The House of Representatives has initiated steps to create the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, following the first reading of a bill on Thursday.

The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers, aims to establish a university dedicated to the study and promotion of Nigerian languages and cultures.

Advertorial

According to Section 11, Part I of the proposed bill, the university will “Encourage the advancement of learning and provide equal access to higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures, regardless of race, creed, gender, or political beliefs.”

The bill also outlines provisions for regular visitations, with Section 14(2) requiring the President of Nigeria, as the Visitor to the university, to conduct a formal review of its operations at least once every five years.

Advertorial

The President will have the authority to appoint individuals to carry out these visitations as deemed necessary.

Section 14(3) mandates that the university fully cooperate and provide necessary assistance during these reviews.

The President will also hold the power to remove members of the university’s governing council, excluding the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, according to the bill’s provisions.

Advertorial

The university is expected to offer a range of academic programs, including diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees.

These programs will focus on the development of skills in Nigerian languages, aiming to produce graduates equipped to use and promote local languages for national development.

In addition to educational goals, the institution will act as a catalyst for research, innovation, and the conservation of Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

Advertorial

It will work alongside other national institutions involved in the development and promotion of Nigerian languages.

The bill emphasizes the need for sound foundational training in Nigerian languages, with a strong focus on teaching, research, outreach programs, and continuing education.

Section 1(2) highlights the university’s mission to produce high-caliber professionals in Nigerian languages, foster community engagement, and advance knowledge in this field.

Advertorial

The bill also includes provisions for removing council members due to misconduct or inability to perform their duties, subject to the President’s approval, based on recommendations from the university council.

This bill will be considered for a second reading in the coming weeks.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several high-profile members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, over allegations of anti-party activities and factionalism.

The suspensions were announced by the APC executives in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas, with the affected members accused of working against the party’s interests at the state level.

Advertorial

In Ekeremor LGA, APC Chairman Mitin Eniekenemi confirmed the suspension of Senator Lokpobiri and the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko.

He stated that the decision was based on the findings of a disciplinary committee established in accordance with Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution.

Similarly, the APC executives in Southern Ijaw LGA also suspended David Lyon, along with the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Peres Biewari, and six other party members for gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

Advertorial

The allegations centered around their conduct during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election, where they were accused of undermining the party’s efforts.

The party leadership noted that investigations are still ongoing, and further revelations regarding other members involved in anti-party activities will be made public as inquiries are completed.

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Friday as the Integrity Faction announced the appointment of Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the party’s new Acting National Chairman.

Yayari, PDP New Acting Chairman

Earlier on Friday, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, suspended two key officials—National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba—on charges of anti-party activities.

Advertorial

In a swift response, a rival faction within the NWC, represented by Ologunagba, issued a statement announcing the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Sam Anyanwu for similar accusations.

Ologunagba, speaking on behalf of the Integrity Faction, declared that Mohammed’s appointment would take effect immediately, in accordance with the party’s constitution, amended in 2017.

Advertorial

The statement reads: “Following the suspension of Ambassador Illiya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of our great party, the PDP, the National Working Committee has approved the appointment of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as Acting National Chairman. This appointment takes immediate effect and is in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).”

The Integrity Faction called on party members and stakeholders to remain united during this period as preparations are underway for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a ruling preventing the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Umar Damagum as the party’s Acting National Chairman.

The court’s restraining order ensures that Damagum will remain in the position until the party’s national convention, which is scheduled for December of next year.

Advertorial

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina, the Yobe State PDP Chairman, who alleged that certain stakeholders within the party were holding secret meetings to forcefully replace Damagum with a former Kogi State deputy governor, Phillip Salawu. Maina argued that these actions were in violation of the PDP’s constitution.

In his judgment, Justice Lifu emphasized that, according to Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP Constitution, national officers can only be elected at a national convention.

Advertorial

The judge agreed with the plaintiff, stating that Damagum could only be replaced through a court order or during the national convention.

The plaintiff had previously written two letters to the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, to raise concerns about the clandestine meetings, but these letters went unaddressed.

As a result, Maina sought legal intervention to protect the PDP Constitution and ensure that the party adhered to its rules, particularly regarding the rotation of the national chairmanship between the North and South.

Justice Lifu also rejected the defendants’ objections, which claimed that Maina had no legal standing to bring the suit and that the court lacked jurisdiction.

The judge ruled that Maina, as a PDP member with a valid membership card, had the right to protect the party’s constitution and that his concerns were justiciable.

Delta State Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Mr. Emeka Nkwoala, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resume the payment of subvention to political parties in order to promote a healthy multi-party democracy.

Nkwoala made the appeal on Thursday during the party’s state congress in Asaba, where delegates were elected for the ZLP’s upcoming national convention.

Advertorial

Speaking at the event, Nkwoala noted that smaller parties like the ZLP struggle financially compared to larger parties, which often receive backing from elected officials within their ranks.

“Before now, INEC used to provide subvention to all political parties, but they stopped. They need to create an enabling environment for all parties to foster a multi-party system and ensure a vibrant democracy,” he said.

Nkwoala also criticized early discussions surrounding the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need to focus on holding recently elected leaders accountable.

Advertorial

“I am concerned when people begin to talk about 2027 elections when it has been less than a year since we elected new leaders. Instead of discussing the next election, we should focus on ensuring these leaders fulfill the promises they made during the campaign.”

He urged citizens to engage with political office holders and demand accountability, noting that elected officials are receiving more revenue from the federal account and should be transparent about how the funds are being used.

Nkwoala further expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s handling of the economy and called on state governments to alleviate the hardships facing the people.

During the congress, five delegates were elected from Delta State to attend the party’s national convention in Abuja.

Mr. Lucky Ukurabore, the ZLP’s National Youth Leader and Chairman of the Planning Committee, confirmed the election results in the presence of INEC representatives, including Barrister Mrs. Ann Nwoko, who observed the proceedings.

Advertorial

Ukurabore commended INEC for ensuring a smooth and transparent consensus election.

Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has hinted that he will soon address the calls from various political groups and the people of Bauchi State urging him to contest the governorship seat in the 2027 election.

Speaking to journalists in Zaranda Village, Toro Local Government Area, the Senator acknowledged the growing pressure for him to join the race, stating, “I will respond to the calls at the appropriate time, whether positively or negatively. Let us continue to pray for God’s guidance and long life, as He alone knows what the future holds.”

Advertorial

Senator Buba, who has had a strained relationship with the current state governor, Senator Bala Muhammad, emphasized that it is still premature to delve into discussions about the 2027 election campaign.

Although he represents the Bauchi South district, Buba highlighted his commitment to the broader interests of the entire state, noting that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), only managed to secure the senatorial seat in his district during the last election.

Advertorial