Titus Okunrounmu, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) director, has advised President Bola Tinubu’s government to reduce the cost of governance to stem the country’s debt profile.
Mr Okunrounmu, who gave the advice Thursday in an interview in Ota, Ogun, described the list of ministerial portfolios on Wednesday as over-bloated for a country with a huge debt profile.
According to him, funding the nation’s recurrent budget with borrowing does not need many ministers and bloated special assistants, which inevitably must allow for allowances and official vehicles.
“These excess baggage was not projected for in the 2023 federal budget and the revenue estimates could not cover the recurrent budget,” stated Mr Okunrounmu. “In addition, the federal government needs financial discipline to curb corruption in the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to reduce debt profile in the country.”
Mr Okunrounmu advised the Tinubu government to redouble its efforts and work against policy somersault to encourage an influx of foreign investors into the country.
(NAN)
A former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Shehu Sani has said the portfolios of the ministerial nominees of President Bola Tinubu is better than his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
He insisted that contrary to claims from people that the list favoured the Southwest, it was rather more balanced and fairer than that of Buhari.
He however noted the issue in the list was that the nominees were given the wrong positions.
Speaking via Twitter, he wrote, “Reactions continue to trail the portfolios of the ministers. I have read where some people think that the list favoured the South West.I don’t think so. The list is much more balanced and fairer than that of Buhari. The issue is more about the peg & the hole and not crude nepotism.”
I Thought The Defence Minister Should Be A Retired Military Officer
Meanwhile, Sani has reacted to the portfolio assigned to ministerial appointees by President Bola Tinubu.
Goldennewsng reported earlier that the President in Wednesday, released a ministerial portfolio for nominees confirmed by the Senate a few days ago.
The Nigerian leader appointed former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike as the FCT Minister. Tinubu also appointed former Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Badaru, as Minister of Defence while the immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mattawale, was appointed Minister of State, Defense.
Reacting, however, to the development via his Twitter page, Senator Sani said the Defence Minister ought to have been someone from a military background.
The former lawmaker opined that the position should have been given to a retired military officer with experience and records of accomplishments.
He tweeted: “In view of the security challenges faced by this country,I thought the Defence Minister should be a retired Military officer with experience and records of accomplishments.That office shouldn’t be just political especially at this time.”
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has struck out the “illegal possession of firearm charge” against the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. following an application by the Ministry of Justice to withdraw it.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo struck out the charge after holding that the prosecution had the statutory powers to withdraw a charge against a defendant at any stage of trial.
The judge, in his ruling, held that the application filed by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mohammed Abubakar, seeking the withdrawal of the case is found in Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which empowers him to withdraw the charge and there is no requirement for the application to be in writing.
The defence, through its lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu had argued that the prosecution could not withdraw the charge unless the government purges itself of its disobedience to the court’s order of July 25 granting Emefiele bail.
Justice Oweibo, in a short ruling, condemned the conduct of the prosecution. In allowing the withdrawal of the charge, the judge wondered what good it would do to the defence if the court did not allow the leave.
He said, “The prosecution has shown that they are not law abiding and have no respect for the court. The court cannot force them. What good will it be for the defendant who is in custody? Of what benefit will it be to keep the file in the court’s docket?”
“To stop the embarrassment of the court and to keep its integrity intact, I believe the proper thing is to allow them withdraw the charge. They can simply abandon it and the court will still have to strike it out for lack of diligent prosecution. The application to withdraw is hereby granted.”
Background
The government had accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence, an offence contrary to section 4 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
The defendant was also accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence, which is contrary to section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charge, a development which made the court grant him bail in the sum of N20 million.
Part of the conditions included an order that the suspended CBN governor should be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services pending the perfection of the bail terms.
However, rather than obey the order, the Department of State Services (DSS) rearrested and kept him in their custody after a scuffle with some Correctional Services officers.
