NEWS
U.S. Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution at Security Council
The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In spite of having secured 14 votes in favour, the draft resolution put forward by the 10 elected members of the Security Council (E10), failed to pass owing to the negative vote by a permanent member, the U.
S.The text also reiterated the Council’s demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
For a resolution to be adopted, it must secure at least nine votes in favour, and no negative votes – or vetoes – by any of the five permanent members.
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has the primary responsibility to uphold international peace and security.
Had the draft resolution been adopted, it would have also demanded immediate access by civilians in the Gaza Strip to basic services.
It would have rejected “any effort to starve Palestinians” – the threat of famine grows in the north as the Israeli siege there continues – while also demanding the facilitation of full, rapid, safe and unhindered entry of aid at scale to and throughout the Strip and its delivery to all those in need.
The text also demanded that the parties “fully, unconditionally, and without delay” implement all the provisions of Security Council resolution 2735 (2024).
This includes the release of hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of the remains of hostages who have been killed, the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and neighbourhoods in all areas of Gaza – including in the north – and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The draft further underscored the role of the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) as the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza.
It called on all parties to enable UNRWA to carry out its mandate as adopted by the General Assembly, with full respect for the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
It also urged respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of UN and humanitarian facilities, while welcoming the Secretary-General’s and UNRWA’s commitment to fully implement the recommendations of an independent review of the agency led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. (NAN)
NEWS
Bill to Rename Benue Varsity Passes First Reading
A bill to rename the Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi to Moses Orshio Adasu University has passed first reading at the Benue State House Assembly.
The bill was read during Wednesday plenary by the acting Clerk of the House, Mr John Hwande.
Also during the plenary, a bill for the establishment of Benue State University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ihugh, in Vandeikya local government area also passed first.
Daily asset reports that three other bills also passed first reading.
The bills include a bill for a law to amend a free and compulsory basic education and a bill for a law to establish a task force on quality healthcare and prevention of quackery in the state.
Report says that two out of the bills, which were from the executive, were presented to the house by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer.
The others were presented by the member representing Gboko East Constituency, Mrs. Becky Orpin, and that of Kwande West, Mr Thomas Dugeri.
The Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, who presided over plenary, referred them to the House Standing Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative scrutiny. (NAN)
NEWS
Tinubu Approves Leadership Changes for Oye-Ekiti, Lokoja Varsities
President Bola Tinubu has approved the swap of Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of the Governing Councils of Federal University Oye-Ekiti and its Lokoja counterpart.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
“In the reshuffling, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Pro-Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, will move to Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, while Mr Kayode Ojo, who previously held a similar position at Oye-Ekiti, will assume same role in Lokoja.
“This strategic change is part of Tinubu’s initiative to foster diversity and national cohesion in the management of the country’s universities,” he said.
(NAN)NEWS
NYSC Gets new State Coordinator in Delta
Mr John Kwaghe has assumed duty as the new Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Delta.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Stella Ogbummuo, NYSC state Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday in Asaba.
The statement said that Mr Kwaghe, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Career Management hails from Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“The new state coordinate has worked in many states and the National Directorates Headquarters in different capacities including Ekiti and Nasarawa State.
“In line with the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters’ sustained drive to optimise the scheme’s operations nationwide, a new state coordinator has been posted to take over the headship of NYSC Delta State secretariat.
“He will take over from Mr Olusegun Alao, who has been transferred to NYSC South South Area Office 1, Delta State,” Ogbummuo stated. (NAN)