The Management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria has denied that it threatened to withdraw the Bachelor degree the Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, over comments on the integrity tests for UTAS, a payment platform developed by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

A statement by the Director, Public Affairs Directorate Auwalu Umar, noted that Abdullahi has never attended ABU for any academic programmr

The statement reads: “The attention of Management of Ahmadu Bello University has been drawn to a media report alleging that the institution had in March 2022 threatened to withdraw the Bachelor degree of Kashifu Inuwa Abdullabi, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), over comments on the integrity tests for UTAS, a payment platform developed by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

“The statement, as reported online by a national daily, was purportedly issued from the office of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment.

Read Also: 2023: NITDA cautions non-state actors on e-voting, e-transmission of polls

“Accordingly, the University Management wishes to state categorically that at no time did ABU issue such a threat. After all, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, from records available, never attended Ahmadu Bello University for any academic programme, be it undergraduate, graduate or sub-degree.

“This clarification has become necessary essentially for the office of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, as well as members of the public to take note.”

The Lagos State House of Assembly recently passed a bill to protect and assist victims of crimes and accidents, as well as witnesses who have genuine information which could help effective prosecution of cases.

Titled ‘A bill for a law to provide for the rights and entitlements of victims and protection of witnesses and for connected purposes’, has been described as one that would protect lives and property, and geared towards creating a peaceful Lagos society in line with state’s advancement.
With 71 sections, the bill is the first to be passed by any state House of Assembly and creates for the establishment of an agency that would assist to meet its stipulations and goals.
Designed to meet the Megacity/Smart City drive of the government, the bill also states how the agency is to be run, the establishment of a Trust Fund, and how resources that should make up the fund are to be sourced and utilised. The bill currently awaits assent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Here are 10 other things to know about the bill and the agency:

1. Provides necessary assistance to victims and witnesses, including measures for treatment, reparation, restitution and rehabilitation.

2. Conducts research into ways victims and witnesses can be effectively treated, rehabilitated, assisted, compensated and protected.

3. Creates a conducive environment for witnesses to make statements before law enforcement agencies without fear of any repercussions.

4. Pay compensation to victims or witnesses for any physical or mental harm, loss or damages to property.

5. A victim or witness shall be protected as far as practicable from unnecessary contact with the alleged offender and defence witnesses during trial and proceedings.

6. A victim or witness who suspects that harm may be inflicted on him due to his participation in any investigation can seek protection.

7. A victim or witness can be provided with security, temporary accommodation, permanent relocation, temporary or permanent employment or change of identity.

Read Also: Smart City: Lagos to improve digital infrastructure

8. Victims of accident or crime must be assisted by the public or security agents and taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

9. A hospital or facility that fails to treat a victim can face a N1 million fine. If victim dies, the hospital or doctor faces prosecution.

10. A private hospital that receives an accident victim with severe wound must inform the agency within 48 hours for reimbursement of medical expenses where family members are not known or where the victim is indigent.

Former Senate President David Mark has described the demise of the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, as a huge loss to the party and the nation at large.

Reacting to the demise of Ogbulafor in Abuja, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark noted that the deceased was a fine gentleman who was passionate and committed to the growth and sustenance of Democracy in the country .

“As a minister of the federal Republic, Ogbulafor demonstrated unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood. As national secretary, national chairman and a prominent member of the PDP board of trustees (BOT), he demonstrated uncommon loyalty to the party and the Nigerian State,” he stated.

The former Senate helmsman lamented the demise of Ogbulafor at this time when his wealth of experience in party administration would have been needed
to resolve the myriads of crises facing the party .

He added that Ogbulafor was one of the best and fertile minds in Nigerian political environment “because he was fair and firm in the discharge of his duties”.

Read Also: Ex-PDP national chairman Ogbulafor dies at 73

Mark noted that the late party leader will be remembered for his uncommon dedication to duty , humour, honesty and loyalty to his fatherland.

He urged PDP faithful, the government and people of Abia state to take solace in the fact that Ogbulafor left a good legacy worthy of emulation.

Mark prayed God in His infinite mercies to grant the deceased eternal rest and the immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has reacted to the decision of the State Government to withdraw the criminal charges it filed against him ahead of the 2023 election.

Cole, in a broadcast at the weekend, alleged that the government initially hoped to intimidate the judiciary to do its bidding in the case.

