The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stated that the Federal Government should be held responsible if it decides to embark on strike action because their demands have not been met.

This declaration was made during a protest rally organized by the University of Lagos branch of ASUU, which also saw significant participation from the university’s student body.

The rally, which emerged following a congress of the union members, vocalized strong support for ASUU’s stance on several unmet demands by the government.

Participants, including both lecturers and students, expressed their frustrations through various placards and chants denouncing the government’s neglect and insensitivity.

The procession concluded at the university’s main gate, where union executives outlined their grievances and sought public intervention.

At the heart of the union’s discontent are promises made by President Bola Tinubu, which, according to ASUU, have not been fulfilled.

“Despite a series of promises made by the current administration to address our demands, nothing has materialized thus far,” stated Prof. Kayode Adebayo, the branch chairman, during his address at the rally.

He emphasized that the union’s patience is wearing thin after years of protracted negotiations and unfulfilled commitments dating back to 2009.

Prof. Adebayo passionately appealed to parents and students to understand the union’s position and hold the government accountable for any potential disruptions in the academic calendar.

He stressed that the union’s potential decision to strike is a direct consequence of the government’s failure to meet agreed-upon demands, affecting not only the staff but the future of education for millions of Nigerian students.

He said, “The struggle is not only for the ASUU, but also for the university system. We no longer trust politicians, they promised and failed to fulfil. Don’t blame the union for another strike, hold the Federal Government responsible.”

The former branch chairman, Dr Dele Ashiru, said the protest was one of the union’s attempts to draw attention of the government to the numerous challenges facing the university system, and in particular, lecturers, whose take home pay cannot take them home.

He said, “We have written a series of letters to the government, met with the government officials, including the National Assembly, gone on strikes, and for 15 years, the issues have remained unresolved. As of today, the take home pay of a Nigerian professor is about N600,000, which is not up to what lawmakers use for lunch or dinner.

“The Federal Government must address our demands because we will not guarantee academic stability if it fails to implement them. We call on Tinubu’s administration to pay the withheld salaries, and outstanding earned academic allowances, stop payment of our salaries through IPPIS, pay deduction of third party dues and other demands of the union.

“We cannot guarantee smooth academic activities in our various campuses. If another round of strike should take place in the universities, the Federal Government should be held responsible. Our National Executive Council will certainly decide the next line of action.’’

A member of the union, Dr. Michael Oloyede, explained that university lecturers nationwide were facing challenges with many of them struggling to meet the needs of their families, and pay school fees and medical bills. “If strike is the language the Federal Government understands, we will give it to them. Lecturers cannot continue to teach with an empty stomach. The government should fulfil the agreement signed with ASUU. The union cannot be oppressed.’’

Sandra Iheuwa, the babymama of Ubi Franklin has lambasted a troll who wished death on Afrobeats star, Davido.

This comes after a video emerged showing Davido striking one of his bouncers during his recent wedding to Chioma, which sparked online outrage.

He was seen ranting to a man while trying to shield a young boy from the scene while Chioma stood behind him.

In response to the video, a troll wrote a horrible comment: “Davido must kpai” (meaning “Davido must die”). Sandra vehemently defended Davido, wishing that the troll and his descendants meet their doom first.

See the interaction below…

Nigerian actress, Sharon Ooja Nwoke has taken to her Instagram page to pen an appreciate note to her bestie and colleague, Bisola Aiyeola.

Sharon Ooja expressed her gratitude to Bisola Aiyeola for her role in her wedding to Ugo Nwoke.

Recall that Sharon Ooja’s wedding was followed by a series of accusations against her husband about his past marriages.

In a fresh development, Sharon Ooja made sure to show her appreciation for Bisola Aiyeola. Sharon described Bisola as a sister while expressing her love for her.

In a lengthy letter posted on her Instagram page, the new bride underlined her love for her closest friend, stating that Bisola is the type of person everyone needs in their corner.

