Month: April 2025

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FG Orders Federal Tertiary Institutions To Publicly Advertise Vacancies

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education has directed all Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria to advertise available vacancies through public mediums.

This directive was issued by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, as part of the Ministry’s renewed commitment to fairness and integrity in the education sector.

According to a press statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Minister said, “All Federal Tertiary Institutions that have been granted waivers to recruit staff are required to publish the available vacancies in at least one national daily newspaper, on their respective websites, and in other relevant academic and professional journals.”

The Ministry said this move aims to ensure equal opportunity for all eligible Nigerians and curb opaque employment practices that have plagued the sector for years.

“This directive aims to ensure a transparent, open, and competitive recruitment process that offers equal opportunity to all eligible Nigerians,” it added.

The Ministry clarified that the waivers were granted to tertiary institutions based on their manpower requirements, following detailed submissions to the Ministry.

The statement reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to building capacity across higher education institutions.

In addition, institutions were reminded to submit their recruitment needs to the Committee on Waiver and Recruitment for proper review

The Ministry warned that sanctions would be imposed on any institution that fails to comply.

“The Ministry has put in place adequate mechanisms to ensure compliance and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any institution that fails to adhere to this directive,” the statement noted.

Folasade emphasized the Ministry’s stance, stating, “The Federal Ministry of Education remains firmly dedicated to promoting integrity and fairness in all matters related to the Nigerian higher education system.”

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Names Of 23 Newly Appointed Rivers LG Administrators, 7 RSIEC Executives

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appointed administrators for the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

According to the statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, the appointments are to take effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.

The administrators for the 23 local government areas of Rivers State include:
1. Mr Okroiyobi Animiete—Abua/Odual LGA
2. Mr Goodluck M. Ihenacho—Ahoada East LGA
3. Mr Promise Jacob—Ahoada West LGA
4. Dr Tamunotonye Peters—Akuku Toru LGA

5. Surveyor Atajit Francis—Andoni LGA
6. Barrister Ibiapuve Charles—Asari Toru LGA
7. Mr Kingsley N. Banigo—Bonny LGA
8. Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis—Degema LGA

9. Dr Gloria Obo Dibiah – Eleme LGA
10. Barr Franklin P. Ajinwon – Emohua LGA
11. Dr Onyemachi S. Nwankwor – Etche LGA
12. Prof. Gospel G. Kpee – Gokana LGA
13. Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu – Ikwerre LGA
14. Dr Barinedum Nwibere – Khana LGA

15. Dr Clifford Ndu Walter—Obio Akpor LGA
16. Dr Chukwuma Aje—Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
17. Eliel Owubokiri – Ogu/Bolo LGA
18. Mr Thompson Isodiki—Okrika LGA

19. Manager Ikechi Wala—Omuma LGA
20. Mr Fred Apiafi—Opobo/Nkoro LGA
21. Eletuuo Ihianacho – Oyigbo LGA
22. Dr Sam Kalagbor—Port Harcourt LGA
23. Mr Nuka O. S. Gbipah—Tai LGA

The following have also been appointed as chairman and members of the Rivers State Electoral Commission:

1. Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey—Chairman
2. Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira—Member
3. Prof Author Nwafor—Member
4. Prof Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha – Member
5. Prof Joyce Akaninwor – Member
6. Dr Olive A. Bruce – Member
7. Prof Chidi Halliday – Member

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Ibas Appoints Administrators For 23 Rivers LGs

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

This comes less that 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from appointing administrators to oversea the affairs of the local government councils.

The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity.

However, Ibas also approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which he had earlier suspended.

The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.

Though the names of the new appointees were not listed, the statement said the appointments takes immediate effect.

It reads, “His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

“He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended.

“All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”

Recall that last week, the sole administrator had suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state with immediate effect.

In a seperate development, Ibas also cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.

He said the cancellation became necessary following the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law within the period.

The sole administrator according to a previous statement also issued by the SSG, directed all MDAs that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices to refund such fees to the respective contractors immediately.

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Wike Hosts Suspended Rivers Assembly Lawmakers In UK

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), on Monday hosted suspended Rivers assembly lawmakers in the United Kingdom.

In a video shared on X, Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media to the minister, said the lawmakers, “who are in the UK for legislative capacity building”, were hosted to a dinner by the minister.

A statement last week by Martins Wachukwu, special assistant on media to Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers assembly, said the UK tour aims to enhance lawmakers’ legislative skills.

Wachukwu said the five-day tour began in Central London, adding that lawmakers viewed it as a chance for peer review and deeper parliamentary insight.

He added that during the opening ceremony, lawmakers expressed optimism that the tour would enhance peer engagement and offer valuable insights to strengthen parliamentary oversight functions.

Rivers state has been embroiled in political crisis stemming from the power struggle between Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, and Wike, his predecessor.

