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Two Soldiers, One Civilian Reportedly Killed By Gunmen In Aba

Gunmen have claimed the lives of two soldiers and one civilian in Aba, Abia State, in a targeted attack on an outpost situated at the Aba main motor park along Asa road.

The incident, which occurred around 8 pm, also resulted in the death of a man suspected to be a keke operator.

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Reports indicate that the assailants, who remain unidentified, managed to flee with the weapons of the deceased soldiers after the attack.

Although other soldiers stationed at the outpost reportedly repelled the gunmen, the losses were already incurred.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as rapid gunfire erupted, catching the soldiers off guard.

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The situation prompted businesses to close, with shop owners abandoning their wares around the area.

In response to the incident, military barricades have been erected, restricting vehicle movement between the main motor park and Bata Junction.

Only women are permitted to pass through these barricades with their hands raised, adding to the tense atmosphere in the area.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Army Public Relations Officer, PRO,14 Brigade, Ohafia, Lt. Omale Innocent, have been unsuccessful thus far.

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Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Finalize Plan To Form Regional Confederation Amid Shift From France

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all governed by military juntas, have completed plans to form a regional confederation.

This move comes as the countries distance themselves from former colonial ruler, France, in favor of stronger ties with Russia.

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The foreign ministers of the three nations met in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Friday to finalize the establishment of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, announced the completion of the draft text for the institutionalization and operationalization of the AES.

“The objective was to finalize the draft text relating to the institutionalization and operationalization of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES),” Sangare stated, indicating that the text would be adopted by the heads of state at a forthcoming summit, the date of which remains unspecified.

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Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, after meeting with Niger’s military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, declared, “We can consider very clearly, today, that the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has been born.”

Burkina Faso was represented by its Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, at the meeting.

The Sahel region has long been plagued by jihadist violence, which the three countries have accused France of failing to adequately address.

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In late January, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing its French influence, and stated their intention to form a new regional bloc.

This new alliance marks a significant geopolitical shift in the region, as the countries look to Russia for support in combating the ongoing security threats and fostering regional stability.

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List Of Newly Appointed Pro-chancellors, Board Members For Tertiary Institutions In Southeast

Daily Gazette had reported how President Bola Tinubu gave approval for the appointment of 555 individuals to serve as Pro-Chancellors/Chairmen and members of the governing boards of 111 federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The list of nominees provided by the Ministry of Education which was sighted by Daily Gazette indicates that the following individuals were appointed into the
governing boards of federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in the southeast geopolitical zone.

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Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi state:
1. Prof. Chinwuba Owoh – Pro chancellor/chairman
2. Engr. Saidu Njidda – Member
3. Barr. Dubem Maghol – Member
4. H.E Amb. Eniola Ajayi – Member
5. Royce Nweze Umahi – Member

University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu state

1. Col. (Arch) Mohammed Hammanga – Pro chancellor/Chairman

2. Prof. Kaniye S. Ebeku – Member

3. Alhaji Danladi Chamba – Member
4. Mrs. Priscilla Nkiruka Okonkwo – Member
5. Prof. Aderemi Suleiman Ajala – Member

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Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo state

1. Sen. Joy Emordi – Pro chancellor/chairman

2. Prof. Eshiett Unaowo Eshiett – member
3. Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade – Member
4. Ikenna Anyalebechi – member
5. Hon. Ibrahim Tanko Yusuf – Member

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State

1. Comrade Fidelis Edeh – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Prof. Akanerem Idem
Essien – Member
3. Barr. Lodrick Ene – Member
4. Aderonke Soyombo – Member
5. Dare Dairo – Member

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Federal University Of Technology, Owerri, Imo state

1. Sen. Tilly Gyado – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. H. E Prof. Placid Njoku – member
3. Barr. Ngozi Ekeoma – Member
4. Musa Sati -Member
5. Dalhatu Ishaq Batagarawa – Member

King David Umahi University of Medical Science, Uburu, Ebonyi State

1. Rev. Fr. Nwali Abraham – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Dr. Mrs. Uju Alo – Member
3. Samuel Adetoye – Member
4. Prof. Anthony Odera Unamma – Member
5. Engr. Yusuf Hussein – Member

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state

1. Amb. Greg Mbadiwe – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Adaobi Chidera Obioha – Member
3. Hon. Barr. Ibrahim Zailani – Member
4. Lukman Abimbola Bello – Member
5. Prof. Stephen Unachukwu Chuka – Member

Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu state

1. Sen. Emmanuel Anosike – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Imeh Okon – Member
3. Elder Mrs. Glory Etim Effiong – Member
4. Abubakar A. Bello – Member
5. Hon. Ismaila H. Usman – Member