His lawyers had subsequently brought an application seeking leave to serve the bail ruling on the Federal Government, preparatory to filing a contempt proceedings
The Lagos court granted leave to Emefiele to serve on the DSS Director General, Yusuf Bichi, the court’s ruling admitting him to bail.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo specifically granted Emefiele permission to publish the bail ruling, delivered on July 25, in three national newspapers circulating within the court’s jurisdiction.
The court held that the publication through substituted means would be deemed as good and proper service on the prosecutor.
After this was done, the DPP at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, subsequently appeared before the court seeking to withdraw the charge based on “emerging facts and circumstances” of the case, which he said requires closer investigation.
The DPP said his oral application was brought pursuant to sections 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
But the defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN) opposed the move, submitting that the court could not hear the oral application because the prosecution had not complied with the court’s order granting Emefiele bail.
He also argued that the there was no application before the court because the prosecution had not complied with the law and the rules of the court.
He stated, “It must be in writing; I have never heard of an application to withdraw a case without the prosecution filing a nolle prosequi. So I will urge the court that in the interest of justice, its need to prevent this abuse of the legal processes.
“Every application they brought against any citizen of this country under section 174 is a nolle prosequi; the government can not come before the court orally for that; it ought to be by “nolle prosequi”, at the point in term there is no application before the court.
“I urge the court to reject the application and order the learned DPP to continue today’s business,” he said.
“We have an application before the court, which accused the AGF of disobeying the court’s order, ordering that the respondent/ defendant should be remanded in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service.
“The court also granted the defendant an order of substituted service to be published in three National newspapers, and after we obtained these orders, they brought an application of stay of execution of the bail, and we say unless they obey that order, the court can not proceed,” Daudu stated.
While responding to the defence arguments, the DPP said nolle prosequi differed from withdrawing a charge; he cited section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015.
He stated that while Section 107 provides that the application for withdrawal shall be in writing, Section 108 is silent on the mode, it gives the prosecutor the authority to apply to the judge, and our application was made under Section 108.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has hinted of a blueprint to draw other political parties into a merger agreement with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 election to boost its membership and followership across the country.
Ganduje made the disclosure while fielding questions from journalists on the recent viral photo of the visit of Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State governor, to his (Ganduje’s) Abuja residence.
While clarifying that he has not yet discussed with Wike, a minister-designate, about him joining the party, the APC national chairman, however, did not rule out such possibility in the near future.
“You know Wike is an honourable minister-designate, so he came, we discussed because I was looking for him to congratulate him for that, and also he came to congratulate me and we discussed that when he becomes minister fully he will work very hard in order to move the ministry he is given forward and he is ready to cooperate.
But we didn’t discuss the issue of his coming to APC or not coming to APC. That issue will arise later.
He, however, expressed hope that the coming of Wike, when it eventually happens, will boost the followership of the party.
Beyond Wike joining APC, Ganduje disclosed that already a blueprint underground is ongoing to bring some of the political parties into a merger agreement to boost the followership of APC before the 2027 general election.
“It will certainly improve the chances of this our party, especially in 2027 and not only that we are coming out with a new blueprint to increase the followership of the party and this will include all strata of officials; those who are in APC and those who are in other political parties. I assure you very soon some of the political parties will even merge with the APC. We are doing that underground.”
Asked if Wike’s ministerial appointment was not based on the spirit of government of national unity somehow canvased by the APC, Ganduje who received Simon Lalong, Plateau State immediate past governor replied: “But the spirit of national unity does not mean the spirit of one party in Nigeria. Spirit of national unity means spirit of national competence and spirit of national capacity.”
Earlier, Lalong had applauded the emergence of Ganduje as APC national chairman, noting that as the longest serving political figure in the ruling party, he possesses the experience and temperament to lead the party to success.
“As the National Chairman, Ganduje was governor. As a matter of fact when we look at his antecedents we always say he is the longest experienced politician that we have within us. Because he is somebody who was very long in civil service, he became permanent secretary, commissioner, longest serving deputy governor and became governor”, he narrated.
“So with this kind of experience what else do you need in party matters? So we have confidence in him as he is now here and it is not an issue of one man, anytime he has opportunity he does a lot of consultation and we are always available.
