FCTA to demolish 200 houses for presidential fleet
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered the demolition of 200 houses in Nuwalege community, close to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet. Director, Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, disclosed this on Tuesday during a community and citizens’ engagement in the community. “About a month ago, the authority of the Nigerian Air Force wrote to the honourable minister about their needs and desire to remove this village, because it is part of the presidential fleet plots,” he said. “So, the minister in his wisdom requested them to allow the FCT administration to handle it, because it’s the responsibility of FCT administration. The Nigerian Air Force approached the Department of Development Control on their desire. “So, as part of our responsibility, we have to do what you call a community and citizens engagement which is why we are here today to discuss with the community and to tell them of our intention, because it will be unfair to just bring the machine here and start removing their houses. “So, we visited the chiefs at his palace to meet him and we told him our reason for coming to this place today”. While speaking on the number of houses that will be demolished, Galadima revealed that about 150 to 200 houses with additional commercial stores that are attached to these houses will be taken out. On the aspect of compensating the affected individuals, he said, “We will discuss with the Air Force, because obviously discussion behind the scene indicates that some forms of compensation were paid, but we have to be certain that this compensation actually were paid, and also who was really given this compensation. “We are going to conduct further investigation between FCT administration, that’s the Department of Resettlement and Compensation, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and find out if compensation has been paid, to who and When? “And then we will discuss with our colleague at the Department of Resettlement and Compensation whether at any point in time, there was any compensation that ascertained their claims as regard to the number of structures and people that are going to be affected by this expansion project.” “There are certain things that we have to look into with consideration like the security, because obviously, this part of some of this settlement is where you have some of these people of the underworld trying to disguise and hide. “And looking at this, Air Force formation, which is the presidential fleet, is too close , for this thing to co-habit. So we will see if there is that urgent desire to remove part of this community, we will do it. “So, we have to do some community engagement. It is not the entire community because we have gone around and we have seen the areas affected by the presidential fleet plot and the areas that are outside that plot.”
US 2024 POLL: Donald Trump Disqualified
By Caroline Ameh The Colorado Supreme Court has barred former President Donald Trump from featuring on the primary ballot for the 2024 US presidential election in Colorado. This ruling, due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, invokes a rarely used constitutional provision preventing individuals engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding public office. This historic ruling, likely to escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court, marks the first instance of a presidential candidate being declared ineligible for the presidency under this constitutional clause. While confined to Colorado’s Republican primary on March 5, the decision could impact Trump’s status for the general election, though forecasters anticipate Colorado to lean Democratic, potentially favoring President Joe Biden regardless of Trump’s ballot status. Trump has swiftly vowed to challenge the ruling at the U.S. Supreme Court, prompting the Colorado court to postpone the implementation of its decision until at least Jan. 4, 2024. This legal battle stands as a crucial test for broader efforts to disqualify Trump from state ballots under section 3 of the 14th Amendment, initially aimed at barring confederacy supporters from government positions post the Civil War. The Colorado court’s majority cited Trump’s role in instigating violence during the Capitol certification of the 2020 election results as grounds for his disqualification, acknowledging the weight of their unprecedented decision. “We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” emphasized the majority justices, underscoring their commitment to impartially apply the law, irrespective of public sentiment. Conversely, Trump’s campaign denounced the court’s decision as “undemocratic,” promising an immediate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Initiated by a group of Colorado voters with support from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the case contends that Trump should be barred from office for inciting the Capitol attack to disrupt the transfer of power to Biden. Noah Bookbinder, President of CREW, hailed the court’s decision as crucial to safeguarding democracy’s future in the country. While similar attempts in other states have failed, this ruling in Colorado may bolster broader disqualification efforts and potentially escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump’s legal defense centers on his speech to supporters being protected by free speech rights and argues that the 14th Amendment doesn’t apply to sitting U.S. presidents without a congressional vote for disqualification. Three justices dissented from Tuesday’s ruling, with Justice Carlos Samour highlighting due process concerns, emphasizing the need for procedural fairness before disqualifying an individual from public office. This ruling initiates a consequential legal battle that could redefine the criteria for presidential candidacy and has far-reaching implications for the 2024 election.
