Presidential Inauguration: FG Declares May 29, Public Holiday

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May 27, 2023

Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups (COSEG) — Mr Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior

The Federal Government has declared Monday 29, a work-free day for all workers in the country, to commemorate the inauguration of the nation’s 16th democratically-elected President.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Friday in Abuja.

The Minister felicitated with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide election that produced the President and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.

He enjoined them to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law and upholding all democratic institutions.

”Democracy anywhere is an unfinished business and the only way it can keep developing is by being the vehicle to good governance and the welfare of all the people is by adhering to its tenets of rule of law.

“It should also serve as support for democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people,” the minister said.

Aregbesola urged Nigerians to also continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for one another, noting that “we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.”

The minister commended all Nigerians for their efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999.

He urged them to support and cooperate with the coming administration, arguing that the unbounded energy of the people is the nation’s greatest strength and will take the nation to its greatest height when it was positively deployed in its service.

The Minister also urged Nigerians to shun any form of violence and other untoward acts, assuring them that with all hands on deck, the future is very bright when the nation will attain greatness in all facets of human development. (NAN)

The Next Edition

We‘ll Shock Brazil, Flying Eagles Vow

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May 27, 2023

• Win World Cup, Get Plot Of Land In Abuja, Wamakko Tells PlayersThe Flying Eagles have vowed to cage five times World champions, Brazil, in their last group match today at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Nigerians, who are runners-up on two occasions, at Saudi Arabia ‘89 and The Netherlands 2005, as well as bronze medalists at USSR ’85, arrived in Buenos, on Thursday, ahead of the clash against the junior Samba Boys.The Flying Eagles, against all expectations, defeated Italy 2-0 in their second group match to hit the top of the group and booked their passage to the second round.Perhaps, the biggest motivation for the players in the competition is a promise made to them by the Proprietor of Jedo FC of Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Oroji Wamakko, who called them shortly before their game against Italy.Speaking with The Guardian from the team’s camp in Argentina, yesterday, Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mohammed Sanusi, said: “I am sure the players won’t let Nigeria down in this World Cup because they are well motivated. Before the second group match against Italy, the President of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAM), Alhaji Aliyu Oroji Wamakko, who is a football stakeholder, called the players and told them to go and win the World Cup and get a plot of land in Abuja.

“Alhaji (Dr) Oroji is Ciroman Wamakko, and a man of his words. He promised the players that he will give each of them a land measuring 500 square meters in the FCT that can contain a 4-bedroom flat and a Boys Quarter. The players were so excited, and that boosted their morale in their game against Italy. No motivation will be bigger than that, and I am sure the players will like to have a land in Abuja,” Sanusi stated.

Meanwhile, coach Ladan Bosso is optimistic his boys will get better as the competition progresses.

“It’s massive beating Italy that defeated highly-rated Brazil 3-2 by two un – replied goals, and that gives me the confidence that boys, most of whom are debuting at such a big stage are now ready to give the World Cup a real go.”

Asked what are his plans against Brazil, Bosso said: “Having watched Brazilian play, I think we know how to handle them, but I will consider giving the other players who have yet to feature in our two games an opportunity to showcase themselves.”

Today’s match will hold at the Estadio Unico Diego Maradona in La Plata. Nigeria needs a draw to top Group D.

The Guardian

Seun Kuti Jets Out of Nigeria After Police Ordeal

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May 27, 2023

Grammy-nominated afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti has jetted out of the country barely 48 hours after his release from prison.

DAILY POST reported that the singer who was being remanded at the State Criminal, Investigations and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos on the orders of Yaba Chief Magistrate Court for assaulting a police officer in a viral video, was granted bail on Tuesday after spending eight days in detention.

Kuti was in court on Wednesday, for his trial at the Chief Magistrate Court Yaba in Lagos but the proceedings were adjourned July 3, 2023, due to the magistrate’s absence.

On Thursday, the singer announced via his Insta Story that he was on his way to Switzerland for the commencement of his Europe tour.

Sharing a picture of himself in a plane, he wrote, “Euro tour kicks off tonight in Zurich.”

Daily Post

Many Foreign Students To Lose Right To Bring Family To UK

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May 27, 2023

Graduates from Imperial College London at a graduation ceremony

Foreign postgraduate students on non-research courses will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK, under new immigration curbs.

The announcement has been made two days before official statistics are expected to show legal migration has hit a record 700,000 this year.

Last year, 135,788 visas were granted to dependents of foreign students, nearly nine times the 2019 figure.

PM Rishi Sunak told ministers the move would help bring migration down.

He told the cabinet that the change, to begin in January 2024, will make a “significant difference to the numbers,” according to No 10.

However, the impact it will have on official migration levels is unclear, since students and family members who come to the UK for less than a year are not counted.

