News

Reps Withdraw Bill Requiring University Degree as Minimum Qualification for President, Govs

Published

1 year ago

February 14, 2024

A proposed bill seeking to raise the educational qualifications for key political offices in the country has been stepped down following rejection from lawmakers.

The legislation, sponsored by Adewunmi Onanuga (APC, Ogun), sought to amend the 1999 Constitution by mandating a university degree or its equivalent for aspiring presidents, governors, and other prominent government officials. The current constitution allows candidates with a mere First School Leaving Certificate to contest these positions.

During a debate at the House of Representatives plenary session on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that higher education was crucial for effective leadership.

The proposal gained initial support from key figures like House Leader Julius Ihonvbere and several other lawmakers. However, strong opposition emerged from Aliyu Madaki (APC, Kano) and Ahmadu Jaha (APC, Borno), who argued that the bill disenfranchises qualified individuals who may not have formal university degrees but possess valuable experience and leadership qualities.

Onanuga, therefore, chose to temporarily withdraw the bill. “It appears some of our colleagues need further lobbying. I will move to step down the bill for now,” she said.

News

Police clarify on report alleging First Lady’s convoy killed 7-yr-old baby

Published

3 minutes ago

April 18, 2025

ADMIN

The Ondo State Police Command has said that the convoy of the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was not involved in an auto crash that led to the death of a seven-year-old girl in Akure, the state capital on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

The spokesperson for the Command, Olusola Ayanlade, in a statement, said the president’s wife was on a visit to the state on Thursday to distribute empowerment kits and equipment.

“Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations conducted by the Ondo State Police Command have confirmed that the incident was caused by a hit-and-run driver operating an unregistered white Lexus vehicle — not by any vehicle belonging to or associated with the First Lady’s convoy,” the police said.

The statement further said, “A witness who observed the hit-and-run pursued the fleeing vehicle on a motorcycle immediately after the incident, which occurred around the Oba Ile area of Akure. These accounts have been corroborated by several individuals at the scene as well as by the parents of the deceased.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, was personally present and met with the grieving family to ensure a full and transparent investigation. At no point was the First Lady’s convoy involved in this tragedy.

“The command commiserated with the bereaved family and urged the general public to cooperate with us as we bring the perpetrator of the hit-and-run to justice.

Former DELSU VC, Sowore, Deji, other activists hit hard at Agbor Nursing School provost as query to student nurse goes abuzz on social media

“Also, we urge anyone with any useful information to please come forward or report to the nearest police station or security post nearest to them while we hunt for the killer

Credit: Channels Television

News

Just in: Many Feared Killed In Abuja

Published

8 minutes ago

April 18, 2025

ADMIN

Several persons have lost their lives in another terrible accident that occurred on Karu Bridge, inward Karu Site, Abuja on Friday.

According to Daily Post report, the accident was caused by a truck laden with cement which failed its brakes while descending the Kugbo hill.

It was gathered that the truck, after crushing about several vehicles and their occupants, attempted to escape but was intercepted around Karu Roundabout by commercial motorcyclists.

The accident came barely a month after a similar fatal accident occurred on the same Karu Bridge in March, when a Dangote trailer powered by CNG lost its brakes, crashed into several vehicles and claimed multiple lives.

More details to follow

News

China Reaffirms One-China Principle, Commend Support From Nigeria

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…caution against engaging Taiwan’s unofficial representative office in Lagos

By Gloria Ikibah

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has strongly reaffirmed China’s long-standing stance on the Taiwan issue, urging media professionals and the general public in Nigeria to continue supporting the One-China Principle as a matter of international law and diplomatic integrity.

Speaking during an interactive session, Ambassador Yu offered a detailed historical context behind the Taiwan question, tracing it back to the 1895 Treaty of Shimonoseki when Taiwan was ceded to Japan after China’s defeat.

He emphasised that Taiwan was returned to China in 1945 following Japan’s defeat in World War II, citing two major international treaties.

He said: “Which is not an equal agreement because China was defeated. So, according to the agreement, Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. So that’s why, if you go to Taiwan, many people speak Chinese, even nowadays.

“Taiwan was returned to China in 1945, after the Second World War, because Japan was defeated. There are two international treaties. The first one is the Post-Taiwan Declaration. The second one is the Post-Taiwan Proclamation. According to those two international declarations, Japan should, under no condition, return Taiwan, and its adjacent islands, including Penghu and Jinmen and other islands, back to China. So it’s specified in international laws”.

The Chinese envoy also referenced the 1971 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognised the People’s Republic of China as the only legal representative of China in the UN.

Yu praised Nigeria for its consistent and clear support of the One-China Principle.

“The UNGA took the Resolution 2758, which got the support of African countries, and that restored China’s seat in the UN, and expelled the Kuomintang from the UN, Taiwan from the UN. And recognized that Taiwan is part of China.

“For Nigeria, Nigeria has followed, has abided by the One-China Principle very strictly. There is no ambiguity, no other room, there is no other interpretation. So we appreciate that,” he added.

He further noted the joint statement issued by President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President, Xi Jinping, reaffirming Nigeria’s support for China’s reunification efforts.

“When it comes to the Taiwan issue, you know, he said that Nigeria recognizes Taiwan, there is only one China in the world. Taiwan is part of China. The People’s Republic of China is the sole legal representative of China. And it also adds that the Nigerian government opposes any form of Taiwan independence. And the Nigerian government supports all the efforts of the Chinese government to achieve its reunification.”

He stressed that the Taiwan issue is

“the core interest of China” and called for caution in how the issue is handled by Nigerian media and institutions.

“It’s a red line. I would ask all of you, number one, you know, to follow this One-China Principle, as the government has done. That means that you will be very careful when it comes to the Taiwan issue. For instance, how do you use the name? You will see that Taiwan-China, or Taiwan-Province-China, or Taiwan-Region. It’s all fine. But not, you know, see Taiwan as a country.”

Ambassador Yu also warned against engaging with Taiwan’s unofficial representative office in Lagos.

“Because there is still a three-representative office in Lagos, which was actually moved out from Abuja to Lagos. But still, the representative there is trying to make troubles. From time to time, you know, he tried to advocate the separation of Taiwan and Taiwan independence. So that’s why I would ask all of you to be very careful not to engage in any, how to say, activity with the government. Because he will try to use particular media as a platform to expand his, you know, ideas”, he warned.

This statement from the Chinese envoy comes as Nigeria and China continue to deepen bilateral ties under the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership.