National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Gnaduje, has given some clarifications on the controversy surrounding former ministerial nominee, Maryam Shetty.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu replaced Shetty with Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure who served as a commissioner when Ganduje was governor.
Admitting that the social media outrage that trailed Shetty’s appointment led to her removal, the former governor said social media is very powerful.
He spoke in an interview with select radio stations in Kano on Saturday.
He said, “The president has advisors on selection of ministerial nominees at the national and state levels. The president has the prerogative to nominate whomever he wishes and he has the right to consult people in states because they know those capable of discharging the duties.
“Maryam Shetty’s name emerged from the top, and since Mr President has the right to do as he wishes and we are his followers, one has to be patient; we did not object to it. As well, she was not well-known to us. We could not appraise her.
“But suddenly she (Maryam Shetty) came under attack on social media. People questioned her integrity and experience, with many of them doubting her credentials to represent Kano at the national level. There were growing disaffections. The dissatisfaction is not from Ganduje, but the people of Kano.
“President Bola Tinubu’s attention was drawn to the torrent of criticisms greeting Shetty’s nomination. The president asked whether I had nominated Mary Shetty. I said no. He asked how then her name appeared on the list. I told him I had no idea whatsoever.
“When he asked whether there was a need to replace her, I answered in affirmative, because the ministerial slot requires someone with integrity, knowledge, experience and commitment to the party – what one contributed to the making of the Tinubu administration. To satisfy these requirements, we are in the best position to nominate somebody from Kano. Even if someone recommended somebody, we should have been consulted on the matter.
“For this we were given a chance to nominate someone from Kano and since the slot was meant for a female, we consulted widely. Females had contributed to our development agenda in Kano State. Dr Mariya Bunkure, my commissioner for higher education, is a certified medical doctor. Kano South had been complaining for marginalization, even though I gave them SSG and other important political offices. These are some of the reasons we gave her name.
“But at least we are happy because the people of Kano are happy with the current development. The clarification is not to insult anybody, but to tell the truth of what exactly happened. People questioned her suitability that was why he was dropped, but that does not mean she will not get another appointment.”
Exhumed Facebook posts from three years ago where Maryam Shettima, otherwise known as Maryam Shetty, criticised former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, may have led to the withdrawal of her recent ministerial nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
Shetty’s excitement over her ministerial appointment was short-lived. President Tinubu had withdrawn the nomination barely 24 hours after it was sent to the Senate for confirmation.
Mariya Mahmud, a former Commissioner for Higher Education under Ganduje’s administration, was named as Shetty’s replacement.
The former nominee was said to have arrived at the Senate awaiting to be screened when the news of her removal reached her.
The 3-year-old social media rant against Ganduje seems to provide insight into why the former Kano governor, who is now the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly kicked against the 33-year-old’s nomination as minister.
The posts, dated March 9, 2020, saw Shetty lambasting Ganduje for his alleged involvement in bribery scandals.
“Whatever was set to achieve, it (the throne) still remains within the family; as for Gandollar he will be remembered forever by the stacks of dollars he brazenly and shamelessly pocketed…not will ever erase that. Sipping coffee
“End of an era, the Gandollar Government will forever be remembered for this. I believe we haven’t seen the last of SLS (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi) …”
The posts were made in the wake of journalist Jafar Jafar’s release of videos in 2018, purportedly showing Ganduje accepting stacks of dollar bills in what was portrayed as bribe payments from contractors.
The scandal had led to Ganduje being derisively referred to as ‘Gandollar’ on social media, a moniker that stuck despite his vehement denials and claims of video manipulation.
However, it’s Shetty’s connection to the controversy that appears to have now come back to haunt her.
On the same day she made the critical Facebook posts, her uncle, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, then Emir of Kano, had been controversially dethroned by Governor Ganduje.
While the governor’s administration maintained that the removal was carried out due to Sanusi’s alleged insubordination and disregard for traditional norms, many believed it was a political maneuver to consolidate power.
As the news of Shetty’s removal as ministerial nomination spread, she issued a statement saying “To some, this could seem like a setback, but my faith as a devout Muslim guided my understanding.”
Shetty added, “I saw it as the divine will of Allah, who I believe grants power as He wishes, when He wishes. His plans are always superior to ours.”
Meanwhile, Ganduje, in a radio interview on Sunday, claimed that Shetty was smuggled into the ministerial list, saying President Tinubu was unaware of how she made it to the list.
“In the selection of ministerial nominees, the president has people that are giving him advice across States, and the president has the power to nominate whoever he likes, and he also has the power to make consultations on the persons he had chosen to serve in his cabinet from the people of that particular state,” Premium Times quoted Ganduje as saying in the radio interview.
“You know, in a palace (presidency), some people claimed to know much about something, but they did not; we just saw Ms Shetty’s name like any other Nigerian; we are followers of the president, we are careful, we did not challenge the choice of Ms Shetty because we did not know much about her personality and capabilities to deliver on the job that makes us remain mum.
“But problems started when her social media post started to cause a stir. Social media always kept a record of what you and what you have even forgot you posted. People on social media started challenging her personality in representing the people of Kano and her capability for the job. This brings about the problem.
“This is how the issue came around. I am not involved in it the president was disturbed about it, and he later contacted me and asked whether I nominated her (Ms Shetty). I said no, and he queried how she was nominated.
“I do not have the monopoly of knowing Kano better, People from Kano can advise the President on the nomination, but we ought to have consulted for such an appointment.”
National Youth Leader of the Labour Party (LP), Comrade Eragbe Ansalem has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take advantage of its willingness to support the Federal government with about N4trn loan as part of its contribution to reflate the Nigerian economy and place her on a steady path of growth.
Anslem in an exclusive interview with NIGERIAN TRIBUNE said he has secured funds from two European Banks for investment interventions in infrastructure amongst which is the housing sector as well as the research and development institutes in the country.
The Labour Party (LP) youth leader said he believed that a public-private partnership with the federal government in its access to the huge fund for these sectors and others would benefit the Nigeria nation tremendously as it helps to reflate the economy.
The member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of LP led by Lamidi Apapa said the federal government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, missed the opportunity to boost the economy with similar funds made available to her operation by the CEAGIS Properties Limited.
Anslem said CEAGIS Properties Limited was willing and capable to avail the federal government of the loan amount of N500bn monthly, for the period September 2023 to February 2027 at an annual interest rate of 9%.
He said the funds were capable of boosting the economy sustainably by creating over 750,000 jobs monthly and cumulatively reaching 40,150,000 jobs in four years a feat he said would greatly boost the nation’s economy for good and make Nigeria advance in all ramifications.
Anslem said he was pleased with the sessions with the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the funds for which it has on behalf of CEAGIS Properties provided the anti-graft agencies with full disclosure and awaits the clearance to deploy these resources to the critical aspects of the economy.
He said already, a total of €14,210,119.74 about (N13 billion) from two European Banks was issued on 26th May 2021 from Lloyd meant for a nationwide housing development and delivery for members of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions in Nigeria (ASURI) in Abuja.
According to him, Nigeria needs all her patriots at this critical time of her national life, patriots who should step up to provide positive interventions to grow the economy; render support to the government to boost the economy and make the country great even as he called on all other Nigerians to support the government to lead the nation out of the present challenge as soon as possible.
Anslem said his firm was prepared to revolutionize investments in Agriculture, solid minerals Power and other social welfare programmes and critical infrastructure.
According to him: “Further inflow will be coming for specific development like: Agricultural mechanization in plants, animal husbandry and processes, sold minerals development exploration and exploitation”
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not publishing N400bn fuel subsidy spending details.
The suit followed reports that the Federal Government has saved N400bn within the four weeks following the implementation of the removal of subsidy on petrol policy.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1514/2023 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Tinubu to publish details of spending of about N400 billion saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on petrol on 29 May, 2023.”
SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Tinubu to provide details of the plans on how the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, including specific projects on which the funds would be spent.”
SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to compel President Tinubu to provide details of the mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are not diverted into private pockets.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Nigerians have the right to know how the savings are spent. Disclosing the spending details of the savings would reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”
SERAP is arguing that “The Tinubu government has a legal obligation to ensure that the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent solely for the benefit of the 137 million poor Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the removal.”
SERAP is also arguing that “Opacity in the spending of the savings from subsidy removal would have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”
According to SERAP, “the savings from subsidy removal may be embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms Adelanke Aremo, and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part:“Transparency would increase public trust and confidence that these savings would be used to benefit Nigerians.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, 1999 [as amended], Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”
“Prevention of corruption in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and preventing and addressing the challenges caused by the removal are serious and legitimate public interests.”
“The Tinubu government has a legal obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by the removal of subsidy on petrol, and to effectively address the aftermath of subsidy removal.”
“Unless the government is compelled and directed to publish the spending details of the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, the removal will continue to undermine the rights of Nigerians, and increase their vulnerability to poverty.”
