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NUJ-FCT Election: Director Journalism Institute Refutes Certificate Forgery Allegations Against Grace Ike, 3 Others

Published

1 month ago

November 28, 2024

…Reaffirm Authenticity of Certificates Issued

In a decisive blow to the baseless allegations being peddled by some desperate individuals, Victorson Agbenson, Johnchucks Onuanyim, and Emeka Nze, the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja, has categorically cleared the candidates for the upcoming Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council elections of alleged certificate forgery.

This clarification, issued by the Institute during an inquiry by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, reaffirmed the authenticity of the certificates presented by the candidates, putting to rest the smear campaign orchestrated by a faction of disgruntled journalists who lost out early during the electioneering process.

For over six years, the NUJ FCT Council has been held hostage by a select group of journalists whose vested interests have stagnated the progress and integrity of the union. Now, with the winds of change sweeping through the council, these same individuals are resorting to desperate tactics, including leveling baseless accusations of certificate forgery against legitimate candidates.

Addressing journalists who honoured an invitation by the police, Commissioner of Police (OPS) Olajide Rufus Ibitoye Msc, PCs speaking on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police , Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, stated clearly that contrary to the petitioners’ prayers, the Police cannot stop the election process and anyone who has grievances should approach the industrial court.

Ibitoye further stated that should the council need police protection for election, a formal request should be made through the Commissioner of Police, FCT State Command.

The controversy began when Victor Abegenso, a chairmanship aspirant with a history of questionable leadership practices, alongside two others, filed a petition accusing Grace Ike of Advocates Broadcasting Network, Ndambabo Yahaya of Voice of Nigeria, Jide Oyekunle of Daily Independent, and Edeh Sandra Ogechukwu of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria of forging their Postgraduate Diploma certificates in Journalism from IIJ.

However, during their appearance before the police, the IIJ officials led by its Director Dr. Emman Shehu and other management staff, were present on the invitation of he police, and unequivocally confirmed that the certificates and statements of results presented by the accused candidates were genuine and had been duly issued by the institution.

In their response, the IIJ representatives explained that the discrepancies highlighted by the petitioners—such as dates of admission and graduation—were administrative nuances that did not compromise the authenticity of the documents.

They further clarified that the institution’s issuance process adheres strictly to academic protocols, and the candidates in question met all the requirements for their certifications.

This revelation has exposed the petitioners’ allegations as a calculated attempt to discredit the candidates and manipulate the electoral process to their advantage.

Victorson Agbenson, in particular, has been at the forefront of this smear campaign, seeking to divert attention from his inability to articulate a clear vision for the council. His actions, however, have only served to reinforce his reputation as a divisive figure unfit to lead a union that demands integrity and transparency.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, reiterated that its involvement in the matter was purely investigatory and not an interference in the NUJ elections.

This development marks a turning point for the NUJ FCT Council. For years, the council has suffered under a system that prioritized personal gain over collective progress. With the IIJ’s clarification, it is evident that the era of using falsehoods and intimidation to maintain the status quo is over.

As the December 4, 2024, elections approach, journalists within the council must remain vigilant and resist the antics of those who seek to derail the democratic process. The NUJ FCT Council is on the brink of a new era—one that prioritizes accountability, professionalism, and the welfare of its members.

The truth has prevailed, and it is now clear that the allegations of certificate forgery were nothing more than a desperate ploy by those unwilling to relinquish their grip on power. Whether they like it or not, the NUJ FCT Council is poised for change, and every injustice done to its members will be addressed.

The elections will undoubtedly mark the beginning of a brighter future for the NUJ FCT Council—a future built on integrity, transparency, and the unwavering resolve of journalists who refuse to be silenced.

Related Topics:Court Election FCT Nigeria Police

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Sad !Explosion rocks Abuja school

Published

4 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

An explosion suspected to be a bomb has rocked an Islamiyyah school in the Kuchibiyu Community of Bwari Area Council, Abuja, killing one student and injuring four others.

A report by Premium Times said the incident occurred around noon on Monday, January 6, 2025.

The deafening explosion reportedly sent shockwaves through the quiet community located approximately 42 kilometres from Abuja’s city centre.

Emergency response teams, including the police bomb disposal squad, promptly arrived at the scene, while the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.

The report quoted a security source to have disclosed that the deceased student, whose identity had yet to be confirmed as of press time, was reportedly carrying a substance suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) when it detonated.

The explosion caused injuries to other students and widespread panic in and around the school premises.

Authorities at the school were unavailable for comment, and the Federal Capital Territory Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of press time.

Repeated calls to the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, did not connect.

The affected students were said to have resumed school just three days ago, on January 3.

News

SAD ! Sokoto SSG loses daughter, three grandchildren to fire outbreak

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Naijablitznews

A fire outbreak in Sokoto metropolis has caused the death of four persons, a daughter to Secretary to the State Government of Sokoto, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, and her three children.

The deceased mother was also the wife of the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Sports and Youths Development, Muhammadu Yusuf Bello.

Only the husband survived the fire which affected the entire 6-bedroom flat while family was sleeping.

Personnel of the state fire service were unable to put out the fire as it had already consumed the house before their arrival.

The remains of the 4 deceased members of the family are slated for burial at Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo Mosque, Sifawa, the family home of the Sokoto State SSG.

The state deputy governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, members of the state executive council, APC stalwarts, friends and well-wishers have been trooping to Sifawa for burial rites and condolence.

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Just in: DisCo Announces 50% Electricity Tariff Hike

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Aba Power, an electricity distribution company in Nigeria, has announced a significant increase in electricity tariffs for its customers in Abia State, with rates rising by over 50%. The adjustment, which took effect on January 1, 2025, has been approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Gists9ja reports that the revised tariff structure was shared with customers through a notice posted on the company’s official X account. Under the new rates, customers in Band A feeders will now be charged between ₦219.70 and ₦241.45 per kilowatt-hour, a substantial increase from the previous rate of ₦99/kWh.

Customers in Band B will face rates ranging from ₦180.77 to ₦203/kWh, while those in Band C will pay between ₦145 and ₦205/kWh.

Aba DisCo explained that this tariff increase is necessary to address the challenges posed by the prevailing macroeconomic conditions in Nigeria.

In a statement, the company noted, “This adjustment will enable us to cushion the effects of recent macroeconomic developments on our ability to continue delivering high-quality service to our customers, in compliance with regulatory standards.”

The new tariff structure is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the company’s operations and ensure continued service delivery despite economic challenges.