Mali ’ s junta , which seized power in a coup last month , will hold transition talks with political parties and civil society groups this weekend, an official said.
The August 18 putsch has prompted Mali ’ s neighbours along with ally and former colonial ruler France to call for a swift transfer of power , amid worries over instability in a country struggling with an Islamist insurgency , ethnic violence , and economic malaise.
The military rulers have this time invited to the talks the June 5 Movement , which spearheaded a protest movement that led to the toppling of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita .
The movement was not invited for transition talks last Saturday when the junta called off discussions at the last minute .
The June 5 group has demanded that the military rulers give it a role in the transition to civilian rule which the military has promised , without setting a timetable .
Mali ’ s influential imam Mahmoud Dicko , a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita ’ s ouster, said the junta did not have “ carte blanche ” .
“ We will not give a blank cheque to anyone to run this country, that ’ s over , ” he said .
“ We led the fight, ” he said . “ People have died and the soldiers who have completed ( this fight ) must keep their word . ”
In a surprise move, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved an increase in electricity tariff with effect from September 1 , 2020 ( today ).
This comes three months after the tariff hike implementation slated for July 1 was halted by the National Assembly , which prevailed on the distribution companies to shelve the date to the first quarter of 2021 due to the current economic challenges in Nigeria .
But a NERC document seen by The PUNCH, showed that electricity customers , except those receiving less than 12 hours of supply, would have to pay more for electricity starting from September 1 , 2020 .
According to the document , the new tariff is based on the hours of electricity supply available to the customers .
Customers are categorised into maximum demand and non -maximum demand customers , as against the previous categories of residential , commercial and industrial customers , with different bands ( A to E ) depending on the level of supply .
For Ikeja Electric , a residential customer on single – phase receiving a minimum of 12 hours of supply will now pay N 42 . 73 per KWh, up from N21 . 30 per kWh.
For Eko Electricity Distribution Company , a residential customer on single – phase receiving a minimum of 12 hours of supply will now pay N43 . 01 per kWh, up from N 24 per kWh .
For Abuja Electricity Distribution Company , a residential customer on single – phase receiving between 12 to 16 hours of supply will now be charged N45 . 69 per KWh, up from N24 . 30 per kWh.
Kaduna Electric announced on Twitter on Monday night that non – MD receiving between 12 and 16 hours will be charged N50 . 10 per KWh, adding that the tariffs for customers receiving less than 12 hours had been temporarily frozen.
“ Following consultations and directions on tariff policy , the commission hereby approves a deferment of the applicable tariffs for customers in service bands D and E ( that is customers with a service commitment of less than an average of 12 hours supply per day over a period of one month ) for the period September 1 , 2020 to January 1 , 2021 , ” NERC said .
It said the Discos would only be allowed to charge those customers the new tariffs upon investments that improve the quality of service experience , “ thus migrating customers to higher service bands or another order of the commission . ”
Students of the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, are to resume in batches beginning from September, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, disclosed this.
Speaking on a radio interview monitored in Lagos, he explained that 400, 500 and 600 levels students would resume first before other levels of students would come onboard.
The 400, 500 and 600 levels students would resume for a duration of two months with intensive lectures starting from 9am – 3pm daily for those that live off-campus.
After the completion of 400 level,500 level and 600 level resumption; students in 200 level and 300 level are to resume for two months of lectures before the commencement of exams.
Resumption for the students in 200 level and 300 level was divided into different days of the week.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, 300 level students would be on campus for lectures.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, 200 level students would be on campus in order to maintain social distancing.
Fagbohun said the decision was in a bid to protect the lives of the students and staff of Lagos State University and to prevent contracting the Coronavirus disease.
The VC noted that all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 had been put in place by the management.
“Regular hand washing is very important as the university has provided taps and soap dispenser in the school.The use of facemask is compulsory.
“In line with the NCDC requirement for medical facilities, Lagos State University has a COVID-19 team to keep the university on its toes in ensuring compliance. Isolation places have been provided in the university. “There are waiting areas and consultations rooms available in the Lagos State University.With the prepared roadmap, Lagos State University is prepared to accommodate students and visitors. Visitors are implored to kindly comply with the laid-down rules,” he said.
