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FG Postpones Inauguration Of Governing Councils

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*PRESS STATEMENT*

*POSTPONEMENT OF THE INAUGURATION AND RETREAT FOR MEMBERSHIP OF GOVERNING COUNCILS OF FEDERAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS*

The Federal Ministry of Education regrets to announce the postponement of the Inauguration and Retreat for Pro-Chancellors, Chairmen and Members of Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions, earlier scheduled for Thursday, 30th and Friday, 31st May 2024.

This is as a result of the Presidential directive, as conveyed by the State House Press Release dated 23rd May 2024, for a comprehensive review of the membership of the Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

We regret any inconveniences this may cause.

Further updates will be communicated in due course.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Folasade Boriowo
Director (Press & PR)
Ministry of Education

Emirship Tussle: Kano Deputy Governor Apologises To NSA Ribadu

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-qpM3UxLo4?si=jjVaouqsqgKPOFko

Bayero: Kano Deputy Gov Apologises To NSA Ribadu

Kano State deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, has apologised to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over a statement he made alleging that the latter provided the security cover for the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to re-enter the city to foment trouble.

Kano State deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, has apologised to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over a statement he made alleging that the latter provided the security cover for the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to re-enter the city to foment trouble.

The deputy governor made the apology while addressing a press conference early Monday morning at the Government House in Kano.

The deputy governor explained that he had to acknowledge that they were misled into making the allegation against Ribadu, saying: “We apologise to the National Security Adviser, his person and office for any embarrassment and inconveniences this might have caused him.”

He stated they were shocked from the beginning when Ribadu’s name was mentioned in the plot to impose the deposed Emir on Kano using federal government might.

The deputy governor noted that knowing his pedigree and integrity, Ribadu will never come out to deny the plot or his involvement if he was actually involved in it.

“We are humans and can err at any time. On my behalf and the Governor of Kano State, I want to assure the NSA that we are assuring him of our continued support and cooperation in discharging his duty as the NSA.

“We were really worried and shocked when we found out that he was not behind the plan to forcefully impose a dethroned Emir on Kano, so we apologise,” he said.

The deputy governor finally called on President Bola Tinubu to thoroughly investigate the happenings in Kano State over the Kano Emirship tussle to ensure that peace reigns.

Nigeria’s Letter Of Credit Payments Fall By 63% In Q1 2024

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Nigeria’s letter of credit payments have plummeted by 63% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the International payments data of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The total letter of credit payments made via official channels for Q1 2024 was $204.47 million, reflecting a shortfall of $344.75 million compared to Q1 2023 of $549.22 million.

This significant decrease highlights the challenges the country faces in its international trade and financial transactions.

Prosperity Cup Organizers Conclude Refresher Course for Referees

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***Participants Appreciate Organizers for the Initiative

The one-day capacity building seminar for Bayelsa referees organized by the LOC of Nigeria’s biggest grassroot football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup has come to an end.

The seminar which was in partnership with the Bayelsa State Football Association held at the NUJ Press Center with over one hundred referees in attendance with certified FIFA and CAF referees/instructors, Mr Chukwujekwu Chukwudi and Mrs.Felicia Chibuogu Okwugba as resource persons.

In a welcoming address, Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Akpe said the essence of the program was to equip the referees with modern techniques and bring them up to speed with the latest rules of the game, stating that this edition would surpass previous editions.

Mr. Akpe who highlighted the importance of referees in the tournament, noted that the programme was in line with the philosophy of the Prosperity Government as led by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri to ensure and enhance the capacity, knowledge and skills of citizens of the state. He added that the training they would receive, would continue to be celebrated globally, assuring the various participating teams that Season 6 of the tournament would be the best so far and still remain the most outstanding grassroot football spectacle in the country.

He lauded the governor for giving premium attention to the development of sports in the last four years which has seen many youths taken off the streets and becoming agents of prosperity.

Chairman of the State Football Association, Barr. Poubeni Ogun, in a remark opined that the improved officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL can be attributed to the the referees as evident in the quality of the resource persons who have done much to Nigerian football and believed strongly this would translate to the Prosperity Cup.

Tournament Director and host, Mr. Perela Aboroson, urged all the referees who have been impacted with new knowledge to be professional in the discharge of their duties.

In special goodwill messages, a retired referee and  Permanent Secretary Ministry of Special Projects, Chief Patimidi Tukuru and the President Nigeria Football Referees Association, Mr Sani Zubair represented by the Deputy President Mr.Kelechi Mejuobi, thanked the LOC of the Prosperity Cup for considering it necessary to organize a refresher course for the referees.

The program they enthused is a landmark event in the history of the Nigeria Football Referees Association and that instructors invited for the program were the best in the country, stressing that the workshop was the best thing that has happened to the tournament.