“The implementation of the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and spending on the programme have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.”
“Publishing the details of the spending of the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy would also ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties.”
“Transparency and accountability in the spending details of the N400bn saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on petrol, and on the spending of subsequent savings from the removal would mean that the savings can help poor Nigerians to overcome the effects of such removal.”
“It would also help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians.”
“The lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and the resulting human costs would directly threaten fundamental human rights that the government has an obligation to protect.”
“The Tinubu government has the legal obligations to address the effects of subsidy removal on the human rights of 137 million poor Nigerians, and to prevent and address some of the direst consequences that the removal may reap on human rights, especially given the disproportionate impact on these Nigerians.”
“The removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect poor Nigerians, undermining their right to adequate standard of living.”
“Many years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of public funds and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public trust and confidence in governments at all levels.”
“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol would be spent.”
“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on the government to widely publish the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent.”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on the government to ‘abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power’ in the country.”
“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, the government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’”
“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
A self-acclaimed female cleric, who is also the wife of the leader of a kidnap gang, identified as Celestine Okuzor Nova, and four others, have been arrested in Delta State.
The kidnap suspects, Franca Okuzor (the acclaimed pastor), Kabi Kester and Henry Owojero, were arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a business woman who was returning from her shop at about 8:30 p.m on July 19.
A masked three gunmen allegedly waylaid the woman and her children at the entrance of their house at Obinoba in Nkwani Local Government Area of the state and whisked away the victim.
Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, operatives of Obiaruku Police Station and the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad (SAKCCS) launched a manhunt for the hoodlums and rescued the kidnapped victim.
The victim was, however, freed after coughing up N2 million and parting with jewellery.
In a statement by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe on Sunday, said with relevant information, the command embarked on an intelligence-led investigation which paid off when the operatives arrested 43-year-old Kabi Kester on Friday who confessed to be a member of the gang that kidnapped the woman.
“His confession led to the arrest of two other suspects namely Henry Owojero ‘m’ aged 42yrs, and Franca Okuzor ‘f’ a self-acclaimed pastor and wife to the leader of the gang named Celestine Okuzor Nova (at large) in whose house the victim was held captive for six days.
“They all confessed to their involvement in the kidnap and named four others Celestine Okuzor Nova, Uche (surname unknown), Chinedu Etudo, and Nweke (surname unknown) as members of the gang. An intensive manhunt for the other gang members is ongoing,” Edafe, who’s a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), stated.
Meanwhile, on Thursday at about 4:00p.m, Police operatives attached to Dragon Patrol, while on visibility and confidence-building patrol along Benin/Asaba Expressway at Issele-uku, also intercepted a commercial Sienna vehicle and subjected the passengers and their bags to a search.
Edafe said during the search, 250 rounds of live cartridges concealed in a bag were recovered.
According to him, the owner of the bag, identified as Omoruyi Osemudiamen, 46, was arrested and taken into custody while further investigation is ongoing
Operatives of Ondo State Police Command have arrested a suspected 26-year-old internet fraudster (yahoo boy), Franklin Akinyosuyi, in Ondo town, Ondo West Local Government Area of the state with human parts.
The suspected Yahoo boy was arrested in Elewuro area of the town following his landlord’s report at Funbi’ Fagun after noticing strange objects within the compound of the house.
It was gathered that some teenagers who discovered a black nylon kept in a place in the compound called the attention of the landlord to the objects and it was discovered that it contained a human skull.
The teenager raised the alarm and the landlord subsequently reported the incident at the police station while detectives from the state police command visited the house and discovered other items.
A source disclosed that when a search was conducted by the police in the rented apartment of the suspected Yahoo boy, several other human parts and other items were found in his room including charms, human blood, and black soaps.
“The young man used nylon to cover the human skull and kept it in his room and nobody perceived the smell because of the odour around the house.
“The policemen took the Yahoo boy and the items to the station and he has been transferred to the state command for further investigation,” the source added.
A police officer at the Divisional Police Office in Fagun however, said the matter would be transferred to Akure the state capital as soon as an investigation is completed on the matter.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Funmi Odunlami, who confirmed the incident said the young man claimed all the objects were given to him by his herbalist
Odunlami explained that “One Franklin Akinyosuyi, male, 26 years who claimed to be a photographer and own a boutique in Ondo town was challenged by his landlord for keeping a bag in a corner of the compound.
“The landlord became suspicious and asked the young man to open the bag, when he did, a human skull was found in the bag, and was arrested.
