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Just in: Gunmen invade pro-Wike group in Bayelsa
Gunmen suspected to be hired political thugs disrupted a rally organised in support of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event, which also marked the inauguration of the NEW Associates group, was meant to thank President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of Bayelsa into positions in his administration, while also showing support for Wike, who serves as the group’s grand patron.
Originally scheduled for April 12, the rally had been postponed to April 26 after another group, supporters of Governor Douye Diri, booked the same venue and date for their own rally.
Although both groups eventually rescheduled, tensions remained high.
Supporters of NEW Associates had gathered early at the Church of God Mission Camp, ready for the event, when armed men suddenly emerged from nearby creeks and bushes, firing gunshots into the air.
The crowd quickly scattered in fear, while security forces including the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) responded by pushing back the attackers and searching the surrounding area to prevent further violence.
After the incident, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesperson of the Ijaw Youths Council, accused the state government of trying to disrupt their peaceful gathering.
He insisted the rally would go on, stating that their intention was simply to express gratitude to the President and show solidarity, and questioned why anyone would feel threatened by such an event.
Similarly, Dr Pabara Igwele, the immediate past Commissioner of Health in Bayelsa, described the rally as peaceful and blamed the disruption on political motives.
He also vowed that the rally would continue despite the attack.
After the initial chaos, supporters regrouped to carry on with the event.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major pillar of support for President Bola Tinubu in particular and Nigerians, especially the vulnerable ones in general.
The FCT Minister, in a goodwill message to the First Lady on her 66th birthday, commended her for the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, saying “the roles the First Lady played in transforming the Abuja City Gate into how it is today, is a manifestation of her commitment to the success of her husband’s administration.”
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister also hailed the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that it has brought succor to several vulnerable Nigerians in the last three years.
Wike said; “At 66, the simple way of life of the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has remained an inspiration to women in the country, and it is my prayer that God will continue to uphold her.
“Most importantly, this new age is a confirmation of God’s love for her, and I pray that the good Lord will continue to grant her good health.
“I celebrate and rejoice with our ever caring and development oriented First Lady on the attainment of this significant age in her life and wish her many more years of service to our country, Nigeria.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has sacked one of its staff members for allegedly extorting unsuspecting candidates.
The Board made this known on Monday in its bulletin, stating that the action was part of its renewed efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices within the admission and examination system.
According to JAMB, the sanction against the unnamed staff member showed that its fight against exploitation was not limited to external fraudsters but also applied to employees found abusing their positions.
“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates, in further demonstration of its renewed commitment to flushing out bad eggs from the system,” the board stated.
It further cautioned its employees against engaging in activities capable of undermining its credibility or exploiting candidates and members of the public.
The Board stressed that any staff members found guilty of misconduct would face severe consequences in line with established regulations.
“The Board noted that the action sends a clear and unequivocal message that its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applies to everyone, irrespective of status or position,” it added.
The tertiary examination body reiterated that it would not shield any employee who abuses the trust placed in them by candidates or members of the public.
The Senate of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has suspended nine students for one academic session over their involvement in examination misconduct.
According to a statement by the university’s public relations unit and made available in Calabar on Monday, the suspension was conveyed to the affected students in letters signed by the registrar, Chukwuka Icha.
The action, the university said, followed approval by the Senate following recommendations by its Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).
“The affected students have been suspended for the 2026/2027 academic session and are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.
“Five of the affected students are from the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Faculty of Arts,” it said.
The others are in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; the Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences; the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences,” the statement said.
The university directed the acting chief security officer, deans, heads of departments, and other relevant units to take note of the suspension and ensure full compliance with the directive.
(NAN)
Wike Hails First Lady Oluremi Tinubu At 66, Says “She’s a pillar of support for Nigerians”
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