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  • You Can’t Spend N200bn On Universities, But Can Spend N4trn On Fuel Subsidy – ASUU Tackles FG

    You Can’t Spend N200bn On Universities, But Can Spend N4trn On Fuel Subsidy – ASUU Tackles FG

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of failing to prioritise the development of university education in the country.

    ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, made the assertion on Wednesday during an interview.

    He decried the situation where the government is focusing its attention on fuel subsidy which he believes does not exist, rather than showing interest in revamping the nation’s universities.

    More than two months since lecturers downed tools, the ASUU president alleged that the government has been insensitive to the union’s demands.

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    “A government that cannot raise N200 billion to revamp all Nigerian universities and bring them to world standard, doesn’t have money to do that but that same government can raise N4 trillion for fuel subsidy; fuel subsidy and university education, which is more important to any country that wants to move forward?” he queried during the breakfast show.

    “You can raise N4 trillion for fuel subsidy in a year, but you cannot raise N200 billion to fund your education because you don’t have money; it is a priority. You can spend N228 billion to feed children in primary and secondary schools, but you cannot raise N200 billion to fund your universities; it is an issue of priority, that is the problem.”

    Osodeke said the government has refused to make any definite move to address the demands of the lecturers since the strike which crippled activities across public universities began in February.

    According to him, nothing really has happened, and the government has not shown any sign that it is willing to resolve the issues.

    The ASUU president listed some of the issues in contention to include renegotiations of the 2009 agreement, payment system for members, and revitalisation of the nation’s universities, among others.

    He stressed that no concrete resolution was reached despite the series of meetings with the government delegation led by the Minister of Labour and Employment.

    Read Also:  Today, Customs will begin e-valuation of vehicle duty depreciation

    “Really, nothing significant has happened since we declared the strike about nine weeks ago, which means that this system (government) is really not interested in anything about education,” Osodeke stated.

    “If all universities are shut down for about nine weeks and there is no single comment from the government’s side, it shows that something is really wrong.”

  • Today, Customs will begin e-valuation of vehicle duty depreciation

    Today, Customs will begin e-valuation of vehicle duty depreciation

    On Friday, the Nigeria Customs Service will begin the rollout of its Vehicles Identification Number platform for the electronic valuation of vehicles. The Nigeria Customs Service has stated that it will review depreciation on vehicle duty (today).

    According to the Controller Valuation of the Service, Comptroller Anthony Udeze, the depreciation value of vehicles has not been calculated accurately up until this point. As the commission prepares to redeploy its VIN platform, he added that a large number of variables were also considered.

    He stated that the platform would impose a uniform obligation on all industry participants. Thursday in Apapa, he disclosed this during a sensitisation meeting in preparation for the redeployment of the VIN platform.

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    He stated, “We have examined the various vehicle values. Observe the items displayed here, and you will notice that a human touch has been applied. Prior to the protest, the value had not been properly depreciated.

    “Accordingly, the committee has implemented the auto policy and performed a linear depreciation from 2021 to 2013.” It must be stated at this time that the requirement of being at least 12 years old remains in effect. Therefore, if you bring in a vehicle that is older than 12 years, you will see the 2013 value.

    “We have given the values a human face, and we have accounted for all possibilities, including accident vehicles and salvage vehicles. Today, we are presenting the standardisation and unification of all area command values.

    “And today we are here to demonstrate and inform all stakeholders that VIN valuation is here to stay.” We are rolling out VIN valuation over the weekend, and if you capture data on Saturday, you will apply the VIN valuation by Monday.

    Moreover, he assured stakeholders that they would appreciate the platform. As a result of taking into account the depreciation value of imported used cars, he asserts that the duty value of cars will become advantageous for industry participants.

    The Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Command, Yusuf Malanta, stated at the event that the commission must embrace automation in order to keep pace with globalisation. He stated that on the platform, checks, controls, and errors will be quickly identified.

    The vehicle valuation platform was not out of place, as he disclosed that automation was crucial. He added that with the platform, agents can clear their vehicles from the comfort of their own homes.
    He stated, “Now some agents can process cargo clearance from the comfort of their bedrooms.” The world is digitising.

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    “The new digital PAAR is an additional improvement. Nigeria will not passively observe as others utilise digital technology for business facilitation. If there is anything we need to modify, please let us know and we will do so.”

    Festus Okun, the Comptroller of the Ports and Terminal Multipurpose Limited command, added, “The Customs service has recently incorporated into our processes and procedures the fundamental principles of taxation, which include uniformity, fairness, and predictability, among others. With this VIN valuation, uniformity and predictability would exist.”

    According to Kayode Farinto, the acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, agents must comply so that clearance processes are expedited.

    Auto-release is an agent right, and customs must address it to ensure a smooth process, he added.