No fewer than 19,148 pupils have sat for a screening exercise into 42 Public Flagship Secondary Schools for 2023/2024 Academic Session in Ogun State.
The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, who monitored the exercise in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Mushin, Ijebu-Ife and Sagamu axis of the State, expressed delight with the timely and adequate supplies of the examination materials.
Arigbabu, according the Press Officers, MOES&T, Ayoola Obadimu and Samuel Ogungbesan, stated that the flagship schools were frontline schools selected across the four regions of the State, to serve as model in terms of infrastructure and standards.
He commended the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for the initiative of the flagship schools, noting that the revitalisation, transformation and reformation in the education sector of the State was a roadmap to achieving more academic excellence.
The Special Adviser affirmed that ''since the introduction of the 42 Flagship Secondary Schools, there have been massive improvement in the educational standards, such that learners from those schools are making the State proud by winning laurels in National and International Competitions''.
He applauded the Old Students' Associations, the School Principals and other well-meanings Nigerians for supporting and collaborating with the present government to promote efficient educational standards the State is known for.
Prof. Arigbabu assured that results of the exercise would be available within 48 hours, saying "we're the first State in the federation to introduce technology into our educational system and management, especially in the conduct of the examinations, upgrading to world standards and making it free from manipulations".
In their remarks, the Principal of one of the flagship schools, Mayflower Secondary School (Junior), Mr. Olugbemi Osinami and some parents, Messer. Yisau Tijani, Oluwagbemiga Oduyebo and Mrs. Falilat Adeyemo said flagship schools across the State were preferred choice due to the sustained legacies of the founding fathers for standard education, conducive learning environments and good infrastructure, appreciating Governor Dapo Abiodun for the massive investment in education.
Schools visited include, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode; Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu-Ode; Ijebu Muslim College, Ijebu-Ode; Remo Secondary School, Sagamu; Mayflower Secondary School, Ikenne; Odogbolu Grammar School, Odogbolu; St. Anthony's Grammar School, Esure, Ijebu-Mushin and Ijebu-Ife Community Grammar School, Ijebu-Ife.
Oyo governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, announced the short-term plans of the administration to mitigate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on residents of the state, saying that his administration will continue to put the interest of the people first.
The governor, who gave this indication in a state-wide broadcast, maintained that food security, transportation and the sectors are among the immediate areas being targeted by the government to alleviate the economic difficulties facing residents of the State.
This was as the governor directed civil servants to resume their duty posts on Monday, as his government will pay the two months’ deductions owed the workers with their August salary, while it will also explore further options on dialogue.
He noted that the government remained open to parleying with labour to ensure that the rights of the workers of Oyo State are protected.
He encouraged the union leaders to return to the negotiating table to discuss any increases in salary or possible harmonisation of pension payments.
Governor Makinde had, earlier in June 2023, announced measures to cushion the hardship faced by the people following the removal of fuel subsidy, including increasing the number of Omituntun Buses on various routes in Ibadan, the state capital and reduction of fares for all residents, including senior citizens and students, who were to pay half prices.
The governor, on Saturday, however, stated that in line with his promise to do more, the administration has arrived at decisions, which will benefit a majority of the people in the state, while it continues to explore other measures.
He said: “I am addressing you today to share our short-term plans, which will play a huge role in alleviating the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies and the resultant economic difficulties being faced by our people. You will recall that on June 9, 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidy, we announced measures to be taken to cushion the effect of the removal.
“We gave directives that the number of Omituntun Buses on various routes in Ibadan should be increased and that commuters must pay a reduced fare on these buses. Additionally, our senior citizens and students should board the buses at half price. We have received feedback that this immediate action has benefited our people.
“We promised that more will be done. Our plan has always been to roll out sustainable actions in keeping with our promise of sustainable development under Omituntun 2.0. Having been in government for the first four years, we know it is easier to make promises than to keep them.
“After wide consultations, we have arrived at decisions that we believe will be of the most benefit to the good people of Oyo State. In reaching these decisions, we considered the importance of using these economic packages to stimulate our economy and bring about sustainable development.”
The governor, who maintained that the short-term plans tagged the Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery (SAfER) will target the poorest of the poor and the vulnerable and ensure a softer landing for them, said the action plans would also ease the burden of transportation for all residents and the civil servants and also address the challenges of food security.
He stated that under the SAfEr package, agropreneurs trained under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), who have established agribusinesses will receive enterprise support of five hundred million naira (N500,000,000), while small businesses will benefit from low-interest-rate loans with the provision of five hundred million naira (N500,000,000) facility.
