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BREAKING: Senate confirms all seven of Tinubu’s new ministerial nominees

by Folarin Kehinde October 31, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the seven ministerial nominees recently submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

The decision followed an expedited screening process by the upper chamber, which was concluded today, October 30.

The confirmed appointees include Nentawe Yilwatda for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi for Labour and Employment, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Jumoke Oduwole for Industry, Trade, and Investment.

Other appointments are Idi Mukhtar Maiha for Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.
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The Senate’s rapid confirmation process was directed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who referred the request to the committee of the whole for consideration shortly after receiving the nominees’ profiles.

October 31, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Strike: FG, SSANU, NASU in close door meeting

by Folarin Kehinde October 31, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government is set to meet with the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities on Thursday, October 31.

This was disclosed by Abdussobur Salaam, the vice president of SSANU who said that the meeting would occur at 11.00 am on Thursday to discuss issues surrounding the ongoing strike actions.

According to Salaam, the union received an official invitation from FG on Wednesday night.

“We received a formal invitation last night. The meeting is scheduled for 11 am today. It will be presided over by the Minister of State for Education and will be held in the Minister’s Conference Room,” Salaam stated.

Union members under JAC had earlier stated a strike action over issues of unpaid salaries by the FG.

October 31, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Reps propose bill to increase membership from 360 to 366

by Folarin Kehinde October 31, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The House of Representatives has introduced a bill to amend Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to allocate six special seats for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs).

The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811),” was presented for its first reading during plenary on Wednesday.

Sponsored by House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi (Ekiti-APC), the proposed amendment seeks to increase the total number of representatives in the House from 360 to 366, with the six additional seats reserved specifically for women and PWDs.

According to the bill, these special seats would be distributed evenly across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring one representative from each group per region. Candidates for these seats must meet all qualifications required for regular House members.

The bill also proposes that elections for these roles would be conducted through an electoral college made up of members from the National Associations of each special group, with input from grassroots and regional levels in a multi-tiered election process.

It added that, once elected, the representatives would serve the same term as other House members and receive equivalent benefits, as outlined in the bill.

Rotimi stated that the bill aims to enhance representation for women and individuals with disabilities, who often face significant barriers to political participation.

“The inclusion of these special seats will ensure that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard at the national level, creating a more balanced and inclusive legislative framework for Nigeria,” he said.

October 31, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Insecurity:”Nigerians should carry arms for self-defence” Ned Nwoko insists

by Folarin Kehinde October 31, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Ned Nwoko, the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, again has called for Nigerians to bear arms for self-defence.

Speaking on Channels Television the senator defended a bill he proposed to allow Nigerians to bear arms.

According to the lawmaker, if Nigerians begin to bear arms, criminality will be reduced.

Giving an account of his personal experience, Nwoko said he lost his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to kidnappers in November.

“The estate was attacked by kidnappers going from house to house.

When they got to their door, my SLA told his wife to hide with the children. He opened the door to talk to them, and he was taken away. We never saw him alive again,” he said.

According to the Senator, if his aide or other community members had guns with them, the kidnappers would not had the audacity to attack them.

October 31, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Governors Move to Establish Constitutional Role for Traditional Rulers

by Folarin Kehinde October 31, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and traditional rulers have agreed to form a committee that will work on creating a clear constitutional role for traditional rulers in the country.

The decision was made on Wednesday during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the purpose of the gathering was to focus was to discuss how traditional rulers could have a formal role in the constitution to help with governance, peace, and security across Nigeria.

According to him, there is already a bill in the National Assembly that touches on this, and the goal is to ensure that the right suggestions and input are added to it.

Governor Abiodun explained that the meeting resulted in the formation of a joint committee that includes both governors and traditional rulers. The committee will be led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma. Its main task is to gather and review feedback from various groups, especially traditional rulers and the communities they represent, to make sure their needs and wishes are included in the document that will eventually go to the National Assembly.

His words, “A joint committee of governors and our traditional rulers led by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma should be set up, and that committee should seek to ensure that the various remarks and comments that were made from those that were present that reflect the desires of those that they represent, should be included to make for a robust document.

Memorandum should also be called for and received, and all that should be synthesised so that whatever document will be presented to the National Assembly will be a very comprehensive, a very inclusive document that seeks to empower our royal majesties, royal highnesses more and seeks to involve them in governance, peace, security of our various states across the country, including the FCT.”

Abiodun said the meeting also discussed the issue of state police, gender-based violence and local government autonomy.

He said, “We spoke about the impact, or otherwise of local government autonomy on traditional rulers. The idea was to inform them of what the Supreme Court ruling means so that they have a better understanding of the impact of that ruling when implementation commences.

We further deliberated also on the issues of peace and security, food security, and all other emerging threats. The participation of our traditional rulers was also, again, underscored,” he said.

October 31, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Why Tinubu Appointed New Acting Chief of Army Staff – Presidency

by Folarin Kehinde October 31, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff.

Oluyede will stand in for the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is sick.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

“Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

“The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.

“He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

“Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.