Last week, he said ministers were “considering a range of options” to bring migration down, but refused to say what an acceptable level was.

The Conservatives have previously promised to bring net migration below 100,000 a year, but ditched the target ahead of the 2019 election after repeatedly failing to meet it.

Under the announcement, partners and children of postgraduate students other than those studying on courses designated as research programmes will no longer be allowed to apply to live in the UK during the course.

There were 135,788 visas granted to dependents last year, a rise from 54,486 in 2021, and more than seven times the 19,139 granted in 2020.

These figures have increased since study visa requirements for European Economic Area (EEA) students were introduced after Brexit.

Applications have also risen since rules were changed in 2019 to allow foreign students to stay in the UK for two years after graduating to look for jobs.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the rise in dependents being granted visas was “unprecedented,” and it was “time for us to tighten up this route to ensure we can cut migration numbers”.

In a statement to Parliament, she added that the move “strikes the right balance” between bringing down migration and “protecting the economic benefits that students can bring to the UK”.

There was a division within government about going further – and possibly banning the dependents of all postgraduate students, including those on research courses.

But some ministers, including Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, argued they were based in the UK longer and provided greater economic benefits.

‘Less alone’

Image caption,

Titilope came to the UK from Nigeria to do a degree in mental health nursing

The BBC spoke to two Nigerian students studying at Wolverhampton University.

Rotimi, who is doing a masters degree in mechanical engineering, says he understands why politicians might want to reduce immigration levels.

But he adds that most of those coming to the UK to study also “look beyond studying” – and want their family to be “part of that experience”.

He says that without a way for overseas students to bring their family, “most people won’t even consider leaving” – or might opt to study elsewhere instead.

As an undergraduate doing a course in mental health nursing, Titilope isn’t in the category of students that can bring dependents to the UK.

However, she says that allowing students to have family with them means they can focus on their studies, without having to worry about whether “they have money, or if they are alright”.

“At the same time, you know that you have the family there. If you’re going through a tough time, it’s always better to have the family to talk it through. You don’t feel so alone.”

Universities UK (UUK), umbrella group for British universities, said it recognized the “substantial” rise in dependent visas had sometimes led to “local challenges” over family accommodation and schooling.

“Given this, some targeted measures to mitigate this rise may be reasonable,” said Jamie Arrowsmith, the director of UUK’s international arm.

He called on the government to work with universities to monitor the effect of the changes, adding they were “likely to have a disproportionate impact on women and students from certain countries”.

The University and College Union (UCU), which represents university staff, called it a “vindictive move” that had raised “deep concern” within the sector.

Those accompanying overseas students to the UK “bring huge value to our society and deserve the right to live alongside their loved ones whilst they study,” its general secretary Jo Grady said.

Adam Habib, director of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, criticized the announcement as “a terrible decision” for three reasons: “First a financial challenge, second it raises issues of coherence in government, and third a human rights question.”

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “What this decision runs the risk of doing is making sure these institutions, these universities which are dependent on the fee income of international students, go through a financial crisis.

“We are already seeing financial crises in universities over the last year – there have been strikes over the last year, and vice-chancellors are having to manage that problem – but you will aggravate that problem.”

Student numbers

According to HESA, an education data group, there were 679,970 international students in the UK in 2021/2022.

Of these 307,470 were undergraduates, who already can’t bring family members to the UK during their course.

There were 372,500 postgraduates, of whom 46,350 are on research courses – the vast majority of them for PhDs, along with a small number of research-based masters degrees.

Students coming to the UK with a visa need to provide documents proving their relationship to dependents, who have to pay £490 for a visa.

Dependents are also required to pay the immigration health surcharge – an annual contribution between £470 and £624 towards NHS services.

Source: BBC News

FG Restricts Movement Around Eagle Square Ahead Of Tinubu’s Swearing-In

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May 26, 2023

Ahead of the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu on May 29, the Muhammadu Buhari government has said there will be restrictions on movement around Eagle Square in Abuja.

Naija News reports that the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Ngozi Onwudiwe, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.

Onwudiwe said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Secretariat Complex Phases I, II, and III will be blocked off by security operatives ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

She stated that the restriction will begin by 2 pm on Friday, May 26 to Monday, May 29, adding that officers and intending visitors to the affected areas will not be allowed access till Tuesday, May 30.

The statement reads: “As you may be aware, the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) has unveiled the activities marking the 2023 presidential inauguration ceremony.

“The inauguration parade and swearing-in of President-Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is the climax of the programme will take place on Monday, 29th May 2023 at the Eagle Square, Central Business District, Abuja.

“In line with the security arrangements for the event, the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases I, II, III and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be cordoned off by security operatives from 2.00 p.m. on Friday, 26th May 2023 to Monday, 29th May 2023.