He added that the state government is already updating its social register to capture 200,000 of the poorest of the poor, who will be provided with food relief packages and that 100,000 health insurance packages will be rolled out for the vulnerable in the society.
According to the governor, the services of the Omituntun Mass Transit Buses will be extended to cover inter-city routes across all the five zones of the state and more Buses will be provided for the transportation of civil servants in the state.
“Let me now share details of our SAfER package. Following the pattern of our actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are updating our social register to include two hundred thousand (200,000) of the poorest of the poor. These will be provided with immediate food relief packages. As usual, we will ensure transparency in the registration process so that only those who qualify will get this immediate relief.
“We will be providing health insurance for 100,000 of our most vulnerable citizens. We will be paying their one-year health insurance premium under the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) scheme so that they have access to quality healthcare without paying out of pocket.
“The Omituntun Bus service will be extended to cover inter-city routes from Ibadan to all other zones of Oyo State. Details of their routes will be released in the coming weeks. So, we will have buses going from Ibadan to Ibarapa, Ibadan to Ogbomoso, Ibadan to Oke-Ogun and Ibadan to Oyo. The fares will be kept at low rates, while our senior citizens and students will board the buses at half price.
“Our farmers have not been left out. To ensure food security, we will be distributing additional inputs to 10,000 farmers. This is in addition to the input support being provided under the World Bank-assisted OYS-CARES programme. Further details will be released through the relevant agencies in the coming weeks.
“Our youth agropreneurs who were trained under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) and have established businesses will also have an opportunity to contribute to food security and sustainable development as they will receive enterprise support of five hundred million naira (N500,000,000) under the SAfER package. They will get further directives on how they will benefit from the relevant agencies.
“We have also resolved to assist small businesses to stay afloat through low-interest-rate loans with the provision of a five hundred million naira (N500,000,000) facility. Our traders, artisans and other small business operators can apply for these loans through designated micro-finance banks. Details of how they may enroll for and access these loans will be announced by the relevant agencies.
“Tertiary institution students in Oyo State will board the Omituntun Buses at half price upon showing their school identity card. We will also be meeting with the student leaders of tertiary institutions in Oyo to agree on further measures which will be added to the SAfER package for students,” he added.
Addressing the protest and blockage of entry points into the Secretariat, the governor stated that his government has been one of the states that are favourably committed to workers’ welfare since he assumed office in 2019, saying: “We have paid all civil servants’ salaries and pensions on or before the 25th of every month without fail. And since January 2020, we have paid the minimum wage and consequential adjustments to all cadres of civil servants every month without fail.
“Presently, the civil servants’ wage bill stands at N7.2 billion monthly. We have continued to pay this despite having a state revenue of just below N10 billion monthly. It is, therefore, clear to understand why any increase in salaries or pensions may not be possible at this time.”
He, however, announced that apart from the payment of the cooperatives deduction to be effected and paid with August salaries, the government will increase the number of buses made available for civil servants to commute to and from work from 9 to 12 so that more routes are covered to lessen the transportation burden of workers.
He further stated that the government will pay the health insurance premium for all pensioners under the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) scheme and that any pensioner who already made payment will be refunded.
He equally stated that the government will resume the monthly payment of gratuities to pensioners so as to continue to clear the backlog of gratuity payments inherited by his administration.
The Management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has debunked reports alleging that Corps Members would be deployed to Niger Republic by the Federal Government of Nigeria to fight a war for the restoration of democracy in the troubled country.
NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, who stated this in a press statement on Saturday, described the news as fake.
He urged the general public, especially Corps Members, prospective Corps Members and their parents to disregard the report credited skit makers and content creators, which she said borders on criminality in its entirety.
The statement reads; “The attention of NYSC Management has been drawn to a video circulating on the social media alleging that Corps Members would be deployed to Niger Republic by the Federal Government to fight a war for the restoration of democracy in the country.
“Management wishes to state that there is no iota of truth in the story fabricated by the purveyor, a skit and content creator, purposed to drive traffic to his platform.
“The general public, especially Corps Members, prospective Corps Members and their parents should disregard the story which borders on criminality in its entirety.
“Content and skit makers are strongly advised to desist from spreading false information capable of subverting the peace of the nation.
“Law Enforcement Agencies will stop at nothing to bring the purveyors of the story to justice,” it added.
The details of the stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja have emerged.
In a communique released after the meeting on Saturday, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, said the party leaders resolved to renew their commitment to discipline in the interest of the party.
