The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Niger State has condemned the appointment of a former APC State Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Jibrin Imam as the Niger State Independent National Electoral Committee, NSINEC.

PDP rejected the appointment in a statement signed by Yahaya Ability, State Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman, Niger North Senatorial District.

“During the PDP administration, particularly under Governor Engr. A.A. Kure, the State INEC Chairman was Alhaji Maman Auna, a neutral civil servant. Similarly, during His Excellency Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu’s administration, the Chief Servant, it was Alhaji Danlami Dallatu, a neutral person.

“Even during the APC administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, it was Alhaji Baba Aminu, a civil servant, ensuring free and fair elections,” Ability said.

He questioned the governor’s decision, saying, “Why is your own different, imposing your will on the people without carrying everyone along?”

The PDP argued that the appointment undermines public trust and creates fear among opposition parties.

The party emphasized that the Nigerian constitution upholds impartiality in electoral processes.

Ability stated, “No opposition party can confidently participate in elections under an electoral body led by a member of the ruling party.”

The PDP urged Governor Mohammed Bago to reverse the appointment and restore public confidence in the electoral process, to ensure a level playing field for all parties.

The party maintained that Niger State deserves fairness, not a system that tilts the electoral process in favor of one party.

Recall the Governor Mohammed Bago had appointed Engr Mohammad Jibrin Imam to head the NSIEC alongside six others.

They include Barr. M.A. Liman as Permanent Commissioner I, Nasiru Ubandiya as Permanent Commissioner II, Yahaya Idris Abara as Permanent Commissioner III, Capt. Mohammed Baro as Permanent Commissioner IV.

Others are Kabiru Tanko Zama as Permanent Commissioner V, Barr. Amina Guar as Permanent Commissioner VI, and Barr. Ahmed Borgu as Permanent Commissioner VII.

The governor stated that their appointment is subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

The executive secretary (ES) of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje has disclosed that, in a bold move towards institutional reform, plans for the conversion of the NBTE to the National Commission for Technical Education (NCTE) is underway.

He said such strategic transformation aims to elevate the status of NBTE, aligning it with its counterparts such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), adding that NCTE possesses greater autonomy and authority to implement robust policies for technical education.

Professor Bugaje made the disclosure when he received the newly elected executives of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) led by the outgoing president, Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi in his office.

The new executive council of NAPS has Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan as the new president.

Prof Bugaje who elaborated on the numerous benefits the conversion would bring, said that it will enhance regulatory powers, increase funding and resources, emphasising that the shift will attract more government funding, foster infrastructural development and academic excellence in polytechnics.

He said it would also give it global recognition as polytechnic qualifications will gain increased international recognition, boosting the global competitiveness of Nigerian graduates.

The executive secretary also noted that the conversation will strengthen advocacy for technical education adding that, “The NCTE will have a stronger voice in national education policies, ensuring that the needs of technical institutions and students are prioritized.”

The development, he noted, will have far-reaching benefits for polytechnic students, graduates and institutions, positioning Nigeria’s technical education sector as a catalyst for national growth and innovation.

Professor Bugaje also addressed the ongoing mobilisation challenges faced by part-time students concerning their eligibility for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He announced that an agreement has been reached to allow affected students to be mobilised regardless of their ND background and without the mandatory Industrial Training (IT) letter for the next two years.

This decision, he emphasised, is part of an interim measure to ease the difficulties faced by students who have been unfairly excluded from the NYSC scheme due to technicalities surrounding their IT documentation, stressing however that after the two-year grace period, full enforcement of the policy will commence, making the submission of the IT letter compulsory for NYSC mobilisation.

Prof Bugaje assured that NBTE is working closely with the NYSC Directorate and other relevant stakeholders to streamline the mobilization process, ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all Nigerian students, regardless of their mode of study which represents a significant victory for part-time students who have long faced uncertainty regarding their NYSC status.

On the issue of HND-BSc dichotomy, Prof Bugaje reaffirmed NBTE’s unwavering commitment to the abolition of this discriminatory barrier, which has historically limited the career progression of polytechnic graduates.

