The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has appointed Prof Carol Umobi as as Acting Vice Chancellor.
The Council, during its meeting on Saturday, removed Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Joe Ikechebelu.
Ikechebelu has been the Acting Vice Chancellor for about two months, after taking over from the outgone Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone.
A letter from the Governing Council of the university, which was signed by the Xhairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, congratulated Umobi on the appointment.
The letter which was presented to Umobi read: “Dear Professor Umobi,
“APPOINTMENT AS ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY
“1 am pleased to inform you that in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007, the Governing Council has approved your appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on recommendation of the University Senate. Your appointment is for a period not later than six (6) months, effective Monday, July 22, 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.
“On behalf of the Governing Council, 1 extend our warmest congratulations on your appointment. We have full confidence in your ubility to lead our esteemed institution during this period and wish you great success in this rule.
“Please note that a copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitors to the University. Once again, congratulations on your appointment.”
The reason for Ikechebelu’s sack was not disclosed.
UNIZIK Governing Council sacks Acting VC Ikechebelu, appoints Umobi
UNIZIK Governing Council sacks Acting VC Ikechebelu, appoints Umobi
Imo LG Polls: We will not tolerate irregularities – Youths warn ISIEC, State govt
Ahead of the Local Council elections in Imo, a youth group in the state has warned the Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, that it will not tolerate an election characterized by irregularities.
The group known as National Youth Alliance, NYA, Imo chapter, also told ISIEC and the Imo government that the youths were keenly watching the conduct of the elections.
The group gave the warning after its state executive meeting held in Owerri, noting that it will not tolerate a repeat of irregularities noticed during the House of Assembly and Gubernatorial election in the state.
The state Chairman of the group, Chinonso Uba warned ISIEC not to allow itself to be used by the government of the day to undermine the wishes of Imo citizens noting that such a move would be vehemently resisted by the youths.
He advised the youths to use the opportunity to launch themselves into politics and learn the political process, to pave the way for more participation in politics in 2027.
Uba also commended the Supreme Court for what he described as a landmark judgement on the autonomy of the local governments and for banning Governors from tampering with LG funds.
He described the judgement as a victory for not just democracy but the ordinary man on the streets of Nigeria.
The group expressed happiness for the number of youths who have declared interest in contesting the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions in the forthcoming LGA polls, noting that it is a good development.
The alliance urged young people in Imo to support all youths contesting in the exercise irrespective of any political party and appealed to the governor not to interfere in the primary election of political parties so as not to truncate the credibility of the process.
Imo LG Polls: We will not tolerate irregularities – Youths warn ISIEC, State govt
Taraba lawmaker, Useni condemns killing of Chanchanji Monarch, son
Mark Useni representing Takum, Donag and Ussa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has described as a rude shock the killings of the Chief of Chanchanji, HRH Abdul Hamid and his son, Yusufu Hamid by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The murder of the monarch and his son in ‘peacetime’, the lawmaker said, was dastardly and uncalled for, while commending Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State for the quick intervention in curtailing the crisis as a result of the killing.
Speaking to newsmen on Saturday, Reps Useni, who was the former Chairman of Takum Local Government Council noted that the horrendous killing was least expected given the normalcy that has returned to the Chanchanji area in Takum LGA, which he said has made farmers return to their farms.
“I have received the news of the gruesome killing of the Chief of Chanchanji Abdul Hamid.Y. Kumgbera and his son Yusuf Abdul Hamid with rude shock.
According to him, the deceased who was a third-class traditional ruler and his son were returning to Chanchanji from Takum when they met their untimely death while urging security operatives to go after the killers and bring them justice.
He said: “This dastardly act is condemnable especially at such a time that the area is experiencing peace while farmers engage in farming activities and business are beginning to thrive.
“I wish to commend the state Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas for the immediate security steps he has taken to keep the area peaceful.
“I urge the people of Chanchanji and indeed Takum Local Government to remain calm and law-abiding as the government takes steps to ensure security of the whole area,” Useni said.
