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Works Minister, Umahi Begins Nationwide Consultation With Stakeholders On Road Infrastructure

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has initiated a series of nationwide stakeholder engagements to discuss the construction of sections of the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Infrastructure projects.

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This initiative follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a national road network aimed at enhancing trade and agriculture across Nigeria, in line with strategic economic recovery plans.

According to a statement by Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Umahi will engage stakeholders on June 29th and 30th in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

In Akwa Ibom, discussions will focus on Sections 3B and 4 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. In Cross River, the focus will be on Section 3A of the same highway and a 92 km segment of the Calabar-South East-North Central-Apo Abuja Superhighway.

Key participants will include state governors, legislative committees on works, relevant ministers, royal fathers, and technocrats.

These projects, once completed, will significantly enhance national connectivity.

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The planned routes include the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway (1,000 km), linking Sokoto to Badagry, passing through seven states; the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (700 km), traversing eight states; and the Calabar-South East-North Central-Apo Abuja Superhighway (477 km), connecting Calabar to Abuja through multiple states.

The consultations aim to highlight the potential benefits of these projects for local communities, particularly in terms of industrialization, tourism, and agriculture.

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Councillor, Traditional Ruler Suspended Over Alleged Transformer Theft

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has suspended the Village Head of Garin Majidadi, Mohammed Majidadi, and the Councillor for Kumo East Ward, Abdullahi Panda, due to their alleged involvement in the theft of a community transformer.

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The announcement, made by Ismaila Misili, Director General of Press Affairs, followed their arrest and arraignment by the state police on charges of conspiring to steal and sell the transformer in Garin Majidadi.

The suspensions are intended to prevent any interference with the ongoing legal proceedings.

Governor Yahaya reiterated his commitment to the rule of law, expressing confidence that justice would be served against all those involved in the theft.

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Abducted Catholic Priest Seeks Rescue In Distressing Video

Rev. Fr. Mikah Suleiman, the Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, has made a desperate plea for help after being abducted from the church rectory in Gusau on June 22.

In a viral distressing video, Father Suleiman appeals for assistance, fearing for his life in captivity.

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He describes being held under threat of death, emphasizing that his captors have warned him that they do not keep hostages for long and are capable of killing swiftly if their demands, likely ransom, are not met promptly.

“I am begging for help to be released from this place,” Father Suleiman implores in the video.

“They have tied me up and left me alone here. Please save my life in the name of God.”

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EEDC Denies Claims Of Free Prepaid Meters, Urges Proper Application

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has responded to a viral video claiming they are distributing free prepaid meters to customers.

The video, made by One Mazi Okechukwu Cyril Nwuche, a lecturer and Anambra State Chairman of the South East Electricity Consumers Association, suggested that EEDC was offering free meters.

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In a statement, Emeka Ezeh, EEDC’s head of corporate communications, refuted the claims, calling them misleading and aimed at creating confusion.

Ezeh clarified that while EEDC supports meter applications, customers must follow the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, which requires payment for meters with reimbursement through energy credits.

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Ezeh urged customers to apply for meters via the EEDC website or at district offices.

He noted that those in bulk-billed areas must opt for debulking to receive individual meters.

Ezeh also mentioned that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is working on a program to address the metering gap, details of which will be shared later.

He emphasized the importance of obtaining accurate information through official EEDC channels and cautioned against misinformation.

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Appeal Court Upholds Conviction Of Nollywood Actor Over Sexual Assault

The Lagos Court of Appeal has upheld the five-year prison sentence of Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, known as Baba Ijesha, for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

This decision affirms a previous ruling by the Lagos State High Court.

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The appellate panel, led by Justice Folashade Ojo, with Justices Abdullahi Bayero and Paul Bassi concurring, found Baba Ijesha guilty on two counts related to indecently touching and sexually assaulting the minor.

Originally, the Lagos State Government charged him with several offenses, including attempted sexual assault by penetration.