“Accordingly, officers and intending visitors to the affected areas will not be allowed access till Tuesday, 30th May 2023, when work will resume in earnest.”

Police Announce Traffic Diversion In Abuja

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced traffic diversions ahead of the inauguration.

The FCT Police Spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, made the announcement in a statement on Friday.

She said the diversion points are Goodluck Jonathan Expressway by Court of Appeal, Deeper Life Junction, Bond/Total Filling Station, POWA/FCDA Junction, Finance Junction by ECOWAS/Women Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Adeh said other diversion points are Eagle Square ( Phase 1 & Phase 11), Kur Muhammad Way/National Mosque, Abia House, NITEL Junction by Ademola Adetokunbo, and Gana Junction/Transcorp.

The police spokesperson said traffic will also be diverted at Bayelsa House by Federal High Court, Aso Drive, Ceddi Plaza, NNPC Twin Tower, and NNPC/NBS.

She said the command had deployed intelligence and tactical assets across the FCT to avert any form of threat.

Adeh said the operational deployment comprises stop and search duty, intelligence-led raids on black spots, surveillance, and vehicular/foot patrol.

Source: Naija News

Supreme Court Dismisses PDP Suit Against Tinubu, Shettima

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May 26, 2023

BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses PDP suit against Tinubu, Shettima

The Supreme Court has given a judicial seal of approval for the inauguration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima.

The Court on Friday dismissed the suit by the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, seeking their disqualification from the 2023 presidential election.

The Apex Court held that the PDP’s suit praying disqualification of Tinubu and Shettima was grossly lacking in merit and dismissed it.

Justice Adamu Jauro who delivered the lead judgment slammed a fine of N2 million on PDP for poke nosing into the internal affairs of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the conduct of its primary elections and nomination of its candidates.

Justice Jauro agreed with Tinubu’s lawyer, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, that PDP acted as busy body and meddlesome interloper in the ways and manners it dabbled into APC’s affairs unjustly.

The Apex Court held that apart from the fact that PDP lacked requisite jurisdiction to institute the suit, the party also failed to provide scintilla of evidence that Shetima engaged in double nomination.

The claim of PDP on the alleged double nomination of the Vice President-elect was described as most unfortunate and a clear deliberate mischief to mislead the Court and the country.

The Supreme Court also agreed with Fagbemi that no matter the pains of PDP on how APC conducted its primary election and nominated its candidates, PDP must remain onlooker.

“It is abundantly clear that the Appellant (PDP) in the totality of its position in the instant case, is peeping and poke nosing into the affairs of another party as a busy body and meddlesome interloper,” he said.

The Court held that the action of PDP was painful because it used the social media to set a booby trap for the Supreme Court to blackmail it.

It said this is most unfortunate, unwarranted and uncalled for.

Source: Daily Post

Governor Ortom Reveals G5 Governors Supported President Elect, Tinubu.

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May 25, 2023

Benue state governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has recounted his ordeal in the fight for a south-eastern president. He revealed that the Labour Party flagbearer, Peter Obi was his preferred choice in the election. He revealed that some of his G-5 colleagues rooted and worked for the president-elect, Bola Tinubu.

Governor Samuel Ortom has revealed that he supported the presidential candidacy of Peter Obi in the build-up to the 2023 general elections. The pragmatic Ortom disclosed this on Wednesday, May 24, during an Arise TV breakfast program, ‘The Morning Show’ with Reuben Abati.

Governor Samuel Ortom, whose tenure will soon come to an end, will hand over to an opposition party as he rounds up to hand over to his successor.

While answering questions on the build-up to the inauguration ceremony of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, the Benue State governor, disclosed that he is an advocate of democracy. He said his passion for democracy spurred him to support a southern presidential candidate. He noted that while his colleagues in the G5 faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supported Tinubu, he rooted for the Peter Obi of the Labour Party. Ortom said: “I worked for a southern President because I believe in justice, equity and fairness. Tinubu is part of it, Obi is part of it. I chose to work with Obi, but I said that the presidency should go to that place (southern region). “I’m in PDP, for the presidency, I worked for Obi, others of my colleague, even in the G-5, worked for Tinubu, which was what we agreed.” “I can be PDP and still work for the interest of this country to ensure fairness, equity and justice.

Governor Ortom also noted that his affiliations with the PDP and his support for Obi do not stop him from working with the incoming administration, noting that the country’s interest must come first before any other personal interest. He said: “If tomorrow Tinubu is sworn in, I will continue to pray for him, continue to support him to succeed as president of this country. “Litigation is going on, let it take its course. It’s part of the democratic process. Once the result comes out, whatever the outcome, we will accept it and whoever emerges as the president, I am going to support him.”

