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There is no going back on Odoh’s appointment as UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, media aide clarifies

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Benard Ifeanyi Odoh

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.

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Obidient Movement Denounces Fake Social Media Posts Targeting Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed

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Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed

The Obidient Movement, led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has issued a press statement condemning the circulation of false social media posts attributed to Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed. The fabricated posts, which have gone viral, are described as part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at damaging the Senator’s reputation.

The movement clarified that Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed does not operate any social media accounts, making all attributed posts entirely baseless. During a recent press conference, the Senator unequivocally dissociated himself from these claims and urged the public to disregard them.

“This is a targeted attempt to tarnish the Senator’s image and credibility,” Dr. Tanko stated.

The Obidient Movement has called on its supporters and the public to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the issue. They urged people to ignore, counter, and report the false posts whenever they appear.

The statement concluded with an appeal for continued support and collaboration in combating misinformation, reinforcing the movement’s commitment to truth and integrity.

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Senate Approves President Tinubu’s N1.767 Trillion Loan Request

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The Senate has granted approval for a $2.09 billion (N1.767 trillion) loan requested by President Bola Tinubu to address the N9.7 trillion deficit in the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary, just 48 hours after the request was submitted to the National Assembly.

President Tinubu, in letters to both chambers of the legislature earlier this week, highlighted the importance of the loan for financing key projects and programs critical to national development.

Following the request, the Senate assigned its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, led by Senator Aliyu Wammako (APC, Sokoto North), to review the proposal. Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Wammako described the loan as vital for implementing the Debt Management Strategy, reducing borrowing costs, extending debt maturity, and bolstering Nigeria’s external reserves.

The committee recommended raising the loan through Eurobonds or similar international financing instruments, subject to market conditions. It also suggested that any excess funds from exchange rate adjustments be directed toward capital projects in 2024 to support infrastructure and economic growth.

The Senate approved the loan unanimously, with no objections raised during deliberations. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended the Wammako-led committee for its swift and thorough handling of the proposal.

This loan approval is part of the government’s broader strategy to bridge fiscal gaps while focusing on developmental priorities and economic stability.

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Finland Detains Pro-Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa on Terrorism Charges

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Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, has been arrested and detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on charges of inciting public crimes with terrorist intent.

The alleged offence reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021. Finnish authorities apprehended Ekpa on Monday, November 19, marking another chapter in his history of legal confrontations.

A source confirmed Ekpa’s arrest, noting, “He was arrested three days ago. But this is not the first time. He will likely be questioned and released soon.” Ekpa was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same evening.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four additional suspects in connection with terrorism-related charges.

Ekpa has gained notoriety for his leadership of a Nigerian separatist group advocating for an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria. Finnish authorities allege that he used social media platforms to coordinate actions that resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria.

Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the NBI stated that the investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to crimes with terrorist intent.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has continued to engage the Finnish government through the European Union (EU) to extradite Ekpa. In August, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters emphasized the dual approach of diplomatic engagement and sustained military operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reiterated the government’s resolve, saying, “The FG would respond appropriately to the Finnish Government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB/ESN.”

Ekpa, who has represented Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP) in local government, currently serves on Lahti’s public transport committee. Finnish authorities continue to investigate his activities, emphasizing the potential connection between his leadership role in the separatist movement and violent actions in Nigeria.

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