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ASUU Blows Hot, Declares Indefinite Strike Action The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University chapter has declared a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action. This follows a permission by the ASUU national to the state branch to embark on the strike action to press home its demands and the state government’s rebuttal of claims that it is not owing workers salaries. Arising from a congress meeting, the union insists that the rationale behind their action is hinged on government’s failure to pay earned academic allowances, promotion arrears, fractional payment of salaries to staff as well as unsettled staff pension and gratuity scheme. Mr Samuel Shitaa, the Taraba State University ASUU Chairman, noted that other reasons for the industrial action includes non implementation of agreements and perimeter fencing of the institution. Reacting to the strike action, the state government through the Commissioner for Tertiary education Edward Baraya in a telep...

Hours After Boasting That He Is Smarter Than Most Educated People: Singer Portable, Cooling Off In Police Cell Following the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum given to the embattled Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, commonly called Portable, to turn himself in, the Ogun State police command has arrested the singer for refusing to obey police invitation The ‘Zazoo’ crooner, while reflecting on his life, said he has learned more in the streets than in the four walls of a classroom. Portable made the remarks on his social media handles on Thursday, amidst his rift with the Nigeria Police. Recall that the police gave a 72-hour ultimatum to the singer, a request that elapsed today, Friday. The police who condemned the singer’s actions also threatened to prosecute him. In the two videos, Portable claimed that an internet fraudster had brought the police to his bar to arrest staff members “for no reason.” But the police noted that it acted on a petition. When contacted over the phone on Frida...

Anambra Chief VIO says Driver's test, an important process to obtaining driver's license  By Emeka Festus Ilozor Motorists in Anambra had been enjoined to as a matter of necessity, avail themselves for driver's test before obtaining the driver's license. This call was made by the Head of Department, Vehicle Inspection Services, Ministry of Transport, Engr. MacDonald Achuam, during a driver's test exercise at the Awka testing centre. According to Achuam, this test is conducted on applicant drivers to ascertain the level of their competence before issuing them with the driver's license.  "This is a global practice, aimed at determining if the person is qualified to move a vehicle," he said. He noted that anybody that miraculously gets the driver's license without being tested, is more or less invalid, because he did not pass through the process of acquiring a license. "If you have incompetent and unqualified drivers on the road, it would only in...

2023 Anambra Transition Placement: Exam Malpractice Defaulters To Face Severe Sanctions  By Obiageli Nwankwo The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has constituted a Board of Enquiry to investigate  allegation of examination malpractice, against Supervisors and Invigilators at the Umuogali Community School Oba during the last Transition Placement Examination held on March 29.  Following a report that answers which turned out to be wrong were called out for the candidates at the school during the examination, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh has directed for another examination to be set for the 215 candidates who took the examination in the Centre. A team from the Ministry of Education  led by the Commissioner will personally supervise and invigilate the examination. Meanwhile the Supervisor and Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Eneanya Chinwe, has been asked to step aside as the Headmistress, while the invigilators Onyeme Amara Adaora, Alugbum Ngozi Joy and Ch...

PROPHET UEBERT ANGEL STRIPPED OF DIPLOMATIC STATUS  British-Zimbabwean Businessman, charismatic evangelical preacher and the founder of Spirit Embassy, Uebert Angel has been stripped of his diplomatic status. This is coming after a documentary into gold smuggling and money laundering by Al Jazeera Undercover Unit which has been on the satellite station for the past couple of days. In the first episode of the documentary, Uebert Angel who was appointed ambassador-at-large and a presidential envoy in March 2021 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, told undercover Al Jazeera journalists posing as Chinese criminals, that he can use his diplomatic status to carry large volumes of illicit funds into Zimbabwe for them. Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Monetary Policy Committee member, Eddie Cross, has now confirmed that Angel has been stripped of his diplomatic status. Cross added that there is a possibility Angel will also face jail time as a result of the revelations in the documentary. He s...

A preserved corpse that was unintentionally mummified in the 1800s and is now on display in Mexico may have 'fungal growths' that could spread to visitors, experts have warned. Scientists are concerned that the mummy, which is among half a dozen corpses in glass cases at a tourism fair in Mexico City, may be a risk to the public. It is unclear if the cases are air-tight and fears have been raised that they are being exhibited 'without the safeguards for the public against biohazards'. The preserved corpses were unintentionally mummified when they were buried in crypts in dry, mineral-rich soil in the state of Guanajuato. They were dug up from the 1860s onwards because their families could no longer pay burial fees, and later put on display. Warning: A preserved corpse that was unintentionally mummified in the 1800s and is now on display in Mexico may have 'fungal growths' that could spread to visitors, experts have said. A number of the corpses still have hair, ...

