Home Blog Page 1110

Just In: Supreme Court Affirms Victory Of Alia As Benue Governor

Supreme Court on Monday affirmed the election victory of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia as the Governor of Benue state.

The Apex Court also dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate in the Benue governorship election, Titus Uba.

Advertorial

Benue governorship election petitions tribunal and the court of appeal in Abuja had upheld Hyacinth Alia as governor of Benue state.

Not satisfied with the judgments, Uba approached the apex court for redress.

Google search engine

Open Letter: Enugu Law Students Writes Gov. Mbah, Appeal For Support Over Hike In Fees

The National Association of Enugu State Law Students has written the Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah, appealing for the support of his administration to enable the law students from Enugu who are currently in various Law School Campuses in the country, pay up their fees.

The students said they have sought to see the governor severally through their letters dated 23 October 2023, 20th November 2023 as well as the one addressed to the office of the deputy governor, but without response.

Advertorial

Lamenting how lack of funds had forced their parents, who are mostly civil servants, to engage in unfitting activities in order to see them through their studies, the students expressed fears they might end up not finishing their one year compulsory legal training due to the increased school fees with limited payment window which has thrown their aspiration into jeopardy.

“Many of us come from families struggling to make ends meet. This exorbitant fee hike, paired with the short deadline, has thrust us into a financial abyss, threatening to extinguish the flames of hope we have so meticulously nurtured through years of dedicated study.”

Advertorial

Despite these parental efforts, the students said many of them still found it difficult to pay the hiked school fees.

In a letter obtained by Daily Gazette which was jointly signed by the group’s National President, Stephen Samson Obiora, the National Secretary, Ugwuoke Johnpaul Obisike and National Public Relations Officer, Aguoma Uzoamaka, they called on Governor Mbah’s administration to assist them.

The letter reads;
“We, the undersigned law graduates from Enugu State, wish to once again congratulate you on your merited victory at the polls and to also commend your good works in our dear state. We write to you today with a humble and passionate heart to solicit your immediate intervention in a matter that threatens to extinguish the dreams of numerous aspiring legal professionals like ourselves. The legal profession is an enviable profession which seeks to uphold the principles of rule of law and interpret the laws of a country.”

“Your Excellency, we are very happy that our dear State (Enugu) has two great minds and leaders as her Governor and Deputy who are also intellectuals in the legal profession and who know what it takes to be part and parcel of the legal profession.”

“Having proudly completed our undergraduate studies in Law, we stand poised at the precipice of the final hurdle before joining the ranks of dedicated legal minds serving our state: the Nigerian Law School program.
However, Your Excellency, a sudden and significant increase in fees from N296,000 to N476,000 coupled with a severely limited payment window has thrown our aspirations into jeopardy.”

A copy of the letter obtained by Daily Gazette

“Many of us come from families struggling to make ends meet. This exorbitant fee hike, paired with the short deadline, has thrust us into a financial abyss, threatening to extinguish the flames of hope we have so meticulously nurtured through years of dedicated study.
Your Excellency, this financial issue has put a full worrisome burden in us which was the reason we have written to your good office several letters which we sent out the first one on the 23rd October, 2023. A corresponding letter which we sent out to your office on the 20th November, 2023 and also a passionate appeal letter to the office of the Deputy Governor which we sent out on the 20th November, 2023.”

“Your Excellency, denying us access to the Law School because of this sudden financial burden would not only be a personal tragedy for each of us, but also a significant loss to Enugu State legal profession which you are also part of Your Excellency.
We represent a vibrant pool of legal talent, brimming with passion, dedication, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to our communities and uphold the rule of law. We envision ourselves becoming lawyers who will champion the rights of our citizens, foster economic growth, and strengthen the foundations of justice in our state.”

“Therefore, we humbly appeal Your Excellency to consider our plight with the utmost urgency and extend a lifeline of bursary/financial assistance. This is not merely a request for financial aid; it is a plea for an investment in the future of Enugu State. Every legal mind saved from this financial bottleneck represents a future champion of justice and progress for our state.”