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Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra state

1. Prof. Joseph Essien – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Dr. Churchill Okonkwo – Member
3. Sommidah Ishemu – Member
4. Rt. Hon. Ya’u Abdullahi Dan-shanna
5. Odewumi Samuel Olubisi – Member

Federal College of Education, Ofene-Ohuhu, Abia state

1. Prof. Alhassan Ghani – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Barr. Edith Okoli – Member
3. Sunday Okechukwu Echem – Member
4. Dr. Stephen Asobie – Member
5. Nuhu Mohammed Sani – Member

Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, Enugu state

1. Prof. Jonathan Nwadozie Maduka – Pro chancellor/chairman
2. Mrs. Nimi Esther Etonye – Member
3. Adekunle Olatunde Adebanjo – Member
4. Suleiman Farida Odangi – Member
5. Obinna Atuma – Member

Federal Polytechnic, Isuochi Umunneochi, Abia state

1. Shegun Oshin – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Meseko Kemi Janet – Member
3. Mr. Emmanuel Okpe – Member
4. Mijinyawa Umar Kugama – Member
5. Engr. Nurudeen U. Ajibade – member

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Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra state

1. Salisu Kallamu – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Nwankwu Chiedu Gregory – Member
3. Arch Pam Dung Gyang – Member
4. Hon. Morah Mozie
5. Mrs. Pamela – Member Nwansoh – Member

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Enonyi State.

1. Chief Hyacinth Ikpor – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Alaja Lateefat Giwa – member
3. HRH Eze Charles Mkpuma – Member
4. Igwe Nkem Mary – Member
5. Fatima Yaro Gella – Member

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Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo state.

1. Hon. Henry Ikoh – Pro chancellor/Chairman
2. Dr. Ishiaka Olarewaju – Member
3. Dr. Mrs. Ngozi – Member Amazu – Member
4. Hon. Dr. Ekene Uzor – Member
5. Dr. Godwin Chinonso Anigbo – Member

The Ministry announced that the inauguration and a retreat for the new governing councils will be held on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 2024, at the National Universities Commission in Abuja, with both events starting at 9:00 am.

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Tinubu Appoints Board Members For 111 Tertiary Institutions

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of 555 individuals to serve as Pro-Chancellors/Chairmen and members of the governing boards of 111 federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

This decision followed a list of nominees provided by the Ministry of Education.

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The Ministry of Education, in an advertorial signed by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, detailed the appointments, which include a chairperson and four board members for each institution.

The Ministry announced that the inauguration and a retreat for the new governing councils will be held on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 2024, at the National Universities Commission in Abuja, with both events starting at 9:00 am.

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Confirming the appointments, the Presidency indicated that the nominations were forwarded by the Ministry of Education for presidential approval.

“The nominations come from the Federal Ministry of Education, which sends them to the President for approval. They are at liberty to release the information,” said Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

These appointments were made shortly after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) threatened to initiate another strike, potentially disrupting the academic calendar.

ASUU criticized the Federal Government for delays in appointing governing councils for federal universities and expressed dissatisfaction with the President’s handling of academic affairs.

During a briefing at the University of Abuja, ASUU also criticized the recently announced 35% salary increase for professors and 25% increase for other university academics, stating these measures were insufficient and indicative of the government’s indifferent attitude towards higher education issues.

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Atiku Speaks On Supporting Peter Obi In 2027

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that he would fully support Peter Obi if the PDP nominates him as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Atiku reiterated his commitment to party decisions, emphasizing that he would not contest if the party decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South-East and select Obi.

Atiku remarked, “I have consistently said that if the PDP chooses to zone the presidential ticket to the South or specifically the South-East, I will not contest it. I ran for the 2023 ticket because it was open to all party members. If Peter Obi is the chosen candidate in 2027, I will support him without hesitation.”

He also hinted at a possible merger between the PDP and Labour Party, suggesting that collaboration between opposition parties could strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Atiku’s recent meeting with Obi and other PDP leaders has fueled speculation about a potential alliance for the 2027 elections.

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Addressing the meeting, Atiku stated, “It was a routine friendly meeting among opposition members, beneficial for Nigeria’s democracy. A merger is possible if we aim for a common goal, and nothing should prevent it.”

Atiku dismissed concerns that the choice of a presidential candidate could hinder merger discussions.

“That won’t be an issue. The selection process will be smooth and won’t obstruct any potential alliance,”

“We cannot remain silent while people suffer. I am committed to making Nigeria better. Age should not prevent anyone from aspiring to political positions,” he asserted.

Regarding his own 2027 presidential ambitions, Atiku deferred to the PDP’s decision-making process.