Source: Legit.ng

President Buhari Begs Nigerians For Forgiveness

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April 22, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked for pardon from those he might have hurt while discharging his duties since his election in 2015.

According to a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, President Buhari spoke Friday at an occasion to mark his last Sallah outing as president.

The president thanked Nigerians for the honour of being elected to serve two terms, 2015-2023.

President Buhari said he accepted all the complaints and criticisms in good stead, knowing it was part of the leadership he prayed and asked from God.

“God gave me an incredible opportunity to serve the country. We are all humans, if I have hurt some people along the line of my service to the country, I ask that they pardon me.

“All those that I have hurt, I ask that they pardon me.”

With less than 37 days left in office, the President recounted his leadership roles in the country for more than forty years, serving variously as a military officer, military governor, minister, and Head of State, and returning as a democratically-elected President in 2015.

President Buhari told residents of the Federal Capital Territory led by the Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, on Eid-el-Fitr Sallah homage, that his journey was not all smooth as he was incarcerated for three years, after the coup that ousted him from power in August, 1984, and contested elections three times, 2003, 2007 and 2011, without success.

“I dared the politicians and ended up at the Supreme Court three times. They laughed at me, and I responded, ‘God dey’. God sent technology to my rescue, with Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC). The fraudulent people became unemployed,” the President noted.

President Buhari said the flaunting of ethnic and religious cards in elections was “rubbish” as the presiding justices at the Supreme Court that squashed his cases were Muslims, from the North, Zaria in Kaduna State, Niger and Jigawa.

“It is good to reflect on what used to happen here, in FCT, especially on security. Security is not only about the North East, it also spread to the FCT and all over the country.

“Those who wanted to make our lives uncomfortable reached the FCT, and they have been marginalized,’’ he added.

President Buhari highlighted the strengths of democracy as a system of government, particularly in providing opportunity to participate, and fostering a sense of belonging among citizens.

“I have been counting the years. Democracy is good, otherwise how can someone come from one end of the country to rule for eight years. My hometown, Daura, is about eight kilometers to Niger Republic.

“When the Minister of Interior wanted to shut down petrol stations ten kilometers from the border, there was a fuel station close to my house, and I pleaded if he could allow it to keep operating,” he added.

The president stated that he decided to retire to Daura, which was far away from Abuja in order to get some respite, after years of work.

“I can’t wait to go home to Daura. If they make any noise to disturb me in Daura, I will leave for the Niger Republic. I deliberately arranged to be as far away as possible. I got what I wanted and will quietly retire to my hometown.

“In spite of technology, it will not be easy to get to Daura,” he said.

President Buhari said he remains grateful to Nigerians, who voted him in 2015 and 2019, without any monetary incentive, with some trooping to the campaigns, and receptions in states just to catch a glimpse.

“I think it is a good coincidence for me to say goodbye to you, and thank you for tolerating me for almost eight years,” the President said.

Source: Herald Nigeria

Former Liverpool Star Lauds Skillful Okocha As One Of The Best Players In Africa

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April 21, 2023

“Better than Messi and Ronaldo” – Former Liverpool star lauds ‘skillful’ Okocha

Okocha is noted for being an excellent free-kick taker in addition to his dribbling abilities

Source: Soccernet

Sultan Of Sokoto Declares Friday As Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

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April 21, 2023

Sultan Of Sokoto Declares End Of Fasting, Friday As Eid-el-Fitr For Muslims

He also prayed Allah to “guide our new leaders aright and continue to shower his Blessing on our country.”

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday as Eid-el-Fitr, following the sighting of Shawwal, 1444 AH in many places across the country.

According to the monarch, reports on the new moon were received and verified by the national moon sighting committee.

He therefore called on Muslims to live peacefully with one another irrespective of their differences.

He also prayed Allah to “guide our new leaders aright and continue to shower his Blessing on our country.”

The Saudi Arabia Government had also earlier announced Friday as the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, an annual celebration which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic Fasting month.

This was confirmed on Thursday via the Saudi Arabian Press Agency on its Twitter account, mentioning that the moon for a new month as being cited.

“Tomorrow, Friday, is the first day of Eid al-Fitr for this year,” the agency had tweeted.

According to the Muslim lunar calendar, the time of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the appearance of the crescent moon.

Families get together to celebrate the holiday.

One of the five pillars of Islam is the daytime fasting month of Ramadan.

Observant Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk and traditionally break their fast with friends and family in the evening.

Additionally, it is a time for prayer, with many followers gathering at mosques, particularly at night.

In Saudi Arabia, where Mecca and Medina are two of Islam’s holiest sites, fasting is a common practice.

Source: SR

Police Announce Traffic Diversion In Abuja

Sultan Of Sokoto Declares End Of Fasting, Friday As Eid-el-Fitr For Muslims

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