Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Saturday blocked major entry and exit roads to the campus of the institution, in protest of the closure of the school by the management.
The management of the university had announced an indefinite closure of the institution, after the students barricaded Ife/Ibadan and Ife/Ede expressways in protest, claiming that negligence of the personnel at the health centre of the university led to the death of one Aishat Adesina, a 400-level student in the Department of Foreign Languages.
The management also gave the students until 12pm Saturday to vacate their halls of residence and put on hold the swearing-in of the newly elected students’ union officials.
Investigations revealed that while majority of the students vacated their halls of residence as ordered by the management, some later regrouped on campus and barricaded strategic exit and entrance roads to the institution.
The Vice President-elect of Great Ife Students Union, Salvation Aworanti, confirmed to our correspondent that students had barricaded major roads on the campus in continuation of their protest.
She said, “Students are refusing to leave. They are saying the management should reopen the school with immediate effect.
“Some students have left their halls of residence, some have refused to leave, while some are on campus. They barricaded major roads. They barricaded Road One.”
But when contacted, the OAU Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, said many students had left their halls of residence in obedience to the management’s directive, adding that no road was barricaded on the campus of the university.
He said, “I just left the campus. As of the time I left the campus, there was no blockage and many students have left the halls of residence as directed by the management. They complied with the management’s directive. If any road was blocked, probably not up to 20 students did that. I am presently on Road One and vehicles are going in and coming out of the campus, no blockage.”
A report on a recent research conducted by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) has revealed how the Federal Government lost N557b between 2013 and 2017 to some infractions relating to award of contracts, unremitted advances to staff and contract inflations, among others.
The research report presented by the organisation, titled: “Achieving accountability and development in Nigeria,” revealed that during the period under review, the Federal Government lost N17b to unretired advances granted to staffs. Also, N26b was lost due to abandonment of contracts or projects.
The Lead Researcher, Osonuga Adedeji, while presenting the report at the five-year celebration of PLSI, yesterday, in Abuja, also revealed that N12.5b was lost to irregular award of contract, and that between 2013 and 2017, the government also lost N8.7b to contracts for supply of goods not delivered to stores.
The report further revealed how N17. 4b was lost to non-remittance of taxes, while a whooping N188. 6b was lost to non-collection of arrears of taxes by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS). The observed lost of revenue to non-remittance of Internally Generated Revenue to Consolidated Revenue Fund totalled N157b.
About N51.3b was said to have been lost to payment vouchers not presented for audit, overpayment of salaries and allowances, virement without approvals, irregular payment and diversion of grants, among other. The report covered how government lost fund due to inflation of contracts and unauthorised variations, among others.
Adedeji, however, observed the contravention of provisions of financial regulations (2009) by some MDAs, including misappropriation and misapplication of funds, as well as virement of funds without approvals by the National Assembly.
In his remarks, the Executive Director PLSI, Olusegun Elemo, noted that many of the infractions deny ordinary Nigerian access to key services that should improve the quality of lives that could have translated to development.
To improve public accountability, he said Federal Government must speed up process of enacting modern audit law to limit waste and inefficiency in management and utilisation of public funds.
Elemo explained that the report aimed to examine compliance of federal Ministries Departments and agencies of government with public procurement act, financial regulations and other relevant laws over a five-year period to ascertain the level of waste and inefficiency in the utilisation of public funds and consequent impact on Nigeria’s development.
Zamfara State House of Assembly Speaker, Nasiru Mu'azu Magarya
Zamfara State Police Command, on Saturday, announced the rescue of five family members of the state’s House of Assembly Speaker, Nasiru Ma’azu Magarya, who were abducted by bandits on August 5.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ayuba Elkanah, confirmed this while presenting the rescued persons before reporters in Gusau.
Elkanah said that the 16 victims, including a three-month old baby Khadija Muazu, and her mother Hauwa Muazu, were rescued and safely returned when the fleeing bandits abandoned them at their various camps.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the Speaker’s father and five members of his family were abducted on August 5 at Magarya community in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.