    According to him, the NCS’s indiscriminate increase in Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports has also allowed stakeholders to circumvent its process.

  • Beaking: Finance Minister suspends Accountant General over N80bn money laundering scandal

    Beaking: Finance Minister suspends Accountant General over N80bn money laundering scandal

    The Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, has been suspended by Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning.

    The suspension was announced in a letter from the minister dated May 18, 2022, which stated that it was necessary to “provide for proper and unfettered investigation into the severe allegations in accordance with Public Service Rules 030406.”

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    Mr Idris is not “expected to attend to your place of work or contact any official in your Office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be suggested,” according to the ministry, during his unpaid suspension term.

    The suspension is the most recent development in the N80 billion controversy involving the Accountant General, who was arrested on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arrested serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, on Monday, May 16, 2022, in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion (Eighty Billion Naira only),” according to a statement released by the agency’s spokesman, Uwujaren.

    “The AGF raked in the monies using proxies, family members, and close acquaintances, according to the Commission’s verified intelligence.”

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    He claimed the money was laundered through Kano and Abuja real estate investments. Idris was arrested, according to him, after he failed to respond to the commission’s invitations to comment on the fraudulent act.

  • One feared killed, two Dangote trucks, tricycle, others burnt as IPOB extends sit-at-home to Delta

    One feared killed, two Dangote trucks, tricycle, others burnt as IPOB extends sit-at-home to Delta

    On Wednesday, gunmen suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, allegedly enforced a sit-at-home order in Ugbolu community, near Asaba, Delta State.

    It was reported that the secessionist group had called for a sit-in in all parts of the southeast on May 18 as its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, returned to court.

    According to Vanguard, gunmen on the loose in the southeast and parts of Delta set fire to two Dangote trucks, one keke, and damaged an Audi car.

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    According to reports, suspected IPOB members blocked the Ugbolu/Illah Road at Mile 5 and began shooting at random. According to the Vanguard, one person is believed to have died in the shooting.

    DSP Bright Edafe, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, said he had not yet received the report when contacted.

  • We killed late corps member to separate her from lover – Suspects

    We killed late corps member to separate her from lover – Suspects

    Terungwa Stephanie, a 26-year-old National Youth Service Corps member, was allegedly died after being exposed to a corrosive material, according to the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Sunday Babaji.

    On Monday in Abuja, the commissioner revealed this while arraigning three suspects in connection with her death before the FCT Police Command.

    Jenifer Tsembe ‘f’, 26, Monday Simon (a.k.a. Black)’m’, 36, and Solomon Abu’m’, 35 are the suspects.

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    The accused planned to kidnap the victim so Jennifer could have her alleged lover, Edward Achadu, all to herself, according to Babaji.
    “Our research indicated that the suspects criminally conspired and murdered the victim in order for Jennifer Tsembe, one of the suspects and Edward Achadu’s estranged lover, to have him all to herself, especially for monetary gains,” he stated.

    Tsembe stated that she simply planned to kidnap Jennifer and seek a ransom from Achadu, not to murder her.

    She also said that Solomon, one of the other male suspects, was the one who planned the kidnapping.
    The other suspects, on the other hand, admitted that Tsembe, who is friends with the dead, devised the plan for the deceased to visit her residence and solicit their assistance in tying her up when she arrived. Tsembe allegedly directed them to leave the suspect, deceased, and her child behind once they had completed their role.

    Tsembe had contacted Simon after he had left, saying she needed help with the body since the deceased had died. Black, on the other hand, said that by the time he arrived to the scene, the suspect had already showered her in acid.

    Following that, the Police Commissioner stated that the Command has stepped up its investigation in order to uncover data that could lead to the arrest of any other fugitive participants in the illegal act.

    “The suspects will face charges in court,” he said. The inquiry has been stepped up by the command in order to uncover information that could lead to the arrest of any additional fugitive participants in the illegal act.

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    Terungwa Stephanie vanished on April 14, 2022, after leaving home with her one-year-plus-five-month-old kid and never returning. A day later, her son was found at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church after a call was made to one of her paternal relatives.

  • Nwaokolo, CEO of Superblachomes, explains how he got into real estate business

    Nwaokolo, CEO of Superblachomes, explains how he got into real estate business

    Barbara Fumnaya Nwaokolo is the attractive, graceful, and elegant Chief Executive Officer of Superblachomes, a real estate firm that is poised to become the sector’s next big thing.

    Barbara Nwaokolo has quickly established herself as a symbol of success and a role model in a male-dominated industry.

    The vivacious real estate entrepreneur has been sharing her experiences in the industry and how she learned the ropes as a real estate agent.
    “I went online and looked up things like real estate basics, and there was this girl I was following who gave me suggestions on what I was getting myself into.” “Real estate is much more than just buying buildings,” explained Superblachomes’ creator.