“His colleagues who were governors with him are always available for this kind of work. That is why we are rallying around to give him every help so that the party can also succeed.”
[DailyIndependent]
Shafaq News/ISIS-affiliated forces known as "ISIS West Africa" has initiated the relocation of a portion of its troops from Niger to the Nigerian border, a move believed to be driven by apprehensions regarding potential military intervention by the "ECWAS" coalition forces. This development has raised concerns over regional stability.
Citing an insider source, the Nigerian newspaper "Daily Trust" reported that elite fighters from "ISIS West Africa" have commenced a strategic redeployment from their coastal and Niger positions, choosing to halt within the Lake Chad vicinity of Nigeria.
The rationale behind this maneuver is reportedly rooted in the organization's trepidation of potential military intervention by the "Ikewas" coalition, particularly in Niger, coupled with concerns about border restrictions imposed by the country. The ramifications of this strategic shift are viewed as posing significant threats to the overall security and stability of the region.
The "ECWAS" coalition previously issued a stern warning, threatening potential military involvement in Niger, after the toppling of President Mohamed Bazoum and establishing a military council to govern the nation.
In response to these political developments, the "ECWAS" group took decisive actions, imposing sanctions upon the newly formed military council and demanding the reinstatement of Bazoum under the looming possibility of measures, including using military force.
[shafaq]
The threat of military force to end the coup in Niger has led to significant divisions in the region.
It has heightened tensions in Niger itself, as well as among its neighbours.
There are more and more signs that any military intervention is likely to be met with stiff opposition. Growing support for the junta has emboldened the coup plotters to stay in power and call the bluff of the Economic Community of West African States, Ecowas.
In reaction to the threat of force, more Nigeriens took to the streets to show their opposition, with one protest held close to a French military base in Niamey.
The option of military force has divided countries in west Africa and the Sahel. Ecowas members are fully aware that an all-out war would increase the fragility of the region. A meeting of Ecowas military chiefs in Ghana on 17 and 18 August will discuss intervention options.
Meanwhile, the Ecowas parliament is divided over a military intervention. Member countries such as Nigeria, which currently holds the rotating chair, are also being put under internal pressure. Protesters took to the streets in Kano, the biggest city in northern Nigeria, against a possible invasion of Niger.
For their part, countries that neighbour Niger but do not belong to Ecowas, such as Chad and Algeria, have opposed the use of force.
As a scholar of politics and international relations, I believe that a military intervention in Niger is unlikely, as I have previously stated. However, the threat of force means tensions remain high. This is understandable as a great deal is at stake. I have identified three major implications of a full-blown war.
The first casualty would be the ongoing regional war against terrorism because countries currently committed to this fight would have their armies and resources diverted.
The second is that there would be a mass influx of refugees into the seven countries bordering Niger. This would have a knock-on effect as more refugees seek to find their way to Europe.
The third is that the conflict would heighten tensions between Niger and France. The junta blames France for the country’s insecurity and economic woes.
Counting the cost of war
Nigerien soldiers, through the G5-Sahel and Multinational Joint Task Force, are involved in the fight against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist groups around the Lake Chad Basin and other regions of the country. An attack led by Ecowas on Niger would distract the soldiers and divert critical resources.
Terrorist groups could then take advantage of borders weakened by conflict. They could also benefit from a situation where armies which previously fought side by side against insurgents such as Boko Haram and ISWAP were now fighting one another.
The example of Syria and how ISIS quickly emerged in the region gives a glimpse of what could happen.
Most of the Nigerien population lives in the southern part of the country next to the borders with Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. These countries would suffer an influx of refugees, further destabilising what are already fragile states.
A war between the Nigerien military and Ecowas would embolden human traffickers and lead to more Africans taking advantage of the chaos to travel north towards Europe.
Niger has several bilateral and multilateral arrangements with the European Union and other countries in Europe to curb mass migration through Libya and the Mediterranean sea.
Agadez in central Niger used to be a major hub for illegal migration but this has changed as a result of the concerted effort between Niger and its European allies.