NEUTRALIZE VESTIGES OF TERRORISTS IN THE NE - Gen Irabor Charges Troops of OPHK, Pays Operational visit to the NE Theatre The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General LEO Irabor on Thursday, 30th March, 2023 expressed his confidence in the combat readiness and operational posture of OPHK especially in the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East region of Nigeria. The CDS who was at the NE Theatre on an operational visit was visibly impressed by the steady successes recorded by own troops in the Theatre. Additionally, the Defence Chief was briefed on the Operational activities of the Theatre by the Theatre Commander, Maj Gen IS Ali as well as intelligence brief by the Theatre Intelligence Coordinator, Brig Gen OM Azuikpe. Speaking during the visit, Gen Irabor commended the efforts of the Theatre Commander and the entire officers and men of OPHK in restoring adequate peace and normalcy to the NE.  While assuring them of his continuous support and pr...

Pete Edochie speaks on sudden death of grandson — Yul Edochie’s son, Kambili 31 March 2023   Legendary Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie has said his grandson Kambilichukwu Edochie was an ‘unusual’ child. Yul Edochie, yesterday, lost his first son, Kambilichukwu Edochie. Confirming the sad news yesterday, Pete said his son, Yul, called him on the telephone, Wednesday, informing him that Kambilichukwu fell down while playing football with his school mates and developed a seizure. According to him, the deceased was rushed to the Mother and Child Hospital, Lagos, where he died hours later. Kambili died two months after Edochie celebrated his 16th birthday with his wife, Mary Edochie. He said his family started praying for the child immediately Yul called him on the telephone about the sad incident. Edochie said: “Kambilinachukwu is a very quiet, brilliant and talented child. He’s not somebody you can ride easily. He doesn’t get angry no matter the situation. He may change his composure, b...

N50million Bribe: Two Chinese Nationals Jailed Six Years Each Justice Abubakar Mahmud Talba of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division on Friday, 31st March 2023 convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals, Meng Wei Kun and Mr. Xu Kuai, to three years imprisonment for each of the two count charge for offences of Conspiracy, Money Laundering and attempted Bribery to the tune of N50 Million (Fifty Million Naira) brought against them by the Sokoto Zonal Command of the EFCC. The judgement is sequel to EFCC's appeal brought against the judgment of the Federal High Court Sokoto, which discharged and acquitted the accused persons on all the three three count charge. Delivering the unanimous judgment, Justice Talba berated the respondents that tried to frustrate the appeal through maneuverings stating that, "gone are the days of technicalities in law". He further emphased that going forward, courts must allow cases to be heard on its merits. Justice Talba further explained that th...

KASEMPA TEACHER DIES AT CHURCH It has been a tough month for North Western Province. Kasempa District has lost female teacher by the name of Edina Kumwenda (Mrs kangwa). She died  on Sunday at UCZ just after giving offering. She felt like something strange on her throat, and she was taken outside, within 5 minutes she was rushed to Kasempa Clinic where we were told she had already died. She was a teacher at Kasempa Primary School while her husband is a Head Teacher at Katete Primary School within kasempa District. So sad to this hardworking and humble lady. Until We Meet Again, Rest In Peace Bana Kangwa.  

A 71 -year-old man of Kaindu in Central Province area, has had his right femur crushed by a Hippo while fishing in the Kafue River.  Sitali Sililo who was trying to catch fish when his boat was flipped over by a hippo which then attacked him and crushed his right upper thigh.  Mr. Sililo was fortunately rescued by Mushingashi’s security department who received a distress call that a fisherman had been attacked by a hippo. The team, through Mr. Sameki who is Mushingashi’s Security Assistant Supervisor, said following the distress call, they urgently coordinated the emergency assistance to rescue Mr Sililo. “Knowing the injuries described, remoteness of the fishing village and lack of vehicle access to it, I arranged for a security boat to rescue Mr. Sililo and transport him to the nearest vehicle collection point on Mushingashi and to then transfer the patient over to the pre-requested Zambia National Service (ZNS) Kalenda Hill ambulance and medical team which was approximately...

TOR-TIV RECEIVES BENUE GOVERNOR-ELECT, ALIA, SETS AGENDA 31st March, 2023     Benue State Governor-elect, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, Wednesday, presented Certificate of Return issued to him by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to the Tiv Paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse at Tor Tiv Palace, Gboko, Benue State. Speaking after Receiving the Certificate, the Tor Tiv expressed delight over Fr. AlIa’s victory, saying the will of God was made manifest through the decision of the Benue people. He advised the Governor-elect to make governance a major priority and should not waste his time entertaining issues that have little or no bearing to his calling, which is to govern Benue people. The Tor Tiv further advised Alia to open his hands and be willing to work with all Benue sons and daughters irrespective of party divide. He assured the Governor-Elect of the readiness of the Tiv area Traditional Council and indeed the en...

