Crime Facts

UNIZIK medical school lecturers down tool over vice-chancellor race

The medical school of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, comprising the faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences, Nnewi Campus, has remained non-functional for 12 days now, following the withdrawal of services by clinical lecturers, who are members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria. The medical school is the arm of the institution, charged with the teaching and training of undergraduate students of medicine, both in theory, in clinics and in theatre. The Secretary of the Association, Dr Sunday Oriji, who spoke to journalists in Nnewi on Tuesday, said they withdrew their services to protest the exclusion of their members from vying for the vacant vice-chancellorship position of the school. Oriji said an advertisement published by the authorities of the school, had notified the public of the vacancy in the vice chancellorship position, listing requirements that excluded medical professors from vying for the position. He said the association will not back down, and that the medical college of the institution will remain crippled until the university’s management does the right thing. He said, “The acting vice chancellor is a seasoned lawyer, and we know she will do what is right. We duly notified them of our moves before we embarked on them. “The congress observed that the advertisement required that an applicant for the position of Vice Chancellor of NAU must possess a first degree, Master’s degree, and a PhD. “The academic pathway of the clinical lecturers, in NAU and globally, does not fit into the above. That advert deliberately excludes all of our members in the faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical sciences. It is a complete deviation from similar advert of the past for the position. “We have duly notified the relevant bodies and offices of our withdrawal of services, and that will continue to be so until the university’s management does what is right.” The clinical lecturers had written to the Ag. Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Awka, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umeobi, to protest the advertisement for the position of Vice Chancellor, which they alleged excluded their members from vying. The group later went on strike after the expiration of a seven days ultimatum, to protest the development, a move that has long plunged the school into distress for about two weeks now.

Osama bin Laden’s son, Omar, ordered to leave France

French authorities have ordered Omar bin Laden, a son of slain Al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, to leave the country over posts on social media, France’s interior minister announced on Tuesday. Born in Saudi Arabia, where he spent his early years, Omar bin Laden, 43, has also lived in Sudan and Afghanistan. He left his father at the age of 19 and eventually settled in Normandy in northern France in 2016, taking up painting. France’s new interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, said on X (former Twitter) that Omar bin Laden had lived in the department of Orne in Normandy as a spouse of a British national. The minister said that the jihadist’s son “posted comments on his social networks in 2023 that advocated terrorism.” “As a result, the prefect of Orne issued an order to leave French territory,” Retailleau said. “The courts have confirmed the legality of this decision taken in the interests of national security,” he added. The interior minister also said he had signed off on a ban preventing Omar bin Laden “to return to France for any reason whatsoever.” He did not provide further details and it was not clear if Omar bin Laden had already left France. Omar bin Laden’s marriage to British woman Jane Felix-Browne, a grandmother who had been divorced five times previously and over two decades his senior, had caused considerable media interest when it was confirmed in 2007. After marriage, she took on the Muslim name of Zaina Mohammed. Omar bin Laden sought to live in the UK, but his bid was rejected by the British authorities. Osama bin Laden, himself the son of a hugely wealthy Saudi construction magnate, is believed to have had some two dozen children. US special forces killed the Al-Qaeda founder in Pakistan in 2011. Retailleau has vowed to bring “order” on immigration and crime, insisting that “the rule of law is neither intangible nor sacred.” His appointment as France’s top cop is emblematic of the rightward shift of the government under new Prime Minister Michel Barnier following this summer’s legislative elections that resulted in a hung parliament.

Many feared dead as two boats collide in Lagos

At least 21 passengers are feared drowned in a boat accident that occurred on Monday at Imore town in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. Tragedy struck when two boats, each ferrying 16 passengers, collided and capsized in the middle of the lagoon. The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated in a press release on Tuesday that the incident was reported to the Ilashe police division at about 7 pm. According to him, emergency responders, including marine police and local divers, were swiftly mobilised to the scene and rescued 11 passengers who sustained injuries. He added that the injured were rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija, for medical attention. The statement read, “On October 7, 2024, at about 7 pm, a distress call was received at the Ilashe Division reporting that two unregistered passenger boats, each carrying 16 passengers, allegedly collided in the middle of the lagoon at Imore town. As a result, the boats capsized, and the passengers drowned along with their goods. “Based on the report, teams of conventional and marine policemen, local divers, and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene, where 11 passengers were rescued with injuries and rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija, for medical attention.” In the meantime, other passengers remain unaccounted for, with Hundeyin confirming that efforts to recover their bodies are currently underway. He further noted that an investigation into the incident is underway.

NCC withdraws press statement on Starlink

The Nigerian Communications Commission has withdrawn its recently issued press statement regarding the operations of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider. In a brief message addressed to media outlets on Tuesday, the NCC acknowledged that the statement was released in error, urging editors and journalists to retract any related publications. “Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN. If already published, kindly BRING DOWN,” the message, signed by the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, Kunle Azeez, stated. The commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, had announced plans to take enforcement measures against Starlink, for raising its subscription prices in Nigeria without the regulator’s approval. In a message sent to its customers last week, Starlink said the price hike would affect both existing and new customers. The monthly subscription fee was increased by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000. Additionally, new users will face a higher cost for the Starlink kit (the hardware needed for installation), which is now priced at N590,000, up 34% from the previous price of N440,000. However, the NCC stated that it had not approved the price increase. “The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka said. He explained that the commission was “surprised” when the company announced the price changes, despite having filed a request with the NCC for a price adjustment, which the regulator had yet to approve.