The rift led to the polarisation of the Rivers assembly. The faction of the house loyal to Wike is led by Amaewhule.

At the peak of the crisis in 2023, an attempt to impeach the governor resulted in the demolition of the Rivers house of assembly.

On March 18, 2024, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.

The president also suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and members of the state assembly.

Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, to administer the state.

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Tal Community Development Association Hails Cecilia Fabian for Restoring SSCE Center in GSS Tal

The Tal Community Development Association (TCDA) in Pankshin Local Government Area has expressed heartfelt appreciation to one of its illustrious daughters, Cecilia Fabian, for her outstanding contribution towards the revival of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Centre at Government Secondary School (GSS), Tal.

The SSCE Centre, which caters to both WAEC and NECO candidates, was previously de-recognised, leaving students to travel long distances to write their exams but through Cecilia’s effort, the WAEC Center has been restored.

Through Cecilia Fabian’s magnanimity and relentless efforts, the centre has now been fully restored, reigniting hope and easing the academic journey for many students in the area.

According to TCDA, this noble gesture not only reflects Cecilia Fabian’s unwavering passion for education but also underscores her deep love and commitment to the growth and development of her community.

The restoration of this examination centre is monumental relief, the community noted. TCDA notes “Our students can now concentrate better on their studies without the burden of traveling far to write their exams. This will significantly boost academic performance and morale.”

While celebrating her contributions to education and other humanitarian causes, the community offered prayers for divine protection and continued success in all her endeavors.

Tal Community Development Association also appreciated Cecilia for facilitating the approval of Science subjects for WAEC in the school to enable students offering the subjects to sit for their exams in the centre without going to other schools.

They also thanked her for emulating the footsteps of their beloved brothers and sisters who have been working tirelessly towards the success of the Community.

TCDA also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government at all levels to ensure education receives the attention it deserves across Plateau State.

Signed:
Gupai Yakubu Emmanuel
Head of Media
For the National President, TCDA

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Dr. Fish Bagged Best CEO of the Year at the 2025 PIBC Awards

A big congratulations to Dr. Fish for emerging as the Best CEO on the Plateau at the 6th Plateau Innovation and Business Conference (PIBC) 2025, featuring the CEOs Hangout & Awards Night!

This prestigious recognition is a testament to Dr. Fish’s exceptional leadership, innovative mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the business ecosystem of Plateau State. Through resilience, quiet but impactful leadership, and a passion for community-driven growth, Dr. Fish has become a beacon of excellence for many aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders in Jos and beyond.

The PIBC Awards continue to shine a spotlight on individuals who are not only transforming their businesses but also actively contributing to the region’s economic development. Dr. Fish’s achievements are a clear example of what it means to lead with vision and purpose.

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing more milestones from this trailblazer in the near future.

Want to be part of the innovation and inspiration?
Register now to attend the PIBC 2025 via: www.ihubdigitalsolutions.com.ng/PIBC

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Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum Demands Urgent Action on Bokkos Massacre, Condemns Continued Genocide

PRESS RELEASE BY PLATEAU LAWYERS BAR FORUM ON THE GENOCIDE IN BOKKOS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum (PLBF) vehemently condemns the unabated attacks by a militia on farming communities in Plateau State, particularly the recent violence in Bokkos Local Government Area. These attacks, which have persisted since 2001, have resulted in countless deaths, widespread displacement, and the destruction of livelihoods, yet the response of Federal Government in whose custody all the security agencies in Nigeria, remains grossly inadequate.

It is alarming that the failure of security agencies to protect vulnerable communities has resulted in monumental loss of lives and properties despite repeated assurances by Government that these acts of violence and destruction will end. Where there are arrests, investigations are often conducted in a shoddy and unprofessional manner, resulting in unsuccessful prosecution.

The Federal Government must seriously consider the prudent recommendation of the Director General of the State Security Service (DGSS) advocating for communities to arm themselves for self-defense. The tragic events in Bokkos Local Government Area could have been mitigated, or casualties significantly reduced had communities been equipped to fend off attackers before re-enforcement from overstretched security agencies could arrived.

While Government urgently follows through with this pragmatic suggestion by the Director General of the State Security Service (DSS), we demand immediate action to:

  1. Provide urgent relief and rehabilitation for displaced victims to help them rebuild their lives;
  2. Reinforce military and police presence in vulnerable areas;
  3. Legally empower and supervise community defense groups to prevent further massacres;
  4. Employ scientific method to investigate these massacres in collaboration with legal experts to ensure that investigations yield actionable evidence for prosecution;
  5. Fund and carry out prosecutions of those responsible for these attacks to end the culture of impunity;
  6. The Executive Order by the Plateau State Government on grazing be developed and pass into law as an Anti Opening Grazing Law in line with best practices all over the world.

