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AMBODE GRANTS SCHOLARSHIP, N5MILLION CASH REWARD TO BEST LASU GRADUATING STUDENT …Says 6000 Capacity Hostel, Senate Building, Other Projects On Course …Attends 22nd Convocation Ceremony

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It was an emotional laden moment filled with joy, excitement and sense of fulfillment when Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi on Wednesday granted scholarship and N5million cash reward to the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU), Ogunsanya Fuhad Adetoro.

 

Adetoro, who is of the Faculty of Management Sciences, was announced as the best graduating student at the 22nd convocation ceremony held at the Auditorium Complex of the University in Ojo having scored CGPA 4.78.

 

Responding to Adetoro’s request for scholarship to go for masters’ study outside the country, Governor Ambode said he would personally finance the student’s education in any university of his choice anywhere in the world.

 

“In response to the best graduating student’s request, Lagos State Government does not generally give scholarship anymore but only bursary. So, I adopt him.

 

“His story is too compelling and it reflects on my own story. So, any university he wants to go, I will do it personally; I will be responsible.

 

“In addition to that, because he is the best graduating student, I dash him N5million,” Governor Ambode said.

 

The Governor said occasions such as university convocation deserved necessary attention as the future of any nation could only be guaranteed when its youths, who form a majority of the population, are educated enough to contribute to the economy and the continued sustenance of the country.

 

Recalling the pledge to construct 6000 capacity hostel for the institution, Governor Ambode said it was gratifying to report that preliminary works had already been concluded on the project, while work would start in few months, adding that other ongoing projects in the university were on course and would also be delivered on schedule.

 

“Already, preliminary works on the Six Thousand (6,000) capacity hostel for the University which we promised last year have been concluded and in the next few weeks, construction would start.

 

“In addition, the Government’s Legacy Projects in the University including the New Senate Building, the Ultra-Modern Library, Students’ Arcade, LASU Homs (Staff Quarters) and the New Faculty of Management Sciences Buildings are all nearing completion simultaneously,” the Governor said, adding that the projects, when completed, would change the entire overview of the landscape of the University.

 

While alluding to the fact that provision of qualitative education was a cardinal duty which government must render to its people, the Governor said such necessitated the 12.07 per cent allocation for education in the total 2018 Budget of the State, saying the education of the teeming youths remained a priority for his administration.

 

“Our State has always been a trailblazer in various spheres of life and in order to consolidate on the economic gains made so far, the education of our youth is paramount.

 

“We seek the cooperation of all Lagosians to ensure we eradicate illiteracy in the State, groom the next generation of leaders and captains of industry as well as position our State as the standard bearer for the nation in the provision of qualitative tertiary education,” the Governor said.

 

Besides, Governor Ambode said he was encouraged by the successes so far recorded through Ready.Set.Work (RSW), an initiative of the State Government targeted at equipping penultimate and final year students of public tertiary institutions in the State with employability and entrepreneurship skills.

 

He said: “The feedback we get from the Corporate World is that with adequate and proper mentoring, our graduates can stand toe-to-toe with their colleagues from anywhere across the globe.

 

“These success stories are a huge motivation for us to increase the scope of this initiative to accommodate more of our students as we have resolved to make every succeeding year of the programme bigger and better than the previous edition.”

 

While lauding LASU management, staff and students for the feats recorded by the institution, Governor Ambode assured of continuous support in ensuring accreditation of courses and completion of all ongoing projects in the University.

 

“On our part, as Government, we will support the University in the Accreditation of its various programmes and courses. We will work with the University to ensure that all our facilities and personnel meet the required standards for accreditation because we understand that the rating and sustenance of the University is hinged on the Accreditation of its programmes by the National Universities Commission and other bodies with such responsibilities,” he said.

 

In his opening remarks, Chancellor of LASU, Justice Adesola Oguntade (Rtd) lauded Governor Ambode for the RSW initiative introduced by the present administration in the State, saying it was gratifying that the scheme keeps getting bigger and better.

 

He said the initiative had turned out to be a game changer in the lives of students, adding: “It is rapidly changing the thinking of students from being job seekers after school to job producers even while in school.”

 

Besides, Oguntade charged the graduands to make integrity their watchword, broaden knowledge by reading very well, be bold to take risk and never be afraid of failure, just as he urged them to strive to create a better world for incoming generations.

 

Also, LASU Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun said the graduands have been found worthy in learning and character, saying they have been adequately schooled to contribute to the development of the country.