Rivers: Ikwere LG Chairman Takes Over Secretariat After Fire Incident

The newly elected Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, Israel Abosi has taken over the council secretariat in Isiokpo. The takeover comes less than 24 hours after the secretariat was burnt by arsonists on Monday. On Tuesday morning, Abosi was seen accompanied by his deputy, the newly elected councillors, and a crowd of supporters including some vigilante members who were brandishing guns and firing gunshots in the air. They were chanting solidarity songs and daring their political opponents to come to the council secretariat. Both Ikwere and Emohua Local Government Council secretariats were set ablaze yesterday following the withdrawal of the police officers securing the 23 council secretariats by the commissioner of police, Kayode Egbetokun. The situation has since degenerated into an uproar, blame and counter-blame, with President Bola Tinubu later ordering the Nigerian Police Force to ensure security is provided for the 23 LG secretariats.

Report: NNPC Quits Middleman Role At Dangote Refinery

Petrol price is likely to rise again following the decision by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to end its exclusive offtake agreement with the Dangote Refinery, allowing other marketers to buy the product directly from the facility. The current fuel cost was effected in August when the NNPCL adjusted the pump price from N568 to N855 per litre in Lagos, and to almost N900 in other parts of the country. The NNPCL’s exit as a middleman in the Dangote Refinery implies that the national oil company will no longer cover the price gap between the facility’s price and the selling price to retailers, previously absorbing a subsidy of N133 per litre. The NNPCL’s decision is seen as a crucial shift towards a fully deregulated oil market. Marketers can now negotiate petrol prices directly with the Dangote Refinery under a “willing buyer, willing seller” arrangement, aligning with practices for other deregulated products such as diesel and kerosene. In September, Devakumar Edwin, Vice President at the Dangote Industries, indicated that the 650,000 barrels per day refinery had begun processing petrol, with the NNPCL initially as the sole off-taker. But recent adjustments allow independent marketers to engage with Dangote directly. “We can no longer continue to bear that burden,” an NNPCL’s official told Premium Times, highlighting the financial strain of the subsidy system.

APLLY: Nigerian Army Is Recruiting

The Nigerian Army has opened its portal for 88 Regular Recruit Intake Exercise for Trades/Non-Trades men and women.Method of Application Interested candidates are advised to click here to complete the free online application form, submit it online, and print a copy. Then, print and complete the Guarantor Form. The exercise runs till November 8, 2024. Basic requirements Qualifications 1 All applicants must possess at least a minimum of four passes including English Language in not more than two sittings in WASSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB.