ICPC Arraigns Two Contractors for Forgery The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the General Manager, AGB Limited, Friday Adodo and a businessman, owner of FMateck Limited, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, for forging contract documents. The two defendants were to have been arraigned on 24th March, 2023, before Justice Abdul Dogo of Federal High Court, Makurdi, Benue State, on a 3-count charge bordering on forging contract documents to bid for a contract at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA) Makurdi, Benue State which is contrary to section 97 of the Penal Code and Section 58(1) of the Procurement Act, 2007.  

Nigeria Correctional Service Superintendent Arraigned for Job Racketeering A Superintendent with the Nigeria Correctional Service, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Mr. Eyimoga Moses, has been arraigned in court before Hon. Justice Abdul Dogo of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for the fraudulent act of job racketeering. Eyimoga Moses, who is a Superintendent with the Nasarawa State Command of the Service, was arraigned on one-count charge of corruption before Hon. Justice Abdul Adogo, for collecting N800,000 from a couple for two vacancy slots at the Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State, which Eyimoga knew was false and therefore committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.  

Sexual Harassment: ICPC arraigns Lecturer The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has arraigned a lecturer of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) for demanding sexual and monetary gratification from a female student of the institution. The defendant, Dr. Balogun Olaniran was brought before Hon. Justice Osinuga of the Ijebu-Ode High Court, sitting in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State by ICPC on a one-count charge for violating Section 8(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. ICPC Counsel told the court how the defendant, Dr. Olaniran, while being the Head of Department of Religious Studies at TASUED sometime between October and November 2021, demanded for sexual benefit or the payment of N100,000 from a female student with a promise to alter her academic grades.

Reactions As Hisbah Destroys 2.5 Million Bottles Of Alcohol In Kano The board stated that the action was taken to strengthen its fight against the importation, sale, and consumption of alcohol, which is illegal in the state. Hisbah’s Commandant, Sheikh Sani Harun Ibn-Sina, stated that they had received a court order to destroy the alcohol and that they would not relent in their fight against acts that contradicted Islamic teachings. He said, “There is a law that prohibits the importation, selling and drinking of alcohol and all other similar intoxicants in Kano State, and as such we will always work hard to ensure that the law is followed to rid the state of the harmful substances. “This is not the first time we are doing this. In the first instance, we destroyed about one million bottles. In the second phase, we destroyed around two million bottles, and now we are destroying 2.5 million bottles.”  

Senator Godswill Akpabio has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he could not honor its invitation because of ill health and already arranged medical appointments overseas. The EFCC had summoned Akpabio, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, over an allegation of abuse of office and misappropriation of billions of Naira. The EFCC in an invitation letter served on Akpabio asked him to appear at its office on the 29th day of March 2023. However, Akpabio failed to show up and wrote to EFCC via his lawyer Umel Kalu, SAN. The letter from Akpabio’s lawyer said: “We write to convey our client’s inability to honor the scheduled visit to your office on the 29th day of March 2022, due to ill health and already arranged medical appointment overseas. “As mentioned in our last letter to you dated February 10, 2023, our client is undergoing treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia, and, has recently been advised to seek further attention abroad.” There had been alle...

Court Convicts Self-Acclaimed Traditional Ruler Mar 30, 2023 Self-acclaimed chief-elect of the Dan-Jumbo Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, Benedict Dan-Jumbo has been convicted for contempt of court and false claim to the chieftaincy stool of the Dan-Jumbo Chieftaincy House.   A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt presided over by Rosemary Ibanibo handed down the conviction on Thursday, March 30, 2023 when she delivered judgment in charge number, PMC/1114C/2016; Abinye Dan-Jumbo vs Benedict Dan-Jumbo & 2 Others. Counsels for the plaintiff were Eugene Odey and Godsent Elenwa, while E. M. Omoruyi appeared for the defendants.   The two other defendants were discharged and acquitted by Chief Magistrate Ibanibo. According to Odey, his client preferred as a private complaint pursuant to Section 89 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Rivers State for the offense punishable under Section 133 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Rivers State, explainin...

I Didn't Write Any Letter Calling For Tinubu's Arrest - Prof Akinyemi Former Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi has said he was not responsible for a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari calling for the arrest of President-elect Bola Tinubu. He said the seditious letter was embarrassing to him and his associates. The retired university don had received calls from home and abroad about the fake news, which has exposed the negative impact of unregulated social media. The elder statesman said the seditious and spurious letter in social media should not be attributed to him. Akinyemi said it is possible that since his illustrious father, Canon Akinyemi, did not patent his name when he was named, anybody can pose as the bearer of the name. The former Minister said: “My attention has been drawn to the seditious and spurious letter to the President, General Muhammadu Buhari calling for the arrest of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. My name has been attached ...