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Tag: suspension

  • Undercurrents of Ndume’s suspension

    Undercurrents of Ndume’s suspension

    The suspension of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume by the Senate did not come to many as a surprise.

    When the Borno South senator was dethroned as Senate Leader on January 10th, close observers of the unending intrigues and power show in the upper legislative chamber warned that Ndume should watch his steps.

    The conclusions drawn from Ndume’s ouster was that it was a clear signal that other unsavory things could follow as 2019 election year approaches.

    It was also concluded that things could only get worse in the senate due to overarching personal and group interests.

    On Tuesday, Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, did not veil the threat and resolve of the senate to do battle with unnamed attackers of the senate.

    Saraki declared after a lengthy behind-the-door meeting that the senate would not fall prey to intimidation and blackmail in the conduct of its constitutional duties. It was seen as a declaration of readiness of the senate for tit-for-tat or fire-for-fire in the language of the police.

    The first casualty of the threat did not take long to come. The senate appeared to be in a hurry to bear its fang.

    Ndume played into the hands of some power wielders in the senate. He was handed a six months suspension on Wednesday for what the Senate tagged a calculated attempt to ridicule and bring the institution of the Senate, Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye, to disrepute.

    The flamboyant lawmaker was specifically said to have failed to cross-check facts before presentation at plenary, and therefore could not be said to be a patriotic representative of the Senate.

    Spirited efforts mounted by some senators to save Ndume from suspension failed.

    The suspension could have been for 181 days as recommended by the Senate Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee. Common sense prevailed. Apparently to avoid accusation of overkill, the near capital punishment recommended for Ndume, was reduced from 181 days to six months.

    The last suspension in the senate was in 2001, when Imo State politician, Senator Arthur Nzeribe, was handed indefinite suspension by the Senator Anyim Pius Anyim-led senate. Nzeribe did not come back to the fourth senate until it elapsed in 2003.

    Senator Joseph Kenneth Waku escaped suspension when he was reprimanded for allegedly calling for return of the military instead of the high handedness President Olusegun Obasanjo was ruling the country.

    Waku was saved from the hammer of suspension by the swift intervention of former Senate President, Senator Chuba Okadigbo.

    Ndume’s travail in the senate may be traced to his rigorous defence of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, when the senate first rejected his nomination for confirmation on December 15th, 2016. Ndume had spiritedly faulted senate’s position on Magu. He said so to anybody who cared to listen. Some powerful forces in the senate felt betrayed and moved for his head.

    Those who thought Ndume would be silenced by his removal as Senate Leader, had to think again. He grew even bolder in the champion of a course he believed in. The leadership of the senate became uncomfortable.

    When on Tuesday, March 21st, Ndume drew the attention of the senate to some issues trending in the social media, bordering on allegations of importation of a treated SUV Range Rover with fake National Assembly documents and certificate forgery leveled against Saraki and Melaye respectively, insiders concluded that Ndume might not escape unscathed.

    The issues raised by Ndume were referred to the Ethics committee. The committee in a speed of light sat, interrogated some of those linked with the issues under investigation and reached conclusions.

    Ndume’s explanation that he has no pecuniary interest whatsoever in the senate resolution to investigate the importation of the vehicle linked to Saraki or the certificate saga against Melaye did not move the committee.

    The Borno lawmaker’s insistence that he was only out to protect the integrity of the senate as a member did not also sway the conclusions of the committee to punish him.

    Ndume further told the committee that the resolution to investigate the matter was not his.

    He was of the opinion that he merely drew attention to an issue that had the capacity to reduce the image and integrity of the senate in the estimation of right thinking Nigerians if left hanging.

    Was it a fait acompli, a sort of working from the answer to the question? Should the authors of the “offensive” publications Ndume drew attention to not have been invited to throw light on what they wrote.

    Those who observed the committee’s proceeding on Monday, March 27th may have deduced the direction that report would go. It was obvious that Ndume stood no chance. From the question and answer, the continuous allusion of failure to do due diligence and the body language of the committee, it was evident that the senate would descend heavily on Ndume.

    Perhaps the recommendation that Ndume should be penalized to serve as a deterrent to others may be begging the question.

    The question the senate may have to answer is what to do with Order 14 and 15 of the senate standing Orders 2015 (as amended)?

