NEWS
Kogi Poly Inaugurates New SUG
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr. Salisu Usman, yesterday, inaugurated the institution’s new Student Union Government (SUG) for the 2020/2021 academic session.
Performing the ceremony, the Rector of the institution, Dr Salisu Usman, charged the new SUG leadership to be transparent, law abiding and display exemplary moral and academic standings in all their dealings.
He commended the electoral committee led by Mr.
Pedro Akande who is the Dean, School of Art, Design and Printing for the diligent job reflected in the conduct of the election.He said that the free and transparent conduct of the election was a clear manifestation of the management’s desire to allow students determine who take charge of their affairs.
He stressed that the transparent process of the election was to give platform for self-determination and restore self-worth among students.
He assured that the Polytechnic under his watch would continue to strive to promote inclusiveness, welfare and academic excellence.
Dr Usman advised the new executives to take leadership as their responsibility and urged them to serve with dignity, in addition to making good use of their time both in academics and in serving the students.
While urging the students to always be on the side of the law and shun any act of hooliganism, cultism and other vices, the Rector reiterated the management’s commitment to always do what is right, fair and equitable.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Pedro Akande, in his remark, said the election was conducted freely and fairly to the admiration of all contestants, adding that the process has become a reference for other tertiary institutions in the state and beyond.
The Deputy Rector, Dr Kehinde Lamidi, the Director of Students Services, Engr Salawu Ijiji and the Head of Legal Unit, Barrister Williams Ameh in their separate remarks praised the Rector for providing the enabling platform that brought about the seamless transition of students union leadership.
They also advised the new SUG executives to see themselves as representatives of the entire students and not their lords.
In his address, the new SUG President, Comrade Olusegun Toluwase Opeyemi, thanked the management and the entire students of Kogi State Polytechnic for the privilege given and the trust reposed in his team to serve the institution.
He disclosed that his team was ready to harness the unity, strength and intellectual prowess of the students to chart a progressive course for the Union.
Comrade Opeyemi who said the focus of his campaign was integrity and transparency, noted that they would remain the guiding principles of his administration which would focus on establishing an SUG where all elected executives, the legislative and judicial arms would work together to provide for the welfare of the generality of the students.
The new SUG executives took the oath of office as administered by the Head of Legal Unit, Barrister Williams Ameh, preceded by presentation of certificates of return by the Rector.
NEWS
LG polls: IPAC Warns Electorates against Violence in C’River
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
With just one week to cross river local government election, the leadership of Inter-party Advisory Council IPAC has warned residents of the state against engaging in elections rigging, political violence, thuggery and acts that are inimical to the development of the State.
The stated chairman of IPAC Effiom Edet gave the warning during the flag -off of sensitization campaign rally against election rigging, thuggery and political violence in the forthcoming Nov.
2, local government polls in Cross River.The chairman stated that no country succeeds in choosing their right leaders in an election that is marred by violence and irregularities.
“Election is not a do or die affair, local government council elections which are to be conducted by November cannot be a so or die affair.
“We are taking this sensitization and campaign against violence and thuggery across the three Senatorial districts of the state to educate our people on the subject matter.
“We are here to educate the people on the consequences of engaging in rigging and political violence. Once you rig, you deprive the people of the opportunity of choosing the right people to lead.
“We are asking residents of the state to come out en masse to cast their vote on candidates of their choices for the local government elections.
“This is why we decided to flag off this sensitization exercise to let our people know that Electorates should not feel intimidated on that day but to come out and vote for candidates of their choices. Candidates whom they know will attract development to the grass root,” IPAC chair maintained.
NEWS
Youths Flee Nsu Community over Police Arrest in Imo
From Marcel Duru, Charity Wins Owerri
Over 1000 Youths resident in Nsu Cmmimity, Eheme Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State have vacated the area over mass arrest by the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking with journalists at Douglas Road Owerri, Imo State yesterday, one of the victims, Jude Ezeala said that the arrest was in respect of the burning of Open University located at Nsu Community in Eheme Mbano LGA of Imo State.
He stated that he relocated to Owerri when Army and Police went to the market known as Oriagu market and arrested some youths which include motorcycle operators, Palm Fruit harvesters and took them to Imo Police Headquarters in Owerri, Imo State and labelled them suspects.
In the same vein a Medical Practitioner based in the area Dr. Frank Madu has stated that over 5000 people residing in communities more especially youths have vacated the area and relocated to different towns outside the State for fear of being killed as Unknown Gun Men by the Nigerian Army deployed in the area by the Federal Government in conjunction with the Governor of Imo State senator Hope Uzodimma.
He said that the relocation started gradually when Security Operatives headed by fierce Military men killed suspected UGM during a down raid on the Nsu Community Eheme Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
He revealed that the presence of heavily armed military were scaring people in the communities, adding that what made the residents change their mind completely was the recent deployment of over 1000 Soldiers driving in a motorcade accompanied by Police with several armored carriers.
He conclude that tension has pervaded as military were deployed and patrol in every nooks and crannies harassing humiliating and killing innocent people and branded them arsonists
It could be recalled that the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command has issued a press release to journalists telling them that the Command has arrested eight suspected arsonists.
NEWS
SEC Urges Stakeholders to Align with FATF
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama has stressed the need for stakeholders to adapt regulatory frameworks to align with the evolving Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.
According to him, failure to do so would not only jeopardize the integrity of the capital markets, but also pose a risk to Nigeria and the global financial system.
He stated this at the Compliance Summit 2024 organised by the Nigerian Capital Market Institute, a subsidiary of the SEC, with the theme: Navigating Regulatory Challenges: Aligning with Changes in FATF Standards in the Era of Virtual Asset Service Providers held in Lagos, Monday.
FATF guidance helps countries implement effective regulations, addressing risks associated with virtual assets.
Agama said as virtual assets continue to gain prominence, navigating regulatory challenges in the space requires proactive engagement with FATF standards adding that collaboration between regulators, VASPs and stakeholders ensures effective implementation.
Agama said the event is a testament to the collective commitment by stakeholders to ensuring that the Nigerian capital market remains at the vanguard of global financial integrity and efficiency, while fostering an environment conducive to progress and innovation.
He disclosed that the rapid evolution of virtual assets and the emergence of the related service providers have brought considerable changes to the financial landscape, creating opportunities and, invariably, carrying with it untold regulatory challenges that necessitate our immediate and appropriate attention.
He said, “During this summit, we will explore critical topics such as the unique regulatory implications posed by virtual assets service providers, the importance of compliance in safeguarding our markets, and strategies for implementing effective risk management protocols.
“We will be graced with presentations and discussions on these issues from leading experts and professionals, who will share their insights and experiences on industry best practice and regulatory developments”.
The SEC DG said the Summit serves as a platform for all stakeholders—regulators, operators, financial institutions, and technology innovators—to collaborate, share knowledge and chart the way forward as may be collectively desirable adding that all must therefore harness the strength of collective expertise to navigate the regulatory challenges ahead.
He said some recent changes in FATF standards significantly impact virtual asset service providers and these key updates include: Expanded VASP definition: Custodial wallet providers, exchanges and peer-to-peer platforms are now recognized as VASPs, Travel Rule: VASPs must share customer information during transactions, enhancing transparency, Licensing and registration: VASPs must register and obtain licenses, ensuring accountability and Enhanced AML/CFT measures: Strengthened regulations combat money laundering and terrorist financing.