NEWS
Issues-Base Campaigns Critical in Delivering Dividends of Democracy—Lawmaker
The Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Rep. Tahir Monguno, says political parties must focus on issues-base campaigns critical in delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
Monguno said this on Thursday when he inspected the Abuja office complex of HUM Support Group for Tinubu/Shettima presidential race.
The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) has scheduled Sept.
28 for the commencement of campaigns ahead of the 2023 general elections.According to Monguno, all the political parties should focus on issue-base campaigns rather than mudslinging
“Our campaigns should be based on the economy, security and how to improve the lives of Nigerians.
“How do we bring succour to the lives of Nigerians, especially against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic that has brought about rise in the cost of living?
“How do we give succour to lives of Nigerians and improve security?
“I think campaigns should be centred on these issues.
“It should be issues base rather than being on personality or whether it is Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Muslim ticket,’’ Monguno said.
He, however, said that chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winning the presidential election were high.
According to him, we will continue to maintain our winning streaks in the 2023 elections and this is purely as a result of the pedigree and the track records of our presidential candidate and the running mate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima.
“They have track records of performance as governors of their respective states.
“We are all living witnesses to how Tinubu transformed the economy of Lagos, making it the second largest economy not only in Nigeria but in Africa.
“And we have seen how Kashim Shettima has performed in Borno in spite of the daunting security challenges that he witnessed during his tenure.
“He was able to successfully navigate this daunting security challenge and deliver dividends of democracy to the door steps of the people.
“So, having regard to their track records and the facts that they are detribalised Nigerians that will carry everybody irrespective of religion or geo-political considerations, I think victory is certain by God’s grace,’’ the lawmaker said.
The Chairperson, HUM Support Group, Hajiya Hadizatu Mustapha, said that the group’s commitment to mobilise support from across the country for Tinubu/Shettima ticket was due to their notable performances while they served as governors in their states.
“We have coordinators from the six geo-political zones of the country, we have our structures from the national to state and local government areas of the country.
“We have been encouraging them to ensure they mobilise, especially youths and women to support the candidature of Tinubu and Shettima,’’ she said. (NAN)
NEWS
Police Say at Criminal Responsibility Age, Individuals must be Answerable for Their Actions
The Nigeria Police Force says individuals who have attained the age of criminal responsibility must be answerable for their actions, regardless of biological age.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja said the provision was very clear under the Nigerian law.
He said the provision was in line with global practices, where accountability was upheld for young individuals who commit serious offenses.
Adejobi said the clarification followed public opinion over the arraignment of 76 alleged minors over terrorism, arson and treasonable felony by the Nigeria Police.
According to him, in managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the Nigeria Police has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law.
He said the suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, with a remand order issued by the court.
“Throughout this process, the police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.
“An unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint on Oct. 1, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention.
“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.
“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons,” he said.
According to him, as seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences.
He said the Nigeria Police was aware of public interest in the case and assured that its officers would maintain professionalism throughout the legal process.
Adejobi enjoined the public to view the case without undue bias, adding that the force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice.
He said the force would remain committed to aligning with best practices, upholding both the rule of law and respect for human dignity. (NAN)
Education
Bells Varsity Honours 91 Students with First Class at 16th Convocation
Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution First Class (Honours) at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies.
The convocation ceremonies are for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Ojediran said that a total of 969 students graduated in the academic session.
He said that they comprised the 91 students who made First Class grade, 505 who secured Second Class (Upper Division), 313 with Second Class (Lower Division) and 60 graduating with Third Class.
The vice-chancellor said that 220 students were graduating in the post-graduate category.
Mr Sally Farouk from the university’s Department of Architecture emerged the overall best student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.
94, according to Ojediran.He said that the institution set out to proffer best solutions from collective knowledge, shared experiences and resources, recognising that education was a lifelong activity.
The vice-chancellor lauded the staff of the university for cooperation and dedication to giving the students quality education.
“You have joined hands with the management of the institution to work on this fertile ground,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bart Nnaji, said that university was the first private university of technology in Nigeria, noting that it was established in 2005.
Nnaji said that the institution had made remarkable achievements in teaching and research as part of its vision to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.
“Let me also congratulate the graduating students who have distinguished themselves through their hard work and discipline and are being rewarded today.” he said.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the institution, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contributions to education development in the country.
Dankwambo also congratulated a former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, and the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi, for honorary doctoral degree given them by the university.
Report says that Okebukola and Shonubi were conferred with the degree for their outstanding pedigrees and services to humanity. (NAN)
NEWS
Endbadgovernance protest: Suspects not in Custody of NCoS, -Says Spokesman
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that suspects arrested during the #Endbadgovernance protest in August 2024 were not remanded in any of its adult custodial centres in Abuja.
The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Abubakar Umar confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
our correspondent gathered that the suspects arrested for treason during the #Endbadgovernance protest that held in August 2024, were on Friday, arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
Umar said that there were misleading reports making the rounds in some sections of the media purporting that the suspects were remanded in one of the adult custodial centres in Abuja.
According to the NCoS spokesman, the said report has no iota of truth.
”The service operates under the best correctional and global practices.
“To set records straight, the NCoS Act 2019 has empowered the Controllers of Corrections as well as Superintendents-in-charge of Custodial Centres not to admit juveniles in facilities meant for adults.
“The Act also mandates the service to reject more intake of inmates where it is apparent that the custodial facility in question is filled to capacity.
“The service wishes to inform the public that the said suspects were rejected and none of them were remanded in adult custodial facilities as insinuated by the said report.
“The service assures the public that NCoS will continue to emphasise professionalism as well as respect for human rights in line with the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Juvenile offenders.
“Furthermore, the general public is enjoined to disregard the said report because it is not the true position of things,”he said.(NAN)