NEWS
Kano demolitions: We’ve no regrets, previous administrations bastardised city master plan – CPS
The Kano State Government says it has no regrets demolishing structures that contravene the city Master Plan.
It also alleged that some previous administrations in the state bastardized the City Master Plan, thus the reason for demolition of structures by the Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf administration.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Lagos.
Bature spoke against the backdrop of controversies that continued to trail demolitions of structures in Kano State by the Yusuf administration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the government on June 3, began the demolition of illegal structures in the state, less than one week after the assumption of office of the Yusuf-led administration.
Yusuf during his inaugural speech, revoked all sold public places and assets by his predecessor by ordering security agencies to take over all public property.
The governor said he would set up a panel of inquiry to ensure perpetrators and those who abetted stealing of such government property, assets and looted funds would be brought to book.
Reacting to the controversies trailing the demolitions, the CPS said that the state would continue to demolish any and every structure built on public space.
“Many of our people are in support of the demolitions. It was one of the campaign promises made by the governor.
“The structures demolished were erected in schools, mosques, play grounds, graveyards, markets and hospitals and were demolished to ensure strict adherence to the urban planning, beautification and safety of residents.
“These places are meant for public utilization; it is therefore, disheartening to witness the incessant destruction and conversion of public places that were used to render social services by unpatriotic citizens.
“We shall bring an end to land grabbing and indiscriminate erection of illegal structures in the state,” he said.
He said that the governor was worried that some individuals wanted to set the state on fire but were resisted, noting that the administration only wanted to restore the master plan and the system.
On the tribunal judgment that did not favour the NNPP administration, the CPS said that not only would an appeal be made but the government would petition the Judicial Council over the judgment and conduct of some of the judges.
According to him, any governor who uses his or her powers to allocate public spaces to private individuals does not mean well for the state and its people.
He, however, said that individuals or groups buying public property must learn to refrain from it.
He said the achievements of the governor within 100 days in office in areas of education, infrastructure and health could be attested to by the people.
Also, a chieftain of the party, Mr Ladipo Johnson said there was enough time for the party to appeal the judgment.
Johnson said that though those affected held the demolitions against the governor, it was the right thing to do.
He pointed out that the judgment of the tribunal was a shock to the party, especially when the governor was the only candidate among governors elected in the 2023 governorship election that polled over one million votes.
“The governor was a very popular candidate. The NNPP won 18 out of 21 House of Representatives seats in Kano state, won two of the three senatorial seats and leading in the state House of Assembly.
“People believe that Kano is so important to be left in the hands of an opposition party but we are the most accepted.”
By David Torough, Abuja
The remains of elder statesman and President General of the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have been slated for burial on November 1.
Chairman of the burial committee, Senator Ben Obi, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Alongside with the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb Okey Emuchay and burial sub-committee chairmen, Senator Osita Izunaso, Gen.
Azubuike Ihejirika (retd) and others, Obi unveiled a series of activities culminating into the actual burial ceremony.“Our message today is to convey the dates for the burial of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Lagos day of tributes, Wednesday 16th October 2024 at Eko Hotels and Convention Centre.
“Abuja Day of Tributes Friday 18th October, 2024 at the National Ecumenical Centre.
“Enugu Day of tributes, Saturday 26th October with a brief stop at Ohanaeze headquarters, 7 Parkland GRA Enugu while the main event will be held at the Okpara Square.
“Owerri Service of Songs Tuesday 29th October 2024. Commendation Service on 1st November in Owerri and Imo day of burial on Friday, 1st November 2024,” he said.
He added that further details will be communicated in due course.
On whether the Federal Government would participate in the burial, Senator Obi said the committee will visit President Bola Tinubu to intimate him about the transition of the statesman and details of his burial.
“We will be visiting President Tinubu to formally announce to him details of this transition and I am sure the President knows all that Chief Iwuanyanwu had done and he will do the needful,” he said.
Asked whether the late newspaper publisher had regrets about his inability to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ensure the realization of a restructure federation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo scribe said Chief Iwuanyanwu died a fulfilled man because he never shies away from doing his best in the circumstance.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu and I visited Kanu in jail and I think that was his last official assignment before his demise.
“Prior to that, he had never missed any opportunity to call for the release of Kanu.
“On restructuring, he never minced his words on equity, fairness and justice and he knew that he couldn’t do it alone.
“So he operated with the South-South PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum and Afenifere. He asked for parity in the number of states in each geopolitical zone.
“We in Ohanaeze will continue to pursue these issues that were very dear to his heart and we want to give the assurances that we will not fail,” Obi said.
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday.“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” said the statement.The high-level General Debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,”will run from Sept. 24, to Sept. 28. (NAN)
The National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger.
Wushishi said that a total of 1,376,423 candidates, representing 706,950 males and 669,473 females, registered for the exam.
The registrar said that 1,367,736 candidates sat for the examination, representing 702,112 Males and 665,624 females.
He said that 828, 284 candidates had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, representing 60.
55 per cent.Wushishi said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, were 1,147,597, representing 83.90 per cent.
He said that there was a great reduction in the number of examination malpractices this year compared to 2023.
“The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437 as against 12,030 in 2023, which shows a reduction of 30. 1 per cent,” he said.
The registrar, however, said that 40 schools were found to be involved in mass cheating during the examination.
” During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 40 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 17 states.
” They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“A school in Ekiti was recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and 01 Science subject.
” Similarly, 21 Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness and negligence in 12 states,”said.
He urged candidates that sat for the examination to visit NECO website to access their results.
Wushishi said candidates can access their results on NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” he said.(NAN)
Ohanaeze Ndigbo President Iwuanyanwu for Burial Nov. 1
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The remains of elder statesman and President General of the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief...
Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to UNGA
SharePresident Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has...
NECO Releases 2024 SSCE Results
ShareThe National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent...
NDDC Unveils Initiative to Enhance food Security in N’ Delta Programmes
Share The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security...
Kwara Govt. Seals off 14 Buildings over Concerns about Environment
Share The Kwara Government has in the past few days sealed off 14 buildings due to environmental concerns, the state’s...
Microsoft Boss Warns of Meddling Ahead of U.S. Presidential Election
Share Brad Smith, the president of technology giant Microsoft has issued a stark warning regarding foreign attempts to influence the U.S....
New Dangote Varsity Pro-chancellor Promises to Turn Challenges into Opportunities
Share The newly-appointed Pro-chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Justice Abdu Aboki, has promised to turn...
KWASIEC says 21,000 Applied for 7,000 ad Hoc job During Saturday’s LG Elections
Share Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), says more than 21,000 persons applied for...
FCT Civil Service Commission Begins Regularisation of FCTA Staff Appointments
Share The Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission has begun the regularisation of staff appointments in the FCT Administration and...
FCT primary Teachers Resume Strike over Unresolved Welfare Concerns
Share The Federal Capital Territory Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on Wednesday, resumed industrial action over unresolved...