Category: National Issue

• 

IPOB in a press release by its Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful said it would no more enforce any sit-at-home, adding that anybody trying to enforce the suspended order is an agent of the enemies.

The statement read: “The intelligence unit of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has uncovered secret plots by the Nigeria security agencies to disguise as IPOB and ESN operatives to attack traders who come out tomorrow for their legitimate business.

“We, therefore want to put the world especially residents of Biafra land that IPOB has since two weeks ago suspended it initially declared Monday sit-at-home order. It, therefore, makes no sense that we will at the same time be enforcing the suspended order.

“IPOB restates that there is no longer Ghost Mondays in Biafra land in solidarity with our detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Sit-at-home will only be observed on the days our leader will be making appearances in court. Such days will be well publicised ahead of time.

Everybody is hereby placed on alert about this wicked plot. IPOB will not tolerate any attack on any Biafran or resident of Biafra under any guise. People should be allowed to go about their businesses without any molestation or harassment.

Vanguard

• 

Others reappointed by the President include Prof Abubakar Rasheed, who will serve as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission for another five years; Hamid Bobboyi, who will serve as Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission for a second term of four years; Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe as Registrar/CEO of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board for a second term of four years; and Prof. Promise Mebine as the Director/Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre for an initial tenure of five years.

A statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong, revealed that the appointments were recommended by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari, has, upon the recommendation of Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, approved the reappointment of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed.

” The two appointments are for a tenure of five years each, with effect from 1st August 2021.

“Also reappointed is Dr. Hamid Bobboyi as Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for a second and final tenure of four years with effect from 1st August 2021.

It will be recalled that Mr. President had earlier approved the reappointment of Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe as Registrar/CEO of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) for a second term of four years to sustain the efforts at sensitising Nigerians on the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and business subjects in the new knowledge economy.

Punch

• 

He spoke during the National Security on Council meeting, which he presided over at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Relating the President’s charge during a chat with journalists after the meeting, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), said the President also expressed his readiness to make more changes in the security architecture if necessary.

Monguna said the President told the meeting that he will continue to make changes if he is not satisfied.

He revealed all the issues brought before the President centred mainly on the successes recorded in the operations in the Northeast.

According to him, large numbers of Boko Haram fighters are surrendering in the Northeast, noting “never had such large numbers leave the terrorist camp, owing to the relentless activity of the security agencies.”

The NSA, who stated that there is good cooperation, synergy and intelligence-sharing among the Armed Forces, said President Buhari was happy with the briefs he received.

Punch

• 

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has signed the Petroleum Industry Bill 2021 into law.

Punch

• 

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered all the detained aides to be admitted to bail.

He gave the order after a recess that lasted for over two hours, following the submissions of the counsels on both sides.

Punch

• 

Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Tammy Danagogo, in a statement said the strike should be restricted to resident doctors that are directly under the payroll of the Federal Government.

The statement titled, ‘Government Special Announcement’ reads,” Sequel to the ongoing strike action by the Rivers State chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors with respect to irregularities in the payment of salaries of house officers by the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government hereby directs all resident doctors under the employment of the state government to call off its strike action immediately.

“Whereas the NARD has a right to go on strike, we expect that such should be restricted to resident doctors that are directly under the payroll of the Federal Government, particularly as the Rivers State Government does not owe salaries or benefits to resident doctors in the state.

“We are, therefore, unable to decipher why resident doctors in the state will embark on sympathy strike with their counterparts in the employment of the Federal Government.

“To this end, the Rivers State Government having reaffirmed its position with respect to the above, will not tolerate further strike actions by resident doctors in Rivers State and will be compelled to invoke the ‘no work, no pay’ rule on striking house officers.

“We, therefore, direct all resident doctors to call off the ongoing strike in the State and return to work within 24hrs, or forfeit their salaries and risk being sacked.”

Punch

• 

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, handed down the warning in a circular sighted by newsmen.

The circular read, “The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been drawn to the incessant unauthorised disclosure of official documents/information on social media platforms.

“The unwholesome practice involves posting/reposting of secret, confidential and classified government correspondences, policy drafts, minutes, notes, memos, etc., on social media.

“This reckless action is tantamount to a breach of the Oath of Secrecy public servants swore to, and a serious misconduct which may lead to dismissal from the service, as provided in the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402.

“Henceforth, any officer caught posting/reporting government documents on social media and other platforms without authorisation would be severelv disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the PSR.

“This circular, therefore, reinforces the earlier circular on the subject, Ref. No/ HCSF/109/S.l/120 dated May 22, 2020 and other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised publishing of official documents.

“Permanent Secretaries and Heads/Chief Executive Officers of extra-ministerial departments are to bring the content of this circular to all staff for compliance.”

• 

A statement by the police spokesman, Frank Mba, titled, ‘IGP appoints DCP Tunji Disu as Head, Police Intelligence Response Team,’ said the positing was with immediate effect.

The statement said, “The IG charged the new head of the IRT to demonstrate his professional competence in his leadership of the unit.

“He also assured citizens that the IRT will remain focused in the discharge of its duties in line with national statutes and international best practices.

Prior to his appointment, Disu, a former Commander of the Rapid Response Squad Lagos State, was the DCP, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Punch

• 

IPMAN’s strike notice, which was contained in a circular signed by the association’s National President, Sanusi Fari, is coming against the backdrop of alleged harassment of its members by the police.

Depots to which IPMAN supplies products in its designated Eastern Zone include Aba, Calabar, Enugu, Makurdi, and Port Harcourt.

“Following the series of unwarranted attacks by the police against IPMAN, Eastern Zone comprising the National Executive Committee of IPMAN resolved that members withdraw their services at these units/depots immediately until further notice.

“The Zonal Chairman, East, should kindly forward (the notice) to chairmen, IPMAN, Aba, Calabar, Enugu, Makurdi and PH Depots/Units for compliance,” the notice stated.

“On Friday, a group loyal to a parallel faction which lost out in the court was led to forcefully take over the IPMAN office at the Port Harcourt depot.

“Dr Joseph Obele, the lawfully elected chairman of the depot was elected in October 2019 following an election which these people participated in.

“His tenure will expire in 2022; so they should allow him to finish his tenure.

“We are using this opportunity to call on the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to intervene and prevail on his men so that they can allow the leadership of IPMAN recognised by law to have access to their offices at the Port Harcourt depot.

“We will not allow the reign of impunity in IPMAN.

“So we have resolved to withdraw our services in the Eastern zone indefinitely until legality is restored,” the association said.

Punch

• 

The police made this known in a statement, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba.

The Nigeria Police statement was titled, ‘Alleged Indictment Of DCP Abba Kyari: Inspector-General Of Police Orders A Review Of The Information’

It read, “Sequel to the receipt of allegations and indictment processes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against one of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Abba Kyari, the Inspector General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba psc (+), NPM, fdc has ordered an internal review of the allegations.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of justice and the strengthening of its professional relationship with the FBI and other international partners.

“Further developments on this case will be communicated to members of the public accordingly.”

Punch