In like manner the resource persons, FIFA and CAF certified instructors, Mr.Chukwujekwu Chukwudi and Mrs.Felicia Chibuogu Okwugba said for a referee to have a good game, the person must be knowledgeable with the laws of the game.

They explained that personality, knowledge of the game, concentration and positioning are the four major things that enable referees not to make mistakes during matches, pointing out that once you possess those four qualities highlighted, referees would have perfect games.

Some of the referees, Ebi Nwankwe, Rachel Onyekwere, Ebiere Amgbare and Eniz Gwegwe in an interview applauded the organizers of the program and thanked the resource persons for setting the bar high for them to attain lofty heights in their duties, adding that the seminar has impacted hugely in their careers.

At the end of the seminar the referees were given certificates of participation. No doubt Prosperity Cup 2024 has the potential of breaking new bounds and producing the best tournament to date.

How VIO Sells “Premium” Number Plates For N120,000

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The Office of the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, popularly known as Vehicle Inspection Office is selling “express” and “premium” number plates between N100,000 and N120,000, Saturday PUNCH has gathered.

Our correspondent learnt that the exorbitant fee was charged under the guise that the number plates were unavailable, and may take a long time for one to secure, except one was willing to get the plate in under a week or two days.

A motorist, Mr Friday (not real name) who recently tried to get a number plate in Abuja, narrated that he was asked to cough up N120,000 as against the official N56,000 price, adding that the VIO created an artificial scarcity, to drive up the price.

“I have been trying to get the number, but I was told by VIO that it is N120k against the official N56k price. They received a new stock last Thursday, but the plates are not available. They are creating artificial scarcity so they can continue to sell at 120k”, he said.

When our correspondent reached out to an officer in the VIO under the guise of urgently needing a plate number, the officer said there were no plate numbers, but that he could get an “express” number in two days from the Director’s office for the hiked sum, adding that the official plates were N58,000 for a saloon car.

“No plate numbers for now. It will be till next week when they bring a new order. The plates are between N56,000 and 58,000 for a saloon car. But if you want it express from the Director’s office, you will pay between N100,000 and N120,000. I will go and pick it up for you within two days, you understand?

“So, think about it. But if you don’t need it urgently, then you can just wait till we restock, and I’ll let you know. The one from the Director’s office is by slot. So, it depends on if you can pay that amount. If you can’t, just wait till next week”, the Officer said.

Culled from PUNCH

Maxims of Equity in Support of Emir Lamido Sanusi- Ladipo Gbolahan

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By Ladipo Gbolahan.

The recent legal battle surrounding the reinstatement of Emir Lamido Sanusi by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, highlights several important maxims of equity. These principles underscore the need for fairness and justice in the legal process and provide a framework for understanding the complexities of this case. The removal of Sanusi, widely believed to be politically motivated, and the subsequent legal maneuvers by the parties involved bring to the fore several key equitable doctrines.

  1. He Who Comes to Equity Must Come with Clean Hands

One of the foremost maxims of equity is that those who seek the intervention of a court must themselves be free of wrongdoing. This principle, “he who comes to equity must come with clean hands,” is particularly relevant in the context of Bayero’s ascension to the throne. Sanusi’s removal and Bayero’s appointment have been viewed by many as politically motivated actions rather than legitimate transitions of power. If Bayero’s claim to the throne is indeed tainted by political machinations, it would be inappropriate for him to now rely on the courts to defend his position. Equity demands honesty and fairness from those who seek its remedies, and any reliance on an illegitimate ascension undermines the integrity of Bayero’s claim.

The filing of an injunction in a court that  lacks jurisdiction only serves to reinforce the perception of an abuse of the rule of law. This action can be viewed as an attempt to manipulate the legal system rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. Such behavior not only discredits the party involved but also undermines the credibility of the judicial process as a whole.

  1. Equity Aids the Vigilant

Equity favors those who are proactive in asserting their rights. The principle, “equity aids the vigilant,” applies to Bayero’s failure to take timely preventive measures to safeguard his claim to the throne. His inaction, especially in the face of potential challenges to his legitimacy, weakens his position. The court’s judgment, coming after Sanusi has already been reinstated and the law amended, is a case of too little, too late. Equity does not favor granting remedies to those who have slept on their rights, and Bayero’s delayed response is a clear example of such neglect.

The injunction to halt Sanusi’s reinstatement and the passage of the new law should have been sought much earlier in the process, ideally during the state assembly’s consideration of the bill. By waiting until after the law was signed and Sanusi reinstated, Bayero’s appeal to the court appears reactive and lacking in foresight.

  1. Equity Will Not Enjoin a Completed Act

Another fundamental principle is that equity will not enjoin a completed act. The maxim holds that injunctions are not granted to restrain actions that have already been carried out. In this case, the reinstatement of Sanusi and the passage of the new law have already been completed by the time the court issued its interim order. As such, the injunction is essentially moot, as the actions it seeks to prevent have already taken place. This renders the court’s order ineffective and highlights the importance of timely legal intervention.

