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Category: News

  • WAEC Releases Results Of First-ever Computer-based WASSCE For Private Candidates

    WAEC Releases Results Of First-ever Computer-based WASSCE For Private Candidates

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), on Friday, released the results of the first-ever computer-based 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates.

    In a statement signed and released by the Acting Head, Public Affairs, WAEC, Moyosola Adesina, 8,006 candidates out of total 8,362 that registered for the 2024 CB-WASSCE, representing 98.37% have their results fully processed and released while 133 candidates, representing 1.63% have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them.

    “The candidates’ performance analysis showed that out of the 8,139 candidates that sat the examination, 3,424 candidates representing 42.07% obtained credit and above in a minimum of 5 subjects with or without English Language and/or Mathematics. 2,519 candidates representing 30.95% obtained credit and above in a minimum of 5 subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. 

    “Thus, there is a marginal increase of 6.96% in performance in this regard, representing 0.80% of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, are being withheld for various reported cases of examination malpractice.

    “There were reported cases of 413 candidates who are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for consideration. Thereafter, the Committee’s decisions will be communicated directly to the affected candidates. Meanwhile, candidates whose results are being held/withheld can apply for redress by visiting https://waecinternational.org/complaints to register their complaints.”

    According to the management, the examination was conducted between Wednesday, January 31 and Saturday, February 17, 2024. The coordination of examiners and marking of candidates’ scripts were carried out at three marking Venues in Lagos, Enugu and Kaduna from March 1 to 16, 2024 and a total of 459 examiners participated in the coordination and marking exercise.

    “Twenty-one candidates with varying degrees of special needs were registered for the examination, of which nine were visually challenged, two had impaired hearing and two were albinos. The statement added that all the candidates with special needs were adequately catered for in the administration of the examination,” the statement added.

  • Labour Party petitions FG, ministers, others over vandalisation of party offices by NLC

    Labour Party petitions FG, ministers, others over vandalisation of party offices by NLC

    The Labour Party has formally petitioned relevant government institutions over the invasion of its premises by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    In the petition, the party requested urgent intervention to protect its interests and called for disciplinary measures against the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and other union leaders.

    In letters addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Minister of Labour and Employment, and the Registrar of Trade Unions, the party leadership, represented by Chairman Barrister Julius Abure and National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, outlined their concerns.

    According to the Labour Party, Comrade Ajaero has misused workers’ funds to orchestrate picketing and insurrection at the Labour Party headquarters, which constitutes an abuse of office.

    The party asserted that such actions should be met with appropriate sanctions.

    Part of the letter read, “It has become unavoidably necessary to request for your urgent intervention, being the Regulatory Agency for trade unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has over the years engaged in a war of attrition with our party. It came to a head and unbearable when the NLC under the leadership of Comrade Joe Ajeoro directed the picketing of our party’s National Headquarters and our chapter offices across the country. The unwarranted attack in our office resulted in the destruction of several properties.

    “The NLC claims to be owners of the party and therefore wants to impose the leadership of the party, exerts overwhelming control to achieve a political end. It must be pointed out that once a Political Party is registered by INEC it becomes a body corporate with a perpetual succession and a common seal (see the letter of INEC to NLC dated 3rd September 2015) where INEC stated clearly that the NLC has no superior status.

    “Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that, a Political Party once registered has a life of its own and it is only regulated by its constitution. It is imperative to note that by the import of the above provisions, whosoever plays any role whatsoever in the registration of the party becomes immaterial. The party will thereafter be regulated by its constitution.

    “It should be noted that Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) prohibits any association from contributing to the funds of any Political Party. It is a criminal offence under section 15 of the Trade Union Act to use Trade Unions Funds whether directly or indirectly to fund a Political Party.

    “It is our arguments that using workers funds to picket and sponsor insurrection in the Labour Party headquarters and its legitimate leadership is an abuse of office by the Presidents of the NLC Comrade Joe Ajaero and should therefore be called to order and properly sanctioned.

    “Similarly, the NLC has no right to picket an organization where there is no trade dispute. The Labour Party has no staff who are members of the NLC. The actions of the NLC is a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, the Trade Union Act and other relevant laws.

  • Three University Students Die In Stampede As Nasarawa Govt Distributes Rice

    Three University Students Die In Stampede As Nasarawa Govt Distributes Rice

    The excruciating pang of hunger rampaging through Africa’s most populous nation exerted itself again today in Keffi, Nasarawa state, North Central Nigeria as three students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), reportedly died on Friday in a stampede during the distribution of rice palliative by the state government.

    The incident happened at the university’s convocation square in Keffi, where the bags of rice were kept awaiting the arrival of the state Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for the commencement of distribution.

    However, the surging crowd of students waiting to enter the square overpowered the security personnel and broke in through the gate, causing a stampede.

    An eyewitness, Moses Ajah, who spoke with journalists, described the incident as unfortunate.

    He said some students picked up bags of rice and ran to their hostels and other places of residence even as the governor was yet to arrive to inaugurate the distribution.

    He said, “Some of the students were struggling with the police over the rice, and as more students got information, the situation degenerated.

    “As we speak some students are injured and receiving treatment at the school.”

    Police officers have begun retrieving the palliatives from students.

    Meanwhile, the University’s Protocol Officer, Abraham Ekpo, confirmed the incident and promised to give details later.

  • Tinubu Makes New Appointment 

    Tinubu Makes New Appointment 

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Olugbile Holloway as director-general of the national commission for Museums and monuments.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. 

    “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Olugbile Holloway as the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

    “Mr. Holloway is the Managing Director of Evoke Communications Limited, a creative brand/consultancy agency. 

    “He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

    “The President expects that the new Director-General will bring life into this important agency and ensure the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage”, the statement said.

  • Uzodimma Appoints Brother As Deputy Chief Of Staff

    Uzodimma Appoints Brother As Deputy Chief Of Staff

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved the appointment of his brother, Ferdinand Uzodimma, as his Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of General Services.

    The governor also reappointed Cosmos Iwu as the Secretary to the State Government; Nnamdi Anyaehie as his Chief of Staff and Sydney Agbor as the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations.

    The three officials served in the same capacities in Uzodimma’s first four years as governor.

    Also appointed are Patrick Ekeji as the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration and Sam Nwaobasi named as the Special Adviser on Programme and Policy Implementation and Monitoring.

    A statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesman, Oguwike Nwachuku, disclosed that the appointments took immediate effect.

    The statement read, “The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, has reappointed Chief Cosmos Iwu as the Secretary to the Government of Imo State.

    “In the same vein, Nnamdi Anyaehie, Chief Patrick Ekeji and Olisaemeka Sydney Agbor have been reappointed as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) respectively.

    “Also, the governor has approved the appointment of Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma, a one time Councillor, Transition Committee Chairman and Sole Administrator of Oru East Local Government Area as his Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) with Mr. Sam Anyalewechi Nwaobasi named as Special Adviser on Programme and Policy Implementation/ Monitoring.

    “The appointments take immediate effect.

    “Governor Uzodimma, who congratulated the new appointees, urged them to bring to bear their professional competence in the efforts to drive the vision of the Shared Prosperity 3R Government of Imo State.”

  • FG takes over the trial of alleged 4 terrorists who kidnapped and killed Imo monarch

    FG takes over the trial of alleged 4 terrorists who kidnapped and killed Imo monarch

    The federal government has taken over the prosecution of four suspected terrorists who allegedly kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community of Imo State, Eze Basil Njoku.

    The four defendants are Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe, Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke were earlier slammed a three count charge which has been increased to five in the amended charges.

    At the resumed proceeding at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the
    Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, announced the taking over of the trial from the Inspector General of Police

    The AGF, through his counsel, David Kaswe, invoked section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to assume trial of the terrorism charges.

    Consequently, he pleaded with the court to put off the arraignment until another date to enable him to study the case file.

    He said that the Inspector General of Police has already been directed to make the case file available to the Federal Ministry of Justice for approximate action by the AGF.

    Meantime, April 15 has been fixed for the re-arraignment of the defendants on the amended charge.

    Iheme, 52 years of Amagwu Amanze Obowo local government area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo local government area also of Imo State, were said to have killed the traditional ruler on December 17, 2022.

    The defendants were accused of killing the monarch while coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4 million cash from his family.

    In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    They were also said to have armed themselves with guns and offensive weapons, attacked, kidnapped, and killed the monarch on December 17, 2022.

    The IGP also accused them of failing to volunteer information at their disposal to security agencies, which could have led to apprehension of other kidnappers contrary to section 16 of the same Terrorism Act.

    Part of the charge read “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.

    “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja with intent to mislead the police investigators in the case of kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you gave false information to the investigators that a drunk man informed you that Nwigwe Emeka Williams is responsible for the kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku Knowing or having reason to know that information you gave to police investigators is false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act 2004.