Supreme Court Reserves Judgement On Suit Challenging Sanwo-Olu’s Election Victory
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has postponed giving its decision in two legal suits brought forward by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party and Azeez Adediran (known as Jandor) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their appeals contest the election victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos.A panel of five judges, led by Justice John Okoro, informed the involved parties that they will receive notification when the court reaches a verdict. Present at the court session were Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, State Secretary Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and other high-ranking officials from the Lagos State Government.Rhodes-Vivour and Adeniran’s appeals challenge the Court of Appeal in Lagos’ rulings, which upheld the decisions of the election tribunal dismissing their petitions that contested Sanwo-Olu’s win in the March 18 governorship election.
Ex Nassarawa Health Commissioner Dies
Former Nasarawa State Health Commissioner, Dr. Bawa Ahmed Abimiku, has passed away. He died after a prolonged illness, as disclosed by a family member who chose to remain anonymous. Known as Durbin Eggon, Dr. Abimiku succumbed to his long-term health battle on Tuesday, December 19, at the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi. He played vital roles in the health sector, serving as both Commissioner and a Member of the State Executive Council during the tenure of the late Alhaji (Dr) Aliyu Akwe Doma. His burial ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Abuja Central Mosque, FCT, following Islamic customs, at 2:00 pm.
Chevron Ltd partner NUJ for media development
In the bid to enhance the skills of journalists to enable them navigate the challenges posed by the evolving media landscape in the world, the Chevron Nigeria Limited, has engaged the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, in a capacity training. As part of its social responsibility, Chevron reiterated its readiness and commitment to developing human capital and supporting the media to enhance their professional capacity. Chevron expressed this through its General Manager of Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, during a one-day media capacity building program organized for journalists in the FCT. The impactful programme covered areas like; Harnessing the benefits of social media and internet influence on media development, media in developing countries using Nigeria as a case study, as well as understanding cyber laws and the safety of journalists in Nigeria. Represented by the Manager Communication, Chevron Nigeria, Victor Anyaegbudike, he lauded the role of journalists in generating informative and educational content for the society and highlighted their crucial role as agenda-setters and opinion moulders. In conclusion, he expressed gratitude to the media for reportage as it concerns oil and gas industry, providing effective perspectives on the sector’s complex operations.“Through initiatives such as the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) program, CNL has been actively involved in capacity building for media practitioners. In collaboration with the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, the program has benefited over 120 journalists since its inception in 2014. “Aside from supporting Nigerian content development by providing employment opportunities to Nigerians and offering contract opportunities in all their projects, CNL also supports the sustainable development of the communities in which they operate. “Through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-led participatory partnership model, CNL has contributed billions of naira to the Regional Development Committees (RDCs) that represent the communities in its area of operations to execute hundreds of projects in the communities through a governance model that ensures transparency and accountability.” On his part, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Comrade Osaretin Osadebamwen, commended the partnership between NUJ and Chevron Nigeria Limited, saying, “this training has been long in coming. It is in continued fulfilment of our desire to explore all opportunities for capacity training programmes for our members. “He described the training as an important opportunity for journalists to enhance their skills and navigate the challenges posed by the evolving media landscape.
Rivers Crisis: Tinubu Meets Fubara, Odili In Aso Rock
President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a private discussion with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Fubara arrived at the seat of power accompanied by former Rivers State Governor Sir Peter Odili and other influential figures from the state. The President seems to be intervening to settle the dispute between the governor and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Earlier, Wike was spotted at the State House. Sources from within the presidency confirmed that the meeting might be related to recent events in the state. This includes the defection of 27 out of 32 members of the State House of Assembly, who are supporters of the FCT Minister, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Before the meeting commenced in earnest, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima was observed attending the session.
