Google search engine
Home Blog Page 953

Falana Condemns School Fees Hike, Labels FG’s Action ‘Illegal’

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Femi Falana, SAN, a prominent human rights lawyer, has denounced the recent hike in school fees by the federal and Lagos state governments, labeling it illegal and in violation of the Child’s Rights Act and Lagos State Child’s Rights Law.

The federal government had in July 2023 raised the fees for Unity Schools from N45,000 to N100,000 per term, marking a significant increase of over 120%.

Advertorial

Similarly, the Lagos State government announced a new fee structure for state-owned boarding schools, increasing fees from N35,000 to N100,000 per term.

Falana, in a statement over the weekend, expressed concern that the increase far exceeds the minimum wage of N70,000, making it impossible for a worker to afford the education of even one child in Unity Schools or Lagos secondary schools.

He pledged to take legal action to challenge these fee increments.

Advertorial

“The federal government has raised the fees for Unity Schools from N45,000 to N100,000 per term, amounting to N300,000 annually per student,” Falana stated.

“Similarly, Lagos State has set fees for secondary schools at N100,000 per term, or N300,000 annually. With a minimum wage of N70,000, a worker’s salary for four months totals N280,000, which means they can no longer afford to sponsor even one child in these schools.”

Advertorial

Falana emphasized that the Child’s Rights Act guarantees every child free and compulsory education from primary to junior secondary school.

Therefore, he argues that the imposition of N100,000 fees on junior secondary school students in Unity Schools and Lagos State is illegal.

Falana also cited the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, who revealed that over N45.7 billion in matching grants for Universal Basic Education between 2020 and 2023 remains unaccessed by state governments.

Advertorial

Falana vowed to challenge the fee increases in court, asserting that the government’s actions violate the rights of children to accessible education.

Google search engine

Enugu: Prof. Nnaji Moves To Reclaim Onuogba Nike Land Amid Squatters’ Resistance, Legal Victory

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Prof. Bart Nnaji

A land dispute between Distinguished Professor Bart Nnaji, renowned Nigerian engineer and former Minister of Power, and a group of squatters in the Onuogba Nike community in Enugu East Local Government Area has escalated following claims by the squatters that they were victims of land grabbing.

The squatters held a press conference in Enugu on Thursday, September 12, 2024, making sensational allegations against Prof. Nnaji, but these claims have been largely dismissed by media houses as baseless.

Advertorial

Reports indicate that only a few outlets published the squatters’ accusations, while many journalists declined after determining the story lacked merit.

According to insiders, the squatters are themselves guilty of illegally occupying the land, which Prof. Nnaji legally owns.

Prof. Nnaji acquired the land in 2005 from the original owner, Chief Hyacinth Alinta, who had a Certificate of Occupancy.

Advertorial

The land had previously been sold to Chief Alinta by the original owners from the Onuogba community.

The dispute arose when a group of migrants from Ezza Nkomoro in Ebonyi State began squatting on the property, resisting efforts to remove them. Legal battles over the land, initiated by Chief Alinta and inherited by Prof. Nnaji, were finally resolved in 2013 in favor of the landowner.

Despite winning the court case, Prof. Nnaji opted for a compassionate approach after the intervention of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga.

He delayed his plans to develop the land, allowing the squatters the opportunity to either purchase the land or vacate it peacefully.

In a press release made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Saturday by Prof. Nnaji’s media assistant, Chijioke Ogbodo, none of the squatters took advantage of the offer, and they remained on the land for more than 11 years.

The situation took a tragic turn in 2023 when a local contractor, Mr. Sunday Ozoemena, who had been advising the squatters to negotiate peacefully with Prof. Nnaji, was murdered.

Advertorial

Mr. Ozoemena, a community member, had been contracted to build a perimeter fence around the property. His murder is currently under investigation.

Despite these challenges, both Prof. Nnaji and Bishop Onaga continued to show patience, offering the squatters multiple chances to either pay for the land or accept financial support to relocate.

