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Reps call for truce over UniAbuja face-off

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Reps call for truce over UniAbuja face-off

The House of Representatives, has called for a truce between the Academic Staff Union (ASUU) and the management of the University of Abuja, over the current strike.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata, the Chairman, House Committee on University Education, said this when he received the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah and a team of ASUU members from the institution at the National Assembly on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The need to ensure non-disruption of academic activities led to the intervention, which made the Federal Government to remove universities from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

“When we came on board, we promised that there should be no disruption of academic activities in Nigerian universities. We observed that university managements were in complex condition under IPPIS.

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“We made the appeal, and President Bola Tinubu listened to us and removed universities and other tertiary institutions from IPPIS,” he said.
Fulata appealed to ASUU to suspend the indefinite strike that began on May 2.

He promised that the National Assembly would soon come up with a bill that would address the problem regarding the appointment of a VC and the running of universities in the absence of a council.

He appealed to ASUU to suspend the strike while further consultations were ongoing to finally resolve the impasse

Ealier, Dr Sylvanus Ugo, the Chairman of the university’s chapter of ASUU, said the meeting was to find an amicable solution to the problems on the ground.
Ugod said the issues in contention that resulted in the indefinite strike included the illegal advertisement for the vacancy of the post of Vice-Chancellor.

He said that it was the governing council that was responsible for the appointment of a new VC, but in the absence of the council, the Senate of the university could elect an acting VC.

Other issues he raised included the illegal appointment of deans, recruitment of staff without due process, illegal promotion, and the removal of ASUU from the University’s Micro Finance Bank in spite of its numerous investments.

Na’Allah, in his response, said the 6th Vice-Chancellor of the University was expected to retire from service in June.

He said the Minister of Education gave the permission to place advertisement in respect of the vacancy for the post of VC of the University.

Na’Allah said that all appointments, recruitments, and promotions carried out were in consonance with the University Act (NAN)

By Femi Ogunshola

Sule to construct 3000-capacity multi-purpose hall for NYSC

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Sule to construct 3000-capacity multi-purpose hall for NYSC

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has pledged to construct a new 3000-capacity multi-purpose hall for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state.

He made the pledge at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course for youth corps member at the Magaji Dan Yamusa NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Keffi Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Sule said he was aware of the scheme’s request for a bigger hall to cater for camp activities during the three weeks orientation.

He added that “it is on this premise that I wish to inform you that I have already approved the commencement of work on the construction of a 3000-capacity multipurpose hall, one befitting of the scheme and which would be adequate for all events on camp.”

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The governor congratulated camp officials and the 2154 youth corps members posted to the state for achieving a hitch-free orientation exercise.

He urged the corps members to carry with them the sense of duty, the commitment to community and the passion for positive change wherever they are posted to.

“The experiences shared, friendships forged and lessons learned during this orientation will serve as the foundation for an impactful service year ahead.

“Whether you find yourself in bustling cities, serene villages or remote hamlets, let the principles of unity, understanding and empathy guide your interactions.

“Embrace the communities you are called to serve, for in their stories, you will find the essence of your purpose. Be the ambassadors of hope, the catalysts for progress and the advocates for a better tomorrow,” he said.

He assured the youth corps members that Nasarawa, popularly called “Home of Solid Minerals, is also renowned for its hospitality, cultural diversity and natural beauty.”

Earlier, Alhaji Abdullahi Jikamshi, the NYSC State Coordinator, had urged members to approach the remaining service year with humility and spirit of selflessness.

“Focus on making positive contributions to your host communities by serving as exemplary ambassadors of your families, the NYSC and our nation at your places of primary assignments,” he said.

He urged them to use social media responsibly and stressed the prohibition of unauthorised journeys and night travels.

“The hall would serve as a valuable asset to our various training programmes and the Keffi community at large,” he said. (NAN)

By Olukayode Babalola

Don’t terminate Tompolo’s pipelines surveillance contract

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Don’t terminate Tompolo’s pipelines surveillance contract

A group, Concerned Ijaw Citizens, has urged  President Bola Tinubu to ignore calls to revoke the  oil pipelines surveillance contract awarded  to Tantita Security Services Ltd ,an outfit owned by  Mr Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

The Coordinator of the group, Chief Manager Seigha,  made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

NAN reports that there have been  calls in some quarters asking the Federal Government to revoke, without delay, the security contract awarded to Tompolo’s company.