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    “I do invest for clients,” the owner of Superblachomes explained further. I have developers that want a specific sum of money, and I have clients who may have that sum, so I ask them, “Do you have this money on hand?” Okay, give it to me, you’ll get a 20 to 25% return on your investment in the following 10 months, and that’s it!

    “The next step is for them to bring in their lawyers, and the funds are transferred, but they keep their collateral, which could be land or whatever else that the developer gives them.” Finally, whether you sold the property or invested the money is none of our business; it is the developer’s.

    “You’re giving my customer his money, as well as the money that’s supposed to come back with the investment,” the Amazon behind Superblachomes stated.

    The CEO of Superblachomes has asked for a stakeholders roundtable to discuss industry concerns in order to enhance the sector.
    “Once again, developers present a challenge. “As I tell most agents, it’s wonderful that we all sit together and have a platform where we can truly discuss things since there’s a lot going on that we can’t talk about,” said Superblachomes’ creator.

    “There are developers you sell properties for, and when it comes time for them to pay you, stories come out that aren’t supposed to be,” the Superblachomes boss continued. Some buyers are dramatic, and when it comes time to pay you, they say things like “o I didn’t realise I was going to pay you” and “what do you mean?”

    “These are some of the issues we’re dealing with.” Some developers strive for intelligence, and we still have clients who strive for intelligence. Once they get the developer’s contact information, they may declare that they are no longer interested in the property and, behind your back, seal it. But if you put on that show, I’ll know how to obtain my money from you because I don’t have the time.

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    “I believe developers should learn to perform better because convincing a client to acquire a property is difficult, so when that is done or whatever it is, don’t give me an excuse since I brought the client,” stated the CEO of Superblachomes.

  • Nwajiuba: Ghost of ASUU should hunt every administration

    Nwajiuba: Ghost of ASUU should hunt every administration

    Mr. Emeka Nwajiuba, a presidential candidate and former Minister of State for Education, said Monday that the current administration had failed to meet Nigerians’ expectations in the tertiary education system, where universities had been on strike for months without a resolution.

    He argued, however, that previous governments share some of the blame because the crisis plaguing the university system did not begin with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    When asked if the ghost of ASUU will hurt his presidential ambitions, Nwajiuba refused to take full responsibility for the failure of the education system when he spoke on ARISE News Channel, the sister television arm of Newspapers.

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    He noted that while the union’s requests are reasonable, implementing them has been difficult due to money and staffing restrictions.

    At the time of execution, he added, budgetary, human resource, and managerial restrictions all come into play.

    “ASUU needs to be placed in context again,” he remarked. This government did not create ASUU. Since 1982, ASUU has existed. ASUU has achieved a lot for Nigeria’s educational sector.

    “However, what ASUU has been asking for is always true and good – we need to ensure that university education is affordable and of high quality for everyone.”

    “All of it necessitates some synergy across the board, in terms of financing and labour.” When it comes to implementation, financial and human resource restrictions, as well as managerial constraints, all come into play. The ministry of education has no disagreements with ASUU on any of their demands. “I am a product of public education as a whole…”

    He went on to say that he recently apologised to Nigerian parents because “we have not achieved all that we should have achieved.”

    He did say, however, that it is the ideal time for the party to introduce a new generation of progressives to address the country’s problems.

    “At 55, I probably will represent a bridge between those who are going to leave the stage and those who are about to come on stage,” the former minister said of his chances of becoming president.

    “I’ve run for every political party in the previous 30 years.” I am currently the only individual in the field who holds positions in the judiciary, the executive branch, and the legislative. Nobody in the world has such credentials.

    “There is nobody with the kind of experience – 30 years in politics, business, everything, and we’ve had the opportunity to midwife a new generation way of thinking, and I believe Nigerians deserve to build on the solid foundations of infrastructure and a good road network and all of that going forward,” he says.

    He stated he was working on a programme that would allow universities to earn money from a trusteeship rather than a council, claiming that “we are losing money” by not making institutions financially self-sufficient.

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    He also stated that he intends to solve current security concerns by encouraging individuals to develop national cohesion “by giving them a sense of involvement in governance,” among other things.

  • Enugu Disco Office Set Ablaze In Anambra

    Enugu Disco Office Set Ablaze In Anambra

    In the early hours of Monday, unidentified arsonists set fire to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company’s Ogidi District office.

    According to reports, the event resulted in the burning of around 32 utility and operational cars.

    According to the Punch, the perpetrators stormed the EEDC headquarters shortly after committing a similar act at the Idemili Secretariat, where a Magistrates’ Court was also set ablaze.

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    Mr. Emeka Ezeh, the Head of Corporate Communications at the EEDC, confirmed the occurrence and expressed disappointment that attempts to contact the Anambra State Fire Service had failed.

