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Herders Take Over Benue University, Abduct Students – VC Cries Out

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Herders Take Over Benue University, Abduct Students – VC Cries Out

Major security issues at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM), such as herdsmen incursions, kidnappings, and the widespread theft of school equipment, especially armored cables, have drawn the attention of Prof. Isaac Itodo, vice-chancellor.

During a news conference held in advance of the university’s 26th-31st simultaneous convocation ceremony, which is set for March 27–29, 2025, Itodo emphasized the increasing animosity from the host community, claiming that this has had a detrimental effect on the institution.

He promised that measures, such as building a perimeter fence to improve security, are being taken to solve the problems.
The university was closed indefinitely after the VC brought attention to the recent kidnapping of three female students. Before reopening the school, he clarified, security professionals had carried out a comprehensive examination and found further security flaws that needed to be fixed.

The construction of a separate Security Department building is one of the measures we are putting into place, and it should be finished in a few weeks. When classes resume, this will guarantee the security of both employees and students,” he said.

The vice-chancellor underlined the school’s dedication to collaborating with the host community, security forces, and the Benue State Government in order to promote scientific research and preserve campus calm.

He also restated his commitment to openness and responsible resource use.

Read Also: ‘Nigerians Struggling’ – IMF Warns FG: Complete Cash Transfers to Support Nigeria’s Vulnerable

Over 9,000 students who were previously disqualified for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program will graduate at the next convocation event, including those from the university’s sandwich program.

Important infrastructure projects including a teaching and research farm, a specialized plant health laboratory, and the recently built security department building will also be put into service during this event.

In his plea to the federal government, Itodo emphasized that building a perimeter fence around the university would protect students and faculty while also advancing research and commercial agriculture on campus.

‘Nigerians Struggling’ – IMF Warns FG: Complete Cash Transfers to Support Nigeria’s Vulnerable

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‘Nigerians Struggling’ – IMF Warns FG: Complete Cash Transfers to Support Nigeria’s Vulnerable

As economic reforms continue, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on the Federal Government to expedite the rollout of its cash transfer program to support those in need.

This appeal was made by Julie Kozack, the director of the IMF’s communications department, during a press briefing on Thursday.
Nigeria’s recent efforts to stabilize its economy and spur growth are welcomed by the Fund, she said, but it is crucial that these policies be supported by actions that protect the welfare of the country’s most vulnerable residents.
We acknowledge that many Nigerians are in a really challenging circumstance,” he stated.

Therefore, I would want to emphasize that boosting domestic income mobilization and finishing the implementation of cash transfers to households that are at risk are top priorities for Nigeria.

IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath visited Nigeria earlier in March, meeting with key authorities such as Finance Minister Wale Edun and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Yemi Cardoso, Kozack said.

Throughout her two-day trip to Abuja and Lagos, Gopinath also engaged with leaders of the commercial sector, civil society organizations, and University of Lagos students.

In order to get ready for the 2025 Article IV Consultation, a regular assessment of the country’s financial and economic policies, she said that IMF staff will be returning to Nigeria the next week.

According to Gopinath, more details on Nigeria will become available following the team’s mission.

Nigeria’s cash transfer program should be extended to rural areas, the IMF advised last year, given the rise in poverty and food insecurity.

Read Also: Sara-Igbe: Tinubu Exploiting Weak National Assembly to Breach Constitution

In order to help poor Nigerians deal with the rising cost of living crisis, the organization has continuously urged the government to expand this program.

In a time when inflation and slow economic growth are disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable groups, the World Bank has underlined the importance of cash transfer programs in assisting Nigerians in ending the intergenerational cycle of poverty.

Sara-Igbe: Tinubu Exploiting Weak National Assembly to Breach Constitution

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Sara-Igbe: Tinubu Exploiting Weak National Assembly to Breach Constitution

Anabs Sara-Igbe, a well-known Ijaw leader and elder statesman, has once again denounced President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and State House of Assembly members.

In an interview with Vanguard, Sara-Igbe claimed that President Tinubu’s actions were against the nation’s constitution.
According to the former spokesperson for the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Tinubu could take the step since the National Assembly is no longer an autonomous branch of government and has failed in its duty to restrain the executive’s excesses.