The Bauchi governor added that PDP leaders resolved to shun any form of anti-party activities and uphold the need for party discipline in line with the ethos of the party.
The communique reads: “The meeting emphasized the need for party discipline and reiterated zero tolerance for anti-party activities and sabotage. No individual or group of individuals will be allowed to undermine the unity of the party and its processes.
“The meeting committed to repositioning and stabilizing the party. To this end, the healing and reconciliation process is in progress and yielding results.
“The meeting signaled that unity and loyalty are still core values of the PDP and would be rewarded.
“All the Governors and organs of the party solidly support the PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, to rescue the stolen mandate in the tribunal and would do everything lawful towards achieving this.
“The Governors will work in partnership with the party at the states and national level to ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability.
“The meeting congratulated the party for impaneling the campaign councils for the off-session elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States and urged the campaign councils to ensure victory for the party in the three States.”
The PDP leaders also faulted the number of ministerial nominees chosen by President Bola Tinubu and asked the government to show leadership in curtailing the cost of governance.
“The meeting counselled the Federal Government to show leadership in curtailing the cost of Governance. 48 Ministers and several Special Advisers and Assistants should be reduced to ensure the health of our economy.
“The meeting advised the President, Commander in Chief, and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not to go into any form of war with the Republic of Niger over the recent military coup in the country. Rather, all tools of dialogue and diplomacy should be further employed,” the communique further read.
Present at the meeting were the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa; Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State).
Also present were the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party, Taofeek Arapaja, National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the party, Dan Orbih, among others.
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Bago promises to end killings
The people of Niger State are predominantly farmers. Males, females, children and adults are deeply involved.
Across the 25 local government areas of the state, either as individuals or co-operative societies, residents plant crops like yam, rice, maize, millet, soya beans and sugar cane while also engaging in animal husbandry and fishing.
In fact, Niger is described as the food basket of the nation due to its yearly massive food production during both the wet season and dry season. The state has the largest land mass in the country with 76,363km2 and the government and the people are not taking it for granted as they utilize the arable land for massive food production.
Despite all these assets, Niger is presently facing a big challenge which is hampering the continuous participation of the people in farming.
The issue of banditry is still unabated in most parts of the 25 LGAs of the state.
Most of the farmers, according to findings by our correspondent, have relocated to neighboring states and the southern part of the country where they now carry out their farming peacefully.
For those still in their ancestral homes, they merely do skeletal farming amid the fear of being attacked and kidnapped while working on their farms.
Farming in most part of Niger has become an issue of life and death.
However, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has reassured the people, especially farmers, of adequate protection in all their endeavors.
The governor, while flagging off this year’s wet season sales and distribution of fertilizer and other inputs like insecticides at the Farm Centre, Minna, the state capital, last week, said his administration was aware of the security challenges in the state which is affecting farmers in no small way and assured that the issue will soon be a thing of the past.
“We know the security challenge being faced by our people including farmers. My administration is going to provide adequate security for the people of the state in order to boost our economy especially farming,” he said.
Hours after the flag-off, Bago presented 20 Hilux vans to security agencies to enhance policing especially in Minna, the state capital.
In his address at the farming inputs distribution venue, the governor had noted that the economic woes facing the country could only be tackled if only Nigerians go back to farming which, he said, is everlasting unlike mineral resources that may dry up.
“Farming does not understand English. It must be faced with renewed vigour to achieve the desired results which is bumper harvest and my target is how to encourage civil servants to go back to farming because I as governor am also going back to full farming to show leadership by example’, he said.
“You cannot retire from service and be languishing and left with nothing to eat and so, you will all be dragged to farming and, as a government, we are going to cultivate two hundred hectares of land and government officials will also be made to cultivate one hundred hectares of land each to boost food production not only in Niger state but across the country.
“Each of the 25 local government areas are also directed to follow suit by cultivating one hundred hectares and plant various crops”.
Bago pledged to revive the Niger State Agricultural Mechanization Development Agency (NAMDA) formerly known as Agricultural Development Project (ADP) with the procurement of 300 tractors out of which 10 will be given to each of the 25 local government areas of the state.
On the sale of fertilizer, the governor said steps had been taken that only 10 bags can be sold to an individual, adding that bank details and BVN of individuals will be taken into consideration while the EFCC, ICPC and the police had been invited to make sure that the distribution and sales were carried out rightly and devoid of fraud.