    Ndume relied on the strength of the two orders to raise the issue that led to his suspension. His argument was that in line with the privilege provision, it was his right to draw the attention of the senate to just any issue no matter who is involved. The committee felt otherwise.

    In its observations and findings the committee said: “After carefully examining the documents made available to the committee and hearing from those invited on the matter, the committee observed as follows:

    “That the name of the Senate President, Senator Dr. Bukola Saraki, was not mentioned anywhere in the Bill of lading or any document whatsoever connected with the importation or purchase of the SUV Range Rover vehicle;

    “That he did not import any SUV Range Rover as corroborated by all respondents;

    “That this story was cooked up with intent to embarrass the Senate President, the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly;

    “That the complainant did not conduct due diligence before bringing the matter to the floor of the Senate;

    “That as a former Senate Leader and a ranking Senator, he was expected to have weighed the consequences, of the allegation, carefully investigated it before presenting it;

    “That Senator Dino Melaye obtained a first degree in Geography from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and “That having failed to cross-check facts before presentation at plenary, he could not be said to be a patriotic representative of the Senate, and should be penalized to serve as deterrent to others.”

    It recommended: “After due consideration of the matter as revealed by different parties to the case, the Committee recommends as follows:

    “That the Senate do suspend Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume for bringing Senator Dino Melaye, his colleague, and the institution of the Senate to unbearable disrepute at this time of our national life when caution, patriotism, careful consideration and due diligence should be our watchwords.”

    The committee did not forget to clear Saraki and Melaye of any wrong doing.

    The suspension of Ndume may not be the end of the unfolding high wired politics in the senate. As the 2019 general election races on, some senators considered recalcitrant may fall victims.

  • Yobe APC lifts suspension of members

    Yobe APC lifts suspension of members

    Ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for February 11in Yobe State, the State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lifted the suspension slammed on officials at the state, local and ward levels last year.

    The officials were suspended by the party state executive for insubordination and indiscipline.

    According to a statement issued by the state secretary of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Bakabe, and made available to newsmen in Damaturu said the suspension was lifted with effect from January 17, 2017.

    The statement explained that the lifting of the suspension is as a result of the show of remorse exhibited by the affected officials, stressing that the decision was done as a deterrent for any intending member who may wish to misbehave.

    Alhaji Bakabe said; “Having demonstrated remorselessness by the affected officials, the state executive council has with effect from today 17/1/2017, lifted the suspension while the indicted officials have been relieved of their offices.

    “Similarly, the dissolved party executive councils in Fune, Fika and Potiskum local government government areas remain dissolved.

    “The state executive council has also endorsed the expulsion of members at the party ward levels in Potiskum local government area.”

    The statement added that the party took the decision in the interest of the party to serve as deterrent to others, instill party discipline and loyalty in the state.

    “APC wish to assure every member of the party of its support, cooperation and equal opportunities to achieve individual and collective ambitions and, the development of democracy,” it said.

    In another development, seven political parties are gearing up for elections.

    The State Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Umar Kukuri informed journalists in a press briefing in Damaturu.

    According to him, all the political parties involved have conducted their primaries and submitted their candidates to the State Independent Electoral Commission in Damaturu.

    He mentioned the seven political parties as PDC, SDP, CPP, ACD, APC, NCP and MPPP with the PDD conspicuously absent.

    Kukuri informed that campaigns had commenced across the state with political parties canvasing for support ahead of the poll.

    He called on the SIEC to ensure a level playing ground for  free and fair election that would be accepted by all the political parties and observers nationally.

    Alhaji Kukuri equally appealed to the political parties to conduct themselves according to the rules of the game and avoid issues that could breach peace in the state before, during and after the election.

    He praised security operatives in the state for ensuring peace in the previous elections and urged them to maintain the same tempo during the imminent poll.

  • Share suspension: Resort Savings effects board changes

    Seven days after it was suspended on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the board of Resort Savings and Loans Plc met yesterday in Lagos and appointed a new chairman and substantive Managing Director for the  mortgage institution.

    At the 90th board meeting at it’s head office in Ikeja, Lagos, the directors of the company appointed Jideofor. Chukwuocha as the new chairman, replacing Chief Babatunde  Adefarati.  The board also appointed Mr. Ola Oyinloye as the substantive Managing Director of the company. Chief Adefarati resigned from the board amidst scuffle for the chairmanship of the company.

