The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken disciplinary action against accredited officials involved in an incident where a hijab-wearing female candidate was asked to remove her head cover before sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).


The board swiftly addressed the issue, allowing the candidate to proceed with the examination while expressing regret over the incident.


In a statement released by Dr Fabian Benjamin, the Public Communication Advisor of JAMB, the examination body announced sanctions against its accredited officials in the incident involving a hijab-wearing candidate.

The incident occurred at the Bafuto Institute in Ejigbo, Lagos, and sparked concerns after being reported by various news platforms.

Part of the statement read: “The attention of the board was drawn to an unfortunate incident at the Bafuto Institute, Ile-Iwe Bus Stop, Ejigbo, Lagos, where it was reported by Muslim News of Sunday, April 21, 2024, and other platforms, that a candidate donning hijab was asked to remove her head cover during the accreditation process before being allowed into the examination hall.

“The board deeply regretted the incident and, on investigation, discovered that this particular incident or others in the past is not linked to any of its examination guidelines but rather a product of the misplaced priority of some of the board’s accredited partners or officials who claimed ignorance of the board’s guidelines on accreditation, which ensures that all candidates are screened, allowing only female officials to screen female candidates before allowing them to gain entrance into the hall.”

Additionally, the statement noted that approximately 1.2 million candidates would have completed the UTME by the specified date, indicating the scale and significance of the examination.

Six Nigerian Army personnel, including two officers and four soldiers, have lost their lives during an ambush by terrorists in Niger State.

The incident occurred as troops from the 1 Division Nigerian Army engaged in a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area.

According to a statement from the Nigerian Army Headquarters signed by Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the troops fell into an ambush set by terrorists, leading to a fierce firefight.

Despite their bravery and efforts to fight back, six personnel were tragically killed in action.

Part of the statement read: , “Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army deployed at Allawa and Erena, while on a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State had an encounter in an ambush staged by terrorists on 19 April 2024.

“Troops gallantly fought through the ambush and eliminated several of the terrorists as well as captured some of their equipment.

“Sadly, the troops suffered a temporary setback as six personnel comprising two officers and four soldiers paid the supreme price.

“We urge the general public, particularly the good people of Niger and contiguous states, to continue to avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with actionable and timely information to enhance the operations of the troops.”

The statement said the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja sympathised with the families of the deceased personnel and promised them that the troops would avenge the unfortunate setback.

He said the troops were on the trail of some of the terrorists who survived and fled after the encounter.

The Nigerian Army headquarters further stated that in line with customs and traditions, the Nigerian Army had contacted the next of kin of the fallen heroes, while burial had been conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the consent and approval of their family members.

It said the Chief of Army Staff was represented at the burial, which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery, by Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.

Senate minority leader and the senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, has denied reports that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the upper chamber collected millions of dollars allegedly shared by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The rumours surfaced days after the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the main opposition party,

Speaking to Daily Independent, Senator Moro explained that he had spoken to colleagues who said they did not get the $2 million reportedly given to lawmakers by the FCT minister.

Senator Moro said, “As far as I am concerned no PDP senator has been given a dime that I know of to stoke any crisis.

“And a few of my colleagues that I have spoken with so far have not expressed anything near that one.


“Let me say this, there are too much fake news around in recent times. If PDP lawmakers in the House of Reps were given $2 million to stoke crisis in the party how come 60 members as they say kicked against the continued stay of Damagum.

“So, I want to say that is just completely fake news. But again, like you, I can’t confirm anything because this is Nigeria, this is life. Many things can happen.

“And as party people in opposition, I don’t see any responsible party man deliberating stoking crisis in the party to undermine the integrity of the party.

“What some of us are working towards is how to stem the crisis in the party, which is expected in a party that has lost elections. You’ll expect such divisions and blame games all over the place, but we just have to stop it because the party has Nigeria as an open space.

“And we just have to do it to ensure that there’s stability in the party. Because without stability in the party, there will be no stability in Nigeria.”

A youth group in Kogi State has issued a strong demand for former Governor Yahaya Bello to vacate the Government House in Lokoja and surrender himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The group accused Bello of evading arrest amid allegations of misappropriating over ₦85 billion.

In a press release signed by Comrade Abdulquadri Shuaibu on behalf of the Network of Professional Kogi State Youths, the group condemned Bello’s actions, labelling them regrettable, disgraceful, and embarrassing. They emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails.

The coalition gave Bello a 24-hour ultimatum to surrender to the EFCC or the nearest police station.

Furthermore, the group called for the immediate resignation of the current Governor, Alhaji Usman Adodo, who is accused of aiding Bello’s evasion of arrest.

The youth group said: “As a former Governor, we expected some degree of decorum and respect for the rule of law from him.