“The party will determine our direction for the next election. It’s premature to make any definitive statements now. We must wait and see how things unfold.”

He clarified that his political engagements should not be seen as electioneering.

“Meetings with political allies are part of practicing democracy, not necessarily a sign of eyeing elections,” he explained.

Last week, Obi had a private meeting with Atiku and other PDP leaders in Abuja, including former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

This has led to increased speculation about a coalition for the 2027 elections.

Obi, a former PDP member, left the party in 2022 to run as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

He finished third in the 2023 election, behind Atiku and the winner, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku attributed his loss to Obi’s departure from the PDP, suggesting that their combined votes could have defeated Tinubu.

This recent meeting marked the first public interaction between Atiku and Obi since the 2023 election, and it has generated considerable discussion on social media and online platforms.

In 2019, Atiku and Obi ran together on the PDP ticket but were defeated by then-President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.

Internal party conflicts eventually led Obi to pursue his presidential ambitions with the Labour Party in 2023.

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NJC Investigates Eight Judges For Alleged Misconduct, Bars Two From Promotion

The National Judicial Council (NJC) announced on Friday the formation of panels to investigate allegations of judicial misconduct against eight judges.

These panels were established after the NJC’s Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees reviewed 35 petitions and found them to be meritorious.

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However, the NJC dismissed petitions against 20 other High Court judges due to lack of merit, insufficient evidence, or because the issues raised were sub judice or could be appealed.

The NJC issued stern warnings to two judges: Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of the Delta State High Court.

Justice Ekwo was reprimanded for abusing discretionary power by wrongly granting an ex parte order, resulting in a two-year bar on his promotion to the appellate court.

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Justice Brikins-Okolosi received a warning for failing to deliver a judgment within the required timeframe and was barred from promotion for three years.

The decisions were made during the NJC’s 105th plenary meeting on May 15 and 16.

The NJC also approved the elevation of 22 judges to the Court of Appeal, including Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette, wife of the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

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Additionally, 64 other judges were recommended for appointment to various lower courts, pending approval by President Bola Tinubu and the respective state governors.

The NJC deliberated on the retirement notifications of three judicial officers, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and acknowledged the deaths of three federal and state court judges.

The NJC’s statement, signed by its Director of Information, Soji Oye, outlined these actions and provided details on the judges involved.

It also emphasized that several petitions were dismissed due to lack of merit or because they concerned issues that were appealable.

The Council recommended 86 judicial officers for various appointments, including 22 to the Court of Appeal, 12 to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, seven to the Imo State High Court, six to the Bauchi State High Court, three to the Taraba State High Court, 13 to the Lagos State High Court, four to the Kogi State High Court, two to the Jigawa State High Court, five to the Sharia Court of Appeal in Bauchi State, five to the Sharia Court of Appeal in Kogi State, one to the Sharia Court of Appeal in Jigawa State, three to the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal, two to the Taraba State Customary Court of Appeal, and one to the Kogi State Customary Court of Appeal.

The NJC concluded by stating that all recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in following the approval of their appointments by the President and their respective state governors.

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Funeral Service For Nollywood Actor, Junior Pope Commences In Enugu

The funeral service for late Nollywood actor John Odonwodo, widely known as Junior Pope, has begun at St. Peter’s Catholic Parish in Ukehe, Enugu State.

John Odonwodo, aged 43, tragically passed away with four others on April 10 when their boat capsized in the Anam River while they were returning from a film shoot.

His family announced that his burial would take place on May 17 in his hometown of Uwala Abaka, Ukehe, located in the Nsukka area of Igboetiti Local Government Area, Enugu State.

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Current Law Makes It Illegal For Police To Arrest Nigerians Over Cyberstalking – Falana

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, asserted yesterday that Nigerian police and other security agencies are not authorized to arrest, detain, or prosecute individuals for cyberstalking.

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He called for the immediate discontinuation of all ongoing cases under Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015, emphasizing that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has declared this section unlawful.

Falana highlighted that the ECOWAS Court has directed the Nigerian government to amend Section 24 to align with Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression.

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He noted, “It is now illegal to arrest journalists for offenses such as cyberstalking, insult, causing annoyance, sending offensive messages, and criminal intimidation.”

Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, criminalized actions including sending messages deemed grossly offensive, obscene, or menacing, and those that cause annoyance, inconvenience, or intimidation, with penalties of up to N7 million in fines or three years in prison.

However, Falana cited two ECOWAS Court cases – Laws and Rights Awareness Initiative (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/53/18) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/09/19) which ruled this section illegal, mandating amendments to protect freedom of expression under Nigerian and international law.

