Obiano meets Buhari

Obiano meets Buhari

— 4th October 2017

•Urges INEC to be impartial

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met separately with the Governor of Anambra State Willie Obiano and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Obiano speaking to State House Correspondents after meeting with the President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure its neutrality in the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election in the state. The election comes up on November 18.

The governor dismissed claims that his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), plans to rig the elections, adding that all the necessary measures are being taken to guarantees a peaceful election, just as he expressed optimism that he would come out victorious at the polls. “Anambra remains the safest state in Nigeria today; we don’t have cases of kidnapping, armed robbery or similar crimes. We have been firmly in control of that state and will continue to do so throughout my tenure as governor. I’m very confident that I will win the forthcoming election with a landslide. All we want is for the empire to be unbiased. A free and fair election is what we want and we will get the result,” he said.

On his meeting with the president, Governor Obiano said they had a very fruitful meeting, adding that President Buhari likes governors who are delivering dividends of democracy to their people.

“He likes governors who work hard, who are delivering what people can see and are delivering dividends of democracy to their people. That is what the president wants,” Obiano, stated.

Reps probe JAMB’s reduction of cut-off marks

Reps probe JAMB’s reduction of cut-off marks

— 4th October 2017

From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja

The House of Representatives has commenced investigation of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)’s decision to to lower cut-off marks for admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

To get to the root of the matter, the House has mandated its Committee on Tertiary Education and Services to investigate the circumstances which led to reduction in the cut-off marks.

The committee has been given four weeks to report back to the chamber for further legislative action.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the need to investigate the reduction in the cut-off marks for admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria,” sponsored by Hassan Saleh.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede had announced that a minimum of 120 marks in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would be required for placement of candidates into the universities, while a minimum of 100 marks would be required for placement into polytechnics or Colleges of Education.

Leading the debate, Saleh expressed worry that the new policy is bound to lower the standard and quality of education in tertiary institutions as many candidates, who perform poorly in the UMTE examination, “could secure admissions through nepotism, bribery and corruption while many other candidates, who perform excellently, could be denied admission.”

But, Ahmed Pategi disagreed with Saleh.

He noted that JAMb’s decision was in order.

Pategi argued that stakeholders in tertiary education were in unison with JAMB on the new policy and that it would be unfair to deny a child admission into a higher institution simply based on his/her UTME score, even after 11 years of basic education.

But, Pategi stood alone as his colleagues took turns to call for a reversal of the policy.

They argued that universities are supposed to be centres of excellence for learning, research and innovation, hence, the need to always admit the best candidates, in order to produce graduates that can compete favourably with their peers, anywhere in the world.

On his part, Afe Oluwookere described the policy as detrimental to the country’s push for economic growth and development.

This was just as Henry Archibong, Rita Orji and Abubakar Chika called for scrapping of JAMB and UTME. They said the decision to lower cut-off marks was a signal that the JAMB has outlived its usefulness.

The lawmakers took turns to accuse JAMB of  buckling under pressure from privately owned universities, many of whom are seeking to increase the number of yearly admissions into their schools.

Specifically, Chika, a former Polytechnic lecturer, said it was highly disappointing that JAMB could succumb to pressure form private institutions, whom he alleged have long pushed for cut-off marks to be lowered.

“Let me even open up. This decision was taken because of   private universities, they usually need to admit the children of the rich, who are not ready to work hard”, he said.

Why EFCC is after Patience Jonathan –Presidency

Why EFCC is after Patience Jonathan –Presidency

— 4th October 2017

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Presidency has said former First Lady, Patience Jonathan is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) because she has some “stolen items” in her possession.

Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, said this on her twitter handle @Laurestar, yesterday.

Mrs Jonathan had petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, to intervene in what she referred to as ‘witch-hunt.’

The former first lady had accused EFCC acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, of bias and intimidation as well as spreading falsehood and propaganda against her, and asked that he be called to order.

Reacting to the claims of the former first lady, Onochie said EFCC is only attracted to “those who have stolen items.”

In a series of tweets, Onochie wrote: “Madam, under your (administration), oops, your husband’s (administration), perversion of the course of justice was standard. Under @MBuhari’s (administration), it’s forbidden.

“Again, there must be some things about you that attract @officialEFCC. EFCC is only attracted to those who have stolen items. Do you have?”

RELIEF FOR MAN UTD AS BELGIUM OFFER POSITIVE LUKAKU INJURY UPDATE

The in-form striker was unable to take part in training with his country on Monday, but a scan has revealed no serious damage to his troublesome ankle

Manchester United will be relieved to hear that a scan on Romelu Lukaku’s ankle has revealed "no fracture or structural damage".

The in-form striker, who has netted 11 times in 10 games since joining the Red Devils for £75 million over the summer, is away on international duty with Belgium.

He was unable to take part in training with his country on Monday, sparking fears that he could be sidelined through injury.

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Belgium quickly announced that the 24-year-old would be undergoing further tests, and they have offered a positive update following those medical examinations.

A statement released by the national team read: "Romelu Lukaku underwent an MRI scan but no fracture or structural damage has been diagnosed.

"The next days he will follow an individual training program. It is however too early to state that he won't be match fit for the Bosnia and/or Cyprus game."

Belgium are not due to be in action until Saturday, when they take in a World Cup qualifier with Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are then due to face Cyprus on October 10.

Lukaku is not needed by Roberto Martinez’s side in those contests, with their place at next summer’s showpiece in Russia already secured.

They will, however, have been hoping to call on him at some stage and provide him with an opportunity to keep his prolific run going.