The university recently conducted online examinations for postgraduate students.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has lifted the suspension on the printing of admission letters, and inter – university transfers among others.
The organisation said with the development, “ all requests for printing of admission letters, inter -university transfers, condonement of illegitimate admissions and other processes for previous years which had been hitherto suspended would now be restored from Monday , August 31 2020 . ”
The Head of Media and Public Relations in JAMB , Dr Fabian Benjamin , made the announcement in a statement in Abuja on Sunday .
He said , “ To ensure that candidates who took the UTME prior to 2020 , and who require certain corrections of their processes are accommodated , JAMB has lifted the suspension earlier placed on processes covering those years .
“ However , it is to be noted that most of these operations are only available at JAMB offices nationwide . Furthermore, as the Board is desirous of sustaining compliance with COVID- 19 protocols, it maintains that 2020 UTME candidates desirous of these services will only be attended to through the Appointment Booking Platform which they could access online through their phones to secure a definite date and time for an appointment .
“ The Board urged all State offices to ensure that all clients comply with all existing COVID – 19 protocols. To ensure that candidates who took the UTME prior to 2020 , and who require certain corrections of their processes are accommodated , the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has lifted the suspension earlier placed on processes covering those years .
“ As you may be aware, the need to prevent overcrowding at its Computer -Based Test Centres and other partner facilities , in line with extant COVID – 19 protocols issued by relevant agencies , led it to allow candidates to seek corrections and other processes only through the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination or Direct Entry platforms . This measure had the intended effect of limiting the number of persons visiting the centres .
“ As the government continues to ease the lockdown leading to the resumption of students in exit classes , the number of 2020 UTME candidates needing one service or another at the various centres has drastically gone down , thus , the Board has decided to open up its platforms to accommodate more requests especially from previous years .
“ Therefore , all requests for printing of admission letters, inter – university transfers, condonement of illegitimate admissions and other processes for previous years which had been hitherto suspended would now be restored from Monday August 31 2020 .
“ However , it is to be noted that most of these operations are only available at JAMB offices nationwide . Furthermore, as the Board is desirous of sustaining compliance with COVID- 19 protocols, it maintains that 2020 UTME candidates desirous of these services will only be attended to through the Appointment Booking Platform which they could access online through their phones to secure a definite date and time for an appointment . ”
JAMB also urged all state offices to ensure that all clients comply with all existing COVID- 19 protocols.
The Federal Government has redeployed 13 permanent secretaries and deployed the 12 new ones inaugurated on Wednesday .
Fifteen out of the nation’ s 40 permanent secretaries will, however , remain in their current stations.
The circular conveying the redeployment and deployment was signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation , Dr Folasade Yemi -Esan .
The circular dated August 28 , 2020 , was marked HCSF/CMO / AOD / 012 /V . III /39 .
It read , “ His Excellency , President Muhammadu Buhari , GCFR has approved the deployment and re -deployment of the under listed permanent secretaries .
“ Accordingly , handing and taking over processes should be completed on the effective dates indicated . ”
For the 12 new permanent secretaries inaugurated by the President on Wednesday , Babangida Hussaini was posted to the Ministry of Defence ; Yerim Tarfa to Ministry of Labour and Employment; Bayayo Ardo to Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs ; Adaora Anyanwutaku to Ministry of Women Affairs ; Anthonia Ekpa to Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; and Oluwatoyin Akinlade to Ministry of Mines and Steel Development .
Others are Aliyu Mohammed – Special Services ( Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ; Emmanuel Meribale – Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation – Service Policies and Strategy Office ; Monilola Udoh -Federal Civil Service Commission , Mamman Mahmuda – OHCSF – Career Management Office ; Bashir Alkali -Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs , Disaster Management and Social Development ; and Shuaib Belgore -Ministry of Interior .
For the 13 permanent secretaries that were redeployed , Chinyeaka Ohaa moves from Federal Capital Territory to Ministry of Power ; William Alo from Ministry of Labour and Employment to Ministry of Special Duties and Inter – Governmental Affairs ; Olusade Adesola from Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to FCT; Esther Jack from Ministry of Power to Ministry of Water Resources; and Akpan Sunday from Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to Ministry of Science and Technology .