    Chukwuocha, an astute businessman, has been a director of Resort Savings since 2012. The company secretary to the company, LPC Solicitors, has been mandated to notify all regulatory authorities of the decisions of the board.

    In a confirmatory email on the appointments, the board stated that the new appointments were part of efforts to reposition the mortgage company.

    Directors of the company stated that they expected the new chairman to bring his wealth of experience as a successful businessman to reposition the mortgage bank in its ongoing restructuring exercise.

    “The board wishes to assure its numerous customers and other stakeholders that the mortgage bank has been further strengthened than ever before to ensure that it sustains its high quality services in providing mortgage to Nigerians while supporting the policies of the Federal Government in making affordable accommodation available to Nigerians,” the board stated.

    The NSE had on Tuesday December 6, 2016 placed full suspension on the shares of Resort Savings as capital market regulators launched investigation into allegations of corporate governance abuses against the management and directors of the mortgage banker.

    A circular issued by the NSE and obtained by The Nation had indicated that Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had directed that a full suspension be placed on Resort Savings, implying that there will be no trading on the shares of the company.

    “In compliance with the provisions of Section 35 of the Investments and Securities Act, 2007 and in order to give effect to the above directive, the Exchange will suspend full trading in the securities with effect from Tuesday 06 December 2016. The suspension will remain in force until further directives from the SEC,” the circular indicated.

    Resort Savings has wriggled under losses over the years. Loss after tax rose from N1.57 billion in 2013 to N2.99 billion in 2014. Also, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) recently stated that it has started investigations into alleged diversion of mortgage funds and other sundry fraud allegations against Resort Savings.

  • Kaduna APC writes national body over Shehu Sani suspension

    Kaduna APC writes national body over Shehu Sani suspension

    The Kaduna state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has written the national secretariat of the party informing them of the decision. Of the leadership of the party at the various levels in the state to suspend Senator Shehu Sani for what they described as continuous breach of the party rules and constitution.

    In a letter dated December 9, 2016 addressed to the National Secretary and signed by the Acting state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Shuaibu Idris, the party said Senator Shehu Sani was initially suspended for an 11 Months period within which he was expected to week the forgiveness of the party.

    The party said that rather than seek amicable settlement if the issues that led to his suspension in other for the suspension to be lifted, the Senator choose to escalate the problems by causing more division  within the party.

    The letter reads: “the National Secretary may be aware of recent events in our state concerning the Senator representing Kaduna Central zone, Senator Shehu Sani. The Senator was suspended last year for an eleven months period, following continuous breach of party rules and constitution.

    “He was expected to use the period to seem forgiveness and redress with party leaders at state, local government area and ward levels. Unfortunately, rather than seek amicable solution with the party at all levels to quash the allegations against him, he choose to escalate the problems by causing more division within the party and going into verbal set with party leaders at all levels.

    “Accordingly at the lapse of his eleven month suspension and without ah sign of remorse or seeking of resolution from the Senator’s side, the ward executive had no choice but to extend his suspension indefinitely. This was endorsed by the par leadership of Kaduna Central, zone and subsequently he the state executive committee of the party”.

    Senator a Shehu Sani was first suspended by the leadership of the party in the state in 2015, by the decision was upturned by a committee set up by the North West zonal leadership of the party who also ordered all parties to the dispute to maintain status quo ante.

    While section 21 B(i and ii) of the APC constitution empower the leadership of the party to set up a disciplinary committee to investigate allegations against any member, Senator Sani told The Nation that at no time has the party invited him to appear before any committee based on any allegation against him.

  • Data tariff hike suspension: Sweeping dust under carpet

    Data tariff hike suspension: Sweeping dust under carpet

    Those opposed to data tariff hike has won a temporary victory over members of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) – the planned data tariff increase.

    But in the days ahead, stakeholders in the industry would face the grim reality over the sustainability of the status quo. Maintaining prevailing price regime means a lot to the industry, except of course things have to remain as they are.

    Experts have argued that things cannot remain the same in an industry considered as “dynamic, capital intensive and competitive.” As everyone awaits “the finalisation of the study on the determination of cost-based pricing for retail broadband and data services in Nigeria,” it is important to put the issues in their proper perspective once more.