JAMB Increases Registration Fee For 2024 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced an increase registration fees for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The exam body on Monday said this new fee applies to both applicants opting for or bypassing the mock examination.In the revamped fee schedule, aspirants wishing to partake in the practice exam will now be required to pay N7,700, while those electing to skip the mock session will need to allocate N6,200. This adjustment marks a slight increase from the previous fees of N6,700 for mock exams and N5,700 for non-mock examinations.While further details regarding these fees are expected to be unveiled by JAMB on or before January 15, 2024, the board has announced the registration window for Direct Entry (DE) applicants, slated to run from February 28 to March 28, 2024. This provision enables graduates possessing advanced diploma qualifications to seek admission into tertiary institutions without the necessity of taking the UTME.Additionally, JAMB disclosed that the process of generating profile codes for registration is currently underway. The board assured aspiring candidates that guidelines for obtaining these codes will be issued closer to the registration launch date of January 15th. In emphasizing the importance of staying updated with official announcements, JAMB urged prospective candidates to remain vigilant by regularly checking the board’s website and other communication channels for any new updates.
How Abuja Singer And Crew Were Kidnapped While Traveling For Performance
An incident has occured involving the abduction of renowned Juju artiste Omoba De Jumbo Beats and multiple members of his band while en route from Abuja to Kogi State for a scheduled performance. The distressing news came to public attention following an Instagram post by fellow musician Adeyinka Adeboye, popularly known as Boyebest. Expressing deep concern, Adeboye took to social media, urging for prayers for the safe return of the abducted persons.In his Instagram update, Boyebest revealed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N10 million for each captive.He wrote:” A whole full band members kidnapped, Naija is f**k up I swear my prayers are with you guys. You all would come out alive. May God in His infinite mercy bring you guys back home in peace in Jesus name. GOD pls, bring these your children back home. This is so so scary. God have mercy. @omobadejumbobeats and his band men were kidnapped on their way to Kogi from Abuja for the performance yesterday (Sunday). Please, we need help as the kidnappers are demanding #10m ransom on each person. “The music community and concerned citizens are rallying support and efforts to ensure the safe release of Omoba De Jumbo Beats and his band members.Some have also urged the authorities to intervene promptly.
Over 3,900 Teachers Fail Mandatory Professional Exam in Nigeria
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has revealed that over 3,900 teachers failed the November 2023 Professional Qualifying Examination. This exam is a compulsory assessment for professional educators in the country. This revelation came to light during an interaction between TRCN Registrar, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, and journalists on Monday. TRCN disclosed that out of 15,753 candidates who undertook the exam across 38 nationwide centers, only 72.9% were successful, while 3,963 teachers were unsuccessful. Prof. Ajiboye noted that while 10,636 individuals passed the exam, some candidates were absent, and some faced result cancellations due to suspected irregularities and malpractices. The examination held from November 23rd to 25th, 2023.
Adamawa Guber: Binani loses petition against Gov Fintiri
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday dismissed the petition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Senator Aisha Dahiru Binani seeking to invalidate the election of Umar Ahmadu Fintiri as the duly elected governor of Adamawa State. The Appellate Court held that the iFintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP was lawfully declared winner of the poll by the Adamawa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. A judgment written by Justice Tunde Oyebanji Awotoye threw out the case of Binani and APC on various grounds of abnormalities. Among the grounds, the Appeal Court held that Binani and APC failed to call Polling Agents who participated in the conduct of the election as witnesses but unfortunately called Campaign Coordinators who were not at the election venue. Justice Awotoye said that the three witnesses called to establish malpractices in 27 Local Government Areas who were Campaign Coordinators are mere hearsay witnesses having not been party agents. The Court held that it is against the law to attach probate values to the testimony of the Campaign Coordinators since such is worthless in the face of the law. Besides, Justice Awotoye said that the brief of argument filed by Binani and APC was in contravention of the law, hence, incompetent and deserved to be ignored. Also, Justice Awotoye held that the records of appeal transmitted to the Court of Appeal by Binani and APC were not complete and in law mot icompetent for the Court to make any finding. The Court declared as illegal act, the declaration of Binani and APC as winners of the election adding that the only authority to make declaration is the Returning Officer. The Court also said that it was wrong for Binani to be taking Panadol for the headache of the Resident Electoral Commissioner REC who opted to take laws into his own hand. “In the eyes of the law, the Resident Electoral Commissioner is on his own. He should be allowed to take responsibility for his illegal and unlawful act” The unanimous judgment dismissed the appeal in its entirety and award a cost of N1M to be paid to Fintiri and PDP by Binani and APC. The Adamawa State Governorship Electoral Petitions Tribunal had, in October, dismissed the petition filed by Binani seeking Fintiri’s sack from office.