The government,through the  Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), had in 2022  awarded the multi-billion  contract to Tompolo,a  former Niger Delta agitator,to check rising  large-scale crude oil theft in the region.

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Seigha said those seeking the  termination of the contract are enemies of the nation, seeking  personal gains at the expense of the country’s economic stability.

He said that Tantita had effectively checked oil theft, helping the country to significantly increase its crude oil production.

Seigha added that Tompolo ,through the contract ,had engaged and empowered many youths in the Nigeria Delta,thereby helping to reduce restiveness in the region .

“When crude oil theft became so high and Nigerian crude oil production went down from about 1.9 million per day to about 900,000 per day, it was Tompolo that came out to offer help.

“At that time, many oil magnates  were crying out that the bulk of oil  being stolen was about 60 per cent of daily output, and that those of them in the business were losing seriously.

“The volume of  oil that was being stolen can only be imagined . At that time,  security agencies like the Navy and the police were in Niger Delta, but could not solve the problem.

“That happened for more than four years before the government, under the administration of  President Muhammadu Buhari engaged Tompolo to address the problem, Seigha said.

He added Tompolo had done well so far in the execution of the contract and that calls for the contractual agreement to be revoked had no basis .

Seigha added: “He (Tompolo) understands the terrain and creeks and this has been working for the nation. Within one year, Federal Government recovered more than 700,000 barrel per day.

“Today, the country has recovered over million barrel per day that were being stolen at a time. It is unfortunate to hear people questioning why the Federal Government gave the contract to Tompolo.

“In  fact ,what the government is paying Tompolo is not commensurate with the   huge work he is doing to stabilise the economy.

“We need to safeguard oil installations and protect crude oil from being stolen ,” he said.

According to him, no security personnel can access some of the places where Nigerian oil has been stolen.

“Tompolo’s boys can go to places Police, Navy and Army cannot go. Navy patrols the creeks from 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. What happens in the midnight?

“It is these young people employed by Tompolo who are working 24 hours making it impossible for oil theft to take place,” he said.

The co-ordinator said the group’s call on the government to retain Tantita’s contract was not for pecuniary benefits, but out of patriotism and the need to take the economy off the hands of saboteurs

“We, as elders, are not talking because of any gain as we don’t get a dime from the contractor, but we are talking because the nation is dear to us and our environment is better now unlike before.

“If we look at the great work Tompolo is doing to help the  economy, what the government is paying him is nothing much.

“We should not bring the nation back to era of oil theft. In fact, we feel it is not too much to give Tompolo 10 per cent of what he is bringing to the system, to end oil theft.

“So, it is not a job soldiers or police can do. Some people don’t just understand. Nigeria will lose if  the contract is revoked as being advocated  by some ignorant people.

“There is nobody in the Niger Delta that has the capacity that Tompolo has.Those complaining just want to strangle the economy and  make money.”he said.

(NAN) 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

You’re ambassadors for better Nigeria – Adeleke tells corps

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You’re ambassadors for better Nigeria – Adeleke tells corps

 Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has advised corps members posted to the state to be good ambassadors of their various institutions and make positive impact during their service year.

Adeleke , represented by the Commissioner for Youth Affairs , Mr Moshood Olatunji, gave the charge at the official closing ceremony of the 2024 Batch A stream 11 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Course, on Tuesday, in Ede.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 1,869 corps members, comprising 942 males and 927 females were deployed to the state for the orientation exercise.

NAN further reports that 644 corps members to perfom their primary assignments in Lagos state make up the number.

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He urged the corps members to embrace diversity and also foster inclusivity in their respective places of primary assignments .

” I want to encourage you all to seize the opportunities that will come your way during your service year in the state .

” Let your service be guided by integrity , honesty and genuine desires to uplifting those around you . That alone speaks volumes ,” Adeleke said.

He said that the present administration in the state would continue to support stakeholders toward achieving the mandate of the scheme.

Adeleke also praised the scheme for shaping young minds and preparing them for the challenges ahead.

In his address of welcome, Mr Agbor Ndoma, the NYSC Coordinator in Osun, commended the Director -General, Brig-Gen. Yashau Ahmed, for his tireless efforts in enhancing the scheme.

Ndoma said that the scheme had witnessed unwavering commitment, resilience and dedication by corps members during the weeks spent in the orientation camp in Ede.

He also appreciated the state governor for his support to the scheme and standing as a father figure to corps members deployed to the state.

