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Crisis at NCC worsens as ex-minister’s son resigns in protest

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The crisis at the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has taken a different turn as the son of former minister has resigned from the commission.

Our investigation revealed that the son of a former minster from Nasarawa State and a fierce activist, suddenly left the commission over the ongoing promotion controversy that has continued to dent the image of the commission.

Recall that a recent controversial promotion exercise has set some senior staff of the commission against the management over what they had tagged lopsided. Many of the commission’s staff have accused the management of biased promotion without objective consideration on performance, qualifications and other necessary prerequisites for such a promotion. Some have even accused the commission of exhibiting tribal sentiment by favoring a particular tribe and leaving some out of the equation.

Investigation further revealed that amid the protest, a son of former minister who for some confidential reasons would not be mentioned in this report abruptly resigned. Our source revealed that the young man whose father was a former information minister and one-time deputy governor of Nasarawa State was quite disturbed by the ongoing in the commission and handed in his resignation letter.

It was gathered that during his post-resignation interview, he had blasted the current state of affairs at the NCC, stating no principled individual would want to continue in such a toxic atmosphere that frustrates creativity.

The source said, “The job the young man dumped cannot be done by even three persons. This goes to tell you how productivity is murdered on the alter of sentiment and discrimination.”

The source went further to reveal that the staff’s father was a student activist, civil society activist and journalist in his active years during the military era and that his resignation did not come as a surprise because “an apple does not fall too far from its tree.

“There are staff of the organization who did not even take part in the promotion exams but have resigned in protest. There are also others planning to dump the commission because, according to them, the future of the commission looks bleak under the current leadership.

“How do you investigate staff because they protested their promotion? Is the civil service supposed to be a place for witch hunt and victimization? Where then is the job security,” he said.

Speaking further, our source said many of the staff denied promotion are being investigated over an alleged leak of classified document to the media. He revealed further that while the investigation is currently ongoing and the panel is yet to make public its final position on the contentious matter, management has already stopped the affected staff from carrying out their duties.

“This puts to question whether people called manager of resources or not. Because even in the court of law, there should be presumption of innocence until a case is determined,” he said.

He went further to reveal that most of the staff at loggerheads with NCC management were stopped from attending a conference they were billed to attend. Some of them have been forced to cough out the Esta codes paid to them for the trip.

Some of the affected staff, according to the source were equally stopped from attending a GOCOP event which held recently in Abuja. “ Imagine that these guys are not on suspension, but already their tasks and duties have already been withdrawn. So sad.

“This again puts to question on whether management will honour any recommendation from the panel they set up to probe some of the staff. Is it proper to discipline some of the staff when no offense has been established against them?

“What is happening at the NCC is akin to an overzealous policeman who arrested a suspect and continues to look for evidence to prosecute him. This is why most of staff’s offices have now been bugged by the commission. The aim is to track conversations and other discussions so as to further victimize them.

The concerned staff lamented that the amount of money being currently wasted on staff surveillance could do a lot in moving the commission forward, questioning why a government agency should prioritize staff monitoring as against doing its job that will move commission forward.

“This is looking like NCC does not exactly have anything tangible to hold onto as far as the current issue is concerned and now looking for new evidence to nail the affected workers,” the source said, asking whether in a democracy, employees’ rights can be this violated including the right to privacy?”

He alleged that directors and heads of departments could not offer objective advice, hence management in the areas within their purviews have allowed this to continue under the EVC.

Earlier, Nnena Ukoha, Acting Head of Public Affairs had dismissed any wrongdoing by the commission, stating that the promotion exams were conducted for all cadres of staff eligible for a promotion in the agency.

According to her, the exercise was propelled by “our commitment to integrity, fairness, and the needs of the industry for competent professionals to drive national objectives”.

“In line with the Public Service Rules, the Commission’s organizational structure and manpower plan, each cadre had a defined number of vacancies, representing the number of personnel the Commission could accommodate at each level,” Kalu said in a statement.

“Staff who did not meet the required cut-off, or who passed but for whom vacancies were no longer available at their cadre, could not be promoted.


“Furthermore, the interview panels for staff were composed of credible management staff (drawn from each of the six (6) Geo-Political Zones), in addition to independent external members and representatives from the Federal Character Commission (FCC), who were present to provide oversight and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.”

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Brazil Beat Haiti 3-0, Boost Knockout Hopes

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Brazil strengthened their chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti today. The South Americans delivered a disciplined performance, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity to secure three crucial points.

From the opening whistle, Brazil imposed themselves on the match. Their midfield trio dictated tempo, recycling possession and stretching Haiti’s defensive lines. Within the first 15 minutes, Brazil’s pressure paid off when striker Gabriel Silva converted a low cross from the right flank, giving his side an early lead.

Despite conceding early, Haiti showed resilience. They tightened their defensive shape and attempted to hit Brazil on the counterattack. Winger Jean-Pierre Louis tested Brazil’s goalkeeper with a sharp effort from distance, but the shot was comfortably saved. Haiti’s determination kept the scoreline respectable through much of the first half.

Brazil doubled their advantage just before halftime. Midfielder Lucas Andrade unleashed a curling shot from outside the box, leaving Haiti’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The strike highlighted Brazil’s technical superiority and gave them a cushion heading into the break.

In the second half, Brazil maintained control. Their passing sequences frustrated Haiti, who struggled to regain possession. Brazil’s third goal came in the 70th minute when substitute forward Rafael Costa capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball calmly into the net. The goal sealed the contest and allowed Brazil to manage the closing stages with confidence.

Brazil’s coach emphasized balance, ensuring the team did not overcommit forward. The defensive line remained compact, neutralizing Haiti’s attempts to break through. This tactical discipline prevented Haiti from creating clear chances and underscored Brazil’s maturity in tournament play.

