News
There is no going back on Odoh’s appointment as UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, media aide clarifies
In response to recent claims circulating on social media and in the press, the media office of Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh has refuted reports that the Federal Ministry of Education has voided his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK). According to Charles O. Otu, Personal Assistant for Media and Publicity to Professor Odoh, the circulating reports are “inaccurate and baseless.”
Otu explained that the rumors stem from a letter allegedly from the Federal Ministry of Education, dated November 1, 2024, addressed to UNIZIK’s Pro-Chancellor, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
However, the university’s Registrar, R. I. Nwokike, has confirmed that all procedures leading to Professor Odoh’s appointment were conducted in full compliance with statutory requirements as outlined by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act.
Following a rigorous selection process, Odoh emerged as the top candidate among 15 applicants considered for the role. “The entire process was conducted transparently and in line with the laws governing the university,” said Nwokike, who underscored that the university’s Governing Council met all quorum requirements and followed due process.
Emphasizing the independence of the university’s Governing Council, Otu noted that Nigerian law grants universities autonomy over internal governance, free from direct interference by the Ministry of Education.
He pointed to the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1 of 2007, which protects the independence of university councils in appointments and decision-making.
“The Council makes decisions in the best interest of the university community, which is essential for fostering academic freedom and development,” Otu stated.
This autonomy prevents external influence on key academic and administrative matters, thus safeguarding universities’ academic missions and enabling them to prioritize student and staff interests.
Nigerian law recognizes university councils as self-governing entities, with the Ministry of Education providing general oversight rather than direct control.
This separation, as Otu explained, allows universities to make decisions that align with their academic objectives while upholding national educational standards.
In light of this, Otu urged the public to disregard the misinformation, reaffirming the lawful status of Odoh’s appointment and inviting the university community to a high mass on Tuesday to mark the new Vice-Chancellor’s first day in office.
News
I Have a Dream Okpebholo, Deputy Will Not Disappoint Edo People
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) has congratulated the new governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Right Honourable Dennis Idahosa as they resume office.
Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, a former Special Adviser to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice said in a statement in Abuja that he had dreamt before the victory of the APC candidates that the two former legislators now leaders of the executive arm of their state, will spring the state to a higher pedestal in the country.
Isah opined that their emergence to the leadership of the State was a story of perseverance and patience.
He likened the new governor’s journey to the leadership of Edo State as only comparable to that of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Nigerian presidency and the recent victory of Donald Trump of the United States of America.
“I dreamt that Okpebholo will re-engineer the decayed and rusty state left behind by the immediate past governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who to me had a mission to bury the state.
“You can see he achieved nothing concrete for eight years except signing MoUs which were never transformed into reality.
“Obaseki came with a mission to decimated the camaraderie amongst Edolites and had no regards for anybody including those who worked assiduously for him to be elected in the first place.
“Those who helped him to office the first time, he pushed them aside when he assumed office. He picked up fights with individuals and institutions and occupied himself with controversies which distracted him from offering the desired leadership.
“And those who helped him get reelected, both internal and external influences, he fought them dirty and he was fulfilled doing that. Tell me. What manner of a leader is that?”
However, for the new governor, he came fully prepared and I hope he will learn from Obaseki’s mistakes and carry everyone along in the state.
Isah reminded the former governor that he should be prepared to account for his stewardship as he would be called upon to render account.
“But in the case of the former governor and his cronies, it is judgement day. They have to account for their stewardship. There is a time to assume office and a time to exit and render account to the people who trusted you with leadership.
It would be recalled that, already, the report of APC transition committee has indicted the outgone PDP leadership of misappropriating a whooping N420billion of state resources. He will do well to account for every Kobo spent by his administration.
Isah also a former Vice President of Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN), the umbrella body of Nollywood described the new governor as focused, resilient and has capacity to deliver on the onerous task of governing the state, adding that he came fully prepared for render leadership.
According to Isah, who is also a Chairman, Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), “Okpebholo and Idahosa both have the capacity to deliver on their new task. They are was focused, deliberate and resilient as witnessed all through the journey to their new challenges. This is very manifest in them.
“Now that the governor have landed the job, he will exhibit these positive attributes. Whilst he occupy Osadebe Avenue, he can’t afford to fail”, Isah concluded.
News
Sani Musa addresses concerns over comments on subsidy removal
***Vows to prioritize citizens’ welfare
Senator representing Niger East in the national assembly has clarified his recent comments regarding the removal of fuel subsidies, assuring Nigerians that his stance is driven by a desire to address systemic corruption and redirect national resources to vital areas of development.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senator Musa explained that his remark, “Removing subsidy is the best thing that happened to Nigeria,” was not meant to ignore the economic difficulties faced by everyday Nigerians, but rather to highlight the long-standing misuse of subsidy funds.
He pointed out that, for years, billions of naira intended for national progress had instead enriched a select few, depriving millions of Nigerians of essential services and infrastructure.
The senator emphasized that while the subsidy removal is an essential step towards eliminating corruption, it must be accompanied by measures to cushion its impact on citizens.
He called for increased investments in social welfare programs, improvements in security, and comprehensive economic reforms to benefit all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.
Senator Musa also acknowledged the ongoing security challenges in his district and across the nation.
He reiterated his commitment to addressing these issues through legislative action, ensuring that his efforts focus on the safety, economic empowerment, and well-being of Nigerians.
He concluded by reaffirming his dedication to working tirelessly in the best interests of his constituents and the nation, aiming to create a future where policies reflect the needs and security of all citizens.
News
Power Minister Orders Immediate Action on Grid Collapse Committee’s Recommendations
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and related agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of a committee formed to address frequent grid collapses.
This is happening as TCN acknowledged potential temporary power disruptions as it begins repair work on the national grid.
The directive followed a recent grid disturbance reported at 11:29 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, caused by a sudden frequency increase from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
The TCN reported that recovery efforts were promptly initiated, with power partially restored within minutes in the Abuja region, though work continued in other areas.
Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, noted that the committee’s recommendations aim to offer lasting solutions for both immediate and long-term grid stability.
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah confirmed that the agency has begun implementing these recommendations, which involve technical upgrades and strategic repairs across key areas. Ongoing work includes improvements on the 330kV Shiroro–Mando transmission line, significant upgrades at the Jebba Substation, and restoration of the second 330kV Ugwuaji–Apir line.
According to Mbah, while these enhancements are underway, some intermittent power instability may persist.
The TCN has appealed for public understanding during this period, emphasizing that the measures are critical for achieving a stable and reliable power supply across Nigeria.
The TCN reiterated its commitment to minimizing power disruptions and enhancing the grid’s resilience, recognizing the essential role that stable electricity plays in the country’s economic growth.
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