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Category: News

  • Sheikh Gumi Reacts As FG Names His Ally, Tukur Mamu As Terrorism Sponsor

    Sheikh Gumi Reacts As FG Names His Ally, Tukur Mamu As Terrorism Sponsor

    Popular Nigerian controversial Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has declared that the Department of State Services (DSS) has no right to declare his ally, Mallam Tukur Mamu, a terrorist financier.

    Recall that the Federal Government recently released a list of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, involved in terrorism financing.

    Among the individuals named on the document is a Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu.

    It is worth noting that Mamu has been in the custody of the DSS since his arrest in Cairo, Egypt, in September 2022. The cleric is currently being tried by the Federal Government for allegedly aiding the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022.

    Mamu was apprehended at the time with his family members while en route to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj.

    During a recent X Space organized by Daily Trust, Sheik Ahmad Gumi stressed the importance of not granting security agencies the power to categorize an individual as a terrorist financier, particularly when the matter is already being handled by the court.

    Despite facing charges related to terrorism financing in a Federal High Court in Abuja, Mamu firmly pleaded his innocence.

    Sheikh Gumi described the situation between Mamu and the security agency as a misunderstanding, refraining from further comments as the case is currently being handled by the court.

    “Mamu’s case is in court. Let’s wait to hear from the court. It’s wrong to resort to a media trial. Let’s wait for the court to state whether he is a financier or not. I think if he is acquitted, he has a strong case to make on libel.

    “Who declares someone a terrorist financer? Is it the court of law or a security agency? The security agency has no right to declare anyone a terrorist financier. The case is already in court, so why are they judging him on the pages of the newspaper? Once a case is in court, you allow the court to decide,” The Islamic scholar noted.

  • President Tinubu Imposes Temporary Ban on Public-Funded Foreign Trips for Government Officials

    President Tinubu Imposes Temporary Ban on Public-Funded Foreign Trips for Government Officials

    By Caroline Ameh

    President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action to curb government spending by instituting a temporary ban on public-funded foreign trips for ministers and other government officials. The directive, conveyed through a memo from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is set to take effect on April 1, 2024.

    In the memo dated March 12, President Tinubu highlighted concerns about the escalating costs associated with international travel amid Nigeria’s challenging economic circumstances. The ban, initially set for a period of 90 days, aims to streamline government expenditure without compromising essential functions.

    “Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government as well as the growing need for Cabinet Members and heads of MDAs to focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery,” the memo states.

    According to the directive, exceptions to the ban may be granted for trips deemed “absolutely necessary.” However, all government officials planning public-funded international travel must obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks prior to the trip.

    “This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions,” the memo emphasizes.

  • Why I’m Yet To Increase Workers’ Salaries In Abia – Gov Otti Explains

    Why I’m Yet To Increase Workers’ Salaries In Abia – Gov Otti Explains

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said he has not reneged on his promise to increase workers’ salaries.

    Otti disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the state capital, Umuahia.

    According to the governor, implementing the salary review depends on the availability of funds, and a committee has been working on it.

    He said, “I have not withdrawn my promise to increase workers’ salaries, but implementing it will depend on the availability of funds; hence, a committee has been working on it.” 

    Otti also noted that the state recently secured a $125 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank to implement its 2024 budget.

    He added, “Two days ago, the Islamic Development Bank approved the sum of $125 million as a loan for us to implement the budget.”

  • EFCC arrests man over death threat against its Chairman

    EFCC arrests man over death threat against its Chairman

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have announced the arrest of one Kayode Cole over a death threat against the chairman of the anti-corruption agency, Ola Olukoyede.

    This was disclosed in a post on its X handle on Wednesday, March 20, stating that Cole made the death threat through his Instagram page handle: “#1billionsecretss” while commenting on a story.

    The post reads in part: “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 18, 2024, arrested one Kayode Cole for issuing a death threat against the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede.

    “Cole was arrested at the Lugbe axis of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

    “The suspect made the death threat through his Instagram page handle: ‘1billionsecretss’ while commenting on a story posted by a popular Instagram blogger, Instablog9ja on February 1, 2024.

    “Instablog9ja had posted a story with the caption: ‘A Religious Sect Is Laundering Money for Terrorists. We Traced N7 Billion Fraud Proceeds to another Religious Group – EFCC Chairman’.

    “Reacting in the comment section of Instablog9ja, Cole stated that the EFCC Chairman will be dead in six months.

    He said: “He will be dead in six months. This man will be dead in 6 months remember I said it.

    “In the course of interrogation, the suspect claimed that he was just ‘chasing clout’.”