According to him, substantial progress has been made through collaborative efforts with the National Assembly and other key education stakeholders, adding that Legislative measures aimed at eliminating the dichotomy are advancing, with strong support from both the public and private sectors.

He emphasized that the recognition of HND certificates as par with BSc degrees will not only enhance the employability of polytechnic graduates but also foster a more merit-based system where skills and competencies are prioritised over paper qualifications, a progress he said will reflect a transformative shift towards educational equity and national development.

In his farewell speech, Comrade Opeyemi expressed profound gratitude to NBTE for its steadfast support during his tenure while reflecting on the achievements of his administration, particularly in areas of student advocacy, educational reforms, and institutional partnerships.

On his part, the newly elected president, Comrade Oghayan pledged to build on the foundations laid by his predecessors, committing to prioritising students’ welfare, educational equity and policy reforms, while fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders, including NBTE.

The president of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), Koko T. Clement, has lauded the leadership of the Nigerian Senate over the appointment of Benue North-West senator Dr Titus Tartenger Zam as Senate Committee chairman, North Central Development Commission, stressing that the legislator has the capacity to vigorously pursue and actualise the commission’s mandate.

In a statement personally signed and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday, Koko Clement, who congratulated Senator Titus Zam, pointed out that the North Central Region will no doubt witness robust transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership given the calibre of visionary leaders around him.

Senator Zam was announced during the plenary on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, to chair the Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission.

Meanwhile, the legislator who accepted the appointment said he would use his position to oversee the region’s rapid development and solicited the support of all the states in the region.

 

While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the bill on the North Central Development Commission and Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio for finding him worthy of the Senate committee chairmanship, Senator Titus Zam maintained that he will serve the region and Nigeria optimally and appreciated his constituents for always believing in him.

 

 

As Osagie denies wrongdoing

 

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, and the chairman of the State’s Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, over alleged “grave official and financial infractions.”

The suspension of the duo was contained in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa lkhilor, and made available to journalists late Wednesday night.

According to the statement, “The suspension is with immediate effect.”

It further said: “the suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice became necessary to enable Government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them.”

“They are to remain suspended
pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added.

The SSG, in the statement, added that the Governor Okpebholo has consequently ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to probe the allegations levelled against the two top officials and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.

Meanwhile, the suspended Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, has denied involvement in any financial fraud or dealing just as he vowed to defend himself against the allegation.

In a statement he personally signed in response to his suspension, Osagie said, “My attention has just been drawn to a Government special announcement dated 5th February, 2925 in which I was alleged to have been engaged in financial infractions with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and therefore suspended.

“Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind. I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone before my suspension was announced.

“I shall be ready, willing and prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard earned reputation which I have laboured to build over the years.”

The Senate has appointed Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia-North) as the substantive pioneer chairman of the newly established South-East Development Commission (SEDC), one of the Regional Development Commissions signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during yesterday’s plenary in Abuja. This follows Kalu’s previous role as chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation.

In addition, Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was appointed the commission’s vice chairman.

Akpabio further stated that the remaining committee members would be revealed.

Kalu, who had earlier chaired the screening ad hoc committee for regional development commissions in the North West and South East, is now tasked with overseeing the South-East Development Commission. His leadership will drive the commission’s goals, including civil restitution, tackling erosion, restoring security, and improving regional infrastructure.

In a related development, the Senate also confirmed the SEDC’s board membership following Senator Kalu’s report. Dr Emeka Nworgu will head the 18-member board, and Hon. Mark Okoye will be appointed the managing director and chief executive officer.

Other confirmed board members include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Kzenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Chidi Echeazu, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali, Kumo Edward David Onoja, and Orure Kufre Inima.

Additional appointments include Daniel Akwari, Chief (Mrs) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (Executive Director, Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (Executive Director, Corporate Services), and Hon. Toby Okechukwu (Executive Director, Projects).

Senator Anthony Agbo was appointed executive director of Commercial and Industrial Development, while Dr Clifford Ogbede will serve as executive director of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development.

