FG

By Uzair Adam

In response to the global circulation of the newly identified XEC COVID-19 variant, now detected in 29 countries, the federal government has instructed chief medical directors and medical directors of tertiary hospitals nationwide to activate heightened surveillance systems.

The Daily Reality gathered that the directive emphasizes the need for vigilance in identifying COVID-like symptoms among patients.

This directive was communicated through a circular dated December 5, 2024, and bearing reference number DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46. Signed by Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, the letter highlighted the variant’s demonstrated growth advantage over other strains, prompting concerns about its potential public health implications.

Titled “Letter of Conveyance in Respect of the Newly Detected XEC COVID-19 Strain,” the circular stated, “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been reported in Australia and has already spread to 29 countries globally.

“You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.”

The government urged hospital committees to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enhance data sharing and monitoring protocols.

The letter also stressed the importance of timely communication between stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, to ensure effective response measures.

Dr. Anuma concluded the directive by reaffirming the permanent secretary’s commitment to supporting the health sector in mitigating risks associated with the new variant.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has started disbursing salary increases and three months of arrears to military personnel.

The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, through a statement released in Abuja by Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

According to Matawalle, military personnel have already begun receiving alerts confirming the payments.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu authorized the release of funds on Thursday for the payment of pensions and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel.

The minister praised President Tinubu’s dedication to improving the welfare of both serving and retired military officers. He emphasized that addressing outstanding pension arrears remains a priority.

“This initiative underscores the President’s commitment to enhancing the living conditions of those who have served the nation,” Matawalle stated.

He also expressed appreciation for the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, for his vital role in ensuring the timely execution of the payments.

Matawalle urged the Nigerian military to remain resolute in their duties, reassuring them of the President’s support in boosting their morale and providing resources to address security challenges across the nation.

“Despite initial challenges, rest assured that Mr. President is fully committed to uplifting the military forces as they tackle insecurity,” he added.

The minister expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his decisive actions and recognized the essential contributions of both serving and retired military personnel in safeguarding the nation and combating insurgency.

He reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen the armed forces and ensure sustained efforts to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam

At the Federal High Court in Abuja, the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, took a new turn as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented evidence that N20 million earmarked for the Mambilla Hydro Power project was allegedly spent on personal accommodation.

The Daily Reality gathered that during Wednesday’s proceedings, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, retired Colonel Adebisi Adesanya, the third prosecution witness, revealed that Mamman used project funds to cover a year-long stay at Sami Court Resort Limited, a serviced apartment in Abuja.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed, Adesanya, who is also the resort’s Chief Security Officer and owner, testified that Mamman’s payments were made in installments deposited into the resort’s UBA account.

He identified “Exhibit PWC” as the invoice issued to Mamman after his N20 million payment, covering accommodation from August 30, 2021, to August 30, 2022, explaining that on September 6, 2021, N5 million was deposited by Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, followed by another N5 million from Mintedge Nigeria Limited on January 23, 2022. On March 9, 2022, Abdullahi Suleiman deposited N2.5 million, while the final installment of N7.5 million was made on May 10, 2022, by A.I.J Global Tools Limited.

According to Adesanya, the funds were used exclusively for a one-bedroom unit at the resort. Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to January 13, 2025, for further proceedings.

The EFCC is prosecuting Mamman on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering amounting to N33.8 billion.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court concerning the Rivers State local government elections.

The Appeal Court ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was the first respondent in the case.

Consequently, all orders and decisions made by the Federal High Court regarding the matter have been set aside.

This decision reaffirms the validity of the Rivers State local government election and overturns the earlier ruling that sought to challenge it.

By Anwar Usman

Prof. Bernard Odoh, the sacked Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday, expressed concern over the method through which he was removed as the university’s VC, stating that it didn’t follow the due process.

Odoh’s concerns follow his sack and that of the university’s governing council over his purported “illegal” appointment.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, he stated that the Federal Government needed to wade in to address brewing tensions.

“The removal of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The government lamented over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process,” read the statement.