The government, he said, had approved 20% subsidy on the 100 trucks (600 tonnes) of fertilizer delivered to Niger and that each bag of 50kg will be sold at N18,000 as against the open market price of N24,000 to N30,000, adding that the sales will be done in the designated stores across the state and that internal control mechanisms are in place to ensure that only resource constraint farmers benefit.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent with Sunday Vanguard, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger State, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, confirmed the mass exodus of farmers across the 25 LGAs of the state to other parts of the country due to insecurity.
“Many of our members (farmers) have fled the state to other states safer for them to farm”, Galadima said.
“Many of them are still out of the state but we are trying to lure them back and we hope that with the assurance of the governor towards fortifying security across the state, they will come back to contribute to the anticipated bumper harvest expected at the end of the rains this year.
“We are aware that governor has met with the Service Chiefs in Abuja, met with the Emirs, security agencies in the state and other stakeholders on how to tackle insecurity and we farmers are hopeful that this bold steps will further boost our confidence to return back to our farms and encourage those who have fled the state to come back home and start their farming again without any fear”.
On the possibility of bumper harvest this year, the AFAM Chairman said there was still hope to meet up.
“Despite these challenges, we still expect bumper harvest at the end of the rains this year. However, our major fear besides that of insecurity is the climate change which we cannot predict or control”, he said.
“Niger State is prone to severe flooding annually and NiMET has predicted severe flooding in some states across the country including Niger and this is the only fear we entertain and which could be a stumbling block to bumper harvest in the state and across the country”.
Galadima called on the state government to engage most of the unemployed youths in farming, especially dry farming, as a way of enhancing food security in the country.
In separate interviews, two major stakeholders in the farming industry in Niger, Chief of Male Farmers in Minna, Sarkin Noman Minna, Alhaji Danjuma Sarkin Noma, and Chief of Female Farmers in the state, Hajiya Fatima Ahmed, decried the unabated insecurity in the state as a major factor militating against farming.
“Due to banditry and kidnapping of our members by bandits, most of the farmers have relocated to other states”, Noma said.
“Government should provide security for us in our various farms. We are ready to farm. We can boast of feeding not only Niger State but also Nigeria as a whole if lives are protected on our farms.
“All the 25 LGAs of the state are endowed with arable land that can grow all sorts of crops and we are not tired to continue to feed the nation only if our lives are protected”.
Noma, who manages 10 hectares of land cultivating yam, rice, maize, millet and cassava, among others, listed other problems confronting them to include lack of enough fertilizer, tractors inaccessibility and loans to embark on large scale farming and therefore called on government to fulfill its promises to assist them in order to boost their morale to farm.
Hajiya Fatima Ahmed, on her part, described farming across Niger now as a matter of life and death because of incessant raid on farmers by bandits and with many of them being kidnapped for ransom and some eventually killed.
“There are no fewer than 20 cooperative female farmers under me and we are all doing well. However, farming in the state is now a matter of life and death because of terrorists”, she said.
“We are scared of these bandits who invade our farms incessantly and abduct our members and, for now, many of them are afraid to go back to farm for fear of not only being kidnapped but also killed”.
She therefore called on the state government to assist them with enough fertilizer, insecticide, loans and, above all, security in order to remain in business.
Following the withdrawal of her name from the list of ministerial nominees by President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Maryam Shetty blamed life with its characteristic unpredictability for the action, saying, however, she bore no ill will towards anyone.
She said being nominated was a validation of her capabilities and a sign of the nation’s readiness to appoint young women from the most traditional parts to office.
Kano State-born Shetty, whose nomination was withdrawn and replaced with Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said this in a statement yesterday.
As of press time, no reason was given for the decision to replace her name with Mahmoud’s who also hails from Kano.
Shetty, however, said she didn’t consider the development a setback.
Her words:”I have found myself at the centre of a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a move that brought me immense honour, chose me as a ministerial nominee. Coming from the traditional, conservative regions of northern Nigeria, this represented a significant stride towards a more inclusive national representation.
“The sheer joy and pride I felt at my nomination were beyond words. It was a validation of my capabilities, a nod to my vision, and a sign that our great nation was ready to embrace a future where young women like me, even from the most traditional parts of Nigeria, can hold positions of influence and power.
“Yet, life, with its characteristic unpredictability, led to the withdrawal of my nomination. To some, this could seem like a setback, but my faith as a devout Muslim guided my understanding. I saw it as the divine will of Allah, who I believe grants power as He wishes when He wishes. His plans are always superior to ours.”
Nigerian students who were evacuated from war-torn Sudan have lamented the tedious processes of getting admitted into Nigerian universities.
