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Category: News

  • FG Reiterates Suspension Of Workers’ Salaries Not Listed In IPPIS

    FG Reiterates Suspension Of Workers’ Salaries Not Listed In IPPIS

    Federal civil servants who fail to verify their details or enlist their information in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) will face salary suspensions starting from November 2023. 

    This announcement by the Federal Government comes following a grace period of one month granted by the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

    As per reliable sources, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation temporarily suspended salaries of non-compliant civil servants for the month of August 2023.

    A highly authoritative source, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized the importance of the given grace period and stated, 

    “A grace period was given, and the deadline ends by October 27, 2023. Anyone who fails to make use of this opportunity will have themselves to blame as their salaries will be suspended from the end of October. This means no salaries from this month.”

    This decision was further reinforced by a letter issued by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, dated October 3, 2023, and addressed to all Permanent Secretaries. 

    The letter explained the background of the verification exercise conducted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, which began in May 2017 and concluded in April 2023.

    The letter outlined the two categories of officers affected by this measure: those who did not update their records online and those who updated their records but were unable to complete the process or print the registration slip. 

    The registration portal (https://verification.jopis.gov.ng) was open for officers from October 3rd to October 10th, 2023, and physical verification is scheduled from October 16th to October 27th, 2023, at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Kubwa Expressway, Abuja, between 10 am and 4 pm each day.

    All concerned officers have been urged to take this final opportunity for verification and not risk the suspension of their salaries.

  • Igbo Group Knocks Peter Obi’s Remarks on Tinubu’s Certificate Case

    Igbo Group Knocks Peter Obi’s Remarks on Tinubu’s Certificate Case

    The Omalegwuoku Progressive Initiative, an Igbo socio-political group, has criticized Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), for his recent comments about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The group called on Obi to refrain from making divisive remarks and challenging President Tinubu to reveal his personal details.

    During a news briefing in Abuja, Ambassador Ginika Tor, the Global President of the group and a Commissioner with the Federal Character Commission (FCC), expressed her disappointment.

    She argued that the President should focus on leading the country towards progress and development rather than engaging in discussions about his background.

    Tor stated, “It is an insult to Nigeria as a nation for you to call out our president… to say he is from this state, from this country, from this region, from this locality? Does he owe us that? What the President owes us now is to take us to our destination of choice.”

    She expressed her disappointment in Peter Obi, whom she had respected and referred to as her brother. Tor urged Obi to avoid divisive statements and consider the potential consequences of his actions on the future of the Igbo people.

    “We are telling our brother, Obi, to calm down. If God wanted you to be there, He would have made you the President. He did not. There are many distractions around this President. Are you not bothered with the issues around the world?”

  • Tinubu Tells Supreme Court To Dismiss Atiku’s Appeal 

    Tinubu Tells Supreme Court To Dismiss Atiku’s Appeal 

    President Bola Tinubu, who contested as the presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election, has officially requested the Supreme Court to reject the appeal filed by Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition party. 

    Tinubu’s response, which was presented by his legal team, comes in response to Atiku’s notice of appeal.

    This move follows the prior judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on September 6, which dismissed Atiku’s petition challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election. 

    The tribunal cited Atiku’s failure to substantiate the claims in his petition and concluded that his case lacked merit.

    Atiku subsequently filed a notice of appeal with 35 grounds before the Supreme Court on September 18, seeking to have the tribunal’s findings and conclusions overturned. 

    He argued that the tribunal had made “grave errors and gross misrepresentations” that resulted in a miscarriage of justice.

    In his response, President Tinubu maintained that the presidential election petition tribunal had rightfully reached its verdict and upheld his election.

    He emphasized that the appellants had failed to substantiate their allegations and provide any compelling reason for the apex court to overturn the lower court’s findings.

    Tinubu also characterized Atiku’s appeal as “abusive in nature” and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss it.

     He stated that the appeal lacked merit and bona fide and urged the court to affirm the lower court’s decision.

     The legal battle continues as both parties await the Supreme Court’s decision.

  • BBC Report Claims Tinubu’s Certificate Is Authentic

    BBC Report Claims Tinubu’s Certificate Is Authentic

    In a report released by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Wednesday, it has been revealed that there is no proof that President Bola Tinubu forged his academic record at Chicago State University (CSU).

