Kano CJ Reassigns’s Alleged Fraud Case To Another Judge
The Kano State Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, transferred the corruption case involving the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, and seven others to another court.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State High Court, Baba Jibo Ibrahim explained that the Chief Judge has the power to direct and transfer a case at any stage.
READ ALSO: APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje Suspended
Recall that Ganduje, his wife, son and five others were charged on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged bribery, diversion and misappropriation of funds, among others running into billions of naira.
READ ALSO: Kano Government Drags Ex-Gov. Ganduje to Court for Bribery, Others
ASUU Threatens to Strike Over Withheld Salaries
The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU has issued a two-week ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, threatening to strike if public university lecturers are not fully paid their withheld salaries for the 2022 industrial action.
According to Channels Television, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke criticized the government for paying only four months out of seven-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries, arguing that universities have already covered the work missed during the strike.
He reiterated the need to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the lecturers and ensure they receive their rightful payments. While President Tinubu approved the release of four months’ salaries, ASUU insists on full payment for the entire strike period and has demanded fairness in salary settlement.
Convicted Kidnapper Evans Opts for Plea Bargain, Re-Arraigned in Court
Convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, and his co-defendant Joseph Emeka, sentenced to life in prison for murder and kidnap, have chosen a plea bargain in fresh charges against them.
Thursday, their lead counsel, Yusuf Sule, disclosed this during a re-arraignment before Justice Adenike Cokers at an Ikeja High Court.
The defendants were to be re-arraigned on charges including murder, attempt to murder, and conspiracy to commit a felony. The prosecutor, however, said the plea bargain terms were being considered by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro.
Reps Threatens to Cancel Leases, Concessions at Ministry of Transport
The House of Representatives Committee investigating the Public Private Partnership PPP and Concessions programs of the federal government has threatened to cancel all leases and concessions at the Ministry of Transport.
Chairman, the House Committee on Public Assets and Lead Chairman of the investigative committee, Ademorin Kuye, made this known when the delegation from the Federal Ministry of Transport led by the Permanent Secretary, Pius Oteh appeared before them at the National Assembly.
The committee said the PPP and Concessions agreement between the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, and the Railway Property Management Company Limited, RPMC, may be canceled over non-compliance with extant laws.
The committee directed the Minister of Transport, CEO of NRC, and others to appear at the next sitting. They warned of invoking constitutional provisions if organizations fail to comply with their invitations.
FCT POLICE RESTORES NORMALCY IN BYAZHIN, ARRESTS SUSPECTS
The FCT police command has restored normalcy in the Byazhin area of Kubwa, Abuja. In a statement released by the Fct police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, a distressing incident unfolded behind a LEA primary school where a group of scavengers, commonly known as ‘baban-bola,’ targeted unsuspecting passersby, forcefully confiscating their valuables.
However, the situation took a violent turn when a lady refused to comply, leading to a brutal attack by the hoodlums.
The victim sustained severe machete injuries, adding to the gravity of the incident.
In response to this alarming event, the FCT Police Command swiftly intervened, ensuring the restoration of peace and order in Byazhin. Several suspects have been apprehended and are currently undergoing interrogation to ascertain their level of involvement.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth assured residents that the situation is now under control. He encouraged all community members to carry on with their daily activities without fear, reiterating that adequate measures have been implemented to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
Ramaphosa Signs Health Bill into Law
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law a bill that aims to provide universal health coverage to South-Africans, marking a significant step towards a more equitable society.
The National Health Insurance (NHI) Act aims for a two-tier health system in which a publicly funded sector that serves 84 percent of the population, aiming to address inequalities and improve healthcare access for all citizens.
Ramaphosa’s signing of the NHI bill comes just two weeks before a crucial election, where the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is striving to maintain its parliamentary majority after three decades in power.
The legislation will gradually limit the role of private insurance, create a new public fund to provide free access for South African citizens, and set the fees and prices that private doctors and healthcare suppliers may charge for NIH-funded benefits.
While supporters view the NHI as a vital change to rectify long-standing disparities, critics argue that it could strain public finances, limit patient choices, and lead to a decline in healthcare quality. Legal challenges are expected, with opposition parties and various groups planning to contest the bill in court.The NHI’s implementation is anticipated to be gradual, with funding sources to be determined by the National Treasury.