    “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.

  • Ahead of Edo, Ondo Guber: INEC Calls for Media Collaboration Against Fake News

    Ahead of Edo, Ondo Guber: INEC Calls for Media Collaboration Against Fake News

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has emphasized the important role of media organizations in the fight against fake news and misinformation during the first quarterly consultative meeting held in Abuja.

    Addressing representatives from various media outlets, Prof. Yakubu underscored the importance of maintaining transparency and openness in the electoral process, particularly in the lead-up to the off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

    Highlighting the Commission’s mandate to organize, supervise, and conduct elections, Prof. Yakubu noted the extensive responsibilities involved in ensuring free, fair, and credible electoral processes. He provided insights into the recent flurry of electoral activities, including bye-elections and re-run elections conducted across multiple states.

    With the Edo State Governorship election scheduled for September 21st, 2024, and the Ondo State Governorship election set for November 16th, 2024, Prof. Yakubu outlined the preparations underway, including the submission of candidate lists and personal particulars by political parties.

    While expressing concern over the proliferation of fake news in the digital age, Prof. Yakubu reiterated INEC’s commitment to combating misinformation through collaboration with media partners.

    He urged journalists to scrutinize and report on political party primaries with the same diligence applied to main elections, emphasizing the critical role of primaries in shaping the electoral landscape.

    In addressing the challenge of fake news, Prof. Yakubu advocated for greater openness and transparency, citing INEC’s policy of engagement with stakeholders to counter misleading narratives.

    He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to working closely with the media and encouraged reporters to serve as guardians against misinformation, thereby strengthening democratic processes.

    Prof. Yakubu also extended his appreciation to all participants and reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent electionsas he equally called for continued collaboration between INEC and the media to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

  • Frequent Summons: Stop Distracting My Appointees, Allow them Work – Tinubu Urges National Assembly

    Frequent Summons: Stop Distracting My Appointees, Allow them Work – Tinubu Urges National Assembly

    President Bola Tinubu has appealed to members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies before parliamentary committees.

    Speaking at the breaking of Ramadan fast on Wednesday in Abuja with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, the President said while oversight is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, excessive summoning of officials can disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens.

    He, therefore, urged lawmakers to show discretion in the exercise of their oversight functions.

    ”I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the Speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight.

    “But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the Governor of the Central Bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation.

    ”If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations,” the President said.

    Expressing confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance, President Tinubu lauded the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

    He said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

    He urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies and to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society.

    ”We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.

    ”We must have faith, and please do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through.

    ”I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria,” the President said.

  • New Salaries for Judicial Officers

    New Salaries for Judicial Officers

    In the latest review of judicial officers’ salaries made by President Bola Tinubu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, will now earn N1monthly basic salary and N4.3 million regular allowances.

    This was contained in an executive bill sent to the National Assembly by the President on Tuesday seeking an upward review of the salaries of judicial officers.

    After the House of Representatives approved Tinubu’s request to increase the salaries and allowances of judicial officers, the CJN will earn N13.5 million in annual basic salary and N51.2 million in regular allowances, making it a total of N64.7 million.

    Further analysis of the new salary structure showed that the President of the Court of Appeal will earn N62.4 million annually.

    In contrast, the justices of the Supreme Court will earn N61.4 million annually.

    It would be recalled that in October last year, retired Supreme Court Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad said the CJN N400,000 monthly salary is lower than the N1.2 million earned by the Supreme Court Registrar.

  • Northern Senators Forum Urges Immediate Action Against Rising Kidnappings in March 2024

    Northern Senators Forum Urges Immediate Action Against Rising Kidnappings in March 2024

    The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has voiced urgent concerns regarding the recent surge in kidnappings across northern Nigeria during the month of March.

    In a release signed by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, they condemned the escalating violence, particularly in Kaduna State.

    Citing a series of alarming incidents, including the abduction of 286 students and staff from a school on March 7th and an attack on worshippers in a mosque on March 8th, the NSF stressed the critical need for swift intervention.

    Furthermore, subsequent kidnappings on March 12th, 17th, and 18th, which resulted in 87 individuals being abducted in Kujuru alone, underscored the severity of the situation.

    Senator Yar’adua characterized the acts as reprehensible and called for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis.

    The NSF reiterated its unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions and ensuring justice for the victims and pledged to exhaust all avenues in fulfilling its mandate to protect the welfare of the people and uphold national security.