He, however, commended the judiciary for choosing to be upright and above reproach, a situation he said compelled the government to quietly withdrew the matter.

Cole said: “As you have probably heard, The Rivers State government recently withdrew the case it instituted against my person for lack of merit.

“The state government had hoped they would be able to use their power to intimidate the judiciary to do their bidding, but we are grateful that our judiciary has shown itself to be upright and above reproach.

“The agents of the state government were loud when they approached the court, but with the judiciary having shown it cannot be used to fight political battles, the state government has quietly withdrawn their case, without any of the usual fanfare.

Read also: Rivers withdraws criminal charges against Amaechi, Cole, others

“I salute the courage of our judiciary and commend it’s leadership for the message of incorruptibility which they have sent to everyone who thought they could pervert justice through intimidation”.

Cole said the forthcoming election was about the people and promised to eradicate poverty if elected as Governor.

He said: “This election is different – it is about the people of Rivers State. My people, I am for you and support your aspiration to escape poverty through better education, employment opportunities and access to healthcare for you and your families.

“If our families prosper, River State prospers, so my entire movement is to make this shared prosperity a reality in all of our communities.

“There will be more battles ahead, but I will stand for you, my people, emboldened by your support and belief in our movement.

“For anyone seeking to intimidate any law abiding supporters around the state, you will find our resistance swift and firm”.

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, has been reported dead.

Media reports attributed to family sources, said Ogbulafor died on Thursday in Canada at 73.

The ex party chair was said to have died from an undisclosed ailment, for which he was said to be receiving treatment.

Read also: Kalu, Nnamani mourn ex PDP chair Ogbulafor

The Olokoro, Abia state born politician was elected PDP chairman in March 2008 and was removed from office in 2010.

Ogbulafor was also a one time PDP National Secretary prior to his election as National Chairman.

The Lagos State Planks and Building Materials Market Association has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, and re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the 2023 general elections.

The endorsement came at a news conference to mark the association’s 30th anniversary slated for November 1.

President of the association Alhaji Abdullateef Adelodun said the trade group, which operates in 170 markets within the state, is also supporting other APC candidates in State.

He said: “Among those jostling to get the presidency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu stands head and shoulder above the rest. If we, as a nation, are ruled by the desire to tap our most competent, most able, best tested and adroit consideration for the presidency, Asiwaju is the impeccable choice.

“Lagos today serves as a refuge to other Nigerians who are fleeing from the farcical misrule and gross incompetence in their home states. Lagos is not playing this role by accident. Tinubu deliberately planned Lagos for this role when he involved other tribes in the governance of Lagos and ensured that the all-encompassing policy was enduring till date.

“We are supporting Asiwaju Tinubu because we know he has the capacity to serve all Nigerians in equal measures. When Tinubu is elected president, he will be a Nigerian first before being a Yoruba man, and he did demonstrate this cosmopolitan carriage when he was Lagos governor.”

Adelodun also urged the Southwest to rally around Tinubu as the best for the nation’s top job with its second largest votes in order to bring the dividends of democracy to ordinary Nigerians.

He reiterated that the association is wholly convinced that Tinubu is the Yoruba’s best foot in 2023, considering his antecedents and his fruitful governance.

Read Also: Tinubu’s indelible Lagos record

According to him, the former Governor ‘worked out an oasis of growth and economic development which had benefitted and continued to benefit other states and other ethnic groups apart from the Yoruba’.

‘The Southwest must vote for Tinubu because he is the best option in the race; he is the most experienced. No one has his kind of experience; he is very competent and qualified. He is a man from the Southwest, he is our leader from the Southwest, he is our own, why should we not vote for our own?

“Tinubu is a leader who transforms nothing into something and feeds his people from the riches of what has been so transformed. Tinubu ‘deserves kudos for spotting political talents.

“The South as a whole and indeed every Nigerian must now see this season as an opportunity we cannot afford to miss in the interest of the entire country. We need to march in great numbers as Yoruba, to support our very best chance at the Nigerian Presidency in 2023…’

President Muhamadu Buhari, will on October 26, launch the Emblem for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, Minister of Defence, Major General Salihi Magashi (rtd), has confirmed.

According to the Minister, “the event would afford Nigerians a great opportunity to identify with our veterans and their families. Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, including those who have investments in Nigeria would be required to make financial and material donations as well as procure and wear the Emblem with pride in support of the families of the fallen heroes and surviving veterans”.