“General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

“Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

“Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

“Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

“He is married and has three children,” the statement said.

It should be noted that Lagbaja was appointed by President Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.

He replaced Faruk Yahaya.

October 31, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

FG restores Power to Northern Nigeria after days of blackout

by Folarin Kehinde October 31, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has fulfilled its promise to restore power to the northern part of the country that has been in darkness for more than 10 days.

Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Honourable Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji made this known in a press statement on Wednesday.

Tunji stated that restoration was achieved on Wednesday, October 30 as bulk power supply was restored through the 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line 1 as of 4:56pm, following the completion of repairs on the vandalized section of the line and in line with the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu’s promise that power would be restored within three days.

He gave the promise on Tuesday while speaking with the Senate Committee on Power.

The blackout which affected 17 States occurred when vandals damaged the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which is the main power supply line to the north.

With the restoration of this line, the Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 is now operational, while bulk power transmission has been restored to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe States.

The engineering team will also continue restoration work on the affected sections of the vandalized 330kV transmission line two. All necessary materials for the repairs are on hand, while work will begin as soon as the site is secured for the safety of personnel.

In the meantime, teams of linesmen will re-patrol the 330kV line 2 to ensure that no other sections are impacted as the repair works progress.

Addressing the Senate, the Minister said to prevent repeat of the recent incident, urgent measures must be taken to secure the nation’s assets from being vandalized by bandits and terrorists.

He had also informed the lawmakers that the ministry was working in collaboration with the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other security agencies to ensure that normalcy was restored.

“What we are witnessing, particularly with regard to the power situation in the north is unfortunate but worrisome. I also want to inform you that it is far from grid collapse but purely sabotage and vandalism. The transmission line that takes power to the north was destroyed by bandits and terrorists and what can we do about that? It has happened before. This same line that transmits power from Shiroro to Mando and Kaduna was vandalized and we fixed it without anybody knowing about it. But this time around, it is extremely bad. The bandits also threatened our contractors, who were to fix the vandalized line and that is why we sought the help of the NSA and other security agencies to get the line restored”, he said.

“We have explored an alternative route, which is the Bauchi route though that one also was vandalised anyway but that is easier for us to deal with and that is why we can say that in two to three days, there will be electricity supply to the north”.

October 31, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Israel Experiencing Shortage of Soldiers After One Year of War in Gaza

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 30, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Over a year into the Gaza war, Israel’s military reservists are experiencing exhaustion, and the army faces challenges in recruitment as it opens a new front in Lebanon.

Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli army has mobilized approximately 300,000 reservists, with 18 percent of them being men over the age of 40 who would typically qualify for exemption. Mandatory military service begins at 18 for Israeli men and women, though certain exemptions apply.

Israel is currently engaged in a multi-front conflict, targeting Hamas in Gaza and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Since the launch of its ground offensive in Gaza on October 27 last year, Israel has lost 367 soldiers in Gaza and 37 in Lebanon, where it began ground operations on September 30.

Reserve duty periods have been extended, with some reservists voicing frustration over prolonged absences from their normal lives—up to six consecutive months in some cases. Reservist Ariel Seri-Levy expressed the strain in a widely shared social media post, saying, “We’re drowning.”

Having been called up four times since the October 7 attack, Seri-Levy also spoke out against those pushing for Israel to remain in Lebanon and Gaza. “We have to end this war because we are out of soldiers,” he said, adding that while he still believes in national service, “the concessions have become too great.”

October 30, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Former President Goodluck Jonathan Heads AU Mission to Observe Botswana’s General Elections

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 30, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, in his capacity as head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), was seen visiting polling stations across Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, on Wednesday to observe the country’s general elections.

Jonathan shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), where he confirmed his early start on Election Day alongside other AUEOM members. In his message, he expressed optimism for the elections, emphasizing the importance of the democratic process in Botswana.

“Out early on Election Day in Botswana, we, as members of the African Union Election Observation Mission, visited some polling stations in Gaborone, the nation’s capital city,” Jonathan wrote, underscoring the mission’s role in supporting fair and transparent elections on the continent.

The October 30, 2024, elections mark Botswana’s 13th general election since the country gained independence in 1965. With a legacy of political stability and peaceful transitions, Botswana’s elections are viewed as a key event in reinforcing its democratic principles. Jonathan extended his best wishes to the people of Botswana, or Batswana, as they take this step toward furthering their nation’s democratic tradition.

“We wish Batswana a successful outing as they seek to further consolidate the nation’s vibrant democracy,” he added.

October 30, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Nigerian Senate Begins Screening of New Ministerial Nominees

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 30, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigerian Senate has begun screening seven newly nominated ministerial candidates following a recent reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu.

The nominees include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Others are Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Development; Idi Muktar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing; and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.

At 12:57 p.m. on Wednesday, the Senate suspended its rule, following a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, to allow the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, to introduce the nominees to the plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio had previously read the President’s letter nominating the ministers on Thursday.

This screening follows President Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, which included the dismissal of five ministers: Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.

October 30, 2024 0 comments

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