In August 2024, the squatters were given a final deadline to register their intent to purchase the land through their local Parish Priest, with Prof. Nnaji offering financial assistance of up to N1 million for those willing to move.

Advertorial

However, no one responded to the offer until eviction processes began.

The squatters maintain that the land is their ancestral home, but they have been unable to provide any documentation to support their claim.

The court ruling in 2013 firmly established Prof. Nnaji’s ownership of the property, refuting the squatters’ claims.

The delay in vacating the land has hindered Prof. Nnaji’s development project, which includes plans for an automotive parts manufacturing facility and an independent power project in Enugu, in partnership with South Korean investors.

Ogbodo emphasized that Prof. Nnaji’s goodwill has been repeatedly exploited, but after years of patience, he is now moving forward with the legal and moral steps to regain possession of his land.

Sources within the community suggest that some of the squatters have been misled by individuals who sold the land illegally.

The Catholic Parish Priest, who has been mediating the conflict, remains a reliable source for independent verification of these developments.

The land dispute continues to generate tension, but Prof. Nnaji’s legal ownership is not in question, and efforts to develop the property are expected to proceed after years of delay.

Google search engine

Edo Guber: Shettima, Akpabio, APC Governors Arrive Edo State For Final Campaign

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) arrived in Benin City on Saturday for the grand finale of the party’s campaign rally.

They were warmly welcomed at the Benin Airport by Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Advertorial

Also present at the reception was APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The rally marks the APC’s final push to secure support for its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, in a bid to claim the governorship seat from the PDP.

With political tensions rising as election day nears, the event represents a key moment in the APC’s efforts to solidify its position in the state.

Google search engine

BREAKING: Gov. Otti Clears N17.63 Billion In Salary Arrears, Bringing Relief To Abia Workers

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has begun fulfilling his promise to settle the salary arrears owed to workers in state institutions, a debt inherited from previous administrations.

On Friday, the state government initiated the payment of N17.63 billion to affected institutions, including Abia State University Uturu, Abia State Polytechnic Aba, Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu, Abia State Teaching Hospital Aba, and the Health Management Board Umuahia.

Advertorial

According to a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the disbursement will be completed over a 12-month period through an amortization plan to ensure that other critical areas of governance are not neglected.

The first tranche of the payment has already been released to the verified workers.

Kanu affirmed the Otti-led administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants in the state, noting that the governor has set aside N1.5 billion monthly to gradually clear the arrears.

Advertorial

“By this move, the administration has once again demonstrated its dedication to improving the welfare of Abia State civil servants,” he said.

In a separate statement, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, confirmed that the first batch of payments had been made and highlighted the relief it has brought to workers who had been owed for months.

The payments cover arrears across several sectors, including the College of Health Sciences Aba, the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), and the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB).

Advertorial

Ukoha further explained that the Otti administration inherited billions of naira in outstanding salaries, with state-owned institutions like Abia State Polytechnic owed 33 months, College of Education Arochukwu 22 months, and Abia State University 11 months.

The governor’s strategy to clear these debts involves monthly payments to ensure other aspects of the state’s development are not stalled.

This move has been welcomed by Abia workers, with many expressing relief and gratitude as the long-standing issue of unpaid wages is finally being addressed.

Gov. Otti

Google search engine

No Plans To Be Anybody’s VP In 2027, Says Peter Obi

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in last year’s election, has stated unequivocally that he has no intention of running for vice president in the 2027 election.

Obi made this declaration on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.

He addressed recent misinterpretations of his statements from an interview he gave to News Central TV, where he alleged that his comments had been distorted by certain individuals.

Advertorial

Obi clarified that he never expressed any intention of being a vice presidential candidate, emphasizing his commitment to collaborating with those dedicated to improving Nigeria.

“I have consistently said that I am open to working with those who are serious about building a new Nigeria,” Obi stated.

He criticized those focused on the 2027 elections while ignoring pressing issues such as hunger, poverty, and insecurity.

Advertorial

Obi highlighted that his openness to collaboration was based on shared goals for Nigeria’s advancement, not for mere electoral victories or state capture.

