Headlines

The Kwara State Government has demoted a school teacher, Mrs. Fatimoh Hamzat, following an investigation into an assault on a youth corps member serving at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin.

The incident, which drew widespread condemnation, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement between Mrs. Hamzat and the corps member, escalating into physical violence. Witnesses at the school described the teacher’s behavior as unprofessional and alarming, given the critical role NYSC members play in supporting understaffed schools.

In response to a formal complaint filed by staff, the Kwara State Ministry of Education launched a thorough investigation. The inquiry, which included interviews with witnesses, confirmed that Mrs. Hamzat had violated professional and ethical standards governing educators’ conduct.

Following the findings, the state government demoted Mrs. Hamzat as a disciplinary measure. While the specifics of her new role were not disclosed, the decision underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining discipline and decorum in the education sector.

The ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, emphasizing the need for teachers to uphold high standards of professionalism in their interactions with colleagues and corps members.

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has been arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court.

Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday in Lagos by operatives of the Ekiti State police command, leading to widespread controversy and questioning over the circumstances surrounding his detention.

Farotimi was brought before the court at about 10:25 am on Wednesday, where he faced a 16-count charge of defamation of character against Aare Afe Babalola SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University.

The charges stem from Farotimi’s recently published book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,’ in which he allegedly maligned and defamed Babalola’s character.

Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party has been declared the winner of last week’s elections, paving the way for Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to become the country’s first female president.

The Electoral Commission announced that Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, secured just over 57% of the votes, while her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the main opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered 25.5%.

This victory extends the South West Africa People’s Organisation’s (SWAPO) uninterrupted rule since Namibia’s independence in 1990.

The November 27 elections were marked by logistical and technical issues, including ballot paper shortages, which resulted in long delays. Voting was extended twice to accommodate voters, some of whom waited up to 12 hours to cast their ballots.

The IPC, however, has rejected the results, alleging irregularities. Its presidential candidate, Itula, 67, described the process as fraught with a “multitude of irregularities” and accused authorities of deliberately frustrating voters.

“No matter the result, the IPC shall not recognise the outcome of that election,” Itula said on the final day of the extended vote.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory marks a historic moment for the mineral-rich southern African nation but has left a cloud of contention over the electoral process.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed the Lagos Electricity Bill into law, signaling a major step toward achieving a stable power supply for residents.

The signing ceremony was held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, and was attended by Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, members of the State House of Assembly, and the State Executive Council.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the House of Assembly for the quick passage of the bill, emphasizing its potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of Lagos. “This bill has been in the works for some years, and now Lagosians can be sure of a steady power supply,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, stated that the new law would provide an additional electricity grid for Lagos State and eliminate power outages.

“There will now be regular power supply. Host community development trust funds, which will provide opportunities for communities to develop power plants,” he said.

Ogunleye described the development as a “beacon of progress” that would ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state.

The Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 represents a comprehensive strategy to address persistent challenges in the energy sector.

The law seeks to establish a Lagos Electricity Market that is technically sound, financially viable, and well-regulated. It aims to provide access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all residents while promoting the use of diverse energy sources, including renewable energy.

It also focuses on fostering energy efficiency, attracting investments, encouraging competition and innovation, and ensuring electricity access to underserved areas, contributing to the sustainable development of Lagos State.

Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu, a former member of the House of Representatives, and his wife were abducted on Sunday evening by suspected bandits while travelling between Nunku in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and Gwantu in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.

The abduction occurred around 6 p.m. as the couple was en route to Jos.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits opened fire, leading to the death of the police escort who had been assigned to protect Dr. Kigbu.

Despite attempts to resist the abduction, the officer was killed in the exchange of gunfire.

Motorists in the area were caught in a panic as sporadic gunshots rang out.

Local vigilantes confirmed that the area has long been known for criminal activities, especially bandit attacks.

As of now, the state police command has not officially confirmed the details of the kidnapping, and the whereabouts of Dr. Kigbu and his wife remain unknown.