She wrote;

“Friend after my own heart!!!! I love you so much!!! Thank you for all you’ do for me.. some friends truly stick closer our love is king, it’s real !!!!, the bible never lied !!! You are a sister to me beyond a best friend !!!! May God bless and keep you for me I adore you!!!! I wear my heart on my sleeves and I’m sooooooo strong at the same time that in itself is a heavy characteristic that not many can handle, because of how playful I am but you my friend can balance that out without flinching ….

“It’s how you can know where my head is without asking me … I love you so much !!! Thank you for helping me redefine friendships truly nothing is ever a write-off in life !! God bless you from the bottom of my heart!!! Your support is unwavering it’s strong and I don’t doubt you ever !!!!! I love you soooooo much May our friendship last forever !!! From me and my SON army !!! We love you ❤️❤️❤️ @iambisola ❤️ every girl needs you in their life ❤️”.

The Lagos head office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) situated in Awolowo Road, Ikoyi area, has been surrounded by a joint security team of heavily armed operatives.

The development is a result of a planned protest against the anti-graft commission.

Operatives of the Lagos State Anti-Crime Outfit – Rapid Response Squad (RRS), as well as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have taken over the surroundings and routes leading to the EFCC office, blocking the roads with patrol vans, heavy anti-riot gun trucks and Black Marias.

It was gathered that the protesters, under the tag – #ReformEFCC have outlined six key demands which will be submitted to various offices of the commission across the country.

Some of their demands include:

“Respect our fundamental human rights.

“Stop indiscriminate arrest and invasion of people’s homes.

“Stop destroying people’s properties in the name of sting operation.

“Stop the profiling of young Nigerians.

“Stop assaulting and manhandling Nigerians.”

It would be recalled that the EFCC had, earlier on Wednesday, raised an alarm about the planned protest, warning that it won’t allow any breakdown of law and order.

Again on Thursday, the EFCC alleged that a former governor and two ex-ministers are behind planned protests targeting the agency.

This claim was made by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, during a press briefing at the Strategic Communications Inter-agency Policy Committee in Abuja.

However, a Twitter user, @PidomNigeria said the protest is not sponsored by anyone and does not have a political undertone, but targeted at enforcing reforms in the EFCC.

The handle said: “This #ReformEFCC’s protest today is not sponsored by anyone, it’s not political, neither does it have any political undertone in it.

“It is purely a people centered organic peaceful protest, calling for a much needed reformation of EFCC, for a better performance. Anyone who is seen calling for Tinubu must go, or End APC at the protest venues, in order to give this peaceful protest a political coloration, will be handed over to the police by protesters.”
 

Afrobeats star, Davido and his wife, Chioma are currently on their honeymoon.

Recall the couple jetted out of the country following their high-profile wedding, which garnered significant attention in Nigeria and beyond.

They first travelled to the United States, which is believed to be their second home, for Davido’s performance at the BET Experience.

In a recent update, Davido revealed that they are now in Milan, Italy, as part of their honeymoon.

When a fan on X asked the singer how his honeymoon is going, he responded thus; “Well thank you … we Dey Milan like this.”

Adams Oshiomhole

The lawmaker representing Edo North senatorial district, Adams Oshiomhole has said that the Federal government prioritises the welfare of dogs over 80,000 inmates in correctional centres.

Oshiomhole stated this at a public lecture with the theme: ‘Nigeria Yesterday, Today and a Prosperous Future.’

He argued that correctional institutes were not meant to kill people but to correct wrong doers.

The senator lamented that 50 percent of those in prison are actually awaiting trial, adding that the law stipulates that one is innocent until proven guilty.

According to him,“We even take care of dogs better than Nigerian prisoners. The bad news is that out of the 80,000 prisoners, 50% are awaiting trials.

“In our laws you are presumed innocent until found guilty. Oppression is the name of the game. A person will tell you that I will teach you a lesson, and with the connection of the DPO he can teach you more lesson that you can ever imagined.”