    This revelation comes in the midst of controversy surrounding Tinubu’s academic credentials.

    Recently, Chicago State University had released and deposited Tinubu’s certificate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as requested by a US court in the context of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.

    While President Tinubu and his aides have consistently maintained the authenticity of his CSU certificate, Atiku’s camp had alleged that the certificate was falsified. However, the BBC’s Global Disinformation Team’s investigation has not found any conclusive evidence of forgery.

    The BBC report stated that they contacted CSU for clarification, and the university expressed confidence in the veracity and integrity of their records concerning Tinubu’s attendance and graduation.

    The report further highlights that there are three different versions of CSU certificates associated with Tinubu, including the original 1979 certificate, a second diploma submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), and another replacement diploma from the early 2000s, which was never collected by Tinubu.

    Contrary to some allegations on social media, the BBC found that the phrase “with honours” does appear on Mr. Tinubu’s diploma from the early 2000s, which CSU authenticated during their investigation.

    CSU’s registrar, Caleb Westberg, affirmed that changes in the diploma template over the years might explain differences in appearance. He also attested to the authenticity of Tinubu’s diploma during his deposition.

    The BBC report concluded that CSU’s documents and Mr. Westberg’s statements confirm that President Tinubu graduated from CSU with honours, dispelling some of the doubts raised regarding his academic credentials.

  • Justice Odili Inspires New Lawyers To Combat Injustice With Legal Expertise

    Justice Odili Inspires New Lawyers To Combat Injustice With Legal Expertise

    Justice Mary Peter Odili, Chair of the Body of Benchers, inspired a fresh wave of legal professionals during the call to bar ceremony.

    She urged the 1,097 newly minted lawyers to wield their legal skills as tools against injustices and inequalities that persist in Nigeria.

    She implored them to champion the rights of the less fortunate who cannot defend themselves.

    “Your law degrees and call to bar certificates are not just pieces of documents you will hang on your wall or boast about. These are credentials that you can wield as your sword to fight against injustice,” Justice Odili declared.

    She reminded the young lawyers that their legal expertise allows them to transform the world for the better, whether in private practice, government service, entrepreneurship, or any other field they choose to venture into.

    Justice Odili also emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical and moral obligations, civility, and professionalism, stressing that their actions as legal practitioners will have a profound impact on their clients and society as a whole.

    Furthermore, she urged the new lawyers to seek guidance from experienced colleagues when facing challenges and difficulties, and she cautioned against the improper use of social media, which could tarnish their reputation and that of the legal profession.

    The ceremony, attended by prominent legal figures such as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, marked the successful transition of these aspiring lawyers into the legal profession.

    It was a significant milestone in their journey to uphold justice, ethics, and professional conduct in the legal field.

  • 98% Children With Diphtheria Not Immunised – Minister

    98% Children With Diphtheria Not Immunised – Minister

    The Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has said that 98 per cent of unvaccinated children were infected with diphtheria in 19 states.

    The Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made the disclosure at the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery (NTLC) Quarterly Review Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The meeting was organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    The NTLC meeting is a platform for the NPHCDA and its partners to engage traditional leaders on their roles and responsibilities toward improving primary healthcare delivery in their communities.

    The minister called for the implementation of a rapid vaccination campaign.

    He said that the 19 states must come together to save the lives of vulnerable children.

    Pate said that the ministry and other stakeholders had come together to aggressively tackle the diphtheria challenge that had persisted for months.

    He said that efforts were being made to ensure that the challenge would not linger.

    “The key focus of these collaborative efforts is to improve local governance and enhance delivery of essential services.

    “This involves including all relevant stakeholders in the conversation, not just the Federal Government.

    “Leaders at all levels, including your highnesses and representatives from the private sector, are actively working together to address the pressing diphtheria issue that affects our people,” he said.

    The minister said that a major milestone was the upcoming launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Nigeria later in October.

    “This vaccine not only aims to prevent cervical cancer in the years to come, but also emphasises the importance of engaging our royal fathers and strengthening the health system to ensure efficient delivery of vaccines.

    “It acknowledges that different population segments require different approaches with childhood vaccination programmes catering for younger age groups, and COVID-19 vaccinations targeting adults,” he said.

    He said that technical experts involved in the efforts had reassured the country of the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine.

    “Their expertise and responses to various questions have instilled confidence in recommending its utilisation to protect our girls and prevent future health complications,” he said.

