News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Many students were trapped in a school that collapsed in the Busa Buji community of the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to eyewitnesses, the building housing Saint Academy collapsed around 11 a.m. on Friday, leaving students who were writing exams trapped.

After news of the collapse broke, many parents thronged to the school, wailing uncontrollably.

Rescue operations are ongoing, and security personnel, including soldiers and police officers, have arrived at the scene.

A truck, which was heading for the scene, got stuck in the mud, making the rescue operations more challenging.

However, some of the injured students have been transported to the hospital for treatment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In celebration of Professor Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday, President Bola Tinubu has announced the renaming of the National Theatre in Lagos to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. 

In a statement, President Tinubu praised Soyinka as a “national treasure and global icon” who has made significant contributions to literature, human rights, and political activism.

He noted Soyinka’s role in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy and his influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists. 

Tinubu portrays that Soyinka’s recent triumph over prostate cancer makes the milestone of 90 years a fitting testament to his ruggedness and the significance of his work, adding that it’s important to celebrate the Nobel Laureate’s achievements while he is still alive. 

The renaming of the National Theatre is a fitting tribute to Soyinka’s legacy, which has inspired countless individuals around the world.

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts will serve as a cultural hub, promoting the arts and creative expression. 

Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, is a renowned playwright, poet, and political activist.

His birthday celebrations will include a symposium and poetry reading in Rabat, Morocco, organized by the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA).

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved an Executive Order to restrict the movement of motorcycles in Zamfara State.

The governor signed the Executive Order on Thursday at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the Security Council decided to restrict motorcycle movement in Zamfara during an emergency meeting on Wednesday.

According to him, to legally enforce the restriction, the state’s Attorney General, Abdul’aziz Sani SAN, presented Executive Order No. 07, 2024 to the governor which was subsequently assented.

“Today, Governor Dauda Lawal signed an order to restrict and prohibit the movement of motorcycles from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am in Zamfara State.

“This is in an effort to protect the lives and property of the people, as well as to curb security challenges and broaden the scope of government measures to strengthen the fight against banditry and other forms of social vices in the state.

“Effective immediately, all motorcycles are now restricted within the state between 08:00pm and 06:00am.“No motorcycles are allowed to travel on any road in the state during these hours. Security agencies are instructed to arrest anyone who violates this order.

“The Attorney General of Zamfara State is authorized to prosecute those who disobey the restriction order.”

By Anwar Usman 

The president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, said their position on N250,000 as the new national minimum wage still stands. 

While the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector agreed on N62,000, labour is insisting on N250,000. 

President Bola Tinubu had said he needed time to take counsel from other stakeholders before sending the bill for the new minimum wage to the National Assembly. 

While speaking with State House correspondents after he and other labour leaders met with President Tinubu on Thursday, Ajaero said labour leaders went for discussion, not negotiation. 

“In reality, it wasn’t a negotiation but a discussion; and we have had that discussion. We agreed to look at the real terms probably and reconvene in the next one week. So, that’s where we are. Because we didn’t go down there to talk naira and kobo. At least, there were some basic issues that we agreed on.” 

When asked if Labour is still insisting on N250,000, he said, “I remember mentioning that we didn’t go into Naira and kobo discussion. Now the status quo in terms of the amount N250,000 and N62,000 remains until we finish this conversation.” 

Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, said they discussed, and after explaining their position, the President also made his remarks. 

He said, “In the meeting, we tried to put the issues on the table. Issues that are bothering and biting Nigerians today, the economic difficulties and the value of naira, how it has also eroded, how these have affected the prices commodities and goods in the market.” 

“We tried to put these before the President because he is the president of the country and the bulk stops at his table. We have had all the conversations with all his agents, but today, we said let us meet with the father of the nation the and have this conversation and make the argument that Labour always make, we made all the arguments, the economic analysis, macro, micro, fiscal and monetary issues. 

“So, we put everything forward and in the end, the president made his remark as the president and we all agreed let’s go back, we internalize it, we have some conversation and by one we time, we will come back and we will continue the meeting.” 

On her side, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said, “It is a fruitful meeting, father, children meeting. I think we are hopeful that very soon everything will be resolved. Of course, when father and children talk you know what it is.That’s just exactly what has happened. It took us almost about an hour. I believe that it’s all for good.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Mr Hashimu Argungu as Chairman, Police Service Commission, PSC.

Also confirmed as Secretary and Member were Chief Onyemuche Nnamani and Frederick Lakanu.

This followed adoption of the report of the Committee on Police Affairs at the Committee of the Whole on Thursday.

Presenting the report Chairman of the committee, Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed (APC-Jigawa) said the professional truck records of the nominees validates the fact that they are persons of proven integrity and ability.

According to him, there is no petition or any adverse security report against their nomination.

He said their qualifications, track record of excellence, professional services and cognate experience confirmed and affirmed their suitability and competence to be appointed for the positions.

He therefore urged the Senate to confirm the nominees.

Contributing, Sen.Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) said the committee performed its duties as was requested by the senate.

He said he has a personal knowledge of the nominees in the course of his service at various levels, while urging the Senate to confirm the nominees.

Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC-Yobe) commended the committee for conducting a through secreening on the nominees.

He said the nominees were all qualified for the positions expressing hope that they would perform creditably.

He said there was a disagreement between office of Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission on who should recruit new police officers, saying that the matter ended at the Supreme Court.

This, Lawan said was a a bad experience, saying that the Senate must insist that whatever issues between the two organisations should be resolved.

He expressed believe that the nominees are well qualified to do the job, while urging the committee to closely monitor activities in the two organisations.

President of Senate Godswill Akpabio said committee on police affairs should ensure oversight functions to avoid the mistakes of the past particularly the idea of office of the Inspector-General of Police struggling with the police service commission on issues of recruitment.

“In the last two years, we probably would have had additional 20,000 Nigerians into the Nigerian Police Force.

“But unfortunately as a result of personality clashes, the issues went as far as the supreme Court.

“Whelther withdrawn or not withdrawn, this police service commission we have just cleared today.

“And so Office of the Inspector-General of Police should be cautioned to take the interest of Nigerians into consideration and security of this nation uppermost and not their personal interest.

“They should work harmoniously toward the realisation of Mr President’s vision that Nigerians should be allowed to sleep with their eyes closed.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirming the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the statutory rights of local governments.

The President states that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective local government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.

The President emphasizes that the onus is now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us. This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions. What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.

“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people. This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people,” President Tinubu stated.

He also noted that the provision of some essential amenities and public goods, such as the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, street lighting, drains, parks, gardens, open spaces, and other residual responsibilities, including community security, has tottered owing to the emasculation of local governments.

The President affirms that the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of local governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, is of historic significance and further reinforces the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.

President Tinubu commends the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for his diligence and patriotic effort on this important assignment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late Deputy Comptroller Etop Essien on July 10, 2024, in Abuja.

Essien passed away on June 25, 2024, while making a presentation before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee. 

The CGC expressed deep sorrow and offered prayers for the repose of the deceased.

He said, “We pray that God will strengthen the family during this difficult time and give you the wisdom to understand that only He gives and takes, and we cannot question His will.” 

Adeniyi praised Essien’s dedication to his duties, noting, “He was highly committed to his duties and knew exactly what he was doing. We pray that God will comfort you and stay with you through this time of grief.” 

The CGC acknowledged the fragility of life and the impact of dedicated public servants like Essien, whose memory will continue to inspire his colleagues.

The Nigeria Customs Service will expedite the processing of benefits due to the late officer, Adeniyi assured the family. 

The widow, Mrs. Essien, expressed gratitude for the visit and kind words, sharing that her husband held the CGC and the Nigeria Customs Service in high esteem until his final moments.

She promised to update the service on the burial arrangements to ensure a fitting honour for Deputy Comptroller Essien.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday led a high-level federal government delegation on a condolence visit to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, to express sympathies over the passing of her mother, Mrs. Victoria Immaculata Uzoka. 

The delegation included several key cabinet members, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo; the Minister of State for Steel Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; the Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Bio Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, among others. 

Later, VP Shettima also paid condolences to Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah on the death of his wife, Hajiya Safiya Na’Allah, who passed away Tuesday evening in Abuja. 

Senator Na’Allah, who formerly represented Kebbi South Senatorial District, served as Deputy Majority Leader in the Eighth Senate.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Comrade Shehu Sani, on his X (Twitter) account, said no amount of falsehood and disinformation would change the facts and figures that from 2015–2023, Kaduna State was looted, and our children and grandchildren have been left with a huge burden of debt. 

He was quoted as saying, “They shamelessly left behind a litany of uncomplicated projects and contractual liabilities that has suffocated the economy of our state.

“They pocketed billions for non existent light rail projects, tied our IGR to fraudulent Bank loans.  

“Kaduna is like a woman raped and the rapist wants honour. Every reasonable resident of Kaduna can clearly see and attest to the properties and wealth amassed by those who claimed to have served the state.

“The spirit and the blood of the people they wasted and the lives and livelihoods they destroyed will continue to haunt them. We shall recover every penny of our state funds looted by those rodents and their larcenous head.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bashir El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has sent a cryptic message to President Bola Tinubu, warning that even the backing of the IMF and World Bank will not save him from being voted out of office after his first term.

El-Rufai asserts that no institution can prevent the people from voting out an incumbent government and that Tinubu’s governance has been an “utter failure” disguised as a “useless, dangerous, ethnocentric political strategy.”

The message comes amid tensions between Tinubu and El-Rufai’s camp after the former governor’s name was excluded from the ministerial list. Uba Sani, El-Rufai’s successor in Kaduna, has also lamented the enormous debts inherited from the previous administration, saying the state has limited funds to pay salaries.

Despite the World Bank and IMF lauding Tinubu’s economic reforms and offering support, El-Rufai’s son believes these institutions will not be able to prevent the president from being voted out if the people are dissatisfied with his performance.

The cryptic message serves as a warning to Tinubu of what the camp of El-Rufai and other disgruntled APC members have in store for 2027, which has been discussed privately but is now being made public.