“The recent fee increase and restrictive deadline leave us with very little time. We understand the immense demands on your public purse, but we firmly believe that providing an emergency bursary assistance to bridge this financial gap would represent a swift and impactful investment in the future of Enugu State. The return on this investment will be measured not only in the bolstering of our legal system, but also in the strengthened framework of justice, economic development, and overall well-being of our communities.”

Advertorial

“We, the aspiring legal minds of Enugu State, humbly beseech Your Excellency to act swiftly and grant us emergency bursary assistance. With your support, we can overcome this financial hurdle and contribute to the betterment of our state with unwavering dedication.”

Google search engine

Resign, Submit Yourself To EFCC For Investigation – HURIWA Tells Humanitarian Affairs Minister

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA has asked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to resign and submit herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for investigations.

The group made the call following the Federal Government’s ongoing fraud investigation in NSIPA as it involved the public fund she allegedly deposited in a private individual’s bank account.

Advertorial

It said public sector financial regulations of 2009 prohibits the payment of public funds into a private individual account.

HURIWA further called on the President and the EFCC to use the best global practice in the enforcement of the anti-graft laws since the law shouldn’t be made to favour individuals because they are top officials in the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Google search engine

Kayode-Laguda Wins APC Ticket To Fill Gbajabiamila’s Rep Seat

A public servant, Fuad Kayode-Laguda has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Surulere 1 Constituency House of Representatives by-election.

This was confirmed on Saturday following his victory in the party’s primary election, which took place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Advertorial

The by-election, scheduled for February 3, 2024, aims to fill the vacancy left by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who previously represented the constituency, before President Bola Tinubu appointed him as his Chief of Staff.

Laguda scored 30 votes to beat the other three contestants: Raheed Owokoniran, Lawal Kabir, and Manzu Jemila, who scored nil.

The election was conducted by a five-member committee chaired by Buba Yusuf, while Dapo Lam-Adesina served as secretary. (DT)

Google search engine

University Don Emerges APC Candidate For Ebonyi South Senatorial Bye-Eection

Anthony Okorie, a professor of Agricultural Extension Administration at the Federal University of Technology Owerri has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ebonyi South Senatorial zone in the February 4 bye-election.

Prof. Okorie garned a total of 281 votes out of 285 accredited voters.

Advertorial

Announcing the result at Afikpo local government headquarters of Ebonyi State where the primary election took place, the returning officer, Dr Akin Awodeyi Akinsehinwe, said the election was peaceful.

“I was only sent by the national leadership of APC to conduct the primary and the level of the consciousness seen today shows that APC is a peaceful party and that is why the election was very free and fair,” he said.

Prof. Okorie hails from Onicha Local Government Area of the state.

His victory at the Saturday’s primary followed the successful harmonisation meeting where interested parties, stakeholders and aspirants met and supported him as the only candidate in the primary.

The meeting, held on Friday, was at the instance of the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru.
Ebonyi South senatorial bye election came duo to the resignation of Sen. David Umahi, a former governor of the state from the Senate to serve as Minister of Work.

Reacting, Okorie said his victory was a miracle and promised to bring agricultral ingenuity to the Senate if elected.

Google search engine

Transfer Of N585m Into Private Account Legal – Humanitarian Affairs Minister

The minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has said that the disbursed N585,198,500 into a personal account is legal and in line with extant civil service rules.

The minister stated this on Friday through her special adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Rasheed Zubair.

Advertorial

Edu had in a viral document which she personally signed and directed to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, ordered for the disbursement of the funds to one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

The leaked document triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians, with many calling for the minister’s sacking

Zubair in a statement said the payment for the vulnerable group followed due process.

“It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity because she alerted the Federal Government attention to the ongoing N44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA.”

“These elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure. However, this latest vile effort of theirs is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration.”

“For the avoidance, the said N585m was approved, and it is meant to implement grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.

“We must note that GVG was first launched in Kogi State, where recipients testified. Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023. Kogi already happened in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.

“The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the Federal Government, which the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is implementing.

“Oniyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for GVG from the Department of Finance, and it is legal in civil service for a staff, the project accountant, to be paid and use the same funds legally and retire the same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is completed.”