Africa Water Crisis Threatens Lives, Food Security, Economic Stability – Report

Few weeks ago, Centre for Science and Environment (SCE), a not-for-profit public interest research and advocacy organisation based in New Delhi, India, released its Down To Earth annual State of Africa Environment 2024 report. The report, which was released in Nairobi, Kenya, three weeks ago, highlights the intersection between water on the one hand and migration, climate change, poverty and diseases on the other. The State of Africa Environment 2024 report emphasized that Africa faces escalating water crisis that threatens economic collapse, exacerbates poverty, and endangers millions of lives. All 54 African countries are water-insecure, with the continent hosting 22% of the world’s most critically water-insecure population. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, is under immense pressure, with 36% of its people lacking secure access to water. The water crisis, fueled by rapid urbanization, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure, is poised to worsen unless immediate action is taken. The report noted that the demand for water in Africa is expected to skyrocket by 283%, with municipal and domestic needs accounting for 92 billion cubic meters of this surge. Urbanization is a significant driver, placing intense pressure on already fragile water systems. By 2050, at least 24 large cities across 15 African countries will face severe water scarcity as the gap between water supply and urban growth widens. Dr malesi Shivaji CEO of Kenya Water and Civil Society pointed out that the water insecurity in Africa is not solely about the quantity of water available but also about how it is managed. While the continent contains 677 lakes, including three of the world’s ten largest freshwater lakes, the management of these resources is increasingly failing to meet the needs of its burgeoning population. Sunita Narain, Director General of CSE said warned leaders in the continent to deal with the issues with more sense of urgency as climate change is further compounding the issues. Shifts in weather patterns and rising temperatures are affecting Africa’s hydrological cycle, leading to reduced rainfall and increased evaporation. In regions heavily reliant on agriculture like Nigeria, these disruptions are triggering food insecurity and economic instability. In particular, flooding of lakes, exacerbated by climate change, has led to crop loss and mass migration, further escalating the crisis. She said the human cost of the crisis is devastating, especially for the most vulnerable populations. Water-borne diseases like cholera are on the rise, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas where access to sanitation is inadequate. Children under five are disproportionately affected, with 190 million African children facing the combined threats of water-related risks, water-borne illnesses, and climate hazards. The lack of safe sanitation has far-reaching implications, causing water pollution and contributing to diseases. Poor management of fecal waste results in approximately 115 deaths per hour from excreta-related diseases in Africa. Despite a few success stories of progress in the sanitation sector, the pace of improvement has not been sufficient to keep up with demand. The economic implications of Africa’s water crisis are equally alarming. Water scarcity is undermining economic productivity, particularly in agriculture, which remains the backbone of many African economies. The Middle East and North Africa region is expected to experience some of the most significant economic losses from climate-related water scarcity, and similar trends are emerging across sub-Saharan Africa. The declining availability and quality of water are placing severe constraints on agriculture, leading to income loss for millions who depend on farming for their livelihood. Richard Mahapatra, Managing Editor, Down to Earth, India and Ms Clementine Andre, the Regional Coordinator for Subsaharan African and Middle East and North Africa for Internal displacement Monitoring Centre, Geneva noted that distress migration is also a growing consequence of water scarcity. Just as severe droughts drove our ancestors to migrate 400,000 years ago, today’s communities are forced to leave their homes in search of reliable water sources. This internal migration creates additional challenges, putting pressure on urban infrastructure and social services, which are already strained. Despite the grim situation, experts like Engr Susan Masila, Consultant, WASH Burundi believes there are solutions that could help mitigate the water crisis. Rainwater harvesting holds significant potential for reducing water poverty in Africa. With nearly 95% of Africa’s food production reliant on rainwater, tapping into this resource more effectively could make a substantial difference. Collecting rainwater can help communities develop resilience against erratic weather patterns and reduce dependence on vulnerable sources. Groundwater also presents a viable solution. Since the 1930s, the construction of deep boreholes, shallow wells, and protected springs has helped communities’ access clean water for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture. However, modernizing water management systems in rural areas remains a challenge due to the high costs involved. Innovative solutions, such as community-led total sanitation initiatives and green infrastructure, offer hope. Community-led projects can be more cost-effective and better tailored to local needs, while green infrastructure can help restore natural hydrological cycles. Collaboration between governments, international organizations, and local communities is crucial to scaling these solutions. Experts believed that Africa’s water crisis demands immediate and concerted action. The stakes are high not only in terms of human health and wellbeing but also for the continent’s economic future. As the world’s youngest and one of the fastest-growing urban populations, Africa cannot afford to ignore its water crisis. Governments, international agencies, and civil society must come together to invest in sustainable water management solutions. Ensuring equitable access to water is not just a development goal but a necessity for survival and growth. Without swift and effective action, Africa risks facing an even grimmer future; one marked by poverty, disease, and economic stagnation. Addressing the water crisis today is vital to safeguarding the continent’s future.

Starlink faces regulatory heat over unapproved data tariff hike – NCC

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says Starlink, a communication company, is facing regulatory heat over an unapproved data tariff hike. The NCC said the satellite internet service provider had unilaterally increased its data tariffs without obtaining the necessary approval from the commission. Its Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that Starlink’s actions violated Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, as well as its licence conditions. According to him, the commission has taken a dim view of this contravention, seeing it as a threat to regulatory stability in the telecommunications industry. “We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision. “The Commission will, therefore, take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry,” he said.

Kenya’s Deputy President Faces Impeachment Over Corruption

Kenya’s parliament was set to vote on Tuesday on impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in a political drama that has exposed a rift in the governing party. Lawmakers have accused the 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto of corruption, undermining the government and practising ethnically divisive politics, among a host of other charges. At a press conference on Monday, Gachagua denied the accusations as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda”, saying it was a scheme to hound him out of office. Gachagua is a businessman from Kenya’s biggest tribe, the Kikuyu. He weathered previous corruption scandals to become deputy leader as Ruto’s running mate in a closely fought election in August 2022. But in recent weeks, he has complained of being sidelined by his boss and been accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests that broke out in June. Political tensions have been running high since the sometimes deadly demonstrations erupted over unpopular tax hikes, exposing divisions between Gachagua and Ruto. Several MPs allied with Gachagua were summoned by police last month, accused of funding the protests. No formal charges have been lodged by prosecutors and no judicial inquiry has been opened against Gachagua. But lawmakers have listed 11 grounds for impeachment, including accusations that he amassed assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since the last election, despite an annual salary of just $93,000. Among the listed assets was Kenya’s renowned Treetops Hotel, where Britain’s then-Princess Elizabeth was staying when she became queen. Gachagua says his wealth has come entirely through legitimate business deals and an inheritance from his late brother. He has warned his removal would stir discontent among his supporters. Kenyan lawmakers initiated the impeachment process on October 1, with 291 members of parliament backing the motion, well beyond the 117 minimum required. Two-thirds of the lower house, the National Assembly, must back the motion for it to pass on Tuesday. It would then move to the upper house, the Senate. If impeached, Gachagua would become the first deputy president to be removed in this way since the possibility was introduced in Kenya’s revised 2010 constitution. AFP