  • Labour Party Suspends Enugu Youth Leader

    Labour Party Suspends Enugu Youth Leader

    The Labour Party (LP) has suspended the Youth Leader for Obimo/Ikwoka Ward Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State, Onyekachi Philip Ugwu.

    This decision was made after the Ward Executive Committee and party stakeholders passed a vote of no confidence against him.

    A statement released on Wednesday, signed by the Labour Party ward Chairman, Ozor Chigbogu, and Secretary, Sabastine Ugwuoke, confirmed the suspension.

    The party accused Ugwu of engaging in anti-party activities and other suspicious actions that are detrimental to the reputation and values of the Labour Party.

    The letter also instructed Ugwu to hand over all party belongings within the next 48 hours.

    Furthermore, he was warned not to present himself as the Party Youth Leader until the disciplinary committee makes its recommendation.

    Details of the suspension letter read:

    “VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE AND SUSPENSION OF MR UGWU ONYEKACHI PHILIP AS A MEMBER AND YOUTH LEADER OF THE LABOUR PARTY OBIMO IKWOKA WARD

    “This is to communicate you the decision of the Ward Executive Committee and stakeholders of Labour Party in Obimo/Ikwoka on your suspension as a member and Youth Leader in the ward.

    The resolution for your suspension follows after the consideration and deliberation on your engagement in anti-party activities and other suspicious activities that are detrimental to the reputation and values of the party.

    “By this notice, you are required to submit all party items in your custody to the Chairman within the next 48 hours and cease to parade yourself as the Party Youth Leader, pending the recommendation of the disciplinary committee.

    “We expect your full compliance in this matter. If you have any question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact the party leadership.
    Sincerely.”

  • Senate Joint C’ttee Holds Closed Meeting With Service Chiefs Over Killing Of 16 Soldiers…Security takes precedence over other sectors – Lawan

    Senate Joint C’ttee Holds Closed Meeting With Service Chiefs Over Killing Of 16 Soldiers…Security takes precedence over other sectors – Lawan

    The Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce is currently in a closed meeting with the nation’s Service Chiefs over the recent killing of troops in Okuoma community, Bomadi local government area of Delta State.

    The meeting which started at exactly 3:42pm has in attendance, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan; and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

    Recall that the Senate, during plenary on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, mandated the joint committee to investigate the incident.

    The upper chamber also urged the federal government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.

    The Joint Committee is chaired by Senator Ahmad Lawan, who is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence.

    Moments before the commencement of the meeting with the Service Chiefs, members of the Joint Committee observed a minute silence in honour of the 16 Military personnel killed in Okuoma community last Thursday.

    Speaking on the incident, Senator Lawan in a speech delivered at the investigative hearing by the Joint Committee recalled that, “The troops of 181 Amphibious battalion, on Thursday, 14 March, 2024, went on a peace mission to Okuoma Community in Delta State. An incident occurred resulting in the loss of a Commanding officer, two Majors, a Captain and 12 Soldiers during the peace mission.

    “The troops on the peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi local government area of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths, which resulted in the death of officers and men.

    “Acknowledging the gravity of the attack on the military personnel, the Senate at its plenary on Tuesday, 19th March, 2024, mandated the Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce to investigate the incident.

    “The Senate also urged urged the federal government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.”

    Senator Lawan further underscored the need for the federal government to prioritise the issue of security, noting that same takes precedence over investment in any other sector.

    He described the killing of the 16 soldiers as “barbaric”, and appealed to Nigerians to support the Armed Forces by volunteering information that would lead to the capture and prosecution of those behind various forms of insecurity across the country.

    The former Senate President said, “We, in the Senate, and, indeed, the National Assembly, will always support our military in whatever way we can. [And] the National Assembly has that history. We try to at all times make meaningful appropriation for resources to be available. We know it has never been enough and, in fact, I will take this opportunity to commend our Armed Forces for doing so much with the little we can afford.

    “The insecurity in our country takes precedence over any other consideration and, therefore, it is the position of the Senate that no investment in any sector can be more important than ensuring that we are secured as a country.

    “We, therefore, are very sad as a parliament over this tragic incident. It is our hope in the Senate that those who perpetrated this barbaric and horrific act are captured and the law takes full course on them.

    “I want to appeal to Nigerians that this is our Armed Forces and they cannot secure us without us as citizens playing our part. Therefore, every citizen is supposed to support our Armed Forces. And those in the area where this incident happened must volunteer information because this is the only way we can stop something like this from happening another time.”

  • National Assembly Passes Long-Awaited Student Loan Bill

    National Assembly Passes Long-Awaited Student Loan Bill

    The National Assembly, encompassing the Senate and the House of Representatives, has finally passed the much-anticipated student loan bill into law.

    After undergoing rigorous scrutiny with first, second, and third readings in both parliamentary chambers, the bill officially attained legal status on Wednesday.