Ndoma further  advised the corps members to leverage on the post camp training to be masters in their chosen skills. (NAN)

By Joshua Oladipo

Anambra parliamentary workers suspend indefinite strike

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Anambra parliamentary workers suspend indefinite strike

 The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Anambra chapter, says it has suspended the indefinite strike it embarked upon on March 28.

The Chairman of the association, Mr Abraham Okoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Awka that the decision was reached after the government had set in measures to address their demands.

Okoye said that part of the measures was to address issues of unpaid peculiar allowances of staff of the state House Assembly.

“The executive of Anambra PASAN and south east zonal leadership of PASAN met with the leadership of the state Assembly, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Head of Service, and a team of permanent secretaries.

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“The meetings resolved that the leadership of the Assembly commits to the payment of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) to the staff.

“A joint committee of the Executive and the Assembly was set to look into and advise the governor on the modalities for financial autonomy of Anambra state House of Assembly.

“Therefore, with the above developments, Anambra state PASAN is directed by its national body to suspended the indefinite strike for two months,” Okoye said.

According to Okoye, if nothing is done by the end of the two months timeline, PASAN will recommence the strike.

NAN reports that the indefinite strike was due to non implementation of full legislative financial autonomy and non payment of the allowances that had been recurring in the state’s budget since 2019.

The association was also protesting non-constitution of the state Legislative Service Commission as provided by Anambra Legislative Service Commission Law, 2022. (NAN)

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Nasarawa Govt., UNICEF strengthen agency to tackle fake drugs,

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Nasarawa Govt., UNICEF strengthen agency to tackle fake drugs,

The Nasarawa Government, in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) move to rid the state of fake and substandard drugs in primary, secondary and tertiary medical facilities.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, made this known on Tuesday in Lafia while inspecting the multi-million-naira upgraded facilities at the state’s Drugs Management and Supply Agency (NASDMSA).

The commissioner explained that the inspection was to ensure that the contractor carried out the work according to the terms of the contract, ahead of the launch of the project.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and materials used by the contractor, saying “it is the best in the North-Central Geo-Political zone.”

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He added that the establishment of the agency had tackled the problem of non-availability of quality and affordable drugs in public health facilities in the state.

He added that “with the huge investment in the infrastructure and purchase of drugs directly from manufacturers, the era of supply of substandard and non-availability of drugs in our facilities is over.

“The price of drugs in public facilities is affordable and uniform across the state because the agency also controls price.

“We are also extending the gesture to private hospitals in the state who are willing to transact business with us,” the commissioner added.

He said delivering quality healthcare services is one of the top priority areas of Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration.(NAN)

By Sunday John

Police arrest fake medical doctor in Lagos

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Police arrest fake medical doctor in Lagos
Police arrest man for allegedly printing, distributing fake Police ID Cards
Police arrest man for allegedly printing, distributing fake Police ID Cards

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, has arrested a 37-year-old fake medical practitioner, with suspected forged certificates.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in- charge of the zone, Olatoye Durosinmi, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, while parading the suspect before newsmen in Lagos.
Durosinmi said that operatives of the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit arrested the suspect, who claimed to be the Managing Director of Skylink Medical Centre in Ikorodu.

“Based on the intelligence gathered by the command through members of Elepe community concerning the activities of the suspect, a team of detectives, led by SP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, swung into action,” he said.
“The officers arrested the suspect, conducted a search and recovered two suspected forged certificates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

“Also recovered were immovable hospital equipment,” he said, adding that the hospital complex had been sealed, pending the outcome of investigation.
Durosinmi said that the suspect confessed to electronic production of the certificates, as he neither obtained any degree from the university nor any certificate from MDCN.
According to him, the suspect possesses only West African School Certificate (WASC) qualification.