He went on to say that Nigeria is moving toward a civilian dictatorship and courting military intervention as a result of the actions taken in Rivers State.
Sara-Igbe concurred that when leaders disregard the constitution’s provisions, it is evident that democracy is in danger, especially in light of recent claims that Nigerian democracy is dead made by former President Oluesegun Obasanjo and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

“Nigeria is tilting towards dictatorship,” he said. The military brothers are being invited by the civilian dictatorship. It’s similar to the house rat inviting the rat from outside.

“There is a breakdown of law and order, democracy is in danger, and the leaders are no longer abiding by the constitution.”

Read Also: Breaking: EFCC Declares Lagos Socialite Aisha Achimugu, Sanwo-Olu’s Ally, Wanted

In the circumstances surrounding the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Sara-Igbe contended that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government all broke the constitution and did not fulfill their assigned duties.

“The constitution has been broken by them. The Constitution has been broken by the president. You may see that Mr. President has broken the constitution with reference to Rivers State by looking at Sections 188 and 189.

“There is no clause that gives the president the authority to suspend or fire a governor, even if you look at sections 183, 188, and 189, which deal with the governor’s removal or illegibility.

Democracy is dead, since they are now considering permanently suspending him. I concur with them. A dictatorship is rapidly approaching.

“We observe that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government have all broken the law.” Section 305 of the constitution, which states that a two-thirds majority of members must vote on matters pertaining to a state of emergency, was not used by the legislature. We were unable to determine the number of voters, absentees, or even present because they used a voice vote.

None of these occurred in accordance with the due process of law. There is no longer any rule of law. I advise Mr. President to exercise caution.

He should go back; one guy cannot bring about the destruction of the entire nation. He shouldn’t harm the democratic system as a whole or his own reputation.

There is yet time.
But the Ijaw chieftain urged President Tinubu to back out before the nation is further embroiled in constitutional mistakes.

“Today’s events are illegal and a violation of the Nigerian constitution. The head of state can therefore make reparations, Mr. President.

“Once more, Mr. President broke the law by overturning the Supreme Court’s ruling. The Supreme Court ruled that funds should not be disbursed to the Rivers State government until the budget was submitted.

“Mr. President overruled the Supreme Court and disbursed funds without a budget. All of these violate the Constitution. Knowing that the National Assembly has likewise violated the constitution and is compromised, the president is taking all of these actions. He argued that the executive branch had supplanted the judiciary in its own right.

Breaking: EFCC Declares Lagos Socialite Aisha Achimugu, Sanwo-Olu’s Ally, Wanted

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Breaking: EFCC Declares Lagos Socialite Aisha Achimugu, Sanwo-Olu’s Ally, Wanted

Businesswoman Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu has been formally designated sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to accusations of investment fraud and money laundering.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s associate, Ms. Achimugu, was reportedly listed as wanted by the anti-graft agency on Friday.
The EFCC asked anyone with helpful information regarding her whereabouts to get in touch with the Commission, according to a statement released by Dele Oyewale, its Head of Media and Publicity.

The statement said: “The public is hereby notified that the EFCC is seeking Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, whose photograph is shown above, in connection with a suspected criminal conspiracy and money laundering case.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, was mentioned in reports involving Ms. Achimugu in the past.

Read Also: Beyond the Noise: Unpacking the Petition on Benue and Zamfara Assemblies

Remember how the governor went to Grenada, a Caribbean island, on January 24th to attend Ms. Achimugu’s 50th birthday party, leaving his official obligations in Lagos?

Premium Times claims that Sanwo-Olu stayed at one of the most opulent resorts in the world while traveling on a private jet. Many government officials did not know where he was throughout his absence; some only said he was overseas, while others implied he was in London on an official visit.

