Comparatively, other African countries have made strides in this regard, recognizing the fundamental right of workers to earn wages that afford them dignity and a standard of living.

“According to the Wisevoter report, Seychelles boasts the highest estimated gross monthly wage in Africa, standing at $465.4, while the South Africa’s monthly wage stands at $240. The naira equivalent of the wages of these countries would clearly depict the sorry state of the Nigerian worker.

“On this note, I proposed a minimum of Three Hundred of Fifty Thousand Naira (N350, 000) for the Nigeria worker as monthly wage.”

Nwokoma, who chronicled the achievements of leadership in the past four years, said that he encountered persistent challenges despite notable achievements. 

He mentioned the issue of CONTISS 14 and 15 circular delays as one of the challenges his leadership had encountered.

He said, “Despite concerted efforts, the release of circulars for CONTISS 14 and 15 remained elusive, hampering the career progression of our members. To address this, we will intensify advocacy efforts, engaging relevant stakeholders and leveraging all available channels to expedite the release of these crucial circulars in the next dispensation of our leadership. It is a task that must be achieved.”

On the lingering FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement, Comrade Nwokoma said, “The lingering non-completion of the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement posed a significant hurdle. Despite collaborative efforts with sister unions, unresolved issues persisted, hindering the full realization of the agreement’s provisions. current leadership pledges to redouble efforts, fostering stronger alliances with sister unions and employing strategic negotiation tactics to drive progress towards a satisfactory resolution.”

Speaking on the backlog salary payments, NAAT said, “The non-payment of backlog salaries remained a pressing concern, impacting the financial stability of our members and causing disaffection and low morale.

“To address this challenge, the leadership in the next dispensation will pursue proactive measures, including dialogue with relevant authorities, recourse to necessary action within the ambit of the law, and sustained advocacy to ensure the prompt and fair resolution of outstanding salary arrears, prioriazing welfare of members.

Poor State of Roads:

“The dilapidated state of roads nationwide remains a glaring reflection of our infrastructure deficit. Inadequate road networks not only impede economic activities but also pose significant risks to safety and livelihoods. Urgent interventions are imperative to address this pressing infrastructure challenge.

“In light of these realities, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) pledges unwavering commitment to advocacy, dialogue, and appropriate action towards addressing these multifaceted challenges.

“Together, let us strive for a Nigeria where education in technology thrives, security prevails, the economy flourishes, and infrastructure serves as a catalyst for development and prosperity.”

He said as the country embarked on the journey towards harnessing technology for national development and socioeconomic growth, the citizens should remain steadfast in their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and progress.

“Together, we possess the power to shape al brighter future for Nigeria, leveraging technology as a catalyst for transformation. I therefore urge each delegate to actively engage in robust discussions, share insights, and forge pathways towards a better tomorrow as reflected in the theme of the conference.”