“My focus remains on Nigeria’s progress and not on occupying any particular office,” he said.

He also clarified that if he chooses to run for office in 2027, it will be based on concrete plans to address key issues like education, health, and poverty alleviation.

Obi expressed surprise at the misrepresentation of his words and reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s progress, whether or not he holds an official position.

Google search engine

Rescue Operations Ongoing As UNIBEN Students Trapped In Collapsed Building

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Several University of Benin (UNIBEN) students were trapped on Saturday morning after a three-storey building collapsed in the Ekosodin area of Benin City, Edo State.

The building, located on Ekhator Street, came down during heavy rainfall, with many students believed to be inside at the time of the incident.

Advertorial

Ekosodin, which is adjacent to the university, is known for housing a large population of students.

Rescue operations are currently underway, with reports indicating that some of the trapped students have already been pulled from the rubble, though others are still unaccounted for.

A witness at the scene revealed that the University’s Dean of Student Affairs is overseeing the rescue efforts, working in coordination with a university rescue team.

Advertorial

Several of the rescued students sustained severe injuries and have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

One student on the scene told Channels Television that the rescue team is still trying to free at least one more victim who is believed to be alive under the debris.

“She called from inside, and the team is working tirelessly to find and rescue her,” the student reported.

As at the time of this report, the University of Benin has not issued an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of students affected by the disaster. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

Google search engine

INEC Was Set To Deregister LP If Not For Our Timely Intervention – Sen. Nenadi Usman

By
Dailygazettenig
-

Senator Nenadi Usman, Chairman of the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee (LP-NCC), has claimed that the committee’s swift intervention during a crucial September 4 stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, helped the party avoid a major embarrassment.

According to the former Minister of Finance, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was on the verge of deregistering the Labour Party due to internal conflicts and a lack of legally recognized leadership.

Advertorial

Usman explained that without the prompt actions taken at the Umuahia meeting, INEC would have had no choice but to remove the Labour Party from its records, thereby excluding it from future elections.

“We narrowly escaped being deregistered, and that was a significant victory for our party,” she said.

Speaking after the committee’s first meeting in Abuja, Usman reaffirmed her commitment to uniting the party, vowing to operate an inclusive, transparent policy that would bring together all factions and members.

Advertorial

She emphasized that no side was defeated in resolving the party’s internal conflicts, stating, “No group or faction should feel embarrassed. We all won together as one political family under the law.”

Usman urged all aggrieved members to set aside their differences and collaborate with the caretaker committee to rebuild the “Papa, Mama, and Pikin” party.

Her committee’s goal, she said, is to organize state congresses within the next three months, culminating in a transparent national convention that will elect a substantive National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) to lead the party forward.

Advertorial

Also addressing the party’s internal issues, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission, called on all members to put aside their grievances and work with the Caretaker Committee to ensure the Labour Party moves forward successfully.

Google search engine

Social Media Influencer Ends Self-Marriage After One Year of ‘Sologamy’

By
Dailygazettenig
-

A London-based influencer, Suellen Carey, has officially divorced herself after one year of being in a “sologamous” marriage.

The 36-year-old Brazilian model gained global attention last year when she tied the knot with herself, in a unique ceremony that she shared with her 400,000 Instagram followers.

Advertorial

Despite her initial enthusiasm, Carey recently made the decision to end her solo marriage.

Reports suggest that she went as far as attending couples therapy sessions alone, in an effort to work through her emotions and keep the unconventional union intact.

After completing 10 therapy sessions, Carey realized that the best course of action was to call it quits.

“I was putting too much pressure on myself, and it became exhausting,” she admitted, acknowledging the emotional strain the marriage had caused.

Advertorial

Although Carey described her solo marriage as a positive and “enriching” experience that helped her in her personal growth, she felt it was time to move on.

“Sologamy was a healing process, but growth often takes us in new directions,” she explained.

Now looking ahead, Suellen said she is ready to explore new opportunities, including the possibility of entering into a traditional relationship.

“I’m open to the idea of finding a partner and embracing this new chapter in my life,” she said.