  1. Equity Will Not Suffer a Wrong to Be Without a Remedy

Sanusi’s removal was widely perceived as unjustified and politically motivated, which calls for a remedy to address this wrong. The maxim “equity will not suffer a wrong to be without a remedy” supports the view that the actions of the current governor, including the reinstatement of Sanusi and the amendment of the law, may be seen as corrective measures. These actions aim to rectify the perceived injustice of Sanusi’s removal and restore fairness and legitimacy to the process.

  1. Equity Follows the Law

It is essential to remember that equity follows the law. The Kano State Assembly’s passage of the new law and its subsequent assent by the governor make it the law of the state. This legislative action has formalized Sanusi’s reinstatement as the substantive Emir of Kano. Since equity does not contravene statutory law but rather complements it, the legal recognition of Sanusi’s position must be respected. The actions of the state government, being lawful, must be upheld, and any equitable considerations must align with this legal reality.

The application of these equitable maxims supports the reinstatement of Emir Lamido Sanusi and underscores the flaws in the actions taken by those opposing his reinstatement. Equity demands clean hands, vigilance, timely action, and adherence to the law, all of which bolster the legitimacy of Sanusi’s position as Emir of Kano.

Prosperity Cup Organizers Set To Conduct Refresher Course For Bayelsa Referees

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Organisers of the Bayelsa State Governor’s Football Tournament Season 6, (Prosperity Cup 2024), has disclosed that it will put together a one-day refresher course for the national referees’ council, Bayelsa chapter.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday, by the Director General of the competition, Mr Ono K. Akpe, the refresher course, which is in partnership with the Bayelsa State Football Association, is aimed at enhancing the officiating skills of the referees and equipping them with the updated information of the game, inline with best global practices.

According to Mr Ono, resource persons billed for the seminar include Mr Chukwudi Chukwujekwu (FIFA RTD) and Mrs Felicia Okugbawa Okonji (FIFA RTD).

The one-day event will have Hon (Dr) Baraladei Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports Development, as the Special Guest of Honour, while Mrs Grace Alagoa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, will be the Guest of Honour.

Barr. Poubeni Ogun, the Chairman of Bayelsa Football Association, will be the Chairman of the Occasion, Mr Perela Aboroson, Tournament Director, Prosperity Cup Season 6, will serve as the Host of the event, while the Chief Host is Mr Ono K. Akpe, Director General, Prosperity Cup.

Other Special Guests are Mr Kelechi Mejuobi, Deputy President of Nigeria Football Referees Association, and Chief Patimidi Tukuru, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Projects.

The one-day refresher course is slated for Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10 am, and will be held at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Azikoro Road, Ekeki-Yenagoa.

The statement urged all referees in the state to appear in their Prosperity Cup jerseys.

Industrial Court declares demotion, promotion deferment of Barr. Debonair as illegal, faults UNIPORT Teaching Hospital

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The Presiding Judge, Portharcourt Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Faustina Kola-Olalere has declared the demotion of Barrister (Mrs) Debonair Abbey from Senior Administrative Officer on CONHESS 09 step 08 to Administrative Officer 1 on CONHESS 08 Step 08 and, deferring her promotion for three years by the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital as wrongful and illegal.

The Court held that the query letter issued by the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital to Barrister Debonair was in breach of the University Teaching Hospital Act, and the Public Service Rules.

From facts, the claimant- Barrister (Mrs) Debonair Abbey had averred that her problem started when she wrote a Letter of Protest to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital complaining of the illegal and unbecoming activities of the Hospital Director of Admin for being in excess of her duties and complained that the entry qualification of the director was insufficient to place her on a starting `salary of grade level 8 in the Public Service.

To Barrister Debonair, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and its Management Board directed that her promotions with other entitlements be stopped without hearing her own side of the story and she was not also informed of the outcome of the Disciplinary Committee’s she appeared before on accusation of making false allegation against her superior officer.

In defence, the Defendants- University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and its Management Board argued that Barrister Debonair’s protest letter was in breach of the official procedure for communication, that it was wrongly routed which led the Hospital to issue her query after considering the report of the committee, and the Hospital Management Board not being satisfied with her reply, approved appropriate sanction against her.

The Teaching Hospital urged the Court not to rely on the mere assertion of malice and bad faith by the claimant without any evidence and submitted that there was nothing unlawful about the actions of the Defendants and urged the Court to dismiss the case in its entirety.

In opposition, the learned counsel to Barrister (Mrs) Debonair, M. M. Kalu Esq. contended that the query given to the claimant and her demotion were defective in procedure and the alleged acts of misconduct for which his client was punished are not in the Public Service Rules, and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.