 

He said due to reforms put in place, the institution ranked first among state universities in the 2018 maiden edition of National Universities Commission (NUC) ranking, while LASU was also selected by NUC as lead institution for the development of blueprints on how to ensure health security by 2050 and blueprint for transportation in Nigeria.

 

He lauded Governor Ambode for the various initiatives designed to promote education in the State and projects executed in LASU especially the RSW through which over 1500 students of the institution had been trained in employability and entrepreneurship skills and Code Lagos programme, among others.

 

A total of 29,710 students graduated with 201 awarded diploma; 21,481 first degrees; 7982 Post Graduate Diploma (PGD); and 46 Doctorate Degrees. In all, 26 students graduated with first class.

 

 

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El-Rufai’s Involvement in SDP Talks Fuels Political Speculation

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El-Rufai’s Involvement in SDP Talks Fuels Political Speculation

El-Rufai, Atiku Allies, SDP Leaders Hold Strategic Meeting Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

Prominent political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, convened with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Tuesday, sparking speculation about potential realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The closed-door meeting, held at the SDP national secretariat, included notable attendees such as Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former presidential candidate and Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku.

While the agenda of the meeting was not publicly disclosed, it is seen as part of broader efforts by opposition figures to forge alliances and mount a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.

Key Figures Comment on the Gathering

Otunba Segun Showunmi confirmed the meeting in a Facebook post, describing it as a “strategic gathering” aimed at evaluating the state of opposition politics in Nigeria.

“You must set forth at dawn! A Strategic Meeting was called by HE Shehu Gabam, Chairman of SDP, with HE Nasir El-Rufai, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, and myself. The alternative to meet, greet, and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria,” Showunmi wrote.

 

SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam also confirmed the meeting, describing it as a gathering of “like-minded individuals” committed to Nigeria’s progress.

 

“There is no official statement from El-Rufai or anyone about officially joining the SDP. However, they are open to conversations and negotiations for a better Nigeria. It’s not about a political party; it’s about the future of Nigeria,” Gabam told The PUNCH.

Gabam emphasized that the SDP’s goal is to unite progressive thinkers across political lines to stabilize the country and provide constructive advice to the government.

“We are looking for like-minded people who believe in the future of the country so that we can work together to uplift Nigeria. More heavyweights are coming on board, and discussions are ongoing,” Gabam added.

El-Rufai Refutes Defection Claims

The meeting comes just two days after El-Rufai dismissed rumors of his defection from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the former governor labeled the claims as “patent lies” and stated that his lawyers would take legal action against those spreading the misinformation.

“Please disregard the patent lies and rumors about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai tweeted.

A close associate of El-Rufai also dismissed the claims, attributing them to “mischief-makers” intent on creating political instability.

Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape

The involvement of key figures like El-Rufai in discussions with opposition leaders has fueled speculation about cracks within the ruling APC. Political analysts are closely monitoring whether these meetings signal a strategic shift or a broader attempt to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.

As Nigeria inches closer to the next electoral cycle, the SDP appears poised to play a central role in opposition politics, with Gabam positioning the party as a constructive alternative focused on national stability, economic prosperity, and political progress.

Whether these discussions will materialize into a unified opposition front remains to be seen. However, the meeting underscores an intensifying effort among Nigeria’s political elite to reshape the country’s political dynamics.

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Nnamdi Kanu Opposes Federal Government’s Bid to Resume Trial, Demands Judge’s Recusal

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Nnamdi Kanu Opposes Federal Government’s Bid to Resume Trial, Demands Judge’s Recusal

Nnamdi Kanu Opposes Federal Government’s Bid to Resume Trial, Demands Judge’s Recusal

 

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has rejected the Federal Government’s request to resume his trial, insisting that Justice Binta Nyako must step aside as the presiding judge.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed this stance in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, maintaining that Justice Nyako’s earlier decision to recuse herself from the case remains valid.

Kanu, who faces seven charges of alleged treasonable felony and terrorism, was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances. He has consistently pleaded not guilty to all charges.

 

Background and Recusal Dispute

During the last court session on September 24, 2024, Kanu directly requested Justice Nyako’s recusal, expressing a lack of confidence in her handling of the case. Justice Nyako agreed and forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

However, the Chief Judge returned the case to Justice Nyako, explaining that two other judges had previously stepped aside from the matter. Given her extensive familiarity with the case since 2015, the Chief Judge deemed Justice Nyako the best-positioned judge to conclude the trial.

In a directive accompanying the reassignment, the Chief Judge stated that if Kanu still wished for Justice Nyako’s withdrawal, he must file a formal motion with an affidavit outlining his reasons, serve the prosecution, and await her determination.