Others are Ernest Umakhihe from OHCSF – Common Services Office to Ministry of Works and Housing ; Abel Olumuyiwa from FCSC to Ministry of Environment ; Maurice Mbaeri from Ministry of Police Affairs to OSGF -Generak Services Office ; and Festus Daudu from Special Duties and Inter -Governmental Affairs to OHCSF -Common Service Office .
The rest are Magdalene Ajani from OHCSF – Service Policies and Strategy Office to Ministry of Transportation ; Nebolisa Anako from Police Service Commission to Ministry of Information and Culture ; Aliyu Ahmed from Ministry of Finance ( Special Duties) to Ministry of Finance ; and Temitope Fashedemi from OHCSF Special Duties Office to Ministry of Police Affairs .
President Muhammadu Buhari , charged the military junta in Mali to set an acceptable time table for return to democratic government, since the country cannot afford to stand alone in the sub-region.
President Buhari, who joined ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments in a virtual meeting, said Nigeria believes that the people of Mali and the military leaders need to appreciate the fragility of their country and the imminent danger which it poses to the citizens of Mali as well as the ECOWAS sub-region.
In his remarks at the third Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS on the socio-political crisis in Mali, President Buhari said from the briefings presented by the Special Envoy, former President Goodluck Jonathan, it was clear that the regional body’s engagements with the new military leadership in Mali were yet to achieve the desired results in several key areas.
According to him, “I am, however, personally happy to hear of the release from detention of the former President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who is reported to be in good condition. The disposition of the new leadership to free the remaining senior officials is noted as this should contribute to the renewed sense of belonging to the Malian people.
“With regard to other areas being negotiated, Nigeria believes that the people of Mali and the military leaders need to appreciate the fragility of their country and the imminent danger which it poses to the citizens of Mali as well as the ECOWAS sub-region.”
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, Buhari advised that the military leadership should be flexible in negotiations by putting the interest of all Malians and the harmony of the sub-region into consideration.
He said, “For the people of Mali, specifically the leadership, embracing Democracy and Good Governance is crucial to the country’s political stability. Mali cannot therefore afford to stand alone, hence the need to come to terms with the realities of an acceptable and workable transition compact that inspires the confidence of all Malians.
“Meanwhile, I urge the military leadership to consider: the immediate release of all the remaining senior Government officials in detention, without pre-conditions; a transition process, to be completed in not more than 12 months, and which shall include the representatives of Malian stakeholders.
“This is a critical consideration for the new government to enjoy the cooperation and collaboration of regional and international community, and to allow the easing of sanctions imposed on Mali.’’
President Buhari also emphasized the need for Mali’s Constitutional Court to work hand in hand with all the Malian stakeholders to ensure an early and hitch-free return to a democratic government through free, fair and inclusive election.
He said, “In this connection Nigeria will, alongside ECOWAS, provide necessary logistics support to facilitate the conduct of elections to re-establish democratic governance in Mali.
“As I conclude this intervention, let me thank once again, the Mediator, Dr Jonathan, as well as my colleagues in the sub-region, who have continued to demonstrate sincere commitment to the resolution of this crisis. Nigeria stands in solidarity with the good people of Mali.’’
The President commended the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic for convening the Extraordinary Summit.
He also condoled with Alassane Ouattara, President of Cote D’ivoire, on the loss of a close aide, Mamadi Diane.
Among Declarations of the Summit adopted by ECOWAS leaders were that the transition government in Mali must be led by civilians, and that the return to constitutional order should be concluded within 12 months.
Malian military was also encouraged to focus on securing the country, faced with severe security threats from its northern part, instead of an incursion into governance.
The Vice President , Prof . Yemi Osinbajo, said that the Federal Government was creating a “ payroll support” for private schoolteachers and artisans to cushion the untoward economic effect of the COVID- 19 pandemic on them.
He added that the Federal Government had secured land in 11 states of the federation to build thousands of two – bedroom apartments for Nigerians at the cost of N2 m each .
He also declared that he was too busy to think about the 2023 elections .