    The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), through a letter, had directed the big telecommunication companies to increase their data tariff beginning from December 1. The letter was signed by the Policy/Competition & Economic Analysis Director, Miss Josephine Amuwo and the Legal Regulatory Services Head, Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye.

    The duo signed on behalf of NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, who had on assumption of office in August last year, unfolded an eight-point agenda to drive the vision of the NCC. Among others, his agenda was to facilitate broadband penetration, improve quality of service, protect and empower consumers and promote fair competition and inclusive growth.

    The proposed hike in data tariff was to check the emergence of dominant operators in the data service segment and ultimately enhance broadband penetration into the rural area.

    It’s a journey that must start now

    The document further explain that the measure would provide a level playing ground for all players and protect the industry from massive predatory pricing and safeguard investment, ensure growth, and development and sustainability of the industry.

    In the letter, the NCC put the interim price floor for data services at N0.90k/megabyte (MB) for the big operators. The big carriers before this new development have been charging as follows: MTN 45k/MB, Globacom 21k/MB, Etisalat94k/MB and Airtel 52k/MB, putting the average at 53k/MB.

    The smaller operators and new entrants price per megabyte shows that Smile was charging 84k/MB, Spectranet 58k/MB and Natcom was charging 72k/MB. The average charge of this category was 71k/MB. The small operator were described by NCC as “one that has less than 7.5 percent of market share and a new entrant is an operator that has operated less than three years in the market”.

    Reactions to the new price regime were spontaneous from across the country, forcing the NCC to suspend the hike. Its spokesman Tony Ojobo cited a general outcry from Nigerians as reason for the suspension. He said the NCC new position was taken after due consultation with industry stakeholders.

    Among critical stakeholders that kicked against the hike were members of the National Assembly, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the National Association of Telecom Consumers (NATCOM). Nigerians also took to the social media platform to express their opposition to the hike.

    The Senate ordered a halt to the increase and set up a committee to further look into the matter. The upper chamber promised to involve all the agencies connected to the matter in its investigation.

    However, ALTON expressed disappointment over NCC’s decision to suspend the proposed price hike. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo said the regulator’s action would be unhelpful to the industry, as data prices had already fallen to unreasonably low and unprofitable levels.

    He said the public sentiments expressed across the country against the hike were understandable, but that NCC’s intervention as a regulatory body should not be driven by sentiments.

    Ekanga Attah, a Nigerian who resides in Ghana, in a publication by The Cable reacted thus: “inasmuch as I don’t support the increase in tariffs, but we have to understand that data (and goods in general) is still relatively cheaper than in most other countries.

    “I bought 6GB on Vodafone Ghana for 90 cedis (N9000) and petrol cost 3.69 cedis (N369) per litre while a bottle of star which is manufactured here in Ghana costs the equivalent of N500 while every other commodity cost twice or thrice as much as in Nigeria while the salary scale is equivalent to that of Nigeria as I learnt due to heavy government taxing which makes me want to run back home.

    “So, I know that the government is making some kind of miracle because bigger economies exposed to our type of shock like Venezuela and to some extent, Saudi Arabia, are actually experiencing total upheavals.

    “And to think they still have to do all this with Northeast in total ruins while catering for about two million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). So, I would say at this point in time we should shoulder the shocks and ride it out because it could have been so much worse.”

    Again, the planned increase in data tariff brought into the front burner the issues of infrastructure development and expansion in the industry and the imperative of quality of service. Would Nigerians prefer poor quality of service such as slow networks to improved quality and fast network service?

    Would a reasonably justified hike at a period of recession not be an incentive to industry operators who are also facing the challenge of sourcing foreign exchange in the face of depreciating naira value?

    Industrial operators also face the challenge of equipment shut down and vandalism, yet, the base stations are powered with diesel in the face of electricity supply gap.

    The NCC had rightly argued in a document obtained by The Nation that chief among the reasons for the reintroduction of the price floor was that  “some service providers were actually pricing their services below cost, a situation which could spell doom for the industry”.

    The ALTON president had warned about the unsustainability of keeping the prevailing price regime. His outcry might be seen as a cry to protect his members, but his warnings that “if the matter is not urgently addressed, it could lead to deterioration in the quality of data services across all networks and attendant poor quality of experience of users,” should not be ignored.

    An official of the NCC said “it is also in the interest of consumers who have stake their hard-earned income on data purchase to get quality service in return. Or of what benefit is a data purchased at cheaper rate, yet, to download a two-hour movie takes as long as a day, leaving consumers frustrated.”