The Senate has appointed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) as the pioneer Chairman of the Senate Committee on the newly established South-East Development Commission (SEDC), one of the regional development Commissions.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.

LEADERSHIP reports that Kalu was previously the chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation.

In addition, Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was appointed as the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on SEDC.

Akpabio further stated that the remaining members of the committee would be revealed in due course.

Kalu, who had earlier chaired the screening of nominees for management of the SEDC by the adhoc committee for regional development commissions on both the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and SEDC, is now tasked with overseeing the SEDC. His leadership will be essential in driving the commission’s goals, including civil restitution, tackling erosion, restoring security, and improving infrastructure in the region.

In a related development, the Senate also confirmed the board membership of the SEDC following the report presented by Senator Kalu. The 18-member board will be headed by Dr. Emeka Nworgu, with Hon. Mark Okoye appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Other confirmed board members include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Kzenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Chidi Echeazu, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali, Kumo Edward David Onoja, and Orure Kufre Inima.

Additional appointments include Daniel Akwari, Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (Executive Director, Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (Executive Director, Corporate Services), and Hon. Toby Okechukwu (Executive Director, Projects).

Senator Anthony Agbo was appointed as Executive Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, while Dr. Clifford Ogbede will serve as Executive Director of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development in SEDC.

Nigerians in the diaspora have been positively contributing to the growth and development of the country’s economy, investing over $90 billion in the past five years.

According to the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, those citizens have vast resources abroad. In the past five years, they have brought home to Nigeria over $90 billion in economic investments.
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Secretary, Dr Yakubu Yakubu Bassi said, “So the diaspora phenomenon is an evolving phenomenon. It‘s not something that we can play around with. I‘m catalysing development in Nigeria, and it‘s contributing over 6% of our national GDP”.

Dr Sule Bassi, who spoke to journalists in Bauchi yesterday after he paid a courtesy visit to Bauchi state Governor Bala Mohammed, stressed the need for Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in the country’s agriculture, education, mineral resources, culture, and tourism sectors of the economy.

The commission secretary said that the Bauchi for sensitisation and advocacy is a national project which entails going from one geopolitical zone to the other while carrying it out in the five continents of the world, disclosing, “We have over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora, consisting of the modern diaspora, over 18 million, and the historic African diaspora of two million”.

Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi explained that one of the competitive edge advantages of Nigerians today globally is that no party takes place anywhere without Nigerian music and dance being played.

“Jollof Rice is served in London as City Jollof. Masa is there in an African Kitchen in California. Agege Bread is in Canada and the U.S., taken by our diaspora, and they are multimillionaires and donors today. All we are saying is that while they are out there, they should come and invest at home and help catalyse development“, Bassi said.

He added, “We have already developed a national diaspora policy for Nigeria, and we are sensitising both the federal and state governments to engage with the diaspora first. You must engage with them.

“The Chinese are investing in Nigeria. So why not Nigerians who are in the diaspora? We have a very high rate of returns on investment in Nigeria, more than anywhere in the world. I assure you that anything you invest in Nigeria has a 40% return on investment. In other developed countries, it‘s 2% or 3%.”.

Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed noted that the visit is a cutting-edge phenomenon of development and diplomacy, which the Commission on diaspora is establishing, providing connectivity through sensitisation and advocacy for understanding between the diaspora population and the citizens of Nigeria who were their brothers and sisters, kith and kin.

The advantage of the connectivity, according to the governor, is drivable from that partnership and removal of the encumbrances, suspicion and mistrust, and misdemeanours that have hampered that kind of development in the past, observing that the commission working assiduously to make sure that they collapse all these impediments.

“And I‘m thrilled, as a subnational leader, that they are bringing the issue here because it will bring prosperity, it will relink us with our kith and kin, even from the historical perspective, and more than migration or immigration. Bauchi has a large diaspora population, especially in the medical field”, Governor Bala told Journalists.

Governor Mohammed expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and pledged to work closely with NIDCOM to harness opportunities for mutual benefit.