Magashi spoke at a ministerial briefing to kick off the Armed Forces Day celebration at the National Defence College, Abuja.

He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.

He said: “The Emblem launch will take place at Council Chambers, State House Aso Villa on 26th October, 2022. The event would be carried out by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who is also the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion.

“Armed Forces Remembrance Day is not being celebrated in Nigeria alone. It is an important event celebrated and observed globally. Formerly, in league with the Commonwealth member countries, Nigeria used to hold the celebration on the Eleventh Day of November annually.

“It commemorates the end of the World War I which officially took place at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month (November) 1918. But in order to reflect on our own historical experience as a nation, 15 January was selected to observe the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration so as to commemorate the end of the Nigeria Civil war. Thus it serves as a reminder on the need for peaceful coexistence as Nigerians.

Read Also: Buhari honours fallen heroes at Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration

“The heroes/heroines this event seeks to honour includes but is not limited to those who sacrificed their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil war, Peace Support Operations across the globe and various Internal Security Operations, particularly the on-going banditry.

“The war against terror and lately banditry has been long and war against terrorism and hard with twists and turns. However, I am glad to say that our Armed Forces has been able to put the situation under control. This trend will be sustained and improved upon. We have witnessed the mass surrender of bandits as a result of the military onslaught against them.

“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration remains an opportunity for all to appreciate and give back to our military, veterans and families of the departed heroes. The military operations have taken its toll on our our service personnel. While some lost their lives, others have sustained injuries that have incapacitated them and thus require support.

“Equally important are the widows and orphans of the fallen heroes. I therefore enjoin all and sundry to do their bit in appreciating and encouraging these patriots”.

“I want to use this opportunity to commend the determination, more than ever, of our Armed Forces to bring an end to all our security challenges. Given the support of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR which has remained total, the war against terror and banditry would be totally won soon. I therefore implore members of the Press to co-operate with the government by being objective and patriotic in their reportage”.

No fewer than 72 suspects were arrested by the Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in three months.

The suspects, comprising 52 males and 20 females whose age range falls between 17 and 60years, were arrested in connection with various drug offences.

The Command spokesperson, Okuwobi Mutiat, a Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, in a statement said some of the drug offences crime committed include dealing in cannabis sativa, cocaine, tramadol, diazepam, rohypnol, colorado, codeine, amphetamine, skoochies and cake mixed with cannabis.

The statement added that the Command recorded total seizure of 502.076kg of cannabis sativa as well as other narcotic and psychotropic substances during the period under review.

The statement reads in part “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Oyo State Command, under the leadership of Abdullah Saeed arrested 72 suspects comprising 52 males and 20 females within the age range of 17-60 years for various drug offences which include dealing in cannabis sativa, cocaine, tramadol, diazepam, rohypnol, colorado, codeine, amphetamine, skoochies and cake mixed with cannabis within the third quarter of the year 2022 (July – September 2022).

“The Command recorded total seizure of 502.076kg of cannabis sativa and other narcotic and psychotropic substances during the period under review.

“Non-drug exhibit include one locally fabricated pistol with one cartridge and four rounds of 9mm live ammunition were recovered.”

Additionally, the Command said a total of 3.851 acres of cannabis sativa farmland located at Oluwo village, Ido local government area was destroyed in September 2022.

“Within same period 3.851 acres of cannabis sativa farmland located at Oluwo village, Ido local government area was destroyed in the month of September 2022.

“Equally, within same period 17 suspects were charged to court, 13 suspects were convicted for various drug offences with jail terms ranging from six months to four years imprisonment.

Read also: N8.8b Tramadol: NDLEA gets nod to detain suspect for 14 days

“The Command gave brief intervention in terms of counselling to 38 People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) made up of 30 males and eight females.

“We presently have six clients undergoing residential rehabilitation. They will be reintegrated into the society after successful completion of their rehabilitation.

“Furthermore, the Command’s sensitisation programmes were extended to over 206 schools and some private organisations. In this regards, we urge schools and other organisations to give our officers some platform through which enlightenment of their students and workers within the state could be done.

“We also had some weekly radio and television programmes during this period.

“The State Commander, Abdullahi Saeed (Commander of Narcotics) advise the public to compliment the effort of NDLEA as we cannot afford to sit by and pretend that all is well when our youths are being hooked to drugs and their future being destroyed. It is our collective responsibility to make our land drug free. Join us in making Oyo State drug-free.”