    The official also noted that attaching a 10-page Curriculum Vitae in a Cyber Café could be as slow and time consuming, the pains and frustration of not getting it done at all after buying a 1.30-minute airtime could be  nightmarish.

    “The hike in data tariff, he further argued should be a win-win situation for all stakeholders in the industry. Whether it is now or later, the choice is before all the stakeholders”, the official who pleaded for anonymity explained.

    An industrial player also said that “ for those who do business with data, service quality is imperative and irreplaceable.  This could be a different ball game all together for other consumers, however, the NCC is better placed in the long run to chart a course that would be more beneficial to all.

    “Good that the NCC had developed a culture of consultation and openness to ensure justice, and fair-play by putting all the cards on the table, its regulatory functions to ensure the growth and development of the industry remains sacrosanct in the days ahead.”

  • JAMB seeks suspension of amendment Act

    JAMB seeks suspension of amendment Act

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has appealed to the National Assembly to suspend the amendment of its Act.

    The Senate last week began amendment of the board’s Act to extend the validity of JAMB result by three years.

    JAMB’s Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede made the appeal when he visited the  Senate Committee on Tertiary Education.

    Oloyede, in a statement in Abuja yesterday by its Head of Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said the bill was a product of acrimony and if passed would be counter-productive.

    “An appeal has been made to the National Assembly to suspend the process of the amendment to allow the Board and tertiary institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to go back to the roundtable for discussion at a conducive atmosphere, as all agreed to work together for the benefit of the Nigerian child,” the statement said.

    He also called on the Federal Government to revert to making a serving vice chancellor chairman of the governing board of JAMB for harmonious relationship.

    The board, he explained, was a creation of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, adding that it will only be proper for them to be clearly recognised as active stakeholders to avoid any acrimony.

    The registrar said: “Between 1977 to 1993 only serving vice-chancellors were made chairmen of the board, from Prof Oladipo Akinkugbe, VC University of Ilorin; Prof Donald Ekong, VC University of Port Harcourt; Prof Adamu Baike, VC university of Benin; Prof Mahdi Adamu, VC University of Sokoto; and Prof Isa Mohammed, VC University of Abuja.

    “This practice, which promoted harmony and quality on the board’s matriculation activities have since been forgotten or neglected.

    “In recognition of the harmonious relationship that existed between the board and the institutions pre-1993, it may be most appropriate to revert to the early days of JAMB.”

    The registrar assured the Association of Vice -Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) of his determination to ensure a smooth relationship with all institutions.

    He told the AVCNU that the Board would discontinue use of scratch cards for any of its services and use the platform of pin vending.

    “This is as a result of its consistent subjection to fraudulent practices. It is archaic and the board’s drive to also promote accountability in line with government zero tolerance for corruption.

    “This new system will be accessible through the payment options of; Web payment, ATM issued cards (Visa, verve and Mastercard), online QuickTeller, ATM payment, QuickTeller mobile application and Bank Branch case /card,” the statement added.

  • UNILAG students’ leaders fight ‘illegal’ suspension

    UNILAG students’ leaders fight ‘illegal’ suspension

    Suspended University of Lagos (UNILAG) Students Union Government (SUG) leaders have gone to enforce their rights. They are claming that the institution’s action is illegal. But, UNILAG disagreed, saying it acted within the law because the students’ protest led to the institution’s closure last April. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports.

    THE battle line seems drawn between the University of Lagos (UNILAG)  and the suspended students union leaders.

    The union leaders were suspended for their alleged roles in a protest in April.

    The panel set up by the institution  indicted some leaders of the Students Union Government (SUG). Last Thursday, management  suspended the President, Muhammed Olaniyan; Speaker, Adeyanju Adeonipkun; General Secretary, Emmanuel Afolabi; Public Relations Officer, Jumai Fagbui; Chief Whip, Akinnubi Pedro; Sport Secretary, Anita Kaizer, and Financial Secretary, Oluwatobi Ojo.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the school took the action after the Special Senate Disciplinary Panel accused the union leaders of masterminding the protests that disrupted academics activities.

