Nigeria Times

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization, clarified his support for President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that it has no connection to his past corruption case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Responding to Dr. Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and TV anchor, Kalu rejected claims that his loyalty to Tinubu is linked to the dismissal of his case.

In a social media post, Kalu expressed frustration, stating that his case with the EFCC was resolved before Tinubu assumed office, following 12 years of consistent court appearances and a trial with 19 witnesses. He further shared his experiences, saying that his prison sentence was transformative, and highlighted that he remains loyal to his party and president, not out of fear or personal gain but as part of his values and principles.

President Bola Tinubu has directed enhanced security protocols to expedite the restoration of power in northern Nigeria, where outages have persisted due to recent infrastructure vandalism. After a meeting with the President, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu disclosed that repairs should typically take three to five days, but delays have occurred due to safety concerns for personnel.

President Tinubu has instructed the National Security Adviser, alongside other key defense officials, to provide the necessary security for repair teams. The outages, affecting regions in the northeast, northwest, and parts of north-central Nigeria, resulted from insurgent attacks on the Shiroro-Kaduna power line.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declined to defend the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) regarding its handling of allegations tied to Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, a popular social media personality. Speaking at a ministry retreat, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of ethical conduct and reputation management within para-military agencies.

This controversy emerged after claims that Bobrisky did not complete his full six-month sentence. A government panel, however, recently found no evidence supporting these allegations but noted that Bobrisky received certain privileges during his detention, which it deemed “unethical.”

Tunji-Ojo urged agencies to embrace a transformative approach to inmate rehabilitation, emphasizing respect for human rights and dignity. He also highlighted the critical role of the NCoS and other para-military services in supporting national security and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has initiated an indefinite strike today, halting operations across Nigerian universities. The unions are demanding the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, enhanced remuneration, earned allowances, and the fulfillment of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.

Despite partial salary releases earlier this year following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, non-teaching staff members were excluded from payments, which only covered academic staff. The unions argue this selective payment approach is unjust, and after multiple ultimatums and protests, have resolved to commence an indefinite strike.

The unions are calling on all NASU and SSANU branches within federal and state universities to fully participate, citing their roles in managing essential campus services such as water, power, internet, and security.

Ilyasu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure from Kano State, has called on northern politicians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. He argued that doing so would ensure a smoother power transition back to the North in 2031. Speaking in Kano, Kwankwaso highlighted the potential setback for the North if an alternative candidate from the South won, which could extend the wait for power to return to the region by eight years.

Kwankwaso further emphasized that recent security challenges shouldn’t deter northern leaders from backing Tinubu, noting efforts by Defence Minister Bello Matawalle to counter regional instability. He urged unity among northern politicians, stressing that rallying around Tinubu would promote stability and strengthen the region’s future political prospects.

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The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has scheduled a meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) and several discontented members following allegations of a N3 billion fund misappropriation by PASAN’s executives.

The letter, signed by Amos Falonipe, Director/Registrar of Trade Union Services, called for PASAN officials and the aggrieved members to meet tomorrow. This summons follows a public accusation made earlier this month by PASAN member Yusuf Abiola, who claimed mismanagement of union funds and demanded audited financial records dating back to 2019. In response, PASAN’s National Assembly chapter leadership dismissed the allegations as groundless.

Despite PASAN’s statement refuting the claims, the ministry’s letter, dated October 25, 2024, officially invites both parties to discuss and address these serious accusations.

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As of October 28, 2024, the dollar-to-naira exchange rate in Nigeria’s black market remains high, with buyers paying N1696 per dollar and sellers offering it at N1710. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the black market rate, advising Nigerians to use banks for forex needs.

Meanwhile, the official CBN rate today stands slightly lower, with the dollar buying at N1634 and selling at N1635. These rates may vary based on location and provider, so buyers and sellers should check local sources for the most accurate figures.

In other news, Finance Minister Wale Edun and Oando Group President Wale Tinubu met with Afreximbank’s Prof. Benedict Oramah in Washington, D.C., discussing strategic financing for Nigeria’s energy and trade growth as part of President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.