Google search engine

FG Eases Tariff Burden For Kano Electricity Customers With Subsidy Grant

By
Dailygazettenig
-

The Federal Government has committed to covering the revenue shortfall caused by the difference between cost-reflective tariffs and the actual tariffs paid by customers of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).

This development was detailed in a September 2024 Supplementary Order issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as part of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) framework for KEDCO, made public on Thursday.

Advertorial

The supplementary order, which took effect from September 1, 2024, addresses financial challenges brought about by factors like inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.

According to the document, “The Federal Government’s policy on subsidy and electricity tariffs provides for a phased transition to cost-reflective tariffs for end-users, with protective measures for the less privileged consumers.”

“As part of this, the government has pledged to fund the revenue gap arising from the difference between the approved cost-reflective tariffs and the actual tariffs paid during this transition period.”

Advertorial

NERC’s review of key economic indicators, including the exchange rate of the naira to the US dollar and domestic inflation rates, led to a revision of KEDCO’s revenue projections and tariffs for the remainder of 2024.

Specifically, a Naira-to-dollar exchange rate of N1,601.50/US$1 was adopted for the September to December 2024 period, alongside a Nigerian inflation rate of 33.40% for July 2024.

The Federal Government’s intervention will help KEDCO meet its financial obligations despite these cost increases.

NERC further clarified that “Government intervention from budgetary appropriations and other funding sources for tariff shortfalls will be applied by NBET (Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc) to ensure 100% payment of market invoices issued by generation companies (GenCos).”

The order also outlined KEDCO’s service commitments, requiring the company to adhere to the Service-Based Tariff framework and deliver a minimum number of hours of electricity supply to consumers in different tariff bands.

Advertorial

In addition, KEDCO is required to invest in upgrading its infrastructure, including securing a minimum of 27MW of embedded generation capacity in 2024, with at least 50% of this capacity sourced from renewable energy.

The government’s financial support aims to stabilize the electricity market and protect consumers from the immediate impact of cost-reflective tariffs.

This assistance will enable KEDCO to continue delivering services while meeting its market obligations.

NERC concluded the order by pledging to closely monitor KEDCO’s compliance with its service delivery commitments.

“The commission will continue to use technology to directly monitor the hours of electricity supply from KEDCO’s Band A feeders through its head-end system for near real-time oversight,” NERC stated.

Google search engine

Labour Party Announces Boycott Of Anambra East LG Elections Over Disputed Candidate List

By
Dailygazettenig
-

The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra East Local Government Area (LGA) has announced its intention to boycott the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for September 28.

In a statement released on Friday in Awka, LP’s LG Chairman, Mr. Chidi Chinwuba, and Secretary, Mr. Onyeka Aghadiuno, criticized the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) for publishing a list of candidates allegedly from the LP.

Advertorial

They insisted that this list is invalid as the party did not conduct any primaries or submit candidate names to ANSIEC.

The LP leaders have called on ANSIEC to remove any names associated with their party from the list.

They have also warned of potential legal action if the commission proceeds with publishing LP candidates.

The statement emphasized that the LP’s Anambra East chapter is not participating in the election and urged the public to disregard the ANSIEC list.

It warned that anyone engaging with individuals on this list does so at their own risk, as the party will not be responsible for any issues arising from this situation.

The LP accused ANSIEC of attempting to involve parties in what they view as a compromised election process.

They also highlighted that the state chapter of the LP is currently challenging the election process in court, reinforcing their decision not to partake in the polls.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), ANSIEC Chairperson Mrs. Genevieve Osakwe had announced on September 11 that the final list of candidates for the council elections had been released.

She encouraged candidates and political parties to begin their campaigns and assured voters of a free, fair, and credible election.

Google search engine

1...952953954...1,176Page 953 of 1,176

MOST COMMENTED

- Advertisement -
Google search engine

CATEGORY

A digital news platform committed to providing factual, reliable, and balanced reporting of events. Stay Updated, Share !!!
Contact us: dailygazetteltd042@gmail.com

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright Dailygazette Nigeria 2024