United, though, will be eager to ensure that a key man is returned to them ready to slot straight back into their starting XI.

Article continues below

Jose Mourinho is already having to contend with an untimely injury to Paul Pogba, with the £89m midfielder ruled out "long-term" with a hamstring complaint.

The Red Devils could do without picking up any more knocks as they will return to domestic action on October 14 with a crunch clash against old adversaries Liverpool.

With Belgium refusing to rule Lukaku out of their upcoming fixtures, that would suggest that a period of rest is all that is required to get the powerful frontman back up to speed and ready to lead the line once again.

NJC sacks Zamfara judge over N200, 000 bribe

NJC sacks Zamfara judge over N200, 000 bribe

— 3rd October 2017

•Investigates 15 others

The battle to rid off bad elements in the judiciary received a major boosts, yesterday, as the National Judicial Council (NJC) sacked Justice Musa Ibrahim Anka of the Zamfara State Judiciary for allegedly receiving a bribe of N200,000.

   He reportedly collected the bribe from one Zubairu Abdumalik in order to deliver judgment in his favour.

The judge was fined by the Zamfara State government which approved the recommendation of the National Judicial Council in 2011 for his compulsory removal from office.

The Council has also set  up 15 committees to investigate various allegations contained  in the petitions against 15 judicial officers, including two chief judges.

NJC reached its decision after considering the reports of the two Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees on 46 petitions written against judicial officers in the federal and states judiciaries.

Meanwhile, the NJC had at its 83rd meeting under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,  Justice Walter Nkanu Samuel Onnoghen,  dismissed 31 petitions, 29 of which it found unmeritorious. The remaining two written against Justice J. T. Tsoho of the Federal High Court and  Justice O. O. Akeredolu, acting Chief Judge of Ondo State were withdrawn at the instance of the petitioners.  

Al-Sagr National Insurance Company who wrote against Justice Tsoho withdrew his petition since the judge had delivered the ruling in his case. 

Also, Chief  Raheem A. Badmus who wrote against Justice Akeredolu also voluntarily withdrew his petition for personal reasons.

A statement by Soji Oye, Director (Information) disclosed that “Council treated the two petitions as withdrawn, since it did not find anything in them sufficiently serious for further consideration as stipulated in Regulation 9 (1) of the Judicial Discipline Regulations.

“Council considered and found worthy of further investigation, the petition written by Azi A. Phillip on behalf of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Plateau State chapter, accusing Hon. Justice P. D. Damulak, the immediate past Chief Judge of Plateau State of bias, for failure to make his judgment in Suit No. PLD/J/236/16 delivered on 4th November, 2016 available to him till the time he wrote the petition,” the statement said.

Council, however, decided not to constitute an investigative committee to look into the matter because the Chief Judge had already retired from service and therefore no longer in the employment of the National Judicial Council.

It also considered and dismissed petitions written against two other judicial officers for lack of merit.

The Judges are Justice Mr. L. T. C. Eruba (High Court of Justice, Abia State) and Grand Kadi Abdullahi Waiya ( Sharia’h Court of Appeal, Kano State).

NJC also issued two letters of advice to Justice M. A. Dada of the Lagos State High Court of Justice and Justice Chukwudi Charles Okaa of the Anambra State High Court for violation of extant laws in the course of their judicial duties based on petition written against them by Dayo Adamolekun, Esq. & Ridwanulah Olanite, Esq. and Reverend F. U. Ekavhiare & Associates respectively.

The statement said Council agreed to report Adesina Ogunlana to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (L.P.D.C.) for misconduct, for the use of uncouth language in a petition written to the NJC against Justice O. O.. Atilade, the immediate past Chief Judge of Lagos State.

IPOB ban saved 12m Igbo outside South East – Umahi

IPOB ban saved 12m Igbo outside South East – Umahi

— 2nd October 2017

•State to enact law against hate speech

From Obinna Odogwu, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, has said proscription of activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) saved 12 million Igbo living outside the South East.
The governor also disclosed that there are plans to get the Ebonyi House of Assembly to enact laws prohibiting hate speech in the state.
He said the move is targeted at stopping incessant usage of inciting comments capable of disintegrating the country. Umahi said these during the 57th independence anniversary celebration and 21 years creation of Ebonyi state, at Abakaliki Township Stadium, yesterday.
“There is no need to continue with hate speeches. There is no need to continue with violent agitations. We have to dialogue and do everything that will make sure we live in peace. We are stronger when we are together. There’s no need to insult the President.
“Very soon, we are going to approach the House of Assembly, for a bill on hate speeches and I am happy some states have done something on hate speeches.
“When we do this, you will prove any hate speech or allegation against anyone, whether you put it on the social media or you write it in a newspaper.
“We are going to make a law; when you are accusing anybody, a department will be created. They will look at it and you must prove your point and we are going to regulate hate speeches in Ebonyi State.
“Already, Kaduna State has done it. I told Governor Nasir el-Rufai, to export what he did in Kaduna to Ebonyi State.
“There is no need insulting other tribes. There’s no need insulting southern governors. The Operation Python Dance II was to ensure security in the zone,” Umahi said.
The governor also assured all residents of their optimum security, and insisted that IPOB proscription was to avert bloodshed and save the lives of about 12 million Igbo people living in other parts of the country.
Earlier, first governor of the state and Senator representing Ebonyi North, Sam Egwu, warned the youths against agitations and violence for the creation of Republic of Biafra.
Commending Umahi for his achievements, including infrastructural development, youths and widows empowerment and agricultural revolution in the state, the former governor called on the Federal Government to be fair in governance and recognition of Ndigbo.