He said the Speaker’s family members rescued on September 29 included Dahiru Sarki Magarya, Hauwa Mu’azu Magarya, baby Khadija, Usman Magarya and Okasha Abdullahi Magarya.
The Police Commissioner said the 11 others, including four women, were abducted from Magamin Tandu in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
He said all the victims had undergone various medical checkup and would be reunited with their families.
Elkanah assured that efforts were being made to rescue the speaker’s father, Alhaji Muazu Magarya from his captors.
President Muhammadu Buhari will travel out of the country on Sunday to enable him to attend the inauguration of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, for a second five-year term in office on Monday in Addis Ababa.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, who made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday, said President Buhari is scheduled to deliver a goodwill message during the inauguration ceremony.
Adesina noted that President Buhari would subsequently attend a State Banquet in honour of visiting Heads of State and Government of the country.
According to the statement, the president is expected to return to the country on Tuesday, October 5.
Those billed to accompany the president include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
The statement read in part, “President Buhari who will depart Abuja for the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa on Sunday, is scheduled to deliver a goodwill message during the inauguration ceremony. He is expected back in Abuja on Tuesday.”
Recall that Prime Minister, Ahmed secured another term in office following the victory of Ethiopia’s governing Prosperity Party in the parliamentary election in June 2021.
All Progressives Congress chieftain, Bola Tinubu, says he is healthy but only undergoing physiotherapy in London.
Tinubu said this while addressing members of the House of Representatives northern caucus that visited him in London on Friday.
The former governor, who has been in the United Kingdom for the last three months since undergoing knee surgery, however, said he was undergoing physiotherapy which he described as “gruesome”.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu who was dressed in kaftan and a red cap said, “Because of God and people like you, I am well. It is just the physio (physiotherapy) that is gruesome.”
Since his departure, Tinubu’s London home has become a Mecca of sorts as he has been visited by the President Muhammadu Buhari; Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).
His prolonged stay abroad has, however, drawn criticism from a section of Nigerians who believe he ought to have stayed in the country to receive treatment.
Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, said should Tinubu become President in 2023, he would continue Buhari’s tradition of seeking treatment abroad at the expense of taxpayers.
A former Central Bank Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming governorship elections in Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said the state loses N19.6billion every day that it is locked down.
Soludo stated this at an enlarged meeting with Anambra State Elders and Stakeholders Forum, and Forum of Heads of Broadcast Media Stations in Anambra State.
He called on the people spilling blood in the state to have a rethink, adding that such actions did not define who Anambra people were.
“Anambra State economy loses an estimated sum of N19.6billion every time the sit-at-home directive is enforced in the state.
“Such actions do not define who we are. That is why we are calling on those responsible to stop because we are hurting ourselves,” Soludo said.
Professor Soludo while calling on Ndi Anambra to be watchful, praised Governor Willie Obiano for what he called outstanding achievements.
He added, “Governor Willie Obiano has delivered sustainable legacy projects to Ndi Anambra including the Anambra International airport, the International convention centre, Awka and the Awka stadium.”
He said the governor has done well despite overseeing two recessions and the state suffering dwindling federal allocations.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Worldwide), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said it was to make Nigerians laugh that the government made COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for civil servants and other categories.
Adeboye added that the number of doses of the vaccines was presently inadequate which made the compulsory vaccination a laughable policy.
Edo State recently announced the compulsory vaccination for its civil servants – a directive which led to rounds of protests in the state. The Ondo State government is mulling the same policy of compulsory vaccination.
Adeboye while speaking during the October Holy Ghost Service wondered why some state governors were mandating Nigerians to take the vaccine before they could gain access to banks and churches when the number of doses available is not enough in the country.
He said, “The number of doses available in the country is not even enough for 10 per cent of the total population of the nation. How do you then say whoever does not take the vaccine will not be able to go to bank and church?
“It means 90 percent of the population will not be able to access their money. We will need to go back to the olden days of keeping money, I hope you know.
“Well, I believe they just want to make us laugh and you know in Nigeria, we need things to make us laugh.”
Adeboye advised members of his church willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine to go ahead.