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In July 2022, the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired), sentenced him to five years for sexual assault, stating that the offenses occurred between 2013 and 2014.

Baba Ijesha’s defense argued that he had merely acted in a scripted scene, but the appellate court dismissed this claim.

Justice Ojo emphasized that the evidence presented, including a confession and an eyewitness account from Damilola Adekoya (PW1), corroborated the charges.

The court noted that these interactions were not theatrical performances but real incidents.

The judgment confirmed that on April 19, 2021, Baba Ijesha committed sexual assault against the victim, who was 15 at the time, as supported by her testimony and the evidence from the proceedings.

The court maintained that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt regarding the events of that day.

As a result, the court set aside some previous convictions but upheld the sentences for the offenses that occurred on April 19, 2021, with the sentences to run concurrently.

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ESUT Online Learning Initiative Expands Access To Quality Education, Offers Affordable Options – Prof. Anigbo

 

Prof. Leonard C. Anigbo, the Director of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) program at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has described the program as a strategic initiative aimed at expanding access to high-quality tertiary education.

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In an interview with the Daily Gazette on Friday, the professor of educational management and evaluation noted that the program was carefully designed to meet the educational aspirations of working professionals and other interested individuals.

“Our ODL program offers a robust and flexible learning model, ensuring that students can attain their academic qualifications without the constraints associated with traditional face-to-face, on-campus education,” Prof. Anigbo stated.

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“Prospective students are exempted from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, streamlining the admission process. The program offers a cost-effective tuition structure with the added flexibility of per-semester payment options.”

Prof. Anigbo also addressed the issue of NYSC eligibility, stating that graduates are eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program or may opt for an exemption if preferred.

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He explained that the curriculum is delivered entirely online, allowing students to study from any location at their convenience.

“Our graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from ESUT, a credential recognized both nationally and internationally,” he added.

For further inquiries or assistance regarding the admission process, please contact the ESUT ODL Centre at 08063543596 or 08032642325 or visit our official website at [odl.esut.edu.ng/application/purchase] to apply.

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PDP Has Failed Rivers State – Fubara Expresses Disappointment

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing the people of Rivers State amidst ongoing political turbulence.

Speaking during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, led by Senator Orji Uzo Kalu at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed disappointment in the party’s leadership for not fulfilling its expected role during the state’s political crisis.

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He emphasized that Rivers State is now prioritizing truth over partisan interests, asserting its independence from traditional party affiliations to uphold democracy staunchly on its own terms.

“In our state today, we are transcending mere party politics. This is a movement aimed at defending democracy with unwavering commitment,” Fubara declared.

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The rift within the PDP in Rivers State deepened in April when 60 PDP lawmakers in the House of Representatives called for the resignation of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

They accused Damagum of siding with Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s estranged political mentor, and collaborating with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the detriment of PDP interests in the state.

Addressing the situation, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu pledged to engage President Bola Tinubu and meet with Governor Nyesom Wike to seek a resolution to the political turmoil in Rivers State.

“I urge you to abide by the rule of law and respect constitutional provisions,” Kalu appealed during the meeting.

“We have direct access to President Bola Tinubu and will engage him to help resolve the ongoing crisis. We will also meet with Governor Wike to foster peace.”

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Just In: Defection Case Of Rivers State Lawmakers Transferred

The legal battles over the defection of 25 State lawmakers in Rivers State from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have taken a new turn with the transfer of the cases.

The cases, previously under the jurisdiction of Justice Steven Dalyop Pam at Federal High Court 4, Port Harcourt, have now been reassigned to court two, presided over by Justice E. O. Obele.

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Confusion ensued among journalists and lawyers yesterday morning when they arrived at court four only to discover that the cases had been moved to a different court.

Senior Advocates of Nigeria involved in the matter were notably absent from court four, prompting inquiries that revealed the transfer had occurred the previous day.

This development follows a petition submitted by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, a defendant in the matter, to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho.