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The police chief said that part of the suspect’s confession was that he had a total of six members, two of whom were trained nurses, while four were amateurs.
“According to him, he worked as a Nursing Assistant at Fabo Medical Centre in Majidun area of Lagos before establishing his own hospital,” he said.
The AIG further stated that the suspect claimed that he had successfully carried out three operations: two Cesarean sections and one appendicitis – during his three years of unlawful medical practice.
He said that investigation so far revealed that the spsuect had been operating the hospital without being a qualified medical practitioner.
Durosinmi urged members of the public not to hesitate to give information to the police whenever they suspected any unlawful practice.
He said that the command was working with the ministries of health in Lagos and Ogun States to rid the zone of such criminal elements.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect confessed to newsmen on the sidelines of the parade that he used to carry out general treatments and surgeries.
He said that he learnt the job for two-and-a-half years from someone before establishing his own hospital.
“I am just a secondary school certificate holder but I forged the MBBS certificate,” the suspect said. (NAN)

By Deborah Akpede

3 in court for allegedly stealing chickens worth N14.4m

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3 in court for allegedly stealing chickens worth N14.4m
Court declares sections of Nigerian Press Council
Court declares sections of Nigerian Press Council

Three men were on Tuesday brought before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan charged with stealing 1,205 chickens worth N14,460,000 from a poultry farm.

The defendants, Dayo Olotun, 33, Oluwapelumi Okedairo, 23, and Umaru Mohammed, 20, whose addresses  were not provided, pleaded not guilty to the two- count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye told the court that Olotun, Okedairo and Umaru allegedly conspired and committed the offences between Nov. 30, 2023 and Aprl 29.

Akinloye said that the trio allegedly stole 1,121 layers and 84 cockerels from the Rizgate poultry farm at Idi- Ayunre area Ibadan, property of FIDAN Investment Ltd.

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Akinloye said the offences contravened Sections 383, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N4 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a blood relation to each of the defendants , while the second sureties must be a landed property owner within the court jurisdiction.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case till Aug. 13 for hearing. (NAN)

By Adebisi Fatima Sogbade

Plateau Govt solicits stakeholders’ collaboration

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Plateau Govt solicits stakeholders’ collaboration

Mrs Olivia Dazyem, the Acting Executive Chairperson, Plateau Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission, has sought the collaboration of Federal and State agencies to protect human rights in the state.

Dazyem told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Jos that that the move was to help tackle the problems associated with Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the state.

She said the commission had collaborated with various agencies and stakeholders in the state over the years to address the menace.

The executive chairperson said that the commission had organised enlightenment programmes for entrenchment of full rights of men, women, boys and girls for development.

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“The truth is that nobody can do it alone, there must be a form of collaboration to tackle this menace.

“The commission is established to complement the work of other MDAs in mainstreaming gender and creation of gender parity in the operations of
government,” she said.

The chairperson said that the right legal framework to protect human rights were already established in the state.

Dazyem said that stakeholders and agencies now clearly have an understanding of the commission’s workings and operations and were willing to collaborate to fight issues of human rights violation in the state.(NAN)

By Zainab Oyekan

Lawyers to implement 2023 Remuneration Order

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Lawyers to implement 2023 Remuneration Order

 The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Remuneration Committee (NBA-RC), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), has harped on the need for lawyers to ensure the implementation of the NBA Remuneration Order of 2023.

Osigwe disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said the order which came into effect on May 16, 2023, provides a clear guideline for Nigerian legal practitioners on what is appropriate legal fees for services rendered to clients.
NAN reports that the 2023 Remuneration Order revoked and replaced the Legal Practitioners Remuneration (for Legal Documentation and other Land Matters) Order of 1991.

The law is now called The Legal Practitioners Remuneration (for business, legal service, and representation) Order 2023.
Osigwe noted that it behoves on lawyers to ensure that they adhere to the provisions of the order.
He added that the NBA was not bound to set up a task force for its implementation.
According to him, an exception will only apply where there is a report against any lawyer who is in breach of the stipulations of the order.

“Implementation of this order begins with lawyers understanding the imperativeness of charging appropriately in line with the Remuneration Order.
“The Remuneration Order has the weight of law behind it, and so, lawyers must understand that the rules of professional conduct makes it unethical for lawyers to be in breach of the order, with regards to charging legal fees as covered by the order,” he said.
On implementation of the order, Osigwe noted that it was the duty of lawyers to do the needful as stipulated by the regulation.
“When you talk of implementation, it is not as if any person will come and implement its provisions; it is for lawyers to implement same and understand that their relationship with their clients is governed by the order,” he said.
Osigwe, however, noted that an aspect of the order which is related to an enforcement, is that which places a duty on lawyers to report any erring colleague who violates the order.
“In such a situation, if the lawyer is investigated and found in breach, it becomes the duty of the Remuneration Committee to petition such lawyer before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
“Lawyers must note that a law which binds their action and activities, has now come into effect and that they risk being disbarred if found guilty of a breach of its provisions,” he said. (NAN)By Sandra Umeh

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