“The recent confrontation between the EFCC and Governor Yahaya Bello at his Abuja residence is a regrettable episode that is an embarrassment to Kogi people and Nigerians at large. We unequivocally condemn the former Governor’s conduct and insist that justice must take its course.

“As a united Coalition representing the citizens of Kogi State, we issue a 24-hour ultimatum to Governor Yahaya Bello to vacate the Government House and surrender to the EFCC or the nearest Police Station.

“Failure to comply, we will occupy the Government House in a mega protest to ensure Governor Bello’s accountability and safeguard the integrity of our judicial system.”

The youth group also hailed the efforts of individuals, law enforcement agencies, and state institutions to ensure that justice is done and that the looted funds belonging to the good people of Kogi State are returned to facilitate the development of the state.

“We commend the EFCC for declaring Governor Yahaya Bello wanted and express solidarity with the Attorney General of the Federation’s unwavering commitment to combatting corruption. Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast dedication to this cause is commendable, and we implore him to persevere in his efforts.

“Furthermore, we applaud the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for withdrawing police protection from Governor Bello. While this is commendable, we urge the IGP to do everything within his powers to ensure that Yahaya Bello is arrested and handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution,” the statement concluded.

The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) has taken decisive action against Heritage Bank by shutting down its head office in Lagos.

This move comes in response to the bank’s management’s recent mass sacking of over 1000 personnelMwithout following due process.

NUBIFIE vowed to continue picketing the bank’s premises until the management addressed the grievances of the sacked workers and ensured they received their rightful severance packages.

The aggrieved ex-staff members have barricaded the entrance gate, preventing access to and from the bank’s head office at 143 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Earlier reports had revealed that Heritage Bank, under the leadership of Mr. Akinola George-Taylor, had forcefully terminated the employment of over 70 senior staff members within one year of his tenure.

Additionally, numerous other employees were allegedly coerced into resigning, exacerbating the bank’s internal crisis. Most concerning was the lack of payment for accrued entitlements and allowances owed to the affected staff.

Sources disclosed that the bank’s chief executive officer instigated the internal turmoil in a bid to purge the institution of individuals suspected to be loyal to certain board members.

This purge was reportedly part of a broader scheme to consolidate power and control over the bank, with the backing of a prominent shareholder seeking sole ownership and removing existing board members.

Efforts to reach Heritage Bank’s head of Corporate Communications, Ozenna Utulu, for comment on the situation were unfruitful as of the time of reporting.

Some bandits have invaded Angwar Danko community in Kakangi, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, forcing dozens to an unknown location through a forest.


A large number of bandits reportedly invaded the community on Wednesday evening, firing shots without control.

Eyewitnesses say that men and women who were abducted by the attackers are currently being marched into the forest.

Yahaya Musa Dan Salio, representative for Kakangi Ward in the State House of Assembly, confirmed the incident to journalists.

“I just received a call from the area informing me that dozens of my constituents have been abducted. The bandits have surrounded the village, and as we speak, they are still there, taking their victims into the forest. The situation is dire,” he said.

The number of abductees could not be ascertained as at time of writing this report.

ASP Mansur Hassan, the Public Relations Officer for the State Police Command, was not available for comments as at press time.

As the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holds its crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today, there are rumours that governors under the platform of the party might hijack the meeting.

The move is not unconnected with the battle for the party’s soul by critical stakeholders who are working to take over the reins of the PDP and position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Section 31(1) of the party’s constitution, the NEC consists of over 100 members, including the party’s national chairman, who is also the chairman of the NEC; the president and vice president who are:

Members of the party.
The chairman and secretary of the board of trustees (BoT).
All other members of the BoT who shall have no voting rights.
The principal officers of the Senate who are members of the party.
Two senators from each of the geopolitical zones who are members of the party.

Others include:

Principal officers of the House of Representatives that are members of the party.
Three members from the House of Representatives from each geopolitical zone who are members of the party.
All state governors who are members of the party.
The national working committee members.
All state chairmen.
Six ex-officio members, at least two of whom shall be women, elected from each of the six geopolitical zones.
All former national chairmen, deputy national chairmen, national secretaries, chairmen, and secretaries of the board of trustees who are still members of the party.

Daily Trust reports that unlike before, where the battle for control of the party was between the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, the game has now changed with governors elected on the platform of the party, especially those in their second terms, also said to have formed a block to take over the reins of the party.


The governors currently elected under the platform of the party are Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bala Muhammed (Bauchi), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Godwin Obaseki (Edo).



Others are Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).

Among them, the governor of Bauchi, the chairman of the forum, and those of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Edo, and Oyo are in their second term, with the Edo State governor leaving office later this year.

A highly placed source at the party’s national headquarters said a few of the governors, especially those in their second term, are now planning on how to take control ahead of 2027, while a few of them remain undecided.