    While Mohammed and the Financial Secretary were slammed with four-semester suspension, others got two. The university management has since proscribed the union and shut the SUG secretariat.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the management’s decision came on the heels of a court case instituted by the affected students against the institution to stop their punishment. The union leaders described their suspension as “illegal”, saying the action was taken after they approached the court.

    Mohammed said: “Some of the reasons they put forward to justify our suspension included the protests we held, during which the school gate was locked. All these are flimsy reasons. We approached the court before the management took this decision but the school has flagrantly disrespect the court. We will go back to the court.”

    The suspension will stop Jummai, a graduating Law student, from proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, which opens in a few weeks.

    But the institution management defended its action, saying none of the students was punished unjustly for leading the protests, which rocked the campus.

    In a statement, the UNILAG Senate said the students were investigated for “specific acts of social misconduct”.

    The statement reads: “They (union leaders) were individually investigated for instances of wrongdoing in breach of the Social Misconduct and Penalties Regulations of the University of Lagos.”

    “The specific acts of social misconduct during the protests for which they were punished include: locking the university gates, locking members of staff inside the Students’ Affairs Office, harassing lecturers and disrupting lectures and examination.

    “Others are assaulting and damaging the vehicle of a visitor and a student, invading the premises of UNILAG Ventures and carting away products of the company, soliciting for funds externally under false pretense in the name of the university.

    “The students were also culpable of other activities capable of damaging the reputation of the university and impinging on the integrity of the university.

    “No student will be unjustly punished at the University of Lagos, where we are raising leaders in deed and in truth.”

    Rejecting the management’s decision, the union’s General Secretary, Emmanuel, described their suspension as “hasty conclusion”, saying the school did not have “strong evidence” to link them with the social misconduct allegation.

    In a letter of appeal to the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Prof. Jerry Gana, Emmanuel chided the management for their rustication, noting that students should not be denied their rights to protest against decision they deem threatening to their welfare.

    In the letter, Emmanuel wrote: “The management of our dear university has made it obvious to us that they do not believe in the law of the land. They don’t see protest as a right; they have decided to rusticate students’ leaders, including me, who led students in protest on 6th, 7th and 8th of April, 2016. They suspended us for between two and four semesters

    “They have told us that they do not care about our welfare on campus. They have allowed ego to overshadow logical reasoning; their actions have exposed their weaknesses. The senate of our university has committed an error by their decision to rusticate me and other union leaders when the matter is pending in the court of law

    “Their action can be interpreted to be a contempt of court. Some of us saw this coming, because we know how they operate.”

    The letter continued: “It must be stated that the right to protest is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. This means that every Nigerian has the right to protest any decision. If there is any other law or rule that is contrary to this Constitution in this same country, then such law is null and void, because the Constitution is the highest law of the land.

    “It is also important to let you know that we officially demanded for a proof of evidence of those allegations from this Senate Disciplinary Panel in accordance with the Principle of Fair Hearing as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria. The panel failed to provide proofs; I only appeared before the panel to give them the benefit of doubt. How did the panel come about its decision when there is no proof?

    “If this panel’s recommendation and senate’s decision is being done by virtue of my being an Executive member of the union, then it is an error on their part because I cannot be singled out for an action committed by the entire students of the university. If they insist that I committed these offences, then they should provide pictorial evidence to prove that I locked the school gates.”

    It appears the battle line has been drawn between the suspended students’ leaders and the school management. Emmanuel said the embattled students’ leaders would  fight their suspension. He said they  planned to report the UNILAG management to the Minister of Education and National Assembly.

    “The Federal Government will soon receive petitions against the UNILAG management on the matter. The petitions will be supported by every necessary document. We will explore every means to fight this injustice,” he said.

     

     

     

  • Protest rocks UI over student’s suspension

    Protest rocks UI over student’s suspension

    Students of the University of Ibadan (UI) have protested against the suspension of Michael Tunji-Ekpeti, a 500-Level Petroleum Engineering student, for a semester for allegedly instigating a protest against management last November. The protest led to the school’s closure. The students have suspended the protest following management’s decision to reinstate Michael on May 15. TAIWO ADEBULU reports.

    IT all started as complaints before it snowballed into a protest that lasted for three days. Before the university community knew what was happening, activities had been paralysed on the campus.

    The tiff, which started at the Independence Hall of Residence of the University of Ibadan (UI) became full blown on the campus within the twinkling of an eye.