However, the removed VC, in an interview on Arise TV, maintained that he won’t accept his removal through a press release but rather after the recommendations of an investigating council.

He further stated that, “I’m not disobeying the President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my removal after investigating me,” adding that “Mr President could have been wrongly advised.”

“You can’t sack somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release.

“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure,” he added.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had accused the Governing Council of the institution of failing to follow due process in Odoh’s appointment and had demanded that the ministry dissolve the council over acts of illegality.

By Anwar Usman

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday, announced the dismissal of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Ohieku Salami, due to actions “unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures.”

According to a statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, the decision followed a series of unprofessional actions by the pro-chancellor “including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without following the normal procedures.”

The statement stated that despite intervention by the ministry of education and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Salami refused to abide by the order, resorting to “abusive and threatening behaviour towards the ministry’s directors, including the Permanent Secretary.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, noted that such conduct undermines the ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardises the institution’s stability and governance.

“In line with this decision, the minister has requested the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process and accountability.”

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has disbursed funds to settle withheld salaries of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU) and benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS).

This was disclosed by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.

Mokwa noted that payments to NASU members had begun, with many recipients confirming they had received the funds.

He stated the government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian workers and retirees.The Daily Reality reported that NASU, alongside the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), had launched a nationwide strike on Monday.

According to SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, the strike would continue for seven days unless the government addresses grievances over payment disparities among university unions.

By Uzair Adam

Organized Labour has expressed concerns that the continuous increase in petrol prices is straining Nigerians’ tolerance, warning that the government may soon face a public reaction to these economic pressures.

The most recent hike, according to Labour, is yet another burden added to an already struggling populace.

Labour emphasized the growing hardship, urging the government to address the simmering discontent among citizens.

It noted that Nigerians’ silence should not be mistaken for acceptance, as persistent economic pain could lead to an unpredictable response.

“Even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall,” a representative cautioned.

In a similar vein, the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employer’s Federation (CANMPEF) highlighted the broader impact of fuel price hikes on sectors including logistics, production, and household income.

The group warned that, combined with other economic challenges, these increases are eroding purchasing power and stifling growth.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also added that delays in accessing fuel from Dangote Refinery, despite prior payments to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), are exacerbating supply issues and maintaining high prices.

IPMAN argued that giving marketers direct access to refinery fuel could alleviate some of the price pressures.

Labour leaders have called on the government to reconsider policies affecting essential commodities, warning that patience among citizens is running thin.

By Uzair Adam

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has directed members to initiate an indefinite strike starting Monday, following the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries.

The strike, initially scheduled for October 23, was postponed to Sunday night, October 27, 2024, to align with the NASU branches’ Trade Group Council meeting.

A circular signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim detailed this timing adjustment for unified coordination among union members.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 50% payment for the withheld salaries, JAC expressed frustration with the alleged inaction from the Minister of Finance, questioning the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.

The union stated that multiple requests for resolution have gone unanswered, prompting their decision to proceed with the strike.

JAC reiterated its appreciation for the members’ loyalty and assured them of continued efforts to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has stated that it should not be blamed for the recent surge in petrol prices.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) increased the pump price of fuel, with Abuja seeing a jump from N897 to N1,030 per litre, Lagos from N855 to N998, the North-East to N1,070, the South-West to N1,025, the South-East to N1,045, and the South-South to N1,075.

This price hike has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and reverse the increase.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified that the NNPCL’s decision was not directed by the government.

He explained that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) prevents the government from setting prices for petroleum products, making the NNPCL’s decision a response to the prevailing energy market conditions.

Idris further noted that since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, the NNPCL had been bearing the cost of keeping prices stable but could no longer continue to absorb such losses.

“The price fluctuation is driven by several factors, including the crisis in the Middle East, which has caused global volatility in petroleum markets.”

“As a limited liability company, the NNPCL cannot sustain operating at a loss,” the minister said.

He appealed to Nigerians for patience and understanding, assuring that the government remains committed to investing the savings from subsidy removal into sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

The minister also highlighted that the government’s investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) would help reduce the burden of rising fuel costs as more operators enter the industry.