Despite this instruction, Federal Government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) requested a new trial date in a December 5, 2024, letter to the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar. Awomolo argued that the Chief Judge’s decision reinstated Justice Nyako as the presiding judge.

 

Kanu’s Rejection and Defense

In response, Ejimakor countered in a letter that Justice Nyako’s recusal order from September 24 remains valid and enforceable. “Our position is based on the fact that Justice Nyako entered and enrolled an order recusing herself on September 24, 2024, and to date, that order remains extant and subsisting. It has not been set aside by any competent court,” Ejimakor argued.

He accused the prosecution of attempting to mislead the court, insisting that Kanu no longer has a case before Justice Nyako.

During the previous court proceedings, Kanu expressed his mistrust in Justice Nyako’s impartiality, citing her alleged failure to enforce a Supreme Court directive. Addressing the court directly, Kanu stated:

“My Lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court. I can understand it if the DSS refused to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.”

Kanu emphasized that his objection was not personal but rooted in his frustration with a trial he believes contravenes constitutional provisions.

 

 

Prosecution’s Position

Awomolo, however, dismissed Kanu’s objections as baseless, urging the court to proceed with the trial. “My Lord, you should not recuse yourself on the basis of this mere observation which does not have anything to do with the Supreme Court. It is an incompetent observation. We urge this court to proceed with the hearing,” he argued.

Kanu responded by presenting a document he claimed was a Supreme Court ruling that questioned the impartiality of the trial court.

Judge’s Decision

 

In the September 24 session, Justice Nyako formally recused herself, declaring:

“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.”

 

A History of Controversy

Kanu was first arrested in October 2015 upon his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom. Detained at the Kuje Correctional Facility, he was granted bail in 2017 on health grounds. However, after a military raid on his home, Kanu fled the country, eventually returning to the UK.

In 2021, he was re-arrested in Kenya under contentious circumstances and extradited to Nigeria, where he has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Repeated applications for bail have been denied by Justice Nyako, fueling tensions between the defense and the prosecution.

What’s Next?

The controversy over Justice Nyako’s role and the Federal Government’s bid to resume the trial continues to unfold. With no formal resolution, Kanu’s trial remains in legal limbo, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process.

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APC and Peter Obi Supporters Clash Over Alleged Threat to Former Governor’s Life

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APC and Peter Obi Supporters Clash Over Alleged Threat to Former Governor's Life

APC and Peter Obi Supporters Clash Over Alleged Threat to Former Governor’s Life

 

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have exchanged accusations over an alleged threat to the former Anambra State governor’s life.

The controversy began during an Arise Television interview on Sunday, where APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka criticized Obi’s recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Morka accused Obi of attempting to incite Nigerians and warned, “he has coming to him whatever he gets.”

Morka stated, “Mr. Obi is shooting from the hip… irrational in his thinking about a man who was governor for eight years and left nothing to remember in Anambra State… He has crossed the line so many times, and I think that at this point, he has coming to him whatever he gets.”

In reaction, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, condemned Morka’s comments, labeling them as a veiled threat. He warned that any attempt to harm Obi or intimidate his supporters would provoke public backlash.

“That is a threat. If they make the move [to arrest Obi], it will boomerang on their government,” Tanko said. He called on security agencies to investigate Morka’s statement and ensure accountability.

Tanko emphasized Obi’s right to critique the government and accused the APC of attempting to suppress dissent. “We Nigerians have the right, as covered under the constitution, to speak to issues. Criticizing them uplifts our democracy,” he added.

Peter Obi also responded via his official X handle, expressing disbelief over the situation. He claimed his New Year message, intended to inspire hope, had been misconstrued as an attack on the government.

“Have I really crossed the line? My New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me,” Obi wrote. He reaffirmed his commitment to speaking truth to power and cautioned against Nigeria’s slide into authoritarianism.

Meanwhile, Bala Ibrahim, National Publicity Director of the APC, defended Morka, dismissing allegations of a threat. Ibrahim accused Obi’s supporters of overreacting and urged them to avoid divisive rhetoric.

“They are taking politics to a different level… There is nothing threatening or harmful in what Felix Morka said,” Ibrahim argued. He called on Obi to caution his supporters against inflammatory language.

When contacted, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi stated he was unaware of any formal complaint regarding threats to Obi’s life. “I’m not aware of what you are saying. Has he informed us?” Adejobi queried.

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with citizens questioning the state of free speech and political discourse in Nigeria. Many await further developments as the APC and the Obidient Movement continue their war of words.

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