News
No court has stopped NUJ FCT elections: NUJ transparency group
…Says news false, fake, baseless
A group for credible elections in the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), called the NUJ FCT Transparency Group has said no court of competent jurisdiction has stopped the NUJ FCT Council forthcoming elections.
The group described as false and fake news reports alleging that a court has stopped the NUJ or the Credentials Committee from going ahead with the conduct of the elections scheduled for December 4, 2024.
Reacting, the National Coordinator of NUJ FCT Transparency Group, Prince Ugoeze Afonne, in a statement condemned in its entirety attempts to undermine the constitution of the NUJ, queries, ‘How can a lawyer impersonate a judge’?.
Urging the NUJ National Secretariat and the Henry Umoru -led Credentials Committee to disregard such fake, baseless and false reports and remain focused on protecting the council’s reputation and the assignment of delivering free, fair and credible elections.
The statement reads, “The purported suspension of the NUJ FCT Council election processes is a calculated attempt by the embattled former NUJ FCT Chairman and the FCT Council Chairman, Patrick Osadebamwen, to subvert the democratic process. It is evident that their preferred tool in this plot is Emeka Nze, who has been pushed forward as a front to manipulate due process and stall the election through unsubstantiated claims.
“1. No Court Injunction Exists: Contrary to the narrative being circulated, no formal court order has been issued to halt the election process. The principle of lis pendens cited by the claimant’s counsel is not an injunction but merely a procedural notice of pending litigation. The court has not made any ruling to suspend or halt the election, and thus the process remains legitimate and within the bounds of the law.
“2. A Lawyer Cannot Be a Judge in His Own Case: The counsel representing Emeka Nze cannot impose an interpretation of the lis pendens rule to serve the interests of his client. This is a clear case of overreach, as it is solely within the court’s jurisdiction to determine whether election activities should be suspended. The absence of a court injunction nullifies any assertion that the election process must cease.
“3. Abuse of NUJ Constitution for Personal Agendas: The allegations made by Emeka Nze concerning the credentials of Mr. Henry Umoru and Ms. Sarah Odugbo are not only unfounded but serve as a distraction. The NUJ Constitution provides clear mechanisms for addressing disputes. Raising these issues at the eleventh hour—reveals a deliberate strategy to derail the process.
“4. A Ploy to Undermine Democratic Values:
It is not coincidental that these actions are being spearheaded by individuals with a history of manipulating union processes for personal gain. Emma, Patrick and his allies, including Emeka Nze, have shown a disregard for the collective will of the NUJ membership by resorting to tactics aimed at obstructing free and fair elections.
“5. The Election Must Proceed:
In the absence of a court injunction, there is no legal impediment to continuing with the election. The NUJ FCT Council owes its members a duty to uphold the principles of transparency, democracy, and fairness by proceeding with the election as planned. This would ensure that the union remains committed to serving the interests of its members rather than succumbing to external pressures driven by selfish motives.
“In conclusion, the purported halt to the election process is a baseless and calculated effort to undermine the democratic fabric of the NUJ. The union leadership and its members must resist these antics and ensure that due process prevails. It is also pertinent to remind Emeka Nze that the couple pushing him to court will deny him when the time comes .”
News
Federal fire service decorates 130 officers in Kano
The Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has decorated 130 officers recently promoted to various ranks in a ceremony held in Kano.
The Command’s Controller in the state, Kazeem Sholadoye disclosed this in a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin on Wednesday in Kano.
Congratulating the officers, the state controller described their promotion as well deserved and a call to greater responsibility and professionalism.
Sholadoye charged the officers to see their new ranks as an opportunity to demonstrate increased commitment to protection of lives and property.
He reminded them that promotion comes with higher expectations in service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Deputy Superintendent of Fire in the command, DSF Abdullahi Muhammad expressed appreciation to the management for organising what he described as a befitting ceremony.
He reiterated the readiness of the officers to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold core values of the Federal Fire Service.
News
Tinubu salutes Bisi Akande’s national legacy at 87
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes to Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman and former APC national chairman, as he marked his 87th birthday.
Tinubu said this in a special tribute on Thursday to celebrate Akande’s life of service and democratic commitment.
He described Akande as a towering figure who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and democratic institutionalisation.
The President said Akande’s political journey was shaped by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive ideology and commitment to public service.
Akande began his career as an accountant with British Petroleum before leaving the private sector for public service.
He served as Secretary to the State Government in old Oyo State in 1979 and later became Deputy Governor during the Second Republic.
Tinubu noted that Akande later served as Governor of Osun from 1999 to 2003, where he further distinguished himself.
As interim chairman of the APC, Akande laid the foundation for the party’s historic victory in 2015, Tinubu said.
The President praised Akande’s leadership, integrity, industry and sacrifices for the party and the nation.
He described Akande as a mentor whose guidance, advice and encouragement shaped his political journey.
Tinubu said Akande’s continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda remains invaluable.
He noted that, even at 87, Akande remained a firm advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance.
The President prayed for Akande’s good health and renewed strength as he marked the milestone birthday.
News
Lawal presents certificates to 50 Crescent varsity graduates 9 years after graduation
Gov Dauda Lawal, on Thursday presented certificates to 50 former students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun, nine years after their graduation.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara.
The presentation took place at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.
According to Idris, the former students, who were on the state government’s scholarship, graduated nine years ago, but could not receive their certificates due to the state government’s failure to settle their outstanding tuition fees owed the institution.
“The former students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.
“The Crescent University declined to release the students’ results due to the non payment of their outstanding tuition fees.
“The state government, under Gov. Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.
“Among the 50 students, is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders,” he said.
While presenting the certificates to the graduates, Lawal restated his commitment to revamping the educational sector.
Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to prioritise education to enhance the even development of the state.
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