Beyond the Noise: Unpacking the Petition on Benue and Zamfara Assemblies

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Beyond the Noise: Unpacking the Petition on Benue and Zamfara Assemblies
By Toby Prince
The recent petition presented by Hon. Philip Agbese on behalf of some lawyers to the House of Representatives has sparked intense debate. But what’s really at stake? Let’s break down the key issues and concerns.
What’s the petition about?
The petition, signed by over 200 lawyers, urges the National Assembly to take over the functions of the Benue and Zamfara state assemblies. This move is aimed at addressing the crises plaguing both states and preventing a potential constitutional crisis.
What’s happening in Benue and Zamfara states?
In Zamfara State, 10 out of 21 lawmakers were suspended by the Speaker, allegedly on the instructions of the State Governor. This has crippled the Assembly’s ability to perform its constitutional duties.
In Benue State, 13 out of 23 lawmakers were suspended for refusing to interfere in the judiciary. The directive to suspend them reportedly came from the Benue State Governor. In both cases, almost half of the assembly members were suspended, which could lead to a crisis.
Is it right to suspend almost 1/2 of lawmakers in a parliament?
Suspending 1/2 of lawmakers in a parliament is a highly questionable move that undermines the democratic process. When a representative is elected, they become the voice of their constituency, responsible for making decisions on their behalf. Suspending them essentially silences the voices of the people they represent, which is an assault on democracy. In the cases of Benue and Zamfara, the suspension has left many constituencies without representation.
Where has this happened before?
There have been instances of suspensions of lawmakers in Nigeria, but not almost half of the parliament. However, where this has happened was in countries in anarchy, most recently in Myanmar (2021) and Venezuela (2017).
Can parliamentary privileges be used to suspend lawmakers?
Parliamentary privileges can be used to discipline lawmakers, but the suspension of lawmakers must be fair, reasonable, and in line with constitutional provisions.
What are the implications of suspending a large number of lawmakers?
Suspending a large number of lawmakers can undermine the democratic process, stifle opposition voices, and create a crisis of confidence in the legislature.
What does the constitution say about National Assembly taking over the state assembly?
In Nigeria, Section 11(4) of the Constitution grants the National Assembly the power to take over the functions of a state assembly if it is unable to function.
Is the situation in Benue and Zamfara a crisis?
The suspension of lawmakers in Benue and Zamfara states has created a crisis in the parliament, with many arguing that it undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.
Did Agbese call for a state of emergency?
No, the petition called for the National Assembly to take over the functions of the state assemblies in Benue and Zamfara, not for a state of emergency. In fact, Agbese is seeking to avoid the Rivers debacle in the two states.
Is a state of emergency an option?
Yes. If the governors of both states fail to ensure the proper functioning of their respective assemblies, citizens may push for a state of emergency as a last resort. Like in Rivers, this would allow for the temporary suspension of certain constitutional provisions to restore order and stability, pending the re-establishment of fully functional democratic institutions.
***Prince is a Senior Legislative Aide in the office of the House of Reps Committee on Media and Public Affairs

House of Reps Moves to Restrict Over-60s from Contesting Presidency, Governorship

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House of Reps Moves to Restrict Over-60s from Contesting Presidency, Governorship

On Thursday, a law that would prohibit Nigerians over 60 from running for president or governor was approved by the House of Representatives on second reading.
The bill, which is being sponsored by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, suggests amending the 1999 Constitution to update the requirements for these important political posts.
According to the measure, candidates for president and governor cannot be older than 60 when they first run for office.

The measure requires applicants to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in their field of study in addition to the minimum age requirement.

Section 131 of the Constitution, which regulates presidential eligibility, and Section 177, which addresses the requirements for gubernatorial candidates, are the precise provisions that the revisions aim to amend.

In addition to the age limit bill, the House cleared a number of other important bills for second reading. These bills consist of:

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Representative Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere are the sponsors of the Alvan Ikoku Federal institution of Education Bill, which aims to raise regional educational standards by converting Imo State’s Alvan Ikoku College of Education into a federal institution.

Proposal to Establish Ideato West Local Government Area: This bill suggests establishing a second local government unit in Imo State in order to improve administrative effectiveness and encourage growth.

Bill to Ensure Youth and Disabled Persons Must Be Included in Political Appointments: This bill, which is also sponsored by Representative Ugochinyere, intends to advance inclusivity in government by guaranteeing reserved seats for youth and individuals with disabilities in political appointments.

Trade and Commerce Bill to Be Added to the Concurrent Legislative List: In order to promote increased economic activity and collaboration across the country, this bill, which is supported by Representative Ugochinyere, aims to provide the federal and state governments the power to control trade and commerce.

The bill would reserve seats for women in both the national and state assemblies. In order to further gender equality in governance, this bill, which is sponsored by Representative Kafilat Ogbara, suggests allocating seats for women in the National Assembly and state legislatures.