He said, “I never said to you don’t get vaccinated, you have never heard that from me. Rather than living in fear or doubt, get vaccinated. If you believe that getting vaccinated would put your mind at rest, then go ahead.
“Daddy, are you saying that you too could be vaccinated? If there are nations in the world that say I can’t visit to preach the gospel there because of vaccination, I will do anything for Jesus Christ.
“If vaccination is going to stop me from doing the work that God has called me to do, if they asked me to get vaccinated 10 times, I would be vaccinated.”
Adeboye added that he can do anything for the gospel including taking the vaccine.
The recent attacks in Kagara in Niger State claimed the lives of two soldiers, with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
Governor Abubakar Bello confirmed the death of the two soldiers and others who were injured when he visited 12 of the injured soldiers who were receiving treatment at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital, Minna.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, the governor said that the injured soldiers were responding to treatment and will be on their feet in no distant time.
Bello, who expressed sadness over the situation, disclosed that some of the injured soldiers were taken to Kaduna for medical attention.
He, however, noted that the bandits also suffered heavy casualty, but he did not mention the exact number.
The governor maintained that the bandits had alliance with terrorists, considering their increasing number and the way they plan and carry out their attacks.
He said that the situation called for review, adding that aside the efforts being made, a support system will be instituted for those deprived of their livelihood through banditry or cattle rustling.
The governor, however, enjoined the citizens to be security conscious and be mindful of their environment, and to always report any suspicious activities around them; pointing out that the war against terror is for all and not for the security agencies alone, warning that the situation is a threat to everyone.
He also raised concerns over some rural communities which, for fear of attack, harbour bandits; warning that it will not last for long.
“Very soon, we will tag those communities as same elements as bandits. If you are harbouring any bandits and you know, you are one, even if you don’t carry gun, because you are risking the lives of our security agents.
“We have lost quite a few of them since it started and we don’t intend to lose more. What we are calling for is a safe environment and for everyone to support the ongoing operation by the security agents,” he said.
The governor also visited others, including a victim of gas explosion from Kagara, at the surgical ward of the hospital who has been on admission for over two months.
Meanwhile, Governor Bello has expressed dismay over the condition of the hospital which, he said, had gulped huge amount of money to renovate a few years back.
He said that the issue will be investigated, as he believes that something is fundamentally wrong and someone is not doing his job.
“I am extremely angry because I remember that when we came, we spent a lot of money to renovate the entire hospital and in less than four years, for this hospital to be like this, then something is fundamentally wrong.
“So, I’m not happy and I’m angry; very angry,” he said.
The governor also ordered immediate repair of the dialysis machines in the hospital and directed the Commissioner for Finance to release funds immediately to that effect.
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has said sycophants have taken over the leadership of Nigeria.
Ortom who included himself as one of the leaders that have failed the citizens, lamented that nothing significant was happening in every corner of the country.
He spoke to journalists in Makurdi shortly after the church service held at the Chapel of Grace in Government House to mark this year’s Independence celebration.
“There is nothing to celebrate, that’s why here in Benue State, we choose to celebrate God for giving us life. We cannot celebrate anything; is it the economy close to N600 per dollar? Is it what? What are we celebrating as a people? We leaders have failed. We leaders have failed this country. Sycophants, mediocres are the ones ruling. They have taken over. Corruption has taken over this country and in every spheres of life, nothing is happening.
“But, we need to celebrate God for keeping us alive, maybe tomorrow we can have a better Nigeria. But for now, I won’t deceive you, there is nothing to celebrate,” he said.
The governor had earlier lamented recurrent insecurity saying over 10o security personnel had list their lives while providing security for the people of the state.
He however, commended security agencies in the state for the recent arrest of a notorious outlaw nicknamed “Azonto”, as he stressed the need for his return to the state so he could face justice.
Ortom further regretted the plights of over a million displaced people in camps across the state as he urged Nigerians to continue their demand for a country that guarantees justice and fairness for all as it was in the dreams of the founding fathers.