    The protest was against management’s decision to rusticate Michael Tunji-Ekpeti, a 500-Level Petroleum Engineering student, who allegedly led a protest against the school last November. A Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) sanctioned Michael for breaching the oath of matriculation and he was suspended for a semester.

    The protesters condemned management’s action, saying Michael was being victimised. The students called for his unconditional reinstatement as a condition for the restoration of peace.

    The protesters partly covered their faces with pieces of clothe some of them were armed with clubs. They blocked major roads on the campus with pieces of broken furniture and moved from one department to another to stop lectures.

    They barricaded the school main gate, preventing entry and exit. In their resolve to continue the protest, they moved their stoves and pots to the gate where they cooked and served their colleagues food. When it was time for the Muslims among them to pray, the Christians shielded them while the prayer lasted. The gathering also served as a platform for Students’ Union leaders to speak on happenings in the school.

    The protesters’ action led to the indefinite closure of the school. In a statement by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Idowu Olayinka, management said the decision was necessary to prevent a breakdown of order. The VC told the students to leave the campus.

    The students defied him, describing his directive as a joke. Students’ Union leaders went round the Halls of Residence to mobilise students for another demonstration.

    It was learnt that management accused the Southwest leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) of instigating the protest in which school properties were allegedly destroyed.

    In a telephone interview with our correspondent, NANS Southwest coordinator Okiki Olusola said the union was involved in the protest, but denied instigating violence and destruction of properties.

    He said: “We are part of the struggle. It is the role of NANS to fight any form of injustice on any of its members across higher institutions. We have made our demands for the unconditional and immediate reinstatement of Michael Tunji-Ekpeti. If our demands are not met, we’ll relocate our office to UI.”

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that Michael was recommended for one-semester rustication by SDC. Michael was said to have led students living in Independence Hall in a protest to draw management’s attention to epileptic power supply and water scarcity. But, Michael denied leading the protest, saying he participated in it in solidarity with his colleagues.

    A management source said Michael was roped in by some unnamed students in a petition. It was learnt that the hall warden, Dr James Ajagunna, was annoyed that a non-occupant of the hall led the protest against the school.

    A statement by the Registrar, Mr Olujimi Olukoya, said Michael should have been expelled for gross misconduct, but was suspended for a semester as a warning. In a radio interview monitored by our correspondent, the school’s Director of Public Communication, Mr Olatunji Oladejo, said Michael was sanctioned for violating his matriculation oath.

    When our correspondent visited the campus following its closure, students were seen in some Halls of Residence. A female student, who spoke with our correspondent, said there was no way she could go back to Kaduna where she lives.

    Another female student, who simply identified herself as Tinu, said: “The Vice-Chancellor came to our hostel yesterday (last Thursday). He asked us why we didn’t leave. This is the hostel we paid for. So, it is wrong for the VC to ask us to go back home.”

    An enraged male student, who did not want to be named, said: “I am not ready to leave this campus until the injustice against one of us is addressed. The management’s approach to the protest is not the best. They want us to keep quiet when there is no water and electricity supply in our hostels. How do they expect us to read? Are they even sensitive to our psychological need? These are people who fought against the Federal Government during their time over half-chicken and inadequate food they were served. They should not try to muzzle us.”

    Some female students on their way out of the campus shouted: “We are tired of this school. We did not have water for six weeks at Obafemi Awolowo Hall and no one showed concern. We decided to contribute money to buy and install a pumping machine so that we can get water. Days later, our hall executive members were threatened with expulsion if they didn’t remove the pumping machine. What kind of school is this?”

    In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Ayantola Alayande, the Students’ Union said it would not stop the protest until Michael’s rustication is reversed. He said: “We will like to state categorically that if the unjust verdict of the SDC is not reversed, the students will continue to demonstrate against the callous verdict through a peaceful, non-violent but massive protest which is our legitimate tool for justice.”

    The union leaders and NANS representatives met with management last Saturday. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that management agreed to set up a 13-man committee to assess facilities in the hostels. The meeting’s outcome has calmed the aggrieved students, who have suspended their protest.

    In a telephone interview with our correspondent, the union president, Oladimeji Olateju, said management promised to reinstate Michael on May 15.

    But, his fate will be decided at a Senate meeting holding on Tuesday.