The suffering endured by the people of Plateau State for over two decades must end. Enough is enough! We call on the Federal Government to take decisive action flowing from the prudent recommendation of the Director General of the State Security Service (DGSS) before more lives are lost. The time for the empty rhetoric about bringing the perpetrators to justice is over.

Dated at Jos, Plateau State this 7th day of April, 2025.

Chairman, Mr. Ledak D. Dafer, Esq.

Secretary, Mr. Niri I. Darong, Esq.

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PLASIEC Hosts Inaugural Planning Meeting for 2025 FOSIECON Delegates Conference

The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) has officially commenced preparations for its 2025 National Delegates Conference with an inaugural planning committee meeting held at the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) Headquarters in Jos.

Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, Chairman of PLASIEC, who hosted the meeting, welcomed high-profile delegates from across the country. He expressed appreciation for their presence in Plateau State, widely regarded as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” despite occasional security concerns. He highlighted the significance of the forum being held during a period of national constitutional reform, noting that it offers a unique opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions at the grassroots level. According to him, the upcoming conference will help assess electoral successes and challenges while providing recommendations for better election management.

The planning committee includes representatives from Nasarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Bauchi, Ondo, and Adamawa State. Their presence underscores the commitment of FOSIECON to organizing a successful and inclusive conference. He expressed confidence that the conference will have far-reaching impacts on Nigeria’s democracy.

Barrister Ayuba Wendy Osman, Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC), also addressed the media. He disclosed that the proposed date for the conference is between May 20th to 24th, 2025, though this remains tentative as planning continues. He emphasized that the annual conference is a critical platform for SIEC chairmen, commissioners, and secretaries from all 36 states to reflect on their roles, share ideas, and explore new strategies for electoral reform.

Addressing recent calls to scrap SIECs in favor of INEC, Osman reaffirmed the constitutional role of state electoral bodies, arguing that federalism requires a devolution of powers. “You cannot make the center too strong,” he said. “SIECs must continue to carry out their mandate unless the law says otherwise.”

The 2025 FOSIECON conference will center on the theme of strengthening State Electoral Commissions, aiming to enhance electoral integrity and democratic governance at the grassroots level.

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INEC Chairman, Mahmood Not Sacked – Spokesman

INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclaimed social media reports that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been sacked by President Bola Tinubu.

A viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Mahmood was sacked and replaced with one Prof. Olamilekan.

“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read.

In response to a message from Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary CPS to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, simply said: “Please, disregard. It is not true.”

Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of the year.

The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services, DSS, for profiling.

After such screening, the President thereafter takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review. Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

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National Security Adviser, Ribadu Vows End to Violence in Plateau, Promises Justice During Visit to Plateau State

Following the recent surge of brutal attacks across communities in Bokkos Local Government Area and other parts of Plateau State, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a strong warning to perpetrators of violence, declaring: “Enough is enough.”

Speaking after meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and top military officials, Ribadu said he was in the state to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences and appreciation to the people and security forces following the recent wave of attacks that claimed several lives and displaced communities in Bokkos Local Government Area.

Ribadu made this declaration during a visit to the Operation SAFE HAVEN Headquarters in Jos, where he addressed the pressing need for peace and security in the region. His visit comes amidst growing public concern over ongoing killings and displacement in rural communities such as Ruwi, Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai.

Reflecting on the tragic events of January, Ribadu expressed hope that such incidents would never recur. “This incident that we witnessed last January, hopefully we will not see it again. And that is why I come with this message,” he said.

The NSA condemned the violence, calling for immediate and decisive action from security agencies. “We say that enough is enough. It has to stop whatever it takes,” he stated emphatically.

He also pointed out that certain criminal elements were exploiting community peace initiatives, warning that even minor tensions could escalate quickly if not addressed. Despite the complexities of the crisis, Ribadu affirmed that the government is adapting and improving its strategies. “I can assure you, things have improved. And it will even be better as we continue to move across the country and in the Plateau as well,” he noted.

Stressing the central role of peace, Ribadu said, “Without peace, nothing else can function, no development, no growth, no education, no health.”

He cited progress in national security efforts, claiming a significant drop in violence and deaths compared to 2022 and 2023. “Violence, death reduced probably by a reasonable percentage in our country,” he said, adding that many of those responsible for unrest have already been arrested.

Ribadu also urged the public to be cautious about exaggerated casualty figures, noting that some victims remain hospitalized and investigations are ongoing. Nonetheless, he assured the public that justice will be served. “Those who are found responsible, those who are directly connected, will be prosecuted. Justice will be done. You will see the difference.”

Highlighting the government’s resolve, he revealed that nearly 2,000 terrorists had been prosecuted over the past year, with many convictions secured. “This is going to be a continuation. We will not relent. We are serious, we are honest about what we are doing.”

He concluded with a message of hope to the people of Plateau State: “This progress we are making, this continuous improvement will continue. We’ll get to a point where we say, yes, we have crossed and be grateful to God.”