Grand Duke George Mikhailovich Romanov and his Italian wife, Rebecca Virginia Bettarini
Russia, on Friday, held its first royal wedding since the 1917 Bolshevik revolution toppled the Romanov monarchy, with aristocrats travelling from across Europe for the lavish ceremony.
Grand Duke George Mikhailovich Romanov, 40, and his Italian fiance Rebecca Virginia Bettarini, 39, were wed at Saint Isaac’s cathedral in the former imperial capital Saint Petersburg.
Hundreds of foreign guests travelled to Russia’s second city for the Orthodox Christian ceremony, including royals from 20 countries such as the last king of Bulgaria, Simeon II, the last king of Egypt and the Sudan, Fuad II, and Princess Lea of Belgium.
The guest list of around 1,500 people included other prominent names like Konstantin Malofeyev, a monarchist and billionaire close to the Kremlin, and Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
Bettarini converted to the Orthodox faith last year.
Young bridesmaids dressed in orange carried the bride’s train that featured the coat of arms of the Russian Empire, embroidered in gold.
Bettarini also wore a diamond-encrusted tiara made by high-end jewellers Chaumet.
Surrounded by priests in golden robes, Romanov and Bettarini beamed as Metropolitan Varsofony of Saint-Petersburg and Ladoga performed the blessing.
Metropolitan Varsofony praised the couple for their desire to serve Russia.
“We are happy that you love Russia, and take part in charity projects,” he said.
The ceremony included the exchange of wedding rings made by Faberge.
The House of Faberge said it was the first time it had created wedding rings for members of the Romanov family “since before the Russian revolution”.
‘My Heart Rejoices’
Some women sported designer hats and furs, and men wearing Cossack uniforms decorated with medals could also be seen.
Natalya Grigorovich, a descendant of Ivan Grigorovich, Tsarist Russia’s last naval minister, described the ceremony as “touching”.
“My heart rejoices,” she added.
Passing by Saint Isaac’s cathedral, Saint Petersburg resident Galina Bobrova said she wished the couple “happiness”.
“For us the monarchy is something from a past life, of course, but it’s interesting,” the 50-year-old told AFP.
After the ceremony the sword-bearing honour guard saluted the newlyweds as they kissed outside the cathedral.
More than 500 guests were invited to attend the wedding dinner at the city’s Museum of Ethnography later Friday.
The last wedding in Russia of an heir to the Romanovs was that of Nicholas II and Alexandra, 127 years ago.
Ahead of the ceremony, Romanov said the couple chose to tie the knot in Saint Petersburg because it was the first place in the country where the family returned in the early 1990s.
“It is very, very close to our family,” he told Saint Petersburg-based news website Fontanka ahead of the wedding.
Saint Petersburg is “the history of Russia,” he added, “the history of the House of Romanov”.
‘Ambassadors Of Goodwill’
Born in Madrid, Romanov is the son of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna Romanova, the self-proclaimed heir to Russia’s imperial throne.
She is the granddaughter of Grand Duke Kirill, a cousin of Nicholas II, the last Russian tsar who was executed along with his wife, Alexandra, and five children by the Bolsheviks in 1918.
Buried after their execution in a place long kept secret by the Soviet authorities, their bodies and those of their children were transferred in 1998 to the Peter and Paul Cathedral in Saint Petersburg.
The family was canonised by the Orthodox Church in 2000 as martyrs.
After the wedding the newlyweds laid flowers at the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Romanov, who spent much of his life in France, graduated from Oxford and worked in the European Parliament. He also held jobs at Russian mining giant, Norilsk Nickel.
The couple moved to Russia three years ago, settling first in the Moscow suburbs before relocating to the city centre next to the Kremlin.
Romanov now works on several charity projects.
He said he believes European and Russian royals could help Moscow and the West mend fraying ties.
“I think that we can be ambassadors of goodwill.”
Vladimir Putin’s spokesman told reporters that the Kremlin always wished all newlyweds happinesses but the president did not plan to congratulate the couple.
“This marriage does not belong on our agenda in any way,” said Dmitry Peskov.