“I enjoyed a good working relationship with the late Monarch dating back to 20 years ago when I was the chairman of Takum local government area. He was a lover of his people and was committed to peace and community development.
Taraba lawmaker, Useni condemns killing of Chanchanji Monarch, son
We are in trauma – Nnamdi Kanu’s kinsmen beg Tinubu for his release
Leaders and members of the Afaraukwu Ancient Kingdom of Ibeku, the kinsmen of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Judiciary to grant their son unconditional release, using political solutions.
The Afaraukwu indigenes who made the call during a press briefing at Orie Ogwu Afaraukwu, Umuahia, also declared a one-month prayer and fasting period, which they believe would touch the hearts of concerned authorities to release their son.
In the press release signed by Ugwumba Oriaku, the President General of Afaraukwu Development Union, Eze Edward Ibeabuchi, the traditional ruler of Okwulaga Autonomous community of Afaraukwu and Eze P.K. Ukaegbu, the traditional ruler of Enyiukwu Autonomous community among other leaders, the people of Afaraukwu Ancient Kingdom said the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu in DSS custody in Abuja has thrown the entire community and the South East into emotional trauma.
While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for accommodating the calls from notable groups and personalities calling for Kanu’s release, the Afaraukwu indigenes urged the President to use his fatherly discretion to free Kanu who they said, has spent a long time in detention.
They recalled the late parents of Nnamdi Kanu, HRH Eze I. O. Kanu and his wife, Ugoeze Kanu had died during the same period of their son’s (Nnamdi’s) detention.
“We collectively appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a political solution, the sorry plight of our son Prince Nnamdi Kanu and his immediate family, the emotional trauma of our community Afaraukwu Ibeku and the entire people of the SouthEast region and kindly grant him an unconditioned release”, Kanu’s kinsmen appealed.
They further thanked Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Obi Aguocha, South East Governors and other leaders for advocating for Kanu’s release.
We are in trauma – Nnamdi Kanu’s kinsmen beg Tinubu for his release
Edo Deputy Gov Shuaibu defects to APC from PDP in surprise move
Philip Shuaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, on Saturday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
This move comes after Shaibu was reinstated as deputy governor by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defection occurred during the APC Edo State’s inauguration of the National Working Committee of the Edo governorship election meeting.
READ ALSO:Shaibu re-appoints aides in Edo
The meeting was attended by notable APC figures such as the former governor of Kano State and National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Governorship Candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
This development follows Shuaibu’s accusation that his principal, Godwin Obaseki, denied him entry into the state.
The post Edo Deputy Gov Shuaibu defects to APC from PDP in surprise move appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
LP Crisis: Allow peace reign our party – Chieftains beg Julius Abure
Some members of the immediate past National Working Committee, NWC of the Labour Party, have called on Julius Abure to allow peace to reign supreme in the party and perish his inordinate desires.
TVN reports that the party has been in great turmoil since after the 2023 general elections, however, former executives and members of the party attributed the crisis facing the party to the obnoxious ambition of Abure.
The tenure of Abure as the National Chairman of the party elapsed on June 9, 2024, however, a national convention he held at Nnewi, Anambra State on 27th March 2024, was rejected by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
INEC rejected the outcome of the convention for being in contravention of the Labour Party Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC Guidelines and Regulations for Political Parties 2022.
The aggrieved members, in a press conference addressed by Mrs Oluchi Opara, the immediate past National Treasurer of the party, called on leaders of the LP, especially elected members of the party who are statutory delegates to both National Executive Committee, NEC, and National Convention, to rise and save the Party from the impending disaster.
They claimed that if Abure is allowed to submit any name to INEC it will void the candidacy of the prospective aspirant as he no longer has legal authority to do so.
“We know and are aware that Julius Abure and his cohorts are hell-bent on misinforming unsuspecting members of the public about the failed National Convention, especially when it has to do with the election of National officers of our Party and the amendment of our Party’s Constitution which INEC has refused to honour because lack of due process, no amount of propaganda can change badly taken decision to a right one when he we all know it failed to follow lay down constitutional provisions, regulations and guidelines,” she added.