    The Senate’s approval came following a thorough examination of the committee’s report on tertiary institutions and TETFUND, as presented by Muntari Dandutse, the committee’s chairperson, during a plenary session.

  • Nigerian Senate Urges Action to Address Out-of-School Children Crisis

    Nigerian Senate Urges Action to Address Out-of-School Children Crisis

    The Nigerian Senate has issued a strong directive, calling upon the Federal Ministry of Education, its associated agencies, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to prioritize the plight of out-of-school children. The primary objective is to substantially reduce the alarming number of children deprived of education across the nation.

    The Senate stressed the urgent need for the formulation of innovative strategies to effectively combat the persistent challenge of out-of-school children. Moreover, they emphasized the critical importance of revitalizing national awareness through extensive sensitization and advocacy efforts, highlighting the indispensable role of education in Nigeria’s overall progress and prosperity.

    Senator Idiat Oluranti, representing Lagos West, spearheaded the motion, underscoring the troubling prevalence of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Senator Oluranti underscored the potential societal repercussions of this crisis, warning against the risk of vulnerable children being lured into criminal activities, thereby exacerbating existing security threats such as banditry and terrorism.

    During deliberations, several Senators voiced their support for the motion, emphasizing the necessity of prompt action. They urged relevant authorities to disclose accurate data regarding the number of out-of-school children, facilitating targeted interventions and resource allocation.

    In response to the motion, the Senate called upon the Judiciary in all 36 states of the Federation to take concrete steps toward establishing mobile courts for the enforcement of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, signaling a commitment to upholding education laws and ensuring accountability.

    The motion has been referred to the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance for comprehensive review and follow-up actions, reflecting the Senate’s firm resolve to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children and foster a brighter future for all Nigerian youths.

  • Full Names of 15 Terrorism Sponsors Released By FG 

    Full Names of 15 Terrorism Sponsors Released By FG 

    Following the directive of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Sanctions Committee on Monday, March 18, revealed the identities of 15 entities including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change firms that have been sanctioned over alleged terrorism financing.

    The nine individuals under sanctions are

    1. Tukur Mamu

    2. Yusuf Ghazali

    3. Muhammad Sani

    4. Abubakar Muhammad

    5. Sallamudeen Hassan

    6. Adamu Ishak

    7. Hassana-Oyiza Isah

    8. Abdulkareem Musa,

    9. Umar Abdullahi

    The six BDCs and firms are

    10. West and East Africa General Trading Company Limited

    11. Settings Bureau De Change Limited

    12. G. Side General Enterprises

    13. Desert Exchange Ventures Limited

    14. Eagle Square General Trading Company Limited

    15. Alfa Exchange BDC.

  • Chickenpox Kills Many In Abuja Community

    Chickenpox Kills Many In Abuja Community

    Residents of Wubara, a community in the Jiwa ward of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been thrown into confusion following a recent surge in the outbreak of chickenpox.

    Chickenpox is a disease that is triggered by the varicella-zoster virus.

    It results in the development of a pruritic rash accompanied by tiny blisters filled with fluid. Chickenpox is highly contagious and can easily transmit to individuals who have not previously contracted the illness or received the chickenpox vaccine.

    Confirming the latest surge of the disease during a recent medical outreach in Wubara, the chairman of the council, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, who was represented by the Supervisory Council for Health, Faoye Tunji, said, “We lament the outbreak of chicken pox recently that befell Wubara and other communities where several households were affected and so many lives were lost. The impact of this calamity has left So many in fear. It is an unfortunate situation, and we pray that it will never repeat again.

    “To us in the council, this outbreak is becoming one too many and a permanent solution is urgently needed to prevent further occurrence. I hereby appeal to our people to maintain a healthy lifestyle by sleeping in well-ventilated houses, be mindful of the heat and bad weather caused by climate change and visit our facilities whenever we have any symptom.’’

    Also reacting to the latest development, the Programme Officer for Disease Control at the Health Unit/Department of AMAC, Dr. Dorothy Ihegazie, emphasized the council’s readiness to provide medical outreach services to the community.

    She highlighted the drugs’ availability at the pharmacy and urged the people to cooperate with the medical professionals present.

    On his part, the Chief of Wubara, Alhaji Ibrahim Dallatu, expressed his satisfaction with the medical outreach program, stating that it would effectively combat any potential diseases within the community.

    According to Daily Trust, the medical professionals on-site during the outreach examined more than 1,000 community members and administered necessary medications.

    It was also observed that the medical outreach program offered medications for malaria, typhoid, child immunization, COVID-19 vaccination, poliomyelitis, monkeypox, chickenpox, and various other ailments.