Military intervention would lead to a total collapse of the relationship between France and Niger’s people. There is already anger among a large part of the Nigerien public against the former colonial master and its activities in the country.
Niger was a French colony from 1922 till independence in 1960 and Paris has continued to play a critical role in the domestic political and economic affairs of the country.
If people believe that Ecowas is being pushed to take military action by France and its allies, Nigeriens could look to Russia which has issued its own warning against military intervention.
While Russia might not have the capacity and resources to fully mobilise in support of the junta, it might engage the Wagner Group, the Russia-backed private military contractor, which already has a presence in neighbouring Mali.
Russia has been careful not to support the coup plotters so as not to upset its allies in Africa, such as South Africa and Namibia, who both oppose the coup. But a full-scale military intervention would provide Moscow with an opportunity to get involved and “gain another ally”. The military leaders in Burkina Faso for instance have been strengthening their relationship with Russia.
Limited options
Ecowas is desperate to “do something” after the junta defied its seven-day ultimatum to step down.
Meanwhile, the junta is not showing any signs of backing down.
I think the best option is to rule out military action and to negotiate a short transition period to restore democracy.
The Petroleum Product Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has said the statement credited to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that there is no plan to increase petrol prices despite the fall of the naira against the dollar is shocking.
It said it would be dramatic for marketers to believe the price of petrol will not increase following the harsh realities of the exchange rate.
Rivers State Chairman of PETROAN, Francis Dimkpa, in an interview with DAILY POST, said PETROAN is watching and gradually following the policies of the government, with the belief that the refineries will become functional for the situation to stabilize.
He assured that the association’s members will continue to distribute petrol across the nation and at the best price despite the exchange rate.
“It is actually going to be dramatic for us to believe that the price of fuel will continue to be stable.
“Federal Government and NNPCL saying that the price of fuel will no longer go up or will no longer come down, we do not understand the meaning of that statement.
“Petroleum Product Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria is watching closely at the effect of exchange rate at the price of fuel, and now that the price has been pushed to N600, we expect that the falling of the exchange rate, it might drop or the rising of the exchange rate, it might get higher,” he said.
Reacting to NNPCL’s statement about no plans to increase the price of fuel, in what appeared to be price fixing for other marketers, despite being a private limited company, Dimkpa stated that NNPCL remains the leader in the industry and can drive the price of petrol.
He added, “NNPCL may not be said to be fixing the price of fuel, but from our own point of view, NNPCL is like the leader in the industry, and so, NNPCL has what it takes to decide or drive the price of fuel.
“They are not fixing price, but they are driving and directing the price of fuel.”
PETROAN has repeatedly reiterated that the only solution to the crisis caused by the removal of fuel subsidy is for the four refineries in the country to start operation.
[DailyPost]
In line with the mandate of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, which includes safe shipping and cleaner oceans, a team comprising of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers have been dispatched to the scene of the incident involving the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, which capsized at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State.
Initial findings has confirmed that the ill-fated Rig is Panama Flagged and has been operating on Nigerian waters since 2016 without requisite approvals from the Agency.
The ABS Classed inland Water Drilling 232 feet-long Barge, with a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet collapsed where it was been towed from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 enroute Ovhor 21 that belongs to SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State.
NIMASA has initiated contact with the Clean Nigerian Associate, a conglomerate of all International Oil Companies (IOCs’) responsible for the cleaning of Tier 2 oil spill, to establish the level of spillage at the scene of the incident.
In addition, the Agency is in communication with officials of SEPLAT Energy Limited chatterers of the ill-fated Rig who are expected to officially report the incidence within 24 hours in line with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.
This information is for the public to please take note.
Osagie Edward
Assistant Director,
Public Relations, NIMASA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, has reacted to the recent crash of the Nigerian Air Force MI-171 helicopter which claimed some soldiers’ lives.
Obi, who said the unfortunate incident saddened him, lamented the level of insecurity in most parts of the country has continued to embarrass and cost the nation precious lives and properties, with the attendant economic costs.
