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October 5, 2023

October 5, 2023 IFMNEWS

Senate Confirms Three Additional Ministerial Nominees Of President Bola Tinubu

The Senate has confirmed three ministerial nominees: Jamila Ibrahim from Kwara State, Balarabe Lawal Kaduna State, and Ayodele Olawande from Ondo State.

President Bola Tinubu had written to the Senate yesterday, seeking its confirmation of the nominees. The confirmation brings the total number of ministers to 48.

Senate President Godwill Akpabio later gave the nominations a voice vote, and all the senators voted in favour of the nominees’ confirmation.

Their confirmation was despite the drama that ensued during the screening of Lawal, who slumped during questioning, causing the lawmakers to rush to his aid.

The nominee, who had read his profile plans for the Ministry of the Environment, collapsed when Kaduna South Senator Sunday Katung spoke about Balarabe’s administrative experience in Kaduna.

Senator Katung had not finished his remarks when the nominee collapsed, prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio to request water.

Akpabio, after that, ordered journalists and cameras out of the chamber while the live streaming of the screening was also halted.

Lawal, who was later revived, spoke with journalists before he was taken away in an ambulance.

October 5, 2023

October 5, 2023October 5, 2023 IFMNEWS

Kidnapped Benue Commissioner Regains Freedom

After enduring ten days in captivity, Mr Mathew Abo, the Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, has been set free.

Abo was abducted from his residence in Zaki-Biam on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in the presence of his family members and associates.

Reports indicate that Abo's captors released him in the early hours of Thursday, reuniting him with his family. However, whether the demanded N60 million ransom was paid before his release has not been confirmed.

In a personal statement signed by the Commissioner, he thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia, security agencies, and his colleagues for their concerted efforts to ensure his safe return. Abo emphasised that this harrowing experience would not deter him from his commitment to serving the state.

He stated, "I appreciate all the efforts and prayers that have culminated in my safe release and reunion with my family and society. I wish that my ordeal will lead to renewed efforts to tackle both internal and external security challenges in the state, and I call for the cooperation of everyone in the task ahead."

Abo reassured that he remains resolute in utilising the platform provided by Governor Alia to serve the people of the state as a member of the Benue State Executive Council with a renewed sense of purpose.

He concluded, "I particularly express appreciation to the entire staff of my Ministry and its parastatals as well as others within and outside the state for the unrelenting prayers, and I enjoin them to continue to pray for my success and that of the entire Alia Administration."

October 5, 2023

October 5, 2023 IFMNEWS

FRSC Contemplates Relocation Following Clash With LASTMA, Local Government Tallying Losses

The Lagos State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is considering vacating its current premises at the Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Office in Okota, Lagos, following a recent attack by a mob.

The LCDA building is shared by various agencies, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Officers, making them susceptible to such attacks.

On Tuesday, enraged youths from Ago Palace in Okota set fire to facilities at the LCDA office, resulting in extensive damage to several council vehicles and FRSC office rooms, among other properties.

The protest was sparked by a scuffle involving LASTMA officials, a police officer, and a driver in the area, leading to two individuals' tragic deaths.

Babatunde Farinloye, the Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, expressed his concern after the incident, highlighting those similar events have occurred previously.

He mentioned that he had alerted the Department of State Services and the Commissioner of Police to the escalating situation, emphasising that the activities of LASTMA and the task force were increasingly drawing attacks. He hinted at possibly seeking an alternative office location if the situation persists.

Farinloye also noted the confusion between FRSC and LASTMA personnel in the eyes of the public, often resulting in FRSC officers and facilities being targeted mistakenly.

As of the time of writing, there has been no response from LASTMA's spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq.

The Isolo LCDA expressed its distress over the loss of property due to the mob action on Tuesday. The council assured that measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents. Rasheed Iskilu, the Chief Press Secretary to the council chairman, conveyed this commitment in a statement sent to our correspondent.

October 5, 2023

October 5, 2023October 5, 2023 IFMNEWS

Press Conference By Atiku Today In Response To Allegations Regarding Tinubu’s Certificate

On Thursday, October 5, 2023, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to address the global press in response to the persistent allegations surrounding President Bola Tinubu's educational credentials.

Dele Momodu, a spokesperson for the People’s Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate in the previous election, took to Twitter on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, to make the announcement. Momodu assured that the conference would be accessible via Atiku's social media platforms and covered by international and local media networks.

While the precise details of Atiku's agenda for the conference remain undisclosed, it is widely speculated that it may be related to the ongoing controversy regarding President Tinubu's alleged fake certificate. This matter has been the subject of legal dispute between the two political rivals.

Following his defeat in the 2023 presidential election to Tinubu in February, Atiku sought legal recourse by challenging Tinubu's victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC). In a September ruling, the court dismissed Atiku's petitions and confirmed Tinubu's election.

One of Atiku's key allegations against Tinubu, about the alleged forgery of a Chicago State University certificate, was among the petitions dismissed by the tribunal. Undeterred, Atiku pursued his case in the U.S. court system to obtain official documentation to substantiate his claims against Tinubu. Simultaneously, he turned to the Supreme Court for a final ruling on the February 25 presidential election.

The legal battle around Tinubu's academic records at Chicago State University has recently been prominent in Nigerian news. Despite the widespread attention and social media traction, Atiku has maintained a measured silence on the matter.

With the announcement of his impending world press conference, Nigerians eagerly anticipate Atiku's perspective on the issue. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the allegations against President Tinubu's educational background.

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Category: Latest News

Senate Confirms Three Additional Ministerial Nominees Of President Bola Tinubu

Kidnapped Benue Commissioner Regains Freedom

FRSC Contemplates Relocation Following Clash With LASTMA, Local Government Tallying Losses

Press Conference By Atiku Today In Response To Allegations Regarding Tinubu’s Certificate

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