“1.2 Million Federal Higher Education Students to Benefit from Nigerian Government’s Student Loan Program”

The Nigerian government has announced that 1.2 million federal higher education students are set to benefit from the first phase of the Student Loan scheme. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Education Loan Fund, revealed this information on Monday, laying the groundwork for the launch of the program’s portal scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024.

In his statement, Sawyerr emphasized that the scheme would directly pay school fees to students’ institutions. He outlined the application requirements, which include the submission of an admission letter from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Identity Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and completed application forms from the program’s website.

Sawyerr clarified, “The loan application process has been streamlined to ensure easy access for all eligible students in federal tertiary institutions.” He further explained that the fees would be disbursed directly to the institutions, not to the students themselves.

With approximately 1.2 million students enrolled in federal tertiary institutions owned by the government, Sawyerr indicated that this figure represents the maximum number of students who stand to benefit initially. However, he hinted at the possibility of expanding the program to include state-owned institutions, potentially increasing the number of beneficiaries.

The announcement follows the enactment of the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 3.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called upon the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) to postpone their scheduled activities on May 30th, a day recognized as ‘Biafra Day’ in the Southeast region of Nigeria. In an open letter addressed to the WAEC Board and UNIZIK Vice Chancellor, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, expressed concerns over the safety of individuals amidst planned activities for that day.

May 30th holds significant historical importance as it marks Biafra Heroes Day, a day dedicated to honoring and remembering those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. It is observed as a day of mourning and reflection, with Biafrans participating in a sit-at-home protest to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and heroines. As such, IPOB urged WAEC and UNIZIK to reschedule their events to avoid endangering the lives of individuals, particularly students and participants, on this solemn occasion.

The letter emphasized the sanctity of May 30th as a public holiday and a day of remembrance, during which all public activities are expected to come to a halt in Biafra Land. IPOB reiterated that no public events should take place on this day, and urged both WAEC and UNIZIK to demonstrate sensitivity to the significance of the occasion by rescheduling their exams and convocation ceremony, respectively.

Furthermore, IPOB warned of the potential risks and consequences of holding public events on May 30th, stating that failure to heed their call for rescheduling could lead to regrettable outcomes. They stressed the need for WAEC and UNIZIK to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals, especially considering the emotional and historical importance attached to Biafra Day.

In summary, IPOB’s appeal to WAEC and UNIZIK underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the significance of Biafra Heroes Day, ensuring that activities are rescheduled to avoid any disruption or risk to the lives of individuals on this solemn occasion.

“Niger Delta Group Denounces Federal Government’s Efforts, Rejects Amnesty Programme as Solution”

During the 56th Boro Day celebration, the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) expressed discontent with the perceived lack of tangible progress made by the Federal Government in addressing the issues facing the Niger Delta region. MOSIEND’s National President, Kennedy West, particularly criticized the Amnesty Programme for ex-agitators, dismissing it as insufficient to address the region’s challenges.

West emphasized that the Amnesty Programme was merely a concession made by agitators to lay down their arms, with the expectation that the government would prioritize development projects in the Niger Delta. However, he asserted that the government’s portrayal of the Amnesty Programme as an achievement was misleading, as it did not address the root causes of the region’s problems.

Furthermore, West called for a comprehensive approach to address the Niger Delta’s issues, highlighting the need for the government to fulfill the recommendations of past committees and to allocate operational rights in Oil Mining Leases (OML) to indigenous people of the region. He emphasized that pipeline surveillance, often cited as a concession to the Niger Delta, was insufficient, and that genuine empowerment and resource control were essential for addressing the region’s challenges.

Reflecting on the legacy of Isaac Adaka Boro, West underscored the enduring relevance of Boro’s demands for fiscal federalism and greater autonomy for resource-producing regions. He lamented the government’s historical neglect of these issues and called for a reevaluation of Nigeria’s federal structure to address the grievances of marginalized regions like the Niger Delta.

“Former Aide to Governor Uzodimma, Chinasa Nwaneri, Arrested Alongside Three Others for Alleged Fraudulent Activities”

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Chinasa Nwaneri, a former Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Special Duties, along with three others. Nwaneri was apprehended on Sunday by security operatives who tracked him to a hotel where he was lodging.

According to sources, Governor Uzodimma, upon assuming duty as commissioner for lands, discovered through certain documents that his signature had allegedly been forged.

In a statement released, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed Nwaneri’s arrest. Okoye stated that Nwaneri was being held in custody over allegations of “malicious damage, fraudulent activities, obtaining money under false pretense, and illegal use of government power/authority to harass, intimidate, and frustrate the citizens of Imo State.”

The statement further mentioned that the investigation into the matter was still ongoing, with assurances that further developments would be communicated in due course.

“Akwa Ibom Government Warns Sterling Global Petrochemical Company Over Alleged Maltreatment of Indigenous Workers”

The Akwa Ibom State Government has issued a stern warning to Sterling Global Petrochemical Company, a foreign oil prospecting firm operating in the state, over reported cases of maltreatment of indigenous workers. The warning came after allegations of flagrant disrespect and non-compliance with rules of engagement by the company.

Chief Assam Assam, SAN, the Director General of Government Business and chairman of the mediation committee between the oil firm and the affected communities, issued the warning. He mandated the company to present the status of all workers, including expatriates, or face license and land revocation.

Assam condemned the alleged insensitivity of the firm and warned against any engagement of Akwa Ibom workers without fulfilling globally accepted conditions of employment. He emphasized that the government will not accept any act that reduces Akwa Ibom people to second-class citizens.

The Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr Aniefiok Nkom, criticized Sterling Global for its irresponsibility in operations and disregard for court orders. He noted the company’s failure to pay tenement tax and PAYE tax to the State Government, alleging deliberate tax evasion.

Transition committee chairmen for affected local government areas commended the government for intervening in the situation, which they described as unbearable and lethal for their people.

During the meeting, Sterling Global’s Human Resource Manager, Mr David Walker, was asked to present the list of staff, but he claimed not to have it. However, he mentioned that 3,710 people are working on the company’s projects. Walker also presented the company’s conditions of service, which he clarified were only for nationals and did not include expatriates.

The Akwa Ibom State Government’s warning underscores its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens and ensuring that companies operating within its jurisdiction adhere to established laws and regulations.

“House of Representatives Calls on Nigerian Government to Enhance Security Measures in Kogi State Amid Banditry and Kidnapping Concerns”

The House of Representatives has issued a plea to the Nigerian Government, urging it to bolster security efforts in Kogi State amidst rising incidents of banditry and kidnapping. The call for increased security measures comes in response to growing concerns over the safety and security of residents in the state.

Members of the House highlighted the alarming prevalence of banditry and kidnapping activities in Kogi State, which have posed significant threats to the lives and property of citizens. The escalating security challenges have instilled fear and anxiety among the populace, necessitating urgent intervention from the government.

During deliberations, representatives emphasized the need for proactive and decisive action to address the root causes of insecurity in the state. They underscored the importance of deploying adequate security personnel and resources to combat criminal elements and restore law and order in affected areas.

Furthermore, lawmakers stressed the importance of fostering collaboration between relevant security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and response mechanisms. They emphasized the imperative of adopting a comprehensive approach to security that incorporates both preventive and responsive measures.

The House of Representatives reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, particularly those residing in regions grappling with insecurity. Members called on the Nigerian Government to prioritize the protection of lives and property in Kogi State and to take decisive steps to curb the menace of banditry and kidnapping.

“Rivers State High Court Invalidates Amended Local Government Law Proposed by Amaewhule Faction”

In a significant development, the Rivers State High Court has rendered invalid the amended Local Government Law proposed by the Martins Amaewhule faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The ruling was issued in response to a suit numbered PHC/1320/CS/2024, which contested the extension of tenure for local government chairmen for six months following the expiration of their terms.

Presiding over the case, Justice D.G. Kio declared the amendment null and void, citing its inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution and Section 9(1) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018. The court emphasized that the governing law concerning the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors is the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018, which stipulates a three-year tenure.

The attempt to prolong the tenure of local government chairmen through the enactment of the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024 was deemed unlawful and in violation of their oath of office.

This ruling represents a significant victory for Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six other plaintiffs who challenged the extension, asserting the paramountcy of constitutional principles in governance. The decision underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring adherence to constitutional provisions, safeguarding democratic processes and institutions in Rivers State.

“Pope Francis Clarifies Stance on Blessings for Same-Sex Unions”

Pope Francis has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his stance on same-sex couples, clarifying that while he allows blessings for individuals, he does not endorse blessings for same-sex unions.

During a conversation with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” anchor Norah O’Donnell brought up the topic, noting a seeming change in Vatican policy regarding the approval of blessings for Catholics in same-sex unions.

In response, Pope Francis explained that he did not authorize the blessing of unions themselves, as they are not considered sacraments in the Church. Instead, he emphasized the importance of blessing each individual, irrespective of their sexual orientation. The Pope stressed that while blessings are for everyone, blessing a union of a homosexual nature would contradict Church teachings and laws.

The clarification comes after Pope Francis allowed blessings for same-sex couples in a document titled Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust). This decision sparked global attention and debate within the Catholic Church, with some gay Catholics viewing it as a positive step toward inclusivity, while others expressed resistance, particularly among African bishops.

Overall, Pope Francis’ remarks underscore the complex and sensitive nature of discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues within the Catholic Church, highlighting the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity, doctrine and inclusivity.

“Former House of Representatives Member Denies Plotting Protest, Calls for EFCC Probe into NCDMB Investments”

Israel Sunny-Goli, a former member of the House of Representatives, has refuted allegations suggesting his involvement in planning a protest aimed at pressuring the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate investments made by the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) under Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote.

The allegations arose from claims made by a group called the Niger Delta Justice Forum (NDJF), which alleged a scheme orchestrated by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Oil, Heineken Lokpobiri, to stage protests in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, with Sunny-Goli purportedly enlisted to rent a crowd to protest against Wabote and former Minister of State (Petroleum), Chief Timipre Sylva.

In response, Sunny-Goli, who represented the Nembe/Brass Federal constituency in the 9th National Assembly, issued a statement dismissing the allegations as baseless. He accused the NDJF of spreading falsehoods aimed at diverting public attention from a petition he submitted to the EFCC regarding alleged misappropriation of public funds by the Wabote-led NCDMB.

Sunny-Goli clarified that his decision to submit the petition to the EFCC stemmed from his personal conviction that public funds should be accounted for. He emphasized his direct involvement in submitting the petition to the EFCC in Abuja, underscoring his commitment to taking ownership of his actions.

The former lawmaker reiterated the claims made in his petition, specifically concerning the alleged misappropriation of funds related to investments in projects such as the Atlantic Refinery and the Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company Ltd. He maintained that despite significant sums purportedly invested in these projects, tangible progress or completion has not been achieved.

Challenging the NDJF to refute the claims outlined in his petition and provide evidence of progress or completion of the projects under scrutiny, Sunny-Goli emphasized his unwavering stance on accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.