    As they watched the office building and other assets burn, Ezeh said members of staff on the ground felt helpless.

    “It took the involvement of the Commissioner for Utilities, Mr. Julius Chukwuemeka, at approximately 9.05 a.m. today to get the Fire Service team down to the location of the event,” he said.

    “This is a significant setback for EEDC’s efforts to develop its network and improve the quality of service it provides to its consumers in Ogidi and Anambra State as a whole.”

    “We’ve already alerted the appropriate authorities to this development, and it’s expected that a thorough investigation will be conducted and the perpetrators of this heinous crime prosecuted.”

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    “A developing economy like ours will never be able to progress if incidents like these continue to occur.”

    “We are grateful to God that no one was killed.” We deplore this heinous crime and hope it never happens again.”

  • 2023: Ogun students condemn ‘campaign of calumny’ against Gov Abiodun

    2023: Ogun students condemn ‘campaign of calumny’ against Gov Abiodun

    The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Ogun State chapter and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOS) have disassociated themselves from an alleged petition and protest held last week at the All Progressives Congress Secretariat in Abuja by “sponsored students” against the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun.

    The students condemned the activities of some political leaders in Ogun, in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Damilola Kehinde, Chairman, NANS JCC Ogun, and Comrade Ogunrombi Oluwagbemileke, President, National Association of Ogun State Students, aimed at unnecessarily heating up the political atmosphere in the state.

    They expressed their disappointment that persons who are meant to be elder statesmen in the state were involved for funding smear operations against the current governor.

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    “We wish to use this medium to condemn the activities of some of our political leaders in the state aimed at unnecessarily heating up the political atmosphere in our dear state by sponsoring unwarranted and frivolous petitions against His Excellency Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, through their faceless errand boys christened Coalition of Ogun State,” the statement read.

    “It’s quite distressing that those who are supposed to be the state’s senior gentlemen are funding smear operations against the current governor.

    “This unjustified sponsored media engagement intended at His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun is a high-level display of irresponsibility on the part of the sponsors.”

    “Though these leaders attempted to recruit the leadership of all youth and student organisations in the state to join them in this ungodly venture through their representatives and surrogates, when this failed, they now resorted to mobilising Almajiris to stage protests against His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun in the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja all in the bid to achieve their selfish end,”

    “As the legitimate and recognised students body in Ogun State, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Ogun axis, and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOS) will resist any attempt or calculated attempt by any political leader, no matter how powerful, to use our platforms to aid any political tension in Ogun State.”

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    “May we take this opportunity to call on these leaders to stop fanning the flames of discord and inciting crisis within the state’s youth and student community by calling their errand boys to order, because we will no longer fold our arms and watch any faceless or self-proclaimed group misrepresent us as students and young people in Ogun State.”

    “We ask these figures to join our affable governor in his efforts to make our state the epicentre of Nigeria’s industrial revolution and socioeconomic growth,” the students wrote.

  • Osinbajo: Deborah’s death was very sad and tragic

    Osinbajo: Deborah’s death was very sad and tragic

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has described the death of Debora Samuel over an allegation of blasphemy as deeply distressing and very unfortunate.

    Osinbajo said this on Friday at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after his arrival from Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

    The student was reportedly attacked and killed over comments said to be considered an insult to Prophet Mohammed.

    A video of the student being stoned and beaten surfaced on social media on Thursday afternoon and the incident was said to have occurred earlier on the same day.

    Before her death, Debora was a second-year student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto.

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    The vice president said it is worthy of note that President Muhammadu Buhari and the Sultan of Sokoto had condemned the incident.

    “Let me say that, first, the president has reacted to this, in a statement which was issued earlier condemning the action,” he said.

    “I must say that it’s a deeply distressing thing, very disturbing — such an atrocious killing of the young lady by a mob who took the law into their own hands; I think it’s very unfortunate.

    “The swift reaction of the Sokoto state government and also the Sultan of Sokoto is highly commendable.

    “I think that their swift reaction to the situation clearly demonstrates the outrage of millions of Nigerians and also the desire of everyone to ensure that the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and prosecuted.”

    Osinbajo said there is no justification for extra-judicial killing as there are legal channels to address any misdeed.

    He condoled with the deceased’s family and prayed to God to comfort those she left behind.

    “As the president said, there’s really no excuse for anyone to take the law into their own hands no matter the provocation, there are set processes for ensuring that we are able to redress whatever wrongs that are done against us,” he added.

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    “We must express our condolence to the family of the young lady, Deborah Samuel.

    “I can’t imagine how her parents and siblings and members of her family feel, not just about her death, but the very horrendous nature of its occurrence.

    “I think it’s very sad indeed, and we extend our sincere condolences to them; we ask that the Almighty will comfort them at this time.”