He suggested that a full-scale investigation should be carried out to unravel the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
In a statement on his social media platform on Thursday, the former Anambra State governor commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force over the painful incident and urged them and other security agencies not to be dispirited over the challenges.
He also added that his heart is with the families of the gallant soldiers who lost their lives in the incident.
I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate crash of the Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission near Chukuba Village in Niger State.
The deplorable level of insecurity in most parts of the country has continued to embarrass and cost us precious lives and properties, with the attendant economic costs. My heart is with the families of the gallant soldiers who lost their lives in that incident.
I also sincerely commiserate with the Nigerian Air Force over this painful incident and urge them and other security agencies not to be dispirited over the challenges but to see them as our path to achieving a safe and secure nation.
I would also like to encourage a full-scale investigation to be carried out to unravel the cause of the crash as a way of preventing future occurrences.
He said, We will never give up on our nation. It is our greatest heritage in whose service all our sacrifices become noble acts.
The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, rusticated two students for illicit drug dealings few years ago.
This was revealed by the Chairman, Students Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Martins Adekanmbi.
He said the management of the institution is not relenting in discouraging students from involving in hard drugs.
While speaking to journalists on the sideline of sensitization at the university on the war against the use of drugs, he expressed optimism that the sensitization organized by the Police Community Relations Committee and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will help in curbing the menace.
He revealed that the management of the institution had earlier commenced an internal awareness campaign against drug abuse and other misconduct in the institution.
The Students Affairs, the VC, the Ethics and the Disciplinary Committee, we believe that it is time to do a sensitization concerning this issue of ethics and discipline among the student, which is under my purview directly.
And so, we have been doing that sensitization right from Monday, meeting students in their hostels from 6 am, canvassing and telling them ills and misconducts.
And, of course, one of the issues, one of the main points of misconduct in the university, is this issue of drug abuse.
So, we saw the opportunity, the PCRC and the NDLEA, they are very poised to come and address our students against the use of drugs. Because we have our laws and our rules. And in the law, under the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, if you are found using drugs, it is expulsion for one session and a presentation of a certificate of fitness from a psychiatric hospital.
That means if you are found with marijuana, if you are found with colos, if you are found with loud, and all manner of things children take these days, you will be rusticated for one session.
And of course, and then you present a certificate of fitness after that rustication.
Then, if you are found selling, you will be expelled totally from the university.
So, we don’t want that kind of expulsion and we don’t want our children to terminate their destiny from the beginning.
We’ve had two students that have been expelled, almost two years ago, and we have found cases like that.
He said, this sensitization will solve a lot of societal problems.
More...
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has disclosed that 36 officers were killed in Niger State.
It disclosed this while giving a breakdown of casualties in the ambush of troops in Niger State and an evacuation helicopter that crashed on August 14, 2023.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this on Thursday during the biweekly briefing of the Defence Media Operations.
Asked about the cause of the helicopter crash, Buba said an investigation was still underway to determine the cause and urged citizens to be wary of propaganda by terrorists and remain patriotic.
Insurgents had ambushed troops in the Zungeru area of the state, and some gallant troops of the Nigerian Army paid the supreme price.
Also, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed on Monday in the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
President Bola Tinubu will administer the oath of office to his recently appointed ministers on Monday, August 21st. This follows the allocation of portfolios to the ministerial appointees, as announced by the Presidency on Wednesday, August 16th.
The official communication was conveyed by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, through a press release signed by Willie Bassey.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 am at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. This will be preceeded by a retreat to be conducted by the office the SGF.
On Wednesday, the Presidency disclosed the portfolios of the ministerial appointees, shedding light on the distinct roles and responsibilities that each minister will undertake.
Notably absent among the unveiled portfolios was that of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, which THE WHISTLER has learned may be retained by the president.
Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, did not pass the ministerial screening conducted by the Senate.