The source said some of the governors were tired and frustrated with the division and the endless fight between the Atiku and Wike camps, and are working on an independent outcome, if possible, to redirect the party going forward.

But another source familiar with the inner workings of the party said the governors were not taking an altruistic position in the battle but plotting to position one of them as the candidate of the party for the 2027 general elections, thus handing over the structure of the party to either the former vice president or the FCT minister will not favour their permutations.

Even though many of the governors are working to present a candidate they feel will either do their bidding or have what it takes to reorganise the party, the inability of many of them to come together and present a common front is hampering their efforts.

A source said, “Yes, the governors want to have control of the party. Apart from the fact that they don’t want to be seen as supporting either Atiku or Wike, which many of them do and people know, they also feel that if anything happens, they will be the ones to lose out.”

The PDP Governors’ Forum is also divided over the position of the acting chairman, Umar Damagum, with some of them wanting him to stay on because of the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo states.

But after its closed-door meeting yesterday, the chairman of the forum and governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, said the issues in the party are being resolved, adding that “We are looking forward to doing everything within the constitutional provisions of the party. So, we are not here to discuss about a change of leadership.”

Mohammed, who dispelled speculations that there are contending forces, including the governors, in the party, said, “NEC will take decisions on issues, not the governors. I know the governors normally take the leadership position, but we have an acting person leading the party, and NEC will decide whether it is time to fill the vacancy, looking at the legal implications of doing that.”

Meanwhile, in the communiqué, after the meeting read to journalists, the governors called on the NWC of the party to “Set in motion the machinery to conduct credible congresses in all the states where the tenures of party officers have expired.”

Apart from the chairman of the forum, those present were governors of Rivers, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta, as well as deputy governors of Edo and Enugu.

fkelly:
He will plead not guilty, and his lawyer will apply for bail.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has set up a committee to probe the administration of the former governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

The committee has been tasked with the responsibility of looking at loans, grants, and projects implementation between 2015 to 2023.

The Kebbi State House of Assembly has suspended the member representing Birnin Kebbi North Constituency, Hassan Umar.

Umar was suspended over alleged unguarded utterances against the assembly leadership.

Clerk of the House, Suleiman Shamaki, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday, April 15.

The House noted that the suspension was a result of “unguarded utterances” and “instigation” of some members against the leadership of the house.

It read: “I Suleiman Shamaki, the Clerk of Kebbi State House of Assembly, has been directed to inform the general public that the assembly, its Executive Session held on Friday, April12, 2024, unanimously resolved and suspended Hassan Umar, member representing Birnin Kebbi North constituency, as a result of his unguarded utterances.”


The statement further listed the lawmaker’s other offences to include, “Instigation of some members against the leadership of the House and causing disharmony between the Executive and the legislature in the House.”

Reports indicate that the camp led by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is encountering challenges in maintaining unity as the crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party draws nearer.

Sources suggest that a prominent member of the G-5 faction, also a serving governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has decided to distance himself from the group.

The governor, who has experienced strained relations with the faction lately, is reportedly aligning with voices advocating for a change in the party’s status quo.

While the Wike-led camp is rooting for Ambassador Illiya Damagum to retain his seat as the PDP national chairman, the other camp, led by former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar are pushing for the emergence of Senator Gabriel Suswam.

The NEC meeting, scheduled for this Thursday, will be preceded by other strategic meetings starting today, including the PDP governors’ forum meeting, the PDP Caucus and the Board of Trustees (BoT).

Ahead of the Edo governorship election, former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has assured President Bola Tinubu that the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is “united and good to go.”


Oshiomhole disclosed this to journalists yesterday after paying Sallah homage to Tinubu in Lagos.

Oshiomhole, who also represents Edo North in the Senate, expressed confidence in the chances of the APC winning the upcoming Edo State governorship election.


“We are due for elections. We are happy, and we are perfecting all the arrangements to ensure that this coming election we will win because our house is united; we sorted out all the issues arising from primaries 100 per cent.

“Our opponents have one crisis or the other; even the Labour Party has their crisis, so at least APC is not in any form of crisis.

“[b]We are all waiting for INEC on April 24 to get started. So, I briefed him on all of that. We are happy, and he is there for us as a father, but we are not going to sleep believing the father will do it for us because he is not going to come to Edo to vote,” [/b]Oshiomhole said.

The former APC national chairman also said the party will have to do the “voting” and “mobilisation” to capture the “campaign message that captures the imagination and Edo people can relate to.”

AllenSpencer:


Allen Spencer!

AllenSpencer:
Fubara should enjoy his term cos it will be the first and last.

Our whole powers will descend in coming election. We will condemn and bastardize his image across the state-in person & online. Hook him up with propagandas he won’t be able to get out of.