Following these judgments, the Nigerian government has repealed the contentious section and introduced Section 5 of the Cybercrime Amendment Act, refining the law to ensure compliance with fundamental rights.

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Ifeanyi Ubah Decries 18-Year Lack Of Local Government Elections In Anambra

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South Senatorial District, has criticized the persistent failure of successive administrations in Anambra State to conduct local government elections over the past 18 years.

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Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Ubah, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed his concerns while contributing to a motion by Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu (Kano South), which urged President Bola Tinubu to rejuvenate the local government system.

Ubah emphasized that the absence of local government elections in Anambra since 2006 has severely hampered governance and infrastructure development in the state.

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He argued that adherence to the 1999 constitutional framework is essential for granting true autonomy to Nigeria’s local governments, which he sees as critical for addressing issues such as insecurity, rural-urban migration, decaying infrastructure, and unemployment.

“If we aim to promote good governance, we must revisit section 7 of the 1999 constitution to truly value democracy in our states,” Ubah stated.

He linked the state’s economic and social challenges to the prolonged non-implementation of this constitutional provision.

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During the session, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the sitting, overruled an attempt by Senator Victor Umeh to interrupt Ubah’s speech, resulting in a brief commotion.

Senator Kawu, in his lead debate, highlighted that certain governors have played significant roles in obstructing local government autonomy through constitutional amendments.

He pointed out that the lack of financial and operational independence for local governments undermines their capacity to address local issues effectively, including security and infrastructure.

Kawu remarked, “Without the ability to spearhead local economic initiatives, local governments are less equipped to tackle unemployment.”

He stressed that the current security challenges in Nigeria are exacerbated by the financial constraints faced by local governments.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro noted that over 17 states are currently operating local government caretaker committees, which stymies effective local governance.

He called for thorough investigations into this systemic abuse.

Other senators echoed the call for constitutional amendments to bolster local government independence, describing the local government system as the most exploited tier of government.

They emphasized the need for full autonomy to enable local governments to function effectively.

In its resolutions, the Senate urged President Tinubu to champion the advocacy for local government autonomy to address pressing issues like insecurity and infrastructure decay.

Additionally, the Senate called for a national dialogue involving various stakeholders to develop a roadmap for achieving this autonomy.

The upper chamber also pressed for federal agencies to comply with existing laws that empower local governments by ensuring timely disbursement of allocated funds directly to local government accounts and streamlining administrative processes.

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Contractor Appeals To Gov. Fubara For Payment Of N467 Million Debt Incurred By Wike Administration

HADO Nigeria Limited, a civil and steel engineering construction firm, has issued an urgent plea to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for the settlement of an outstanding N467 million debt owed for road projects completed during the tenure of former Governor Nyesom Wike.

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In a letter dated March 7 and received by the governor’s office on May 2, 2024, HADO Nigeria outlined the specifics of the projects completed in 2016 and 2017, which remain unpaid.

The letter, referenced HNL-ADM-CONT-2024-L530 and signed by Paul Doumit, detailed the work done and requested Governor Fubara’s intervention to facilitate the payment.

The letter titled, “Request For Payment Of Outstanding Payments For: Ogbunabali Internal Roads And Ozuoba-Rumuosi And Ozuoba-Rumuokparaeli-Choba Roads,” described the completed projects and the financial obligations yet to be met.

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The Ogbunabali Internal Roads Project, completed in 2017, has an outstanding balance of N264,742,965.40, while the Ozuoba-Rumuosi and Rumuokparaeli Road Projects, completed in December 2016, have an outstanding balance of N202,330,955.76.

The total amount due for both projects is N467,073,921.16.

“Contractor humbly solicits His Excellency’s intervention for the outstanding payments of the above-mentioned completed road projects,” the letter read. It further urged Governor Fubara to consider and address the payment request.

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On Tuesday, Governor Fubara revealed that his administration inherited significant debt from projects initiated by the previous administration under Nyesom Wike.

He disclosed that numerous contractors, who completed various projects under Wike, were seeking payment for their work, with outstanding balances running into billions.

This situation has intensified the tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who was renowned for his extensive project initiatives, including the construction of 12 flyovers.

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Wike had often claimed that these projects were fully funded, attributing the payments to the arrears of the 13 percent allocation to Niger Delta states, paid by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Fubara, who served as the state’s Accountant-General during Wike’s administration, announced his intention to probe Wike’s eight-year tenure, a move that coincides with his revelations about the substantial debts inherited from Wike’s projects.

The ongoing financial disputes and the looming investigation signal a deepening crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, casting a shadow over the former governor’s legacy as “Mr. Projects.”

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