“Julius Abure was caught with his soiled hands in the till of the party and has spared no effort in his attempt to destroy the party that has given him so much by doing everything possible to bring the party and his members worldwide to their knees.
“We stand and make bold to say that we learnt it on good authority that Julius Abure immediately after the ill-fated national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State had boasted that he was going to swamp INEC with so much cash in both local and foreign currencies to validate the illegality he had carried out in Nnewi, Anambra State, but he was unfortunate enough to meet an INEC Chairman and Commission who have sworn to uphold the oath of office to carry out the spirit and the letters regulating the processes that have been laid down for the strengthening of internal party democracy within political parties in Nigeria.
Ever since then, Abure has been running from pillar to post to make certain that INEC, which boycotted his ill-fated Nnewi national convention and did not monitor or observe the proceedings at the convention recognises and validates his illegality.
“We hereby wish to use this opportunity to thank the National Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu and the staff of the Commission for their steadfastness despite the pressure heaped on the Commission to look the other way and validate his ill-fated national convention.
“With the resilience and good faith INEC has exhibited in the face of these odds, we have come to the conclusion that the future of Nigeria’s democracy is in good hands.
The failure of the Julius Abure-led leadership to follow simple regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the purported National convention is too obvious to be ignored by well-meaning members of the Labour Party and we sincerely thank INEC for upholding the law.
“We stand firm with the commission on the need for an all-inclusive National Convention that will ensure that the proper thing is done. “
LP Crisis: Allow peace reign our party – Chieftains beg Julius Abure
Civil Service will improve if workers are taken care of – HoS Yemi-Esan
The Head of the Federal Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, has noted that there is always improved performance when civil servants are well taken care of.
The HoS stated this when she paid an unscheduled visit to the Federal Ministry of Justice, alongside her team of Transformative Permanent Secretaries in the Office and a few from other Ministries.
The surprise visit was to have an on-the-spot assessment of the status of implementation of the reform initiatives encapsulated in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025.
Yemi-Esan reiterated the need to take good care of Civil Servants, insisting that “when they are well taken care of, the Service reaps the result of their increased productivity.”
Earlier in her Opening Remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of the Federation expressed gladness that her Ministry was the first to be visited for the FCSSIP25 implementation status’ review exercise.
According to her, FCSSIP25 is an excellent reform programme, which provides a roadmap that drives change and improvement in service delivery.
Jedy-Agba assured of the Ministry’s readiness and commitment towards implementing the reform agenda for informed decision-making and repositioning the Service for increased productivity.
She presented the Ministry’s scorecard on the implementation of FCSSIP25, touching on virtually all the pillars namely, capability building and talent management, Performance Management System, IPPIS – Human Resource, Innovation, Digitalisation of Content Services and Enhance Value Proposition for Civil Servants.
Civil Service will improve if workers are taken care of – HoS Yemi-Esan
LG Autonomy: Katsina Gov seeks legal implication of Supreme Court judgment
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State said he has directed the state Attorney General to give him a full report on the legal implications of the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy.
In a statement released Saturday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the Governor said the local governments in Katsina State already enjoy a significant level of autonomy, reaffirming the state’s commitment to upholding the constitution.
Radda assured that Katsina State is a law-abiding state and would operate under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said: “I did not call you all today to interpret the judgment. Katsina State is a law-abiding state and will operate under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have asked the state Attorney General to give me a full report on the legal implications of the Supreme Court’s decision.”
“As you know, I was once the chairman of Charanchi Local Government during the administration of our beloved President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. I was involved in the day-to-day administration of my local government, and I am fully aware of the challenges and pains most of you are facing.
He acknowledged the potential challenges ahead but expressed optimism about the state’s preparedness: “We are facing various socio-economic challenges coupled with insecurity in our frontline local governments. When I took office in 2023, over 20 local governments were ravaged by insecurity. Our concerted efforts have reduced insecurity to the fringes of the frontline local governments.”
