The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have directed their members nationwide to embark on a seven-day strike, starting from Monday, 18 March.
According to a memo released on Friday, the strike is in fulfilment of the earlier threat and ultimatum issued to the Nigerian government by the unions over the unpaid withheld salaries of their members.
The memo, which was issued by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both SSANU and NASU, and signed by the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, and the General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi, urged the branch leaders to ensure total compliance to the directive.
JAC blamed the Nigerian government for allowing the matter to degenerate, querying the justification for the payment of the withheld salaries of the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) but decided to leave out their members.
The memo reads in part: “Please note that the 7-day warning strike should be comprehensive and total as no concession should be given in any guise.
“Your strict compliance and adherence to this directive is mandatory for all NASU and SSANU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres.”
The self-style activist, Chief Sunday Igboho has reacted to statement credited to Aare Onankankanfo, Iba Gani Adams allegedly linking him to the murder of late Chief Bola Ige.
This was contained in a statement made available to Oduduwa News by his Spokesman, Olayomi Koiki as reproduced below:
PRESS RELEASE
I did not take part in killing Chief Bola Ige…
I welcome you all to this press press briefing.
It becomes necessary to hold this meeting because of the issues raised by the voice notes going around on social media.
In the voice note released by Aare Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo, said things that attacked my character.
He said a lot of wrong and bad things against me. He mentioned the names of the Nigeria President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and some other notable persons in Yoruba land.
In the said note, Aare Gani Adams said I was involved in the killing of the late Chief Bola Ige, SAN. Everyone will still remember the circumstances of the death of Chief Bola Ige who was the Minister of Justice at the time he was brutally murdered.
It goes without saying that no one or evidence has ever connected me to his death until this frivolities, malicious and highly scandalous by Aare Gani Adams.
I want to categorically state that I knew nothing about the killing and death of Chief Bola Ige. Chief Bola Ige died in Ibadan on 23 December 2001 and by newspaper and police reports, one Fryo was charged with the murder.
In that year, I was engaged in the settlement of Ife-Modakeke war. I can also remember that it was the same year Aare Gani Adams was imprisoned in Lagos when he was charged with murder and public disturbance arising out of inter-communal violence in Lagos in 2002, and the law firm of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi represented and got bail for him at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos.
I challenge Gani Adams to come forward and prove his assertions.
He claimed one Tayo Ayinde gave me money at his Ikeja Hotel on behalf of Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu, who is now the Nigeria President.
I want to state that I did not go to any hotel in Lagos State to collect money from anyone relating to Asiwaju Bola Hamed Tinubu since he became the President.
Unlike what Gani Adams’ said in his voice note, I was never charged to court for murder, nor did I kill anyone to warrant my being charged to court.
The voice note showed the mind that has serious malice against my personality. It is on record that despite my respect for his position as Oyo Chief, the media is full of many bad things he said about me in the past.
Finally, i need not remind the Omoluabi Yoruba that i have the same tribal marks on my face as the late Alafin Adeyemi, Omo Oba ni mi.
I am not contesting Aare Gani Adams position.
Nje asiko kò ti ito fun Aare lati dagunro. Yoruba Nation needs unity at this dangerous moment, not ote ati Ilara.
I leave this allegation to the court of public opinion. Even though my initial reaction was to sue him, but i was advised to take it as Iti Ogede ti kose yo Ada si ni asiko ti Ile Yoruba wa ninu Ewu.
The coronation process of the Olubadan designate may commence after the observatory of a 21-day mourning period even as residents continue to throng his Alalubosa residence and his ancestral home at Itabaale Olugbode, Ibadan.
The Olubadan Advisory Council led by Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja had met behind closed doors before the burial of of Late Oba Lekan Balogun on Thursday.
However, our correspondent gathered that even though there is a traditional laid-down principle of electing a new monarch which will be subjected to the approval of Gov. Seyi Makinde, the Council has to meet and deliberate on the nominee.
A palace source said, “We are waiting for Governor Makinde to come back. He is the one to give directives through the Ministry of Local Government for the commencement of the process.
“The Advisory Council will start meeting after a 21-day traditional mourning period in honour of the late Kabiyesi.
Meanwhile, the traditional drummers and praise singers have continued to entertain residents at Alalubosa private residence and Ita Baale ancestral home of the Olubadan designate.
The security was relaxed at Alalubosa GRA unlike in the past.