Meanwhile, he frowned at the labeling of Nigeria and its currency as weak by foreign countries, stating that Nigeria should define its path and should not allow foreign profiling to soil the image of the country.

“In Nigeria, our people will go to the World Bank and they will tell us who we are. We are supposed to define who we are and not foreigners. And until we go back to this home-grown policy and damn the consequences of the world, because they are going to fight us, we will have problems.

“For us to secure the future, we must interrogate the immediate pass,” he added.

Four persons convicted of kidnapping have been sentenced to 40 years imprisonment by a Bayelsa High Court in Ogbia Town, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

The individuals were said to be responsible for the abduction of a former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Federal Otokito, on January 20, 2022, and demanding a ransom.

Their identities were revealed as Kingsley Obhesi (24), Joshua Abi (32), Gift Damene (38), and Powell Inegite (36).

The charges against them include conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The presiding judge, S.W. Amaduobogha, delivered the judgment in Suit No OHC/4C/2022 on Tuesday, declaring the men guilty of the charges.

According to police prosecuting counsel, Stella Jerry-Friday, the convicts, armed with guns and offensive weapons, unlawfully took Otokito against his will in Otuokpoti community, Ogbia Local Government Area, on January 20, 2022.

Jerry-Friday said, “They took him to Igbomotoru bush in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state with the intent to demand ransom or any other unlawful consideration and thereby committed an offence.”

Judge S.W. Amaduobogha stated that the investigative and prosecution team had diligently proven the case of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms against the convicts beyond a reasonable doubt.

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), disclosed on Friday, July 5, that he held a crucual meeting with the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Peter Obi said the meeting was an ongoing effort to encourage reconciliation and unity within the ranks of the Labour Party.

The meeting held late Thursday night, but entered early morning of Friday, with NLC Political Commission, was to bring back the spirit of harmony and mutual understanding between NLC and its political arm, Labour Party.

“As part of my ongoing efforts to encourage reconciliation and unity within our rank as Labour Party, I held a productive meeting with the NLC Political Commission today.

“At the all-important meeting, I reiterated my earlier appeal for us to put aside our differences and work together in a spirit of harmony and mutual understanding. I also emphasized the importance of moving forward with a shared sense of purpose and vision,” Obi disclosed in a statement on Friday.

The former governor of Anambra State said a comprehensive stakeholders’s meeting involving NLC leadership and Julius Abure – chairman of Labour Party – to ensure all interests and perspectives are harmonized will be held.

He said he was confident that through open communication, empathy and willingness to listen, all parties in the ongoing leadership crisis would be addressed.

“Following the meeting, I also had a fruitful discussion with Governor Alex Otti, updating him on my engaging in constructive dialogue. Our conversation laid the groundwork for future collaboration and progress.

“In the coming days, we will convene a more comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting, bringing together a broader representation of interests and perspectives.

“I am confident that through open communication, empathy, and a willingness to listen, we will successfully resolve our differences and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Our strength lies in greater unity for our common national good,” Obi added.

Labour Party leadership had been accused by Joe Ajaero, NLC chairman, of running LP against the guiding principle of its founders.

The NLC leadership also condemned the National Convention held on 27 March, by Abure-led leadership in Anambra State.

Labour Party Board of Trustee (BoT) Chairman, Comrade S.O.Z. Ejiofor, in a statement on 28 March, described the Nnewi-held convention as illegal and maintained Abure’s tenure was over.

Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disagreed with the national convention held by Abure.

The controversial National Convention was held without stakeholders of the party, including Peter Obi, Abia State Governor – Alex Otti, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), BoT members and the NLC Political Committee.

“While we commend members of the Labour Party, especially workers, students, youths, market women and men, Obidients, and candidates on the platform of the Labour Party, for their contributions and fidelity to the ideals of the party, the Board of Trustees promises to quickly set in motion processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention.

“Unlike the charade that took place today in Nnewi and in tandem with the principles of popular democracy, the all-inclusive national convention will start with grassroots congresses at ward, local government, state and, ultimately, at the national level.