He messed up with the wrong dude, and he is not a match.

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sounded a note of warning to the local government chairmen in the State, declaring that those disrespecting him as governor of the state have already dug their pit and will soon fall into it.

Fubara made the declaration on Thursday while speaking at the commissioning of Comprehensive Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ndoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state, which was built and donated to the state government by former Governor Peter Odili.

The governor specifically berated some local government chairmen in the state for refusing to participate in state government activities because their loyalty lies elsewhere.

He said: “I am surprised that I saw the local government chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni here. I am very surprised because I know that for a very long time, any event that has to do with the state government, all the local government chairmen, as it were, do not participate. I hope when he leaves leave here, they are not going to sack him.

“I know you are not loyal to me. Are they not going to sack you? Or when you leave here, you will grant a press interview that it was not you. That it was your shadow.

“Let me say it here; every one of you who thinks he is disrespecting me, you have already dug your pit, you will fall inside it. Siminalayi Fubara, like a river, will flow in a direction that there is no resistance. One way or the other, we will get to our destination and we will go with our people.

“They say we are clueless. If providing quality education to our people is being clueless, I agree with them; I accept it. They say we are clueless. If providing quality healthcare services to our dear people, is being clueless, then we agree with that. It is the truth; they say we are clueless.

“If targeting critical projects, like this road we have awarded, the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku road; if they say is being clueless, then, we agree. But, we will no go and do road to our farm because we want to please somebody politically.

“We will do those things that our people want and will benefit from. If that one means being clueless, then, we are clueless. In fact, I will change my name to ‘clueless’.”

The Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, has assured the impeached deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, that he would not be abandoned.


He spoke yesterday when he paid Shiabu a solidarity visit in his Abuja residence, describing his impeachment as a sham and urged the former deputy governor to use all legal means to upturn it.


Tenebe told Shaibu: “I am here to pay you this solidarity visit because I still regard you as the deputy governor of Edo State because that sham they did in the Edo State House of Assembly is a disgrace to the governor and it is an aberration to our democracy which I know the court will not allow to stand.

“You are somebody who stood out. The price you paid is the price of loyalty. You were loyal even to the detriment of the people you started with. You paid that price.

“We just celebrated Easter, and we know the price Jesus Christ paid. He died for our sins, and what happened is a replica of what Jesus Christ did for humanity.

“Today, they have removed you as the deputy governor but we still regard you as the deputy governor. It is the price that you have paid to ensure that Obaseki and his semblance are rooted out of Edo State. I can tell you that we will not allow you to walk alone. We are with you in spirit.

“You are a strong man, and I am here as the chairman of APC in Edo State, and I am also an Uzairue indigene where we both come from. We should be strong. I implore you to continue to pursue this matter in court, and we will be with you all through, and God is your strength.

“When one door is closed, many more are opened, and many are opened for you from today. That is what the detractors don’t know. Be strong, and we will match on together.”

The visit comes barely 24 hours after some APC faithful in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State protested against the alleged planned return of Shaibu to the party.

More confusion in PDP chairmanship race as Nasarawa stakeholders demand for position

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa have kick-started their advocacy for the national chairmanship position of the party to be moved to the state.

In a statement released by Mustapha Ibrahim Umaisha and shared with reporters on Tuesday, the stakeholders said Nasarawa’s representation at the national level is long overdue.

They highlighted the absence of the state’s leadership in the upper echelons of the PDP as untenable, saying:

“In the spirit of inclusivity, it is time for Nasarawa to take a prominent role in the leadership of the PDP, a position we have been conspicuously absent from.”

The group lamented the situation preceding the 2023 election when Nasarawa’s sole advisory position within the party, held by elder statesman Sen. Walid Jibrin as BOT Chairman, was relinquished amidst internal discord.

They argued that Nasarawa’s selflessness in that instance deserves recognition from party members nationwide.

“We have witnessed neighboring states like Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau enjoying the chairmanship position, while positions zoned to the North Central have consistently been occupied by our counterparts in other states.

It is time for Nasarawa to be duly acknowledged. It is crucial to acknowledge Nasarawa’s steadfastness in both national and state politics,” the group stated.

The stakeholders argued that Nasarawa presents highly qualified and distinguished individuals as potential candidates for the national chairmanship position, particularly Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, the party’s last gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 governorship poll.

“David Ombugadu embodies the essence of effective leadership, commanding admiration and respect both locally and nationally,” the group stated.

Engr KB Mohammed from Keffi echoed the sentiments, emphasizing that anything short of considering Nasarawa for a leadership position at the national level would be unjust.

“As the call for representation grows louder, all eyes are on the PDP caucus to heed the call for inclusivity and fairness within the party’s ranks, and Ombugadu is the answer,” he added.