     

     

  • UNIBEN students reject suspension of union polls

    UNIBEN students reject suspension of union polls

    For the third consecutive time, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) management has postponed the Students’ Union Government (SUG) election indefinitely. Students have kicked against the action, threatening to protest if it is not reversed. EZEKIEL EFEOBHOKHAN (500-Level Pharmacy) reports.

    The University of Benin (UNIBEN) Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections will not hold as scheduled. Management has, for the third time, postponed the election indefinitely, citing security reasons.

    Students have kicked against what they called the “unlawful postponement”. They are planning a demonstration to make the management reverse its action.

    The institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Michael Osasuyi, has called for calm, saying the management took the decision to ensure students safety.

    In statement, Osasuyi said: “The election was postponed in the best interest of the students. The campus has always been peaceful and the management wants to maintain that standard. We cannot afford to allow breach of peace in the school in the name of SUG elections. Hence, steps are being taken to ensure peace when the election is held at a later date. Once measures are in place, a new date for the election would be communicated to students.”

    Noting that the decision was based on strong security reasons, Osasuyi explained that there were credible threats against some of the candidates. He said the management received a security report from Department of State Service (DSS), which prompted the school to take the decision.

    The decision, however,  did not go down well with students, who wondered why the school could not deploy security operatives to monitor the exercise.

    A student, who did not want his name in print, disagreed with the management, saying: “Are they saying the school security personnel are not capable of maintaining peace on campus? Instead of postponing the elections, the school can write the DSS to be on ground during and after the elections to fish out troublemakers. I don’t believe the management’s reason for the postponement of the election.”

    In his opinion, the outgoing SUG president, Raymond Omoregbe, said the management was right for postponing the election. He urged the school to act on the security report with a sense of seriousness and prevent breakdown of law and order on the campus.

    A presidential candidate in the election, Lauretta Obakpolor, said she did not get any threat in the couse of her campaign. “As far I am concern, there is no threat against my person. I am safe. I am good to go,” she said.

    Another student, Phillip Onaiwu described the postponement of the election as anti-student, saying that the exercise was supposed to hold in the current semester. “The SUG election needs to come and go, so that we can move on with academic activities. A new date should be announced on time,” he said.

    Clifford Iyekekpolor, a presidential candidate from the Faculty of Education, said although some contestants may not have been threatened, he got several threats. “Some persons have vowed that I will never win. They threatened that if I win, they would do all within their power to ensure that I am not sworn in.”

    Clifford said his supporters apprehended a student in Education Faculty, who was defacing his posters. According to him, he approached other candidates to call their supporters to order.

    The election was supposed to be held last semester after two out of six candidates were cleared for presidential contest. But, National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) intervened on behalf of the disqualified candidates, which made the election to be shifted from initial date.

    The electioneering was marred with accusation and counter-accusation, which made the exercise to be postponed the second time.

    A letter written by concerned students to the management and which was circulated on social media read: “Students of the University of Benin are fully asserting that the election should hold as slated. The April date should remain unchanged. The management should expect action from the students if it did not hold the election.”

    A member of the electoral commission, who simply gave his name as Dami, said the body received the letter, but it was unsigned.

    Emmanuel Abah, a student, said: “SUG election postponement is not new to us but what is surprising is the peaceful way students addressed the issue. The management took advantage of this by neglecting the pains and financial burden the postponement would cause the candidates. The management cannot exist if the students are not there.”

  • ‘Suspension of CCT Act amendment in order’

    The Senator representing Katsina South, Abu Ibrahim, yesterday said the suspension of the amendment of  the Code of Conduct Act by the Senate was the most appropriate thing to do.

    Ibrahim told reporters in Abuja that continuing with the amendment against a groundswell of opposition would have been insensitive.

    He said: “I have not even seen the bill not to talk of supporting it. I did not know that it will come up for debate. Normally, any bill pending in the Senate is circulated to give Senators time to go through it. This was not the case with this bill. It was never circulated. I did not contribute to the bill because I stayed briefly in the chamber and left for the airport. I could not have supported the bill.”

    On the rush to pass the bill, Ibrahim described it as “uncommon” saying it was also uncalled for.

    He said: “A bill stays for at least three weeks; Senators are given copies to read to enable them appreciate the bill and to contribute meaningfully. This one was so fast. It was so quick. Why the rush to pass the bill. We must always consult our constituents who voted us into office.”