    He said that the collaborative approach taken by state governments and other stakeholders set an example not only within the sub-region but also for all in the wider space.

    “The unity and evidence-based decision-making exhibited by all members involved in this venture highlight the commitment to address health challenges and protect the well-being of all Nigerians.

    “This united front signifies a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing health challenge and paves the way for a more coordinated and effective response.

    “With the combined efforts of state governments, other stakeholders and technical experts, there is optimism that this collaborative approach will yield positive outcomes and bring about much-needed solutions to improve public health,” he said.

    He expressed gratitude to traditional leaders across the country for longstanding support of public health initiatives.

    Pate praised their unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people and credited them with the successful fight against wild poliovirus in Nigeria.

    He said that Nigeria’s remarkable progress in polio eradication had far-reaching implications.

    “The fact that we don’t have children paralysed by wild poliovirus now is thanks to your leadership and the commitment of more than 100,000 traditional leaders,” he said.

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, appealed to Nigerians to live in peace for the unity of the country.

  • FCTA Shuts Down 2 Substandard Schools In Abuja

    FCTA Shuts Down 2 Substandard Schools In Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has closed two private schools for operating below minimum standard in the FCT.

    The affected schools are Erudite Bright Kids at Kagini and Jane’s Angela School in Abuja Municipal Area Council

    The schools were closed during an operation to close all substandard schools operating in the FCT.

    The Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Danlami Hayyo, who led the team in Abuja on Wednesday, explained that the measure was to ensure quality of teaching and learning in FCT schools.

    Hayyo said that the move was in line with the mandate of the Department of Quality Assurance charged with the core responsibility of proper accreditation of schools, monitoring and inspection.

    This, according to him, is to ensure quality educational services, compliance to the requirements for the establishment of schools and enforcement of minimum standards as stipulated in the operational guidelines for Schools.

    “In a normal situation, no school should be allowed to operate in the FCT without due registration, payment of dues and obtaining the necessary requirements.

    “The secretariat through the Department of Quality Assurance is determined to sanitise the system for a better teaching and learning process.

    “We will also intensify its efforts to ensure FCT schools compete favorably in the global education space,” he said.

    He called on the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) to enlighten their members on minimum standards and the need to key into FCT Administration educational policies.

    Hayyo, also called for robust partnership of the private sector in the delivery of quality educational services to the teeming residents of the FCT.

    The mandate secretary also frowned at the attitude of some school proprietors who denied evaluators and inspectors from accessing school premises.

    On her part, the Director, Department of Quality Assurance, Dr Favour Nse-Edem, explained that the sealed schools failed to satisfy the conditions of establishment of regular schools.

    Nse-Edem added that there were no records of their existence and has been operating for years, adding that the closure was key to maintaining standards in schools.

    She said that the department would continue to ensure that both public and private schools operate within expected standards.

    She added that all schools must operate in line with minimum requirements, duly accredited, registered and adhere to operational guidelines.

    The director said that the closure exercise was with the approval of the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike.

    She explained that the department had created awareness through public announcements in various media organisations on the need to comply with operational guidelines to provide quality educational services.

    The director said that the announcement served as a warning signal to defaulting and substandard schools operating in an unconducive environment.

    “There are other schools operating in an environment that predisposes students to health hazards and those operating in faulty physical structure among others.

    “The department has continued to advise the schools owners on what is expected of them but have continued to ignore such professional advice of quality assurance evaluators,” he said. 

  • Israeli Airstrikes Displace About 264,000 Palestinians In Gaza – UN

    Israeli Airstrikes Displace About 264,000 Palestinians In Gaza – UN

    Israeli airstrikes against Hamas militants have displaced 264,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the UN’s humanitarian relief agency has said.

    They are sheltering in school buildings, with relatives or neighbours, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

    Hamas, the militant group that rules Gaza, launched a large-scale attack against Israel on Saturday, killing at least 1,200 people and kidnapping around 100 others.

    Israel responded with ongoing airstrikes on the densely packed coastal enclave.

    At least 900 people have died in Gaza, health officials there say.

    OCHA reported Israeli airstrikes on several residential buildings in Gaza.

    OCHA, citing the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Gaza, said more than 1,500 housing units were destroyed or severely damaged.

    In addition, five facilities that provided water and sanitation for half a million people were damaged.