“This process will not leave any genuine member of Labour Party out and will be held in the full view of the Independent National Electoral Commission, media, civil society, security agents and the general public.

“We commend the leader of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and key stakeholders in the Labour Party for declining to deodorize the malfeasance that took place in Nnewi with their presence.

“The BOT assures all stakeholders that we are committed to reclaiming and repositioning the Labour Party as the vehicle for the socio-political emancipation of our dear country, her working people and populace,” Comrade Ejiofor-led Labour Party BoT said in a communique.

The operations of 10 private jet companies have been suspended by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for failing to commence the recertification process.

This information was released in a statement by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on Friday in Abuja.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the NCAA highlighted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 prohibits holders of Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) from using their aircraft to carry passengers, cargo, or mail for commercial purposes.

“Due to blatant non-compliance with this rule, the NCAA had previously ordered all PNCF holders to undergo re-evaluation, which was to be completed by April 19, 2024,” the statement partly read.

As a result, the NCAA has suspended the PNCFs of the following companies: Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, Matrix Energy Ltd, Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd, and Ezuma Jets Ltd.

The NCAA emphasized that it is illegal for PNCF holders to engage in commercial operations and warned that any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal activities would face enforcement actions.

To ensure compliance, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to monitor the activities of PNCF holders.

A 38-year-old TikTok music executive, Govind Sandhu, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer — non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Sandhu says he was “the healthiest I’ve ever been” and “thought I was in the best shape of my life” before the diagnosis.

He’s now sharing his health journey, beginning with a two-day chemotherapy treatment.

“I’m 38 years old and I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. What. The. Hell?” Govind Sandhu, the head of Global Music Partnerships at TikTok Australia, said in an Instagram video where he shared his diagnosis.

“This wasn’t exactly part of my five-year plan,” he said. “I thought I was in the best shape of my life, the healthiest I’ve ever been. A Crossfitter who runs ultra-marathons and marathons, lives and breathes training, optimizes sleep and recovery, supplements, nutrition.”

Sandhu continued, “I just finished 75 Hard” — the at-times controversial fitness plan that has landed some devotees in the hospital  — “and was in Bali for a couple of weeks training up a storm.”

He shared that he got the news of his cancer after completing the Sydney half-marathon.

“Speechless,” he said.

“I ran the half-marathon along with being away a weekend prior in a remote part of Australia running trails with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma running wild through my system,” he later elaborated, according to The New York Post.

Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymph nodes, the Mayo Clinic says, where white blood cells grow abnormally and can cause tumors throughout the body.

Following the marathon, Sandhu experienced flu-like symptoms, pain in his neck, knee, and shoulder, and “wild night sweats” that kept waking him. The symptoms caused him to go to the doctor, the NYP reported.

“You don’t know what you don’t know,” he later wrote on Instagram as news of his diagnosis began to spread.

“Book in for a general check up, get your blood done & speak to your GP. Pretty easy first step to be ahead of the game!”

Sandhu is now sharing details of his cancer journey, posting a photo of a handful of six pills that are his “cancer meds”. He said they “supercharged” him for “chemo administration day.”

He posted a video in the car as he headed to Saint Vincent’s Private Hospital for a two-day chemotherapy session, saying, “To be honest, feeling up for it. Had a good night’s sleep, had a good dinner, had a lovely breakfast this morning. And the way that I look at it is that we are another step down on the road to recovery.”

Sandhu later shared a video “tour of the chemo ward,” flashing a peace sign as he received his treatment.

“Very lucky,” he captioned the video, and updated followers following his second day of treatment.

“Not feeling too bad,” he said, admitting that the first day was “so overwhelming.”

“Super comfortable, very lucky,” he said.

“All in all, a really successful day — all things considered.”

Although Sandhu didn’t share his prognosis, Verywell Health explains that the five-year survival rate for different types of non-Hodgkins lymphoma ranges from 57% to 86%.