In a well-considered judgment, the Presiding Judge, Justice Faustina Kola-Olalere held that the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and its Management Board failed to tender the report of the Investigation Committee and the findings and recommendations of the Committee upon which the claimant was queried were not placed before the Court.

Justice Kola-Olalere stated that Barrister Debonair has proved to the satisfaction of the Court that the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and its Management Board issued her query without following the provision of the University Teaching Hospital Act and that the Board acted on the findings of the Committee it set up without following the procedure stated in the Public Service Rules.

The Court ruled that there is no provision in the Public Service Rule stating that improper routing of the petition amounts to misconduct.

Visit the judgment portal www.nicnadr.gov.ng/judgement for full details

FG says UAE visa has been resolved, announcement is soon

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The federal government have revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa ban on Nigerians has been resolved and an announcement regarding that will be made soon.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, made this known on Wednesday in a statement reacting to the criticism from Osita Chidoka, former minister of aviation.

Keyamo said the announcement is imminent.

Chidoka, on May 22, had criticised the announcement of Emirates Airlines’ resumption in Nigeria’s aviation market.

He said the federal government must not allow Emirates Airlines to resume operations in Nigeria without being held accountable for their “disrespectful and demeaning conduct”.

The former minister said the “audacity” of the airline to return to Nigeria “reeks the contempt and disdain towards our nation”.

However, Keyamo said resolving the diplomatic rift between the two countries is important because several Nigerians visit the UAE and invest there.

“Who will benefit more? How many Emiratis visit Nigeria and invest here as much as Nigerians visit the UAE and invest there?” Keyamo asked.

“Have you bothered to ask about the lifting of the visa ban before issuing your warped statement? For your information, that has been resolved too and the announcement is imminent.”

On March 5, the presidency shared a document announcing the restriction has been lifted, however, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, clarified the document was not authorised by the Nigerian and UAE governments.

Similarly, On September 11, the federal government also claimed UAE had lifted its visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers.

Sanusi II: Court Bars Kano Government From Dissolving Emirates

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Justice Liman of the Federal High Court has reportedly issued an ex-parte judgement prohibiting Governor Abba Yusuf, Kano State Government from reinstalling Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Platinum Times Nigeria reports that one Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi, filed the lawsuit against Sanusi’s reinstatement late Thursday.

Justice Liman granted leave to the Plaintiff/Applicant to issue and serve their Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes on the 6th Defendant (IGP) in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court.

“That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage the
and assent of the bill into pending hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

“That In view of the Constitutional and Jurisdictional Issues apparent on the
face of the application, parties shall address the Court on same at the hearing of the
Fundamental Rights application which is fixed for the 3rd of June, 2024.

“That in order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an Interim Injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Law Council (Repeal) Law.

“That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

The judge adjourned the case to 3rd June, 2024 for hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

Governor Abba Yusuf had on Thursday officially announced the re-appointment of Emir Sanusi shortly after signing a new bill on the Kano Emirate into law.

He performed the signing at Ante-chamber, Government House before the Speaker of Kano state House of Assembly, Hon. Ismaila Falgore and other Principal Officers of the House.

Speaking shortly after signing the law, Governor Yusuf described the event as historic, and thanked the state of Assembly for performing their constitutional duties.

He said the Kano state Emirate law 2019 that divided the over 1000 years Kano Emirate into five has been repealed.

Governor Yusuf announced the reappointment of Muhammad Sanusi 11 as the Emir of Kano and gave the five Emirs appointed by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to vacate their official residence and ove their instruments of power r to the Commissioner of Local Government Affairs, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo who doubles as the state Deputy Governor.

Our Correspondent reports that earlier on Thursday, Kano State House of Assembly passed the Kano Emirates Council bill 2024, abolishing the five Emirates crested by Ganduje.

Ganduje had carved out Bichi Gaya, Karaye, Rano and Kano Emirates , before dethroning the former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11

With the passage of the bill into law, the five Emirs in Kano have been dethroned.

However, all offices created under the repealed law have been dissolved, and district heads appointed or elevated under the previous legislation are to revert to their former positions.

The bill, titled the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2024, was sponsored by Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, the Majority Leader and representative of the Dala Constituency.

The original law, enacted under former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019, was amended twice: first on October 14, 2020, and again on April 11, 2023. Section 3(1) of the law had established the five distinct emirates, distributing jurisdiction over the 44 local government areas in the state.

Following the deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi on March 9, 2020, the law was amended to designate the Emir of Kano as the chairman of the council.

Section 12 of the law allowed the Governor to grade emir offices as first, second, or third class with the Assembly’s approval.

https://platinumtimes.ng/breaking-court-bars-kano-govt-from-restoring-sanusi-ii/

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