    More than two million people live in the Palestinian territory.

  • Certificate Saga: Clarify Your Academic Credentials To Nigerians, Obi Tells Tinubu

    Certificate Saga: Clarify Your Academic Credentials To Nigerians, Obi Tells Tinubu

    The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reintroduce himself to the Nigerian public and throw more light on his academic qualifications.

    This call comes in light of recent developments, where a US court ordered the release of President Tinubu’s academic records from the Chicago State University (CSU) at the request of the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    During a press conference in Abuja, Obi requested that President Tinubu provide clarification regarding the schools he attended, whether he participated in the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, and if he ever changed his name. This, he believes, will help prevent what he described as an international embarrassment related to identity crisis.

    Former Anambra State Governor emphasized that having held the highest political office in the country, President Tinubu no longer has a right to personal privacy regarding his identity.

    Atiku, the former Vice President, had initially requested the release of President Tinubu’s academic certificate from Chicago State University due to concerns about the authenticity of the certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the former Lagos State governor.

    Following the release of the academic records, Atiku called on Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other concerned Nigerians to join his pursuit of “justice” on the matter and vowed to continue seeking justice.

  • CJN, Others Eulogise Late Justice Nweze

    CJN, Others Eulogise Late Justice Nweze

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Tuesday eulogised late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chima Centus Nweze on his commitment to enthronement of rule of law through quality justice delivery.

    Justice Nweze died on Saturday, 29th July, 2023, at the age of 64 years.

    The CJN said, the late Jurist, “was one of those cerebrally mobile judicial officers in our contemporary history who had latched on our memory an enviable degree of intellectual eminence and legal finesse that encompassed all spheres of philosophy and methodical reasoning”. 

    Speaking in Abuja at a valedictory court session in honour of Late Nweze, the CJN said, the late Justice was a very unique and nationalistic personality with a radical posture of justice and rule of law adding that, even though he looked simple and unassuming, the late Justice was very strict and consciously principled in disposition. 

    “He was always very warm and engaging. Like all great men, my Lord was a man of paradox; simple without being simplistic in disposition; elitist and dignified in carriage, yet he related exceptionally well with everyone around him, especially the underprivileged and the downtrodden in the society”. 

    He noted that the entire life of late Justice Nweze was completely devoid of duplicity, undue arrogance and elitism; as some people often manifest once fortune smiles on them and they are elevated to positions of influence and affluence. 

    He said, even though Justice Nweze was a dogged fighter for whatever cause he believed in, he was an astute advocate of the arts of mediation and reconciliation.

    Justice Nweze, who was born on the 25th September, 1958 in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, gained admission into University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) in 1979 where he studied and graduated with a Degree in Law in 1983. 

    In direct response to Justice Nweze’s commitment to duty and immense adjudicatory prowess, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal Bench on 15th February, 2008; where he served until 29th October, 2014 when fortune reciprocally shone on him with a well-deserved elevation to the Supreme Court Bench. 

    “At the Supreme Court, my Lord, Hon. Justice Nweze exhibited immense scholarship and rare jurisprudential candour. All his judgments were laced with academic flavour and intellectual steam. His judicial pronouncements were like ocean waves that move with vigour and vibrancy. 

    “His judgements covered a gamut of issues that have offered us sufficient food for thought; not just as Judicial Officers and lawyers but as citizens of the global village that are desirous of having a free, peaceful and egalitarian society.

    “His intellectual accomplishments have, to a large extent, crystallized the legal profession by injecting confidence in the minds of both practitioners, law students and the common man on the street. His astuteness and eloquence in the courtroom, coupled with the seamless application of legal wisdom to every matter, made him an enigma of some sort”, the CJN stated.

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in his speech said the Supreme Court of Nigeria is overwhelmed with workload of cases.

    Represented by the Solicitor General of the Federal and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the AGF said the Supreme Court of Nigeria is one of the over- worked courts all over the world.

    He said Justice Nweze’s life will continue to shine as an example to all, adding that, the late Justice contributed immensely to the development of the nation’s judiciary.

    The Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN) represented by Damion Dodo (SAN) said the late Nweze distinguished himself on the Bench and had delivered qualitative judgements during his stay on the Supreme Court Bench.

    The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in his speech, said late Nweze made, “significant contribution to the growth of our jurisprudence”.