Below is the full list of the ministers-designate and their portfolios.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani
Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Ishak Salako
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy : Wale Edun
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bunmi Tunji
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Tunisia Alausa
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake
Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John
Minister of Transportation, Adegboyega Oyetola
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Aniete
Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji
Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha
Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy
Minister of Works, David Umahi
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu
Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri
Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh
Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru
Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle
Minister of State Education, Yusuf T. Sunumu
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed M. Dangiwa
Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Abdullah T. Gwarzo
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu
Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Mairiga Mahmud
Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello M. Goronyo
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyar
Minister of Education, Tahir Maman
Minister of Interior, Sa’Idu A. Alkali
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf M. Tuggar
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate
Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam
Minister of State, Steel Development, U. Maigari Ahmadu
Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu A. Audu
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi
Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon B. Lalong
Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev
Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Minister of Environment and Ecological Management, (Kaduna)
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has taken a strong stance against the rising kidnapping and criminal activities within the state.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for new commissioners in Calabar, Otu announced a crackdown on criminals and urged law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute offenders in accordance with state laws.
Otu expressed his frustration with the prevailing insecurity, emphasizing that the safety of the state is everyone’s responsibility.
He encouraged citizens to provide information about suspicious individuals in their communities and assured their protection. The governor also pledged rewards for valuable information that leads to the arrest of criminals.
“Let’s take responsibility for the security of our dear state because these people are not foreigners but those around us. We are going to put a fee on whistleblowing. Anybody you suspect in your neighborhood, please pass on the information and you will be protected,” the governor was quoted as saying by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche.
The governor directed security heads to utilize all available resources to swiftly put an end to these criminal acts, secure the release of hostages, and restore the state’s peace and reputation.
Citing the Cross River State Kidnapping Prohibition Law of 2016, Otu outlined stringent penalties for kidnappers, including death by hanging and lengthy imprisonment for attempted kidnappings. He affirmed his commitment to enforcing these laws rigorously to eradicate criminal activities.
Otu conveyed his determination to end the era of insecurity, asserting that the time for change is now. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with various stakeholders to alleviate the impact of economic challenges without resorting to criminal actions.
Universities, polytechnics, And Colleges Of Education (CoE) Lecturers ‘JAPA’ Through Our Foreign Scholarships — TETFund
AdminThe Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has expressed concern over the increasing incidents of academic staff from universities, polytechnics, and Colleges of Education (CoE) fleeing once they are sent abroad on scholarships by the agency.
The Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, stated that these cases are embarrassing, prompting the need to revise the foreign scholarship programs. The aim is to strengthen the selection criteria and ensure that beneficiaries do not abscond in the future.
Echono addressed the heads of benefiting institutions in Abuja during a stakeholders’ engagement on emerging issues affecting TETFund’s interventions. He urged participants to collaborate with TETFund in recommending credible scholars for foreign scholarships.
“We are entrusted with the responsibility of rehabilitating the physical infrastructure and other content aspects of the nation’s entire public tertiary institutions. We have successfully sponsored over 37,000 scholars for both foreign and local PhDs, Masters, Bench Work, and Postdoctoral programs in various institutions within and outside Nigeria.”
“Sadly, we are having growing cases of scholars’ abscondment, scholars not returning to serve their bonds at their home institutions upon completion of their programs. In fact, the challenge of scholars absconding has undermined and complicated TETFund’s scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) program, thus bringing it under intense scrutiny.”
Echono explained that the stakeholders’ engagement aimed to address these challenges and find solutions for the effective implementation of scholarship programs. He highlighted the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with prestigious institutions overseas to enhance the TSAS program.
The purpose of the engagement was to encourage open dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders of the Fund to enhance the effectiveness of TETFund’s intervention programs. Echono emphasized that stakeholders’ collective insights, ideas, and feedback are crucial for driving positive changes and accelerating educational sector development.
“As an agency of the government tasked with rebuilding and supporting the nation’s tertiary institutions, we are fully aware of the enormous responsibility and task before us, especially considering the importance of tertiary education in nation-building.”
Echono also addressed the impact of rising inflation on the Fund’s interventions, stating the need to reconsider fixed cost regimes and adapt interventions to inflation rates and project lifecycles. He also emphasized the importance of comprehensive equipment audits to ensure efficient utilization of resources and avoid duplication in subsequent interventions.