While highlighting his administration’s forward-thinking approach to local government administration, Radda noted that the state plans to conduct elections for new local government chairmen at the expiration of the tenure of incumbent chairmen.
“We have already carried out party primaries in line with electoral best practices, and some current chairmen will return through a democratic process. In this dispensation, we are most likely the only state to transition from one democratically elected local government council to another,” he said.
LG Autonomy: Katsina Gov seeks legal implication of Supreme Court judgment
MFM’s Mountain Top Chorale Wins Gold in World Choir Games in Aukland, New Zealand
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Worldwide has done it again. This time, one of the the Church’s choir groups – MFM Mountain Top Chorale, has won a gold medal at the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand.
The World Choir Games is a prestigious international competition that celebrates the rich tapestry of choral music from around the globe.
According to WCG’s website, this year’s event had more than 11,000 singers from over 30 countries in Auckland for “the largest choral competition and festival on the planet.”
Reacting to the development, an elated General Overseer of MFM, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, expressed delight on Facebook on Thursday, highlighting the opportunity for the choir to represent Nigeria and showcase both indigenous music and his own compositions.
“The World Choir Games, often dubbed the ‘Olympics of chorale music,’ is a renowned international competition that celebrates the diversity of choral music and fosters global harmony through song.”
The World Choir Games is a prestigious international competition that celebrates the rich tapestry of choral music from around the globe that fosters global harmony through song.”
It’s fantastic to see the MFM MountainTop Chorale compete in category
C22 – Spiritual and earned 83.38 points, awarding a GOLD MEDA, the organisers said.
Create line item for TB in 2025 budget – CSO to Akwa Ibom govt
A Civil Society Organisation, Policy Alert, has called for the creation of a separate line for Tuberculosis in the 2025 budget of Akwa Ibom State.
The Programme Director of Policy Alert, Koko Udo, made the call during an advocacy visit to the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the State Ministry of Health, Dr Iboro Udo, for the implementation of the FundTB Project.
The programme held in partnership with Palladium Group and supported by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, is one of the many advocacy programmes calling for the introduction of Tuberculosis as a stand-alone item in the budget.
Udo described Tuberculosis as a major public health concern in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State and harped on the need to secure adequate resources to prevent and treat the disease effectively.
Udo, while admitting that some international donor agencies may be doing intervention programmes for TB in the state, queried the fate of the patients if the organisations withdrew their support.
He stressed that the state government should be proactive enough to include TB in the budget to bridge the yawning 70 percent funding gap required to manage tuberculosis interventions and ensure enhanced as well as sustainable funding even if the international donors pull out.
He decried the current practice of lumping TB with other infectious diseases, saying that such makes it ineffective to manage, difficult to track progress, leads to poor health outcomes for TB patients, and the likelihood of increasing multiple drug resistance (MDR) among those not properly treated.
“Our visit is to specifically ask for the creation of a stand-alone budget line item for TB intervention in the state, instead of the current practice where TB is lumped with other infectious diseases, making it ineffective to manage and difficult to track progress, worst off poor health outcomes for TB patient and the likelihood of increasing multiple drug resistant (MDR) among those not properly treated.
“Available data from the Akwa Ibom State 2024 approved budget and the last two quarterly budget performance reports show no line-item budget for TB intervention and no releases within the reported period, respectively. Furthermore, the State Health Insurance is yet to extend coverage to TB patients in health insurance schemes to ameliorate their healthcare burden.” He said
Responding, the Director, Iboro Udo who was represented by Dr George Ekanem described the visit as timely as the 2025 annual operation plan was ongoing promising that TB would be included in the 2025 budget of the state.
He, however, encouraged them to take the advocacy further to the Budget and Economic Planning, House of Assembly, and the State Executive Council among others for greater impact saying that without the buy-in of those stakeholders mentioned, the input of TB in the budget may not even see the light of the day.
Create line item for TB in 2025 budget – CSO to Akwa Ibom govt