Recall that a total of 2,518 stranded Nigerians were evacuated from Sudan in May 2023.
On June 7, 2023, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board unveiled modalities for the absorption of Nigerian students returning from war-torn countries, including Sudan, into tertiary institutions.
The JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, said the procedures for emergency transfers of returning students required each of them to do a retroactive registration with the Ministry of Education.
However, speaking with Sunday PUNCH, some of the students explained that they had yet to get admitted into their selected Nigerian university, stating that the process had been a herculean task.
A former student, and President of the Jigawa State Students’ Association in Sudan, Umar Abubakar, complained that most of his documents were still in Sudan, adding that getting clearance from the Ministry of Education was very stressful.
Abubakar lamented, “I have yet to get admission. I need to follow the protocols set by JAMB. I will need to travel down to Abuja from Kano. Most of us left our school certificates in Sudan.
“We cannot get our transcripts from our universities in Sudan right now because of the crisis. I am trying my best to see if I can get my documents, especially my WAEC results and clearance from the Ministry of Education and upload them on the JAMB website.
“I will be going with Bayero University, Kano, because it has a Pharmacy Department. The process of getting one’s results or clearance from the Ministry is very tough because of the large number of ex-Sudan students.”
Also, the Vice President, Katsina State Students Association in Sudan, Ismail Abubakar, said he had yet to be admitted into Bayero University, Kano after successfully submitting his documents to JAMB.
Abubakar noted, “I have yet to be admitted. I have sent my application to Bayero University, Kano after JAMB cleared me but till now, no response from them. I feel so bad right now.”
Furthermore, an ex-Medical student at Hayat University College, Amira Tafida, said that her choice of school had yet to call her for the assessment process into getting admitted.
Tafida said “I applied to Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Lagos State, but I have yet to be admitted. At first, it was between the University of Abuja and the Eko University, but I eventually settled for the Medical University because I feel it is closer since I stay in Lagos.
“I would be placed on assessment to know how much I know about my course which will determine my level of admission, although, a date is yet to be fixed for the assessment by the school.”
A 300-level ex-student of Information and Communication and Technology, Abdulsalam Maikano, stated, “I have yet to secure admission into any of the Nigerian universities.
“I am currently going through the evaluation instructed by JAMB, though I did not start the evaluation on time because I did not know about it before now. I am planning on picking Al-Qalam University in Katsina State or Skyline University in Kano State.”
However, a final-year pharmacy student at Sudan International University, Zainab Mohammed, noted that she is currently undergoing online lectures from her school in Sudan till further notice.
In a recent development, tech giant Google has issued a cautionary alert to its users regarding its upcoming action to delete dormant accounts. The move comes as part of Google’s commitment to enhancing security measures and mitigating potential risks associated with abandoned accounts.
According to the company’s new policy, Google will begin deleting inactive accounts starting December 2023. An inactive account is one that hasn’t been accessed or logged into for a continuous period of two years. To ensure transparency and user awareness, Google plans to send multiple notifications to users whose accounts meet the criteria for deletion. These notifications will provide ample opportunity for users to log in and thereby prevent their accounts from being deleted.
The decision to enact such measures stems from the cybersecurity concerns associated with dormant accounts. Abandoned accounts pose a significant risk as they are less likely to have advanced security features, such as two-factor authentication, enabled. This makes them susceptible to unauthorized access by malicious actors. Once compromised, these inactive accounts can be exploited to gain unauthorized entry into other accounts, distribute malware, or engage in other forms of cyber threats.
To safeguard their accounts, users are advised to log in at least once every two years, thus keeping their accounts active. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication is recommended as an effective way to bolster account security and thwart unauthorized access attempts.
Google has also extended this policy to unclaimed accounts of deceased users. Immediate family members and authorized representatives now have the option to close the account of a deceased individual. In certain circumstances, content from a deceased user’s account may be shared with these authorized parties.
As a preemptive measure, Google offers an ‘Inactive Account Manager’ feature that allows users to specify the course of action for their account and data in the event of inactivity for up to 18 months. To activate this feature, users can visit their Inactive Account Manager page and initiate the setup process.
Google’s initiative to delete inactive accounts underscores its dedication to user security and data privacy. By implementing these measures, the tech giant aims to create a safer online environment for its vast user base. As the December 2023 deadline approaches, users are strongly encouraged to proactively engage with their accounts and adopt security measures to prevent unintended account deletion and potential security breaches.
Source: Metro UK