The legislation aims to provide equal access to healthcare services for all South Africans, regardless of their location or financial status. Despite differing opinions on the NHI’s feasibility and impact, the government remains committed to its vision of achieving universal health coverage and addressing historical healthcare inequalities.
Chelsea Inch Closer to Europa Qualification.
Chelsea edged past Brighton in their 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, as hope for Europa League qualification remains alive.
The victory, their third straight at home with a clean sheet, saw them score 13 goals in the process and move level on points with sixth-placed Newcastle United.The Blues have bounced back strongly from their 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, securing crucial derby wins over Tottenham and West Ham.
The result leaves Chelsea well in the hunt for a European spot, with manager Mauricio Pochettino aiming to end his first season on a high note.The win over West Ham saw Chelsea leapfrog Manchester United in the table, and they now trail Newcastle by just goal difference.
The Magpies have been in impressive form, winning four of their last five matches and scoring four or more goals in three of those games.With the battle for European qualification heating up, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester United are all vying for one Europa League spot.
The top four teams (Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and the winner of the battle between Aston Villa and Tottenham) will qualify for the Champions League.If Chelsea can secure a top-six finish, it would be a significant achievement for Pochettino’s young squad, which has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency throughout the season.
The manager is hopeful that a strong finish to the campaign can provide a platform for improvement next season.Chelsea will look to take another step towards European qualification when they face Brighton on Wednesday. The Blues will be boosted by the return to training of midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and defender Ben Chilwell, although their availability for the Brighton game remains uncertain.
The Blues, who sit 6th on the table , must maintain their winning streak against Bournemouth in the last games of the season to guarantee a spot in Europa League qualification.
Troops Ambush Bandits In Kaduna State
Troops of the Nigerian Army ambushed bandits operating within the Birnin Gwari Area of Kaduna State in a counter-terrorism operation.
The troops, who acted based on credible intelligence, laid an ambush against the insurgents around Kwaga village, where one bandit was neutralized during the gun battle and troops recovered AK-47 rifles and two motorbikes.
NLC Rejects FG’s 48,000 Naira Minimum Wage Proposal.
The Nigerian Labour Congress Wednesday walked out of the Federal Government’s negotiation table after being offered #48,000 as a minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Tommy Okon, deputy president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), represented the workers at the meeting.
Ajaero, speaking on behalf of the labour at a press conference, criticized the government’s proposed N48,000 wage, stating that it falls short of meeting workers’ needs. The NLC and TUC had proposed N615,500 as the minimum wage, citing the high cost of living. Ajaero highlighted the lack of transparency in the government’s offer and the disparity between proposed and prevailing standards.
He emphasized that accepting a lower wage would harm workers’ economic well-being and families. The labour leaders expressed disappointment in the negotiation process and urged the government to consider a fair wage that truly supports workers.
NLC president, Joe Ajaero, described the offer as a ridiculous deal. He further maintained that the federal government has till month’s end to come up with reasonable offers and that any deal below the 615,000 Naira proposed by the Union does not represent the interests of Nigerian workers.
Tinubu Commissions AHL Gas Processing Plant.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Wednesday, commissioned the Ashtavinayak Hydrocarbon Limited (AHL) Gas Processing Plant in Kwale, Delta, the Assa North-Ohaji (ANOH) Gas Processing Plant in Ohaji-Egbema and the 23.3km ANOH to Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline Projects, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on petrol and diesel by utilizing natural gas more efficiently. These projects mark a significant step towards embracing cleaner fuels and boosting economic growth.During the virtual commissioning,
Tinubu, who joined the commissioning of the project, virtually reassured investors in the energy sector of his administration’s goal to enhance and promote investments within the industry.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging the country’s abundant gas resources for economic development and emphasized the transition towards cleaner energy sources. This translates into more gas for power generation, industries, and various sectors of the economy.
Tinubu’s administration is focused on supporting domestic gas utilization, boosting national power generation capacity, revitalizing industries, and creating new job opportunities for economic growth. The government’s efforts align with the Decade of Gas Initiative and emphasize the importance of eliminating gas flaring and promoting industrialization.
The projects also received commendation from key stakeholders like the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, highlighting the strategic importance of these initiatives in enhancing energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Overall, these gas projects represent a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, underlining the government’s commitment to driving prosperity through gas utilization and infrastructure development.