Although Haiti failed to score, their effort was commendable. The team fought hard, pressing when possible and showing flashes of creativity. However, the gulf in quality was evident, particularly in midfield battles where Brazil consistently regained control.

The victory places Brazil in a strong position in their group. With six points from two matches, they are now favorites to progress to the knockout stage. The team’s blend of youth and experience appears to be clicking at the right time, raising hopes among supporters for a deep run in the tournament.

Brazil will face a tougher test in their next fixture against a European opponent. The team must maintain focus and continue refining their attacking transitions. For Haiti, the defeat complicates their path forward, but they remain mathematically alive. Their next match will be decisive in determining whether they can keep their World Cup dream aliv

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bosnia Crushed By A Merciless Switzerland Machine

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Switzerland were in imperious form today as they blew Bosnia away in the group stage game of the World Cup in what was a dominant and uncompromising offensive masterclass from the Swiss. Switzerland played at a frightening speed, executed a crisp passing game and proved ruthlessly efficient in front of goal.

Switzerland began in the ascendancy and looked eager to press and control the game from the start, and after only two minutes had Bosnia backed into a corner of their own half.

They kept the ball well and at speed, and the Swiss looked eager to push the Bosnia defence wider as the game started. Within the first 15 minutes, Switzerland had already tested the Bosnian goalkeeper with two powerful shots.

The breakthrough came after halftime. With an attack moving quickly, the Bosnian back line is open, leaving the Swiss attacker in a clear scoring position.

The ball slides calmly to the net to give the Swiss a much-deserved lead. It was a game where Bosnia was struggling deep in their own territory as they were being pushed to the limit.

A counterattack was their goal, but it fell flat as they tried to do something but couldn’t get it right. They’ve isolated their forwards, and the midfield has failed to connect up the game. A long-range shot was their closest call, but the Swiss goalie wasn’t going to do it then and there.

Their inability to generate consistent pressure against Switzerland made them play from a defensive mindset. The double-goal advantage came just before the half as Switzerland was in top-notch form with another incisive approach that will make all opponents fear them.

With a pass from the left, their winger managed to score an ideal goal and also showing that any of their forwards are available to find the open space and punish you against defensive error.

The Swiss reached the break, well deserved of it, and mentally depleted from the opponent as Bosnia’s score reached 0 goals for their team. The Swiss were ready to continue this show.

They played like nothing was about to change and continued with their forward aggression. Switzerland’s offense began to work relentlessly, generating forced errors and, consequently, chances to create another goal for them.

Three goal came via another header, which smashed Bosnia’s defence to send the ball home. After Bosnia had their fourth goal scored against them, the game became so one sided as the Swiss were simply walking through the Bosnian team’s defence without issue. Bosnia seemed unable to match their opponents for any level of performance.

After the game reached its conclusion and Switzerland was victorious, the Swiss have many good performers to recognize. The team’s captain was influential as he seemed to control the whole pitch from his central midfield role. He was vocal, directed plays, and seemed to pump his teammates up with great performance throughout. For the Bosnia team, the keeper may be recognized. Although there may have been many goals scored against his team he seemed to be playing very well to be stopping every other chance by a Swiss attacking team.

They played from a back foot throughout the game as if all their play was being played as if it were defense but when a chance to attack came, they failed. The Swiss may well deserve the win as they showed a complete game.

The Swiss coach was at his best on the sidelines as he made the appropriate personnel changes and substitutions throughout the game that help Switzerland find success and continue their winning ways in the tournament. The group implications seem fairly obvious. Switzerland have improved their standings and appear to be in a strong position to qualify from their group.

Bosnia’s hopes look a lot less favorable and they really have to pick it up. Overall it seems Switzerland dominated Bosnia and a 4–0 defeat was entirely deserved from the Bosnian team.

Switzerland came ready for this game and put it on display through skillful passing, a powerful forward attack, and some incredible play on both ends of the pitch and as their Coach did in the press conference, this was a statement.

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Judicial Battle Reboots Kwara ADC’s 2027 Election Machinery

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The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has converted a recent legal threat into a political launchpad. Following an appellate court victory that halted an attempt to deregister the party, the Kwara ADC has declared its full readiness to contest the 2027 general elections.

A Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu originally ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC along with four other opposition parties.

The decision was met with an outcry by opposition coalition who alleged the judicial action was another manipulative scheme to cripple opposition politics in the nation and give an unearned leap to ruling parties for the 2027 election cycle.

The “threat however, disappeared into thin air as the Court of Appeal in Abuja swung into action and delivered a strong rebuff on the lower court. A stay of execution of the deregistration order was issued by the Court of Appeal.

Experts and political leaders in opposition said the lower court’s ruling had contravened judicial hierarchy as courts above had already issued a stay of proceedings. It has returned to status quo, following the successful legal defence as the Kwara State chapter of the ADC has called an emergency State Executive Committee meeting at its State Secretariat, Ilorin.

Party stakeholders have already turned the page from the legal battle to an intensive grassroots mobilisation as party structures have been instructed to get set for the next election cycle.

“This issue, while appearing like a setback, has only united us more than before,” said the Kwara State Chairman of ADC, Babatunde Muhammed, who assured that “

The Court of Appeal intervention in our case has revived my confidence in the country’s judicial system, and that you cannot simply rubbish an existing political movement because you have access to some judges.

We remain unruffled” he added. Consequently, all ADC Candidates and ward executives in Kwara State have been tasked to commence voter outreach immediately with a unit-by-unit grassroots mobilisation plan that aims to put the current ruling party on the defensive by articulating how the ADC platform and agenda contrast with the performance of the incumbent administration.

The new approach of Kwara ADC will focus primarily on local security issues, fiscal and economic management and ensuring a free and fair electoral system in 2027 election.

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