Osinbajo spoke at the ongoing 60 th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.
He featured on the “state of the nation” session with the theme, “ A stimulating exchange on the State of the Nation, ” moderated by the Publisher of ThisDay newspaper , Mr Nduka Obaigbena.
The vice president said the Federal Government’ s efforts were geared towards saving jobs and creating new ones amid the pandemic .
Osinbajo said , “ Through the Economic Sustainability Plan , the FG’ s focus is to save jobs and create new ones . Similarly, there is a survival fund and payroll support for artisans, private schoolteachers and small businesses .
“ We are currently compiling the data , the criteria is already set . There are plans also for other sectors including the hospitality and aviation sector . ”
On the Federal Government’ s housing plan , Osinbajo said , “These houses are to be built by young engineers , architects and artisans. We hope to build thousands of two – bedroom apartments for about N2 meach. ”
Osinbajo said despite the decline , Nigeria ’ s economy had fared better than some other countries .
“ Economics like politics is local . In comparison to other economies we have fared better . We , however , recognise that there is a severe decline . The Economic Sustainability Plan is our response to that and we will focus on local industry , local resources and local production , ” he said .
Two yet – to – be – identified persons has lost their lives when a helicopter crashed into a building on Salvation Road, in the Ikeja area of Lagos State .
News correspondent learnt that the pilot was conveying two passengers to a destination in the state when the tragedy struck around 12 . 17 pm.
The General Manager , Lagos State Emergency Management Agency , Olufemi Oke- Osanyintolu , said two people died , adding that one person had been admitted into the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital .
Oke- Osanyintolu said , “ The agency received distress calls concerning a privately operated helicopter that crashed into 16 A Salvation Road, Opebi , Ikeja and immediately activated the emergency response plan .
“ The helicopter was carrying three people, one is in the intensive care unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital , while the other two were killed on impact and their bodies have been deposited in a mortuary . We are on top of challenges , especially crowd control . The operation is ongoing and updates will follow. ”
Two yet – to – be – identified persons has lost their lives when a helicopter crashed into a building on Salvation Road, in the Ikeja area of Lagos State .
News correspondent learnt that the pilot was conveying two passengers to a destination in the state when the tragedy struck around 12 . 17 pm.
The General Manager , Lagos State Emergency Management Agency , Olufemi Oke- Osanyintolu , said two people died , adding that one person had been admitted into the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital .
Oke- Osanyintolu said , “ The agency received distress calls concerning a privately operated helicopter that crashed into 16 A Salvation Road, Opebi , Ikeja and immediately activated the emergency response plan .
“ The helicopter was carrying three people, one is in the intensive care unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital , while the other two were killed on impact and their bodies have been deposited in a mortuary . We are on top of challenges , especially crowd control . The operation is ongoing and updates will follow. ”
Ahead of school resumption, the Governing Council of the Adekunle Ajasin University , Akungba Akoko, Ondo State has reduced the tuition fees of its students .
The university authorities increased the tuition fees in 2018 from N30 , 000 to over N 150 , 000 depending on the academic programmes of the students .
Students of the institution had staged a protest on the decision but the state government said there was no going back on the fees increase .
The announcement on the reduction of the fees was contained in a circular, dated August 26 , 2020 , issued by the institution ’ s Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council , Mr Opeoluwa Akinfenwa , and made available to news correspondent .
The circular read , “ I write on the directive of the Acting Vice -Chancellor , Professor Olugbenga IGE to inform all returning students of Adekunle Ajasin University , Akungba -Akoko that following an earlier appeal by students , and in view of the economic effect of the COVID- 19 pandemic in the country on parents and students , the governor of Ondo State , Mr Rotimi Akeredolu , has directed that the university should consider a reduction in tuition fees in a way that quality education can still be sustained in the university. ”
According to the circular, the students in the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences who were paying N150 , 000 before will now pay N120 , 000 .
Students in the Faculties of Agriculture and Education will now pay N 100, 000 instead of N 150, 000 . Faculty of Arts students will pay N80 , 000 as against N100 , 000 being paid before . But the tuition fees for the Faculty of Law students remained N150 , 000 .
LatestNewsUpdates 