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Amaewhule requested the transfer of the cases, prompting the decision to reassign them to another judicial officer.

The cases involve two separate suits: one initiated by the BOOT Party and others (suit number FHC/PHC/269/2024) and another by a Civil Society Organization in Rivers State.

Both suits challenge the defection of the lawmakers to the APC.

During the court proceedings on Monday, Justice Steven Dalyop Pam acknowledged Amaewhule’s petition, which sought to halt further proceedings pending the transfer of the cases.

The presiding judge noted that the petitioner had not provided a motion or counter affidavit and had not informed the plaintiffs of his actions.

Counsel representing the BOOT Party, Mr. Reuben Wanogho, urged the court to disregard the petition, arguing it was an attempt to delay proceedings.

However, Ferdinand Orbi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the defendants, expressed ignorance of the petition but requested the court to respect Amaewhule’s request if it was addressed to the Chief Judge.

Justice Pam ultimately ruled to proceed with the hearing of motions for joinder, indicating the court’s intention to continue with the case despite the transfer request.

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Biden Struggles After Debate Setback, Seeks Reset

Joe Biden’s reelection campaign faced a major setback after a lackluster debate performance that left allies concerned and opponents jubilant.

Supporters had hoped for a strong rebuttal from Biden against criticisms of his age and attacks on Trump’s record, but instead witnessed a faltering display marked by hoarseness, stumbling over words, and apparent confusion.

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Democratic figures like former White House communications chief Kate Bedingfield acknowledged Biden’s poor showing, describing it as unfavorable.

David Axelrod, a senior advisor under Obama, echoed concerns about Biden’s age affecting his performance on the national stage.

Following the debate, Biden, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, attributed his performance issues to a sore throat and criticized Trump’s debate tactics.

Despite managing to raise key issues such as abortion rights and Trump’s legal troubles, Biden was criticized for delays and subdued responses during critical moments.

In contrast, Trump’s performance, although riddled with falsehoods and evasions, managed to avoid significant pitfalls that marred Biden’s appearance.

As criticism mounted within Democratic circles, speculation emerged about potential alternatives to Biden before the party’s convention.

Republican commentators seized on Biden’s struggles, with figures like Keith Nahigian labeling it as one of the worst debate performances witnessed and suggesting it could severely impact Biden’s presidency aspirations.

As both campaigns regrouped after the debate, Biden planned to address his supporters in North Carolina while Trump countered with his own appearance in Virginia, setting the stage for continued political maneuvering in the lead-up to November’s election.

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Reinstate Funding For Teachers’ Council – NUT Urges FG

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has urged the Federal Government to reverse its decision to cease funding the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Speaking at the public presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja, NUT National President Audu Amba highlighted the adverse effects of the decision, emphasizing the council’s vital role in developing the teaching profession in Nigeria.

“TRCN is the regulatory body that professionalizes everyone teaching in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. We were shocked to learn that the federal government has decided to stop funding the TRCN,” Amba stated.

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Amba criticized the move, questioning the commitment to the teaching profession.

“I’ve never seen any country where a regulatory body for the teaching profession is not funded. Are we serious about this?” he asked.

He stressed that while other sectors receive significant attention, the teaching profession often receives only lip service despite its critical role.

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“Are we saying that teachers are inconsequential? As leaders of teachers, we won’t let this slide. We’ll push for government funding for TRCN because we’ve come a long way as the leading country in Africa, and we can’t afford to regress,” he asserted.

Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, noted that the review of the Professional Standards for School Leadership was conducted to address the evolving instructional roles of school leaders and the current challenges within the education system.

“The existing standards focus on administrative responsibilities, but there’s a need for comprehensive standards addressing instructional leadership. This ensures school leaders are equipped to provide professional learning for teachers, improving student learning outcomes,” Ajiboye explained.

He added that the new standards aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and accountability among school leaders, setting the stage for a transformative impact on Nigeria’s educational landscape.

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