News
UNIBEN VC narrates how she was abducted by students
Professor Lilian Salami, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has narrated how students of the institution, during a protest, pelted her with sachet water and ordered her to read a script after them.
According to report, Prof. Salami disclosed this in her new book titled “So Much To Say: A Memoir,” written as a chronicle of her five-year tenure as the 10th Vice Chancellor of the university.
Salami also explained that she was abducted by the students who forced her to trek to the main gate of the institution to address them over the increase of the penalty of N10,000 to N20,000 for the late payment of school charges after two weeks of resumption during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.
She alleged that the protest as well as other protests that happened during her five years as the head of the university were masterminded and sponsored by cabals.
She averred that the decision to increase the penalty was taken by the university council, which frowned at the level of students’ school charges indebtedness needed to drive the session.
While noting that the penalty was only targeted at late payers, she added that all efforts by the Dean of Students Affairs to calm them down were to no avail.
She disclosed that the institution’s chief security officer, the police divisional officer, and the area commander visited and urged her to reverse the decision but she stood her ground.
“The students took to the expressway with musicians providing music for them and caterers cooking on the highway.
“On the third day, they had decided to abduct me, forcing me to come to the highway to address them. The DCP, DPO, as well as security officials, were in my house asking me to address the students, assuring me of my safety.
“By this time, the mob has pulled down my chain-wire fence and dragged me out of my official residence to force me to trek to the main gate.
“Somehow, some of them advised against trekking. So, I was allowed to ride in my Hilux van with students sitting on the hood, bonnet and windows.
“Guns were brandished and some were shown to me under their shirts. Finally, as I got to the main gate, I was forced to climb on the Hilux van and directed to repeat an address after one of the ring leaders, which I did.
“At that point, some pure water sachets were thrown at me. After reading the address and ensuring that the ICT unit had complied, I was let go. I was taken to the DPO’s and then to the CP’s offices. The CP later booked for my one-night stay in a hotel,” she recounted.
She alleged that the cabals seeking to discredit her administration sponsored students and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to protest against her.
The purpose of the protest, according to her, was to create the impression that she was inept and incapable of running the institution as a Vice Chancellor and thus compel the Federal Government to remove her.
Salami stated that the cabals who see themselves as untouchable include ex-students and contractors, among others.
“They claim that in the past, they were adequately compensated with money, with some of them on the payroll, while others got cash for unexecuted contracts. Still, others were given admission and hostel accommodation slots in place of cash.
“A couple of groups had reached out to me to be educated and initiated into the cabal groups, which I politely declined.
“These were unarguably the platforms and persons who apparently might have vowed to continuously cause unrest during the tenure of my administration,” she stated.
She also asserted that her investigation indicated that her security was compromised and that there were professors who were in constant discussion with the students to make sure that she was humiliated and influence the Federal Government to remove and replace her for lack of capacity to govern a university.
News
Gov Adeleke Speaks On Death Sentence For Chicken Thief
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
News
Delta Assembly pardons two suspended members
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
News
Heavy Security Presence at National Assembly as President Tinubu Presents 2025 Budget
By Gloria Ikibah
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at 12 noon today, there is tight security at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
As early as 6.00 a.m., operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Sergeant-at-Arms, were stationed at the gates and within the premises to ensure order and safety during the event.
Naijablitznews.com reports that staff of the National Assembly were directed to stay home, except those required for the event, who were instructed to report before 8.00 a.m., according to a memo issued by the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development.
Senators and House members were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, where the joint session is scheduled to take place. On Tuesday, during a closed-door plenary, the House of Representatives followed the tradition of moving a motion to allow non-members into the chamber for the session.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of N47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, business activities within the National Assembly complex, including banking and food services, have been suspended following directives from the Assembly’s management. Only those on an approved list, including staff, media personnel, and members of the press corps, are allowed access after identification at the gate.
The joint session will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
-
Metro23 hours ago
Police barred From Arbitrary Arrests, Detention Of Youths, Collection, Checking Of Phones
-
News20 hours ago
N141bn Agreements: Reps to Probe Non-Delivery of Tractors, Harvesters
-
News22 hours ago
CJN: Lack of conferencing cause of conflicting Court verdicts
-
Entertainment22 hours ago
Singer Portable cries like a baby during prayer session
-
News23 hours ago
Noise pollution:Govt Seals The Lord’s Chosen, Celestial Churches, Hotel, Restaurants
-
News23 hours ago
Drama At Nigerian Code Of Conduct Tribunal As Two Chairman Lay Claim To Office
-
News21 hours ago
Former Ughelli/Udu Federal HoR Aspirant, Akpodiete Enrolled Over 120 Beneficiaries Into Health Insurance Scheme
-
News17 hours ago
FG endorses N30 billion for 30 Fed Universities of Agric to begin mechanized farming