Google search engine

Rivers: Teachers Protest Exclusion From Gov. Fubara’s N100,000 Christmas Bonus

Primary and secondary teachers from the government owned schools in Rivers State on Friday staged a peaceful protest at Port Harcourt, the State Capital, over their alleged exclusion from the N100,000 Christmas bonus approved for civil servants by the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The over 100 teachers said that other civil servants in the state had received theirs along with their December 2023 salaries, but wondered why they didn’t benefit from the bonus.

Advertorial

Governor Fubara had approved the ‘Christmas’ bonus for each civil servant in the state.

The aggrieved teachers who besieged the Government House, expressed displeasure about the development and called on the state government to intervene

One of the teachers simply identified as Oke said, “We were so happy when we heard that the governor approved a N100,000 Christmas bonus for all civil servants. So we assumed that the last Christmas was going to be very great for us.

“But as we speak today, this is January, a few of us as you can see, have not received the Christmas bonus.

“On Monday, schools will be resuming. Most of us travelled and we have returned.

“We have exhausted all we have. So we are here this morning to register our complaints to our dear loving governor to help us talk to those who are holding our Christmas bonus.

“Our N100,000 Christmas bonus should be released because it will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the hardship, especially in this January.”

An official of the government, who addressed the protesting teachers, commended them for their peaceful disposition and assured them that their complaints would be looked into.

Google search engine

Enugu PDP LG Chairmanship Aspirant Released By DSS

Chairmanship aspirant under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for Awgu local government area of Enugu state, Mr. Ugulu O. Ugulu, has been released by the department of state services, DSS.

Mr. Ugulu who was earlier detained by the Service alongside his son, Mr. Ebubechukwu Patrick Okafor, was released on Friday evening.

Advertorial

Enugu popular lawyer, Chief AOU Onyema had in a lettter dated January 2, 2024, addressed to the Enugu state director of DSS, prayed the Service to release the detained father and his son pending the outcome of their investigation.

After Daily Gazette report, his son Mr. Ebubechukwu Patrick Okafor, a serving corps member, was released on Thursday.

Advertorial

In a telephone interview with our reporter, the clients’ lawyer, Chief AOU Onyema said “the PDP CHAIRMANSHIP ASPIRANT for Awgu LGA Mr Ugulu O. Ugulu has been released by the DSS, around 4.00pm today 5/1/2024.”

According to Barr. Onyema, Mr. Ugulu received a phone call on December 20, 2023 from the DSS inviting him to their office the following day, which he honoured.

Google search engine

Ondo: Remains Of Akeredolu Arrives Nigeria

The remains of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state on Friday arrived in Nigeria from Germany.

Spokesperson of the late governor, Richard Olatunde announced this in his official X handle.

Advertorial

He said the plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m.

Chief Mrs. Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, the governor’s wife, her children, siblings and other well wishers welcomed him.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbi Talabi; and representative of Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke also joined in receiving the body.

Google search engine

Lagos Assembly Passes 2024 Appropriation Bill Of N2.267trn Into Law

Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday passed a total of N2,267,976,120,869 as the 2024 budget of the state at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

The budget, representing 58 percent Capital Expenditure and 42 percent Recurrent Expenditure, was approved following a unanimous voice vote by all the lawmakers present at the sitting.

Advertorial

“A bill for a law to authorise the issuance and appropriation of N952,430,566,998 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,315,545,553,871 from Development Fund for Capital Expenditure thereby totaling a budget size of N2,267,976,120,869 for the year ending 31st December, 2024 be passed into law,” the Speaker had raised on the floor as the budget report was read a third time.

Obasa, thereafter, commended the lawmakers for their dedication and cooperation at ensuring quick passage of the Appropriation Bill while directing the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to forward a copy of the approved budget to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent.

Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, chairman of the joint-committee on Budget and Finance, had presented a report containing some recommendations to the House.

Among the recommendations is that the Public Works Corporation, the Water Corporation and the state-owned tertiary institutions be placed on first-line charge to enable them perform optimally.

Governor Sanwo-Olu had on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, presented the 2024 budget proposal of N2.246 trillion to the House of Assembly saying that the state anticipated internally generated revenue of N1.251 trillion and federal government allocations of N596.629 billion. (DT)

Google search engine

MOST COMMENTED

- Advertisement -
Google search engine