On Air Now:
Now Playing:Loading...
site loader
November 20, 2024 Tinubu Dissolves Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, Removes VC and Registrar

Tinubu Dissolves Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, Removes VC and Registrar

President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, and removed key officials, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bernard Odoh and Registrar Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike.

In a related decision, Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Ohieku Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.

The Presidency announced the actions on Wednesday in a statement signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. The statement, titled “President Tinubu Sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, VC, and Registrar,” revealed the reasons behind the decision.

Reasons for Dissolution

The NAU Governing Council, chaired by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, was accused of appointing a Vice-Chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria, flouting due process and university laws. Other council members included Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and retired General Funsho Oyeneyin.

Onanuga explained that the Federal Government intervened following reports of a breakdown in law and order within the university.
"The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor without adhering to due process. This led to tension and disharmony between the university’s Senate and the council," the statement noted.

Federal Ministry of Education’s Action

The Federal Ministry of Education confirmed the removal of Odoh and the dissolution of the university's Governing Council in a separate statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folashade Boriowo.

The ministry emphasized the need for urgent intervention, citing “grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.”

ASUU's Role in the Controversy

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had previously accused the Governing Council of disregarding due process in Odoh’s appointment and demanded its dissolution.

"The Chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed a Vice-Chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria. This illegal action caused a breakdown of order and posed a significant risk to the university’s stability," the ministry's statement read.

Next Steps

To restore stability, the Federal Government plans to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor and reconstitute the Governing Council.
"The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the need for swift measures to prevent further destabilization of the university. A new Governing Council will be constituted to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law," the statement concluded.

This decisive action aims to restore order and uphold the integrity of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

November 20, 2024 CBN Warns Nigerians Against Fraudulent SWIFT Claims and False Currency Transfer Allegations

CBN Warns Nigerians Against Fraudulent SWIFT Claims and False Currency Transfer Allegations

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a public warning about fraudulent SWIFT messages and baseless claims concerning foreign currency transfers allegedly withheld by Nigerian banks or the apex bank.

This alert follows a surge in complaints from private individuals, law firms, government agencies, and private entities claiming that funds sent to their accounts by foreign sources have not been credited.

In a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the CBN revealed that many of these claims are accompanied by falsified documents, including fake SWIFT MT103 and SWIFT Acknowledgement (ACK) forms, purportedly serving as proof of remittance.

The CBN clarified that such documents are unreliable and cannot be traced on the official SWIFT platform. The bank explained:
“The funds referenced in these claims have not been received by the beneficiary banks, making their application to the beneficiaries’ accounts impossible.”

The apex bank also stressed its commitment to collaborating with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those making illegitimate allegations.

Standard Procedure for Tracing Funds

The CBN advised individuals facing issues of non-receipt of funds to follow proper procedures. It emphasized that the sender, not the recipient, should request the sending bank to trace the funds through a formal process instead of escalating the matter to the CBN or law enforcement.

Ali further dismissed claims that the CBN provides correspondent banking services or maintains accounts for private businesses.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN neither provides correspondent banking services for Nigerian banks in foreign payments nor maintains accounts for private business entities. Consequently, the claim that alleged inflows are trapped within the CBN is both spurious and deceitful,” she stated.

CBN’s Call for Vigilance

The CBN urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and cautious, warning that individuals or organisations making baseless claims would face severe legal consequences.

This proactive stance underscores the CBN’s dedication to safeguarding the financial system and protecting Nigerians from fraudulent practices.

November 20, 2024 Nigerian Senate Dismisses CCT Chairman Danladi Umar

Nigerian Senate Dismisses CCT Chairman Danladi Umar

The Nigerian Senate has officially removed Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), from office following a two-thirds majority vote in favor of the resolution.

The motion for his removal was sponsored by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, citing constitutional provisions under Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Bamidele outlined several allegations against Umar, stating, “The Senate has received numerous petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against the Chairman. This prompted the 9th Senate to invite him for a series of investigative hearings through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.”

Additional accusations included absenteeism from office for over a month without proper authorization or recusal, which further fueled concerns about his conduct. Bamidele also noted that these issues led President Bola Tinubu to nominate Abdullahi Usman Bello as Umar’s replacement.

During the plenary session, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio presented the motion for a vote. Out of 109 Senators, 74 voted in favor of Umar's removal, while 10 opposed the motion.

The Senate subsequently passed a resolution to remove Umar from his position, and Akpabio directed the Clerk of the Senate to formally communicate the decision to the presidency in compliance with legal procedures.

The removal marks a significant step in addressing allegations of misconduct within the Nigerian judiciary system, with lawmakers reaffirming their commitment to upholding accountability and integrity.

November 20, 2024 Oluremi Tinubu: Gender Equality is Essential for a Peaceful Society

Oluremi Tinubu: Gender Equality is Essential for a Peaceful Society

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for sustained efforts to achieve gender equality, emphasizing its importance in building a peaceful, equitable, and sustainable society.

Speaking at the 2024 Gender Conference on Tuesday at the University of Lagos, Tinubu underscored the need for justice, equity, and empowerment as cornerstones of societal advancement.

Gender equality is essential for achieving a peaceful and equitable society,” Tinubu affirmed during her keynote address. Represented by Mrs. Maryam Obadina, she highlighted the global importance of empowering women and girls, stating, “Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and potential. Empowering them is critical for productivity and economic growth.”

The First Lady also reflected on her personal experiences in politics, shedding light on the obstacles women face in leadership and decision-making.

“For 12 years, I worked in politics without the numbers to influence policies that directly impacted women. For example, I couldn’t effectively challenge harmful laws like child marriage, which severely affect young girls,” she shared.

Encouraging women to take initiative, Tinubu urged them to seize opportunities and not wait for them to be handed over. “Be bold, stay informed, and create your own opportunities. Hard work and faith go hand in hand,” she advised.

In a goodwill message, the First Lady of Oyo State, Tamunominini Makinde, echoed Tinubu’s sentiments, emphasizing that gender equality benefits everyone.

“Gender equality is not just about women. A man can be a nurse, and a woman can be a pilot or a lawyer. It’s about having the opportunity to pursue your dreams irrespective of gender,” Makinde said.

She further encouraged women entering male-dominated fields to prepare thoroughly, adding, “Ask yourself: How well do you know the field? Who has succeeded in it before you? What can you do better? These questions will help you build a solid foundation.”

The conference served as a platform for inspiring dialogue and reaffirmed the commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for all, regardless of gender.

Watch Live

x
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com
X