Read Also: Onanuga: Tinubu-Mahama Meeting Was a Private Visit

There were also two significant judicial reform measures introduced:

Bill Timelines for Justice Administration (Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, sponsor): aims to shorten legal system delays and speed up court proceedings.

The Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Justices Increase Bill, which is sponsored by Representative Bello Kaoje, suggests expanding the number of justices in these courts in order to boost the effectiveness of the legal system.

New State Creation: The House also deliberated on legislation that would establish new states, such as the Gobir State in the Northwest and the Wan State in the North Central region.

Onanuga: Tinubu-Mahama Meeting Was a Private Visit

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Onanuga: Tinubu-Mahama Meeting Was a Private Visit

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama visited Abuja on Thursday for private reasons, according to Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
As previously reported by Naija News, President Tinubu received Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at his official residence in the State House in Abuja as part of a courtesy call.
For the first time since his inauguration on January 7, 2025, Mahama is traveling to see his Nigerian counterpart. He arrived at roughly 2:30 pm.

In an account post on 𝕏, Onanuga discussed the meeting between the two leaders and stated that the Ghanaian president was on a private visit.
At the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. On a private visit, Mahama arrived,” he wrote.

President Bola Tinubu, meantime, will celebrate his 73rd birthday on Saturday by joining Muslims at the National Mosque in Abuja for a national prayer session on Friday.

The President will reportedly also take this opportunity to express gratitude to God for protecting and assisting him in the difficult duty of leading the country’s affairs.

President Tinubu’s birthday falls two months ahead of the second anniversary of his government and falls during the holy month of Ramadan.

The President will devote himself to spiritual contemplation and prayer for Nigeria’s ongoing peace, development, and prosperity on this momentous day.

President Tinubu’s choice of prayer session demonstrates his devotion to seeking heavenly wisdom, leadership strength, and guidance as well as his concern for Nigeria’s moral and spiritual well-being. Collective prayer, in his opinion, is a potent instrument for directing the country toward development and peace.

Protest in Delta: Nursing Students Oppose Visit by First Lady Remi Tinubu

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Protest in Delta: Nursing Students Oppose Visit by First Lady Remi Tinubu

The refusal of Delta State School of Nursing, Agbor students to follow a song that was used to welcome Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, during a visit to the school has gone viral on social media.
According to reports, the president’s wife traveled to Delta State on Tuesday to promote free treatment programs for the nation’s HIV/AIDS sufferers.
Remi Tinubu emphasized the effects of HIV/AIDS, particularly among youth, in his address to the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council in Asaba and urged

traditional leaders to promote health concerns, such as the abolition of female genital mutilation, and raise awareness of them.
A video that has gone viral online before the speech captures the Master of Ceremony (MC) using a song to declare the First Lady the mother of the country.

The students, however, disapproved of the proclamation and called the first lady the mother of the MC.
Remi Tinubu, meanwhile, has assured people that better times are coming and expressed her steadfast belief that the nation is moving closer to complete recovery.
According to reports, Senator Tinubu underlined the government’s resolve to address national issues and improve the welfare of Nigerians at an Iftar gathering held at the State House in Abuja.

The First Lady recognized in a statement sent by her media adviser, Busola Kukoyi, that important progress is already being made, even though the road to recovery will take time.

Read Also: FG Asked to Immortalize Nwosu by Naming National Monument After Him – INEC, Others

With a focus on compassion and mercy in human interactions, the event brought together notable women from all around the country, including the vice president’s wife, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, wives of state governors, female ministers, and wives of service heads.

In his Iftar lecture, Professor Azeezat Adebayo, head of the University of Ilorin’s Islamic Studies Department, emphasized the value of kindness and compassion in building solid human bonds.

Ramadan is a time for reflection, she said, and it encourages individuals to be compassionate to others regardless of their social or religious beliefs.

FG Asked to Immortalize Nwosu by Naming National Monument After Him – INEC, Others

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FG Asked to Immortalize Nwosu by Naming National Monument After Him – INEC, Others

Nigerians from all walks of life have urged the federal government to preserve the memory of the democratic icon who held the country’s freest, most credible, and most equitable presidential election on June 12, 1993, as funeral ceremonies for the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), began.