Also, there is deployment of the police, men of the Directorate of the State Services, and National Defence Security Corps at both ends.
President Tinubu has ordered Nigerian Army to fish out perpetrators of heinous attacks that claimed no fewer than 16 personnel.
This was contained in a statement made available available by the President via his Twitter handle as read in part:
“On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
“The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.
“As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.
“I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.
“This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.
“As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong, and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.
“Members of our armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.
“The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.
My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe”.
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Friday, March 15, 2024 secured the conviction and sentencing of one Bose Lateef before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, for an offence bordering on money racketeering.
She was arraigned by the EFCC on a one- count charge bordering on Naira Racketeering under Section 21(4) of the CBN Act.
The count reads: “That you, BOSE LATEEF on or about the 16 day of February, 2024 al Eko Club, Surulere, in Lages within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court hawked the sum of N269,000.00 (Two Hundred and Sixty Nine Thousand Naira), in N500 (Five Hundred Naira) denominations, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary lo 21(4) and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act. 2007.”
She pleaded “guilty” to the charge preferred against her.
Following her guilty plea, counsel to the EFCC, A.S. Wara called on Olagunjo Abdulmalik, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case.
Abdulmalik told the court that the defendant was arrested on February 15, 2024 while hawking Naira notes at Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the Commission.
Speaking further, he said the sum of N507,500.00 (Five Hundred and Seven Thousand, Five hundred Naira) was recovered from her at the point of arrest.
“Upon her arrest by operatives, she was duly cautioned and the defendant volunteered her statement, in which she confessed that she was into money racketeering and hawking of Naira notes,” he said.
Wara, thereafter, sought to tender, in evidence, the defendant’s statements, and the N507,500.00 (Five Hundred and Seven Thousand, Five hundred Naira) recovered.
Justice Dipeolu admitted and marked them as exhibits against her.
Thereafter, the trial judge declared her guilty as charged.
Defence counsel, Kolapo Gbadamosi, prayed the court for leniency.
“The money found in her possession was a loan she took from a cooperative society,” he said.
He prayed the court to “please give her the money so she can return to the owner and forgive her as she is a first-time offender and is sorry for her actions”.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced her to one month imprisonment to commence from the day of her arrest by the EFCC. The court also ordered the sum of N507,500 cash should be returned to her.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would build about 10,000 housing units before the end of his tenure.
The governor also disclosed that over 4,000 houses have so far been built across the state.
Prince Abiodun spoke on Friday when he received the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Mr. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor noted that although the cost of building materials is on the high side, the government can not abandon its responsibility of providing shelter for the people.
Prince Abiodun said: “To date, we have built about 4,000 affordable houses within four years, and we are still building. By the time I’m done, we will probably build about 10,000 houses.
“We have built medium and upper income houses that have been completely sold out. They were fully four-bedroom detached with Boys Quarters, infrastructure, water, and internet facilities.”
He said his administration is currently working on another project called “Civil Servants Village” that would seat on a 50 hectares of land, provided with infrastructure and layout, saying it would offer an opportunity for members of the state workforce to buy land and build their houses.
Abiodun who noted the place of trust between between the government and the citizen in the area of housing delivery, said: “We noted that there were some estates that were built by my predecessors that were not habitable. We realized that because they did not consult where to match the needs of our people with the design of the estates, that led to the estates becoming homes for miscreants.
“After consultation, we began to build our first estate at the heart of Abeokuta and sold them between N5million-N6million. They were sold out before we even completed building them.”
He described housing as the largest employer of labour and fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing that it is imperative for states to key in and support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts at providing affordable housing for Nigerians.
The governor assured that his administration would establish a system where Nigerians in diaspora would acquire property in the state online and track their development wherever they are.
The governor informed the FHA Chief Executive and his management team that his administration would share its experiences in housing delivery to guide them into making decisions that would be of benefits to Nigerians.
He also assured that land would be made available anywhere in the state for the construction of a federal housing project.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Oladimeji Ojo lauded the state government for its housing delivery schemes, saying he was in the state to intimate the governor of plans by the President Tinubu’s administration to provide affordable houses to Nigerians in the shortest possible time.
He said as the custodian of land in the country, the FHA would liaise with states to get land for the construction of different categories of houses ranging from one to two bedrooms to be sold to Nigerians at affordable prices.
Mr. Ojo also informed the governor that his agency is planning a studio apartment for the youths just as it would partner with state governments on housing digitalization for diaspora to buy property in any state of their choice.
The Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife has described the death of late OLUBADAN of Ibadanland, as a glorious exit not unexpected for a great leader who had lived his life enviably well for his people, calling the death a colossal loss to Ibadanland and the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.
Speaking through a Press Statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni said Oba Balogun was not just a monarch but was a beacon of wisdom, unity, and progress who had worked meritoriously all his life to gain all achievements he had recorded for himself as business man, politician, public servant and finally as traditional ruler of the biggest city in West Africa.
“Throughout his reign, he tirelessly worked towards the betterment of his people, embodying the essence of leadership with grace and dignity, his wisdom, counsel, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his subjects earned him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“The Olubadan’s passing is not only a loss for his family and the people of Ibadan but also to the people of Oyo State and the entire Oduduwa family members globally. His contributions to the socio-economic and cultural development of the region are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as Co-Chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria(NCTRN) prayed for the soul of the late Ibadan monarch, commiserating with his subjects and family, urging for the sustainance of his legacy of peace making, unity, program and compassion praying for an eternal rest of his soul.
“On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and on behalf of the National Council Of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) of which His Majesty, late Oba Lekan Balogun was a leading member, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late Olubadan, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Government, people of Oyo State, and the entire Ibadan community both at home and in the diaspora. We share in your grief during this difficult time and stand in solidarity with you as you mourn the loss of a true visionary leader. May the gentle soul of this great icon of Oodua royalty rest eternally on the right hand of the Almighty Olodumare.” Ooni prayed.
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made unprecedented seizures of life-threatening ammunition, highly dreaded substances and other prohibited items.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Hammed Oloyede, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller on Friday, 15th March 2024, at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, addressing a group of journalists, hinted that on Thursday, 14th March 2024, while on anti-smuggling operations along the borderline, the Command Officers intercepted smuggled 940 rounds of live ammunition camouflaged in sacks of cassava flakes, commonly known as garri in local parlance.
The CAC explained the circumstances surrounding the operation as the Command had been on its trail for more than 2 weeks from the Republic of Benin before it was eventually smuggled into the country.
Speaking further, he stated that the command received valuable intelligence on the level of surveillance mounted and security reinforced by the crooked elements to safeguard the items and evade arrest. However, the superior security network of the Command eventually won the bout, though without apprehending the suspects, as they abandoned the items and absconded in a bid to evade arrest.
According to the Customs Area Controller, “the Command also recorded the seizures of 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as Indian Hemp; 380 pieces of donkey skin; 304 bales of used clothes; and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products, among others.
These items were intercepted at the creeks, borderlines and other strategic locations across Ogun State through the Command espionage network and 24-hour patrol/anti-smuggling activities.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes under the leadership of Chief Barr. Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole on Friday, 16th March, 2024 organised lying in state ceremony as part of the burial rites for the departed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II at the ancient Mapo hall.
The function was attended by the Olubadan-in-council led by the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, Mogajis & Baales of Ibadanland, Indigenes& residents of Ibadanland.
Following the lying in state was torrent of glowing tributes by Ibadan sos and daughters while the late monarch was finally buried at Ali-iwo, his ancestral home. The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Bayo Lawal led government officials to the venue while the Chief Imam of Ibadanland led the islamic rite.
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will overcome any resistance from those who benefited from the former petrol subsidy regime as the government works to implement progressive policies for Nigerians.
Addressing the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House on Friday, Tinubu declared “As we are fighting corruption, smugglers, and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back. All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy removal, they will fight back. But we will defend our people.”
The president reiterated that the nation’s treasury belongs to the citizens and “that sacred trust must not be abused” by those seeking to preserve the discredited fuel subsidy regime which drained public finances.
He assured Nigerians that his administration is working tirelessly to improve their living conditions through progressive policies like student loans, a consumer credit system, social welfare for the unemployed and graduates.
Tinubu, however, noted that all Nigerians must obtain the National Identification Number (NIN) to facilitate proper planning and effective implementation of the social intervention programmes.
“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country. In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquility and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity,’’ the president was quoted as saying by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.
“Without NIN, we can not embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures. I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.
“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them,” the President affirmed.
According to Tinubu, a major priority of his administration is repositioning and diversifying the economy, particularly through agriculture mechanization and ramping up fertilizer supply to farmers.
“We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said the party will soon establish a Progressive Institute for policy development to benefit members and Nigerians.