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), speaking Tuesday at the INEC burial ceremony for its late chairman in Abuja, asked for posthumous recognition for the previous INEC chairman and a significant figure in the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election. Humphrey Nwosu, professor.

This suggestion was revealed by Prof. Yakubu Moahmud, the commission’s chairman, at a somber event honoring the late Chairman Nwosu.

Prof. Mahmoud emphasized Nwosu’s important contributions to Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly the Open Ballot System (Option A4), which revolutionized the country’s election transparency.
The INEC Secretary listed Nwosu’s various accomplishments at a gathering held at the Yaradua Center, including the commission’s move from Lagos to Abuja and the construction of INEC headquarters, among many others.

In his contribution, Simon Okeke, the former chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), urged the federal government to honor the brave and creative professor by naming the INEC headquarters in his honor. He pointed out that although the man who brought about the June 12 election has been acknowledged as a patriot, the late MKO Abiola has been acknowledged as the real victor.

Similarly, former Information Minister Professor Jerry Gana and Tonnie Iredia, among others, spoke out and urged the federal government to honor those who deserve it.

At the age of 83, Prof. Nwosu died on October 20, 2024, in Virginia, USA. On March 28, he will be laid to rest at his hometown of Ajalli, in the state of Anambra. During the military rule of General Ibrahim Babangida, they were in charge of the electoral body.

Read Also:Nwaebonyi Under Fire as Ex-Minister Nweke, IPOB’s Lawyer Disagree Over Ezekwesili

Nigeria’s highest national award was given posthumously to Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the assumed winner of the 1993 election, but Nwosu’s accomplishments have not yet been recognized in the same way. In order to reward Nwosu for his steadfast dedication to electoral integrity, Yakubu encouraged the government to correct this blunder.

Nwaebonyi Under Fire as Ex-Minister Nweke, IPOB’s Lawyer Disagree Over Ezekwesili

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Nwaebonyi Under Fire as Ex-Minister Nweke, IPOB’s Lawyer Disagree Over Ezekwesili

Former Information Minister Frank Nweke Jr. and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attorney Ifeanyi Ejiofor have urged Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi to apologize for his remarks against Oby Ezekwesili.
Ezekwesili and Senator Nwaebonyi reportedly argued at Tuesday’s Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges hearing over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili, the former minister of education, has the authority to hold public servants accountable, according to Nweke.

“I completely condemn and am horrified by the derogatory language used by Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi against Oby Ezekwesili during a public hearing on the sexual harassment allegation made against Senator Godswill Akpabio by Natasha Akpoti.” Oby Ezekwesili has the same right to hold public authorities responsible as any other Nigerian. The violence on exhibit today mirrors the perception of Nigerian women by male public officials after elections and supports the lived experiences of women in leadership roles.

“No woman or citizen should face harassment or dehumanization for calling for accountability, which is essential to carrying out the responsibilities of the position. It is important for public leaders to keep in mind that our kids are seeing and picking up on their behavior.

Such public contempt must infuriate us all as husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons to women. Participatory democracy is undermined and society is negatively impacted by the growing dysfunction in our public institutions, he stated.

According to Ejiofor, the Senate ought to discipline the senator from Ebonyi North. The Senate should maintain the ethos of responsibility, integrity, and respect, he argued.

“I was extremely disappointed to see the now-viral video of Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who represents the Ebonyi North Senatorial District, committing a heinous act of verbal abuse and disruptive behavior against the respected former Minister of Education, Madam Oby Ezekwesili, also known as Madam Due Process, during a Senate Committee hearing yesterday.

Read Also: Breaking: IGP Moves to Revoke Bail of Abraham Daniel in Defamation Suit

It is unacceptable for any public figure, especially a senator who is charged with enacting laws, to act in such a way. In a nation that values accountability, Senator Nwebonyi would already be subject to severe disciplinary action, which may include suspension. What brought us here?
One day, they will have to answer to posterity.

“In response to this egregious wrongdoing, I urge the Senate leadership to act swiftly and decisively. Given Senator Nwebonyi’s publicly expressed bias against Natasha, he ought to be barred from taking part in any conclusions, discussions, or investigations pertaining to the topic.

It is imperative that the Senate step up and make sure that this culture of impunity is addressed squarely. According to his remark, the Nigerian people are entitled to a legislature that respects the principles of accountability, integrity, and respect.

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