ASUU Strike May End Today - FG

There is optimism among stakeholders in the education sector regarding the on-going strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities in Nigeria (ASUU) stating it may end today. But it will only happen if both parties come into an agreement on the two remaining issues of earned allowance and funding of universities which is yet to be agreed upon by the union and Federal Government of Nigeria.

 National President of ASUU, Dr. Nassir Fagge, said in an inaugural meeting with the NEEDS Assesement Implementation Committee that it will determine if the strike action will be called off.
"At the end f last week's meeting, we agreed that both parties return to their principals for further instruction. This is because the Federal Government's side was insisting that we renegotiate the 1999 agreement while ASUU is of the opinion that there is a need to first implement before we start talking of renegotiating an agreement.

Dr. Fagge said in an interview that the issue of the Earned Allowance is just one of the contentious issues which the Federal team wants renegotiated. He assured that the union will tie all lose ends such that there will be no need to raise the issue of the 1999 agreement ever again and that the Union's concern at present is the since there was an agreement which the government freely entered into, they should be honourable to first implement same before calling for renegotiation instead of saying it cannot be implemented. While the Federal Government insist that the earned allowance which the ASUU leadership said should be paid to all lecturers, it should only be given to those who have worked for it.

The position of the government has been that those who merited the earned allowance through hard work should enjoy the money. However, ASUU leadership who felt betrayed became infuriated with the position of the Federal Government.

Nigeria'ss Education Minister, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa'i had disclosed that most of the demands by ASUU have been met by government. This incudes improved funding to university education as well as special high impact intervention by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

14 Boko Haram victims Laid To Rest In Abuja

Two officers; Major Abdullahi Kanoma and Major A.T. Fambiya while the soldiers; Staff Sergeant Keku Adebayo, Corporal Ahmed Usman, Corporal Mathew Ade, Lance Corporal Adamu Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Suleiman Gimba, Lance Coporal Ajani Olosola, Lance Corporal Salisu Sadauki, Lance Bombardier Usman David, Private Daniel Kantoma, Private Zakariya Dauda, Private Enyenihi Effiong, Private Nya Bassey and Private Bassey Emmanuel were the fallen heroes buried at the Millitary burial ground, Abuja, on Thursday.

These brave officers and men paid the supreme price in the ongoing prosecution of the state of emergency in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria and the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in Dafur, Sudan.

Friends and families of the deceased could not hold back their tears as the soldiers were given full military and national honour for their sacrifices to ensure that peace reigns in Nigeria and the African Region.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who recalled the need to declare a state of emergency in the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency, urged the families of the deceased to take solace in the fact that the country was winning the war against insurgents and terrorists.

"Indeed, for us all, the loss is taste of regret but we take solace in the fact that we are winning the war, they shall rest in peace knowing that, as members of the Armed Forces, you must know that the military profession is a hazardous job and in conflicts like this, there are bound to be casualty, including death. Rather than despair and lose focus of our objective, it is incumbent on us to respect and honour the dead b giving them a befitting burial while we keep strategising to defeat the enemy.

"On several occasions and in different fora, I have reiterated the commitment of this administration to strengthening and improving on the nation's security capability to enable us confront challenges of the 21st century. As a result, this administration has steadfastedly evolved and implemented policies and measures to tackle the country's current developmental challenges, especially, the Boko Haram terrorist insurgency.

"Accordingly and in order to face the threat headlong, I declared emergency in three northern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa on May 14, 2013, thus the Chief of Defence Staff was mandated to deploy troops in these states to take all necessary actions within the ambit of the rule of engagement to end the impunity of insurgents and terrorists. Today, we are here to lay to rest two officers and 13 soldiers who gallantly paid the supreme price as a result of this declaration. I want to reiterate that their sacrifices shall not and will never be in vain," the President represented by his Vice, Namadi Sambo, stated.

He assured the families of the deceased that the nation would not forget the sacrifices of their loved ones, promising that their entitlements would be duly paid.

"To the families of the deceased, gallant officers and soldiers, I want to assure you that our country will not forget you in this trying time. I have conferred with the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and I want to also assure you that all settlements due to you shall be promptly settled. All other welfare issues shall also be duly taken care of, remember that your loss is also the nation's loss, be comforted that your departed ones are resting in the bosom of the Lord, may the Almighty grant you the fortitude to bear the loss,"

Minister of State for Defence said; "Their death, though in line of duty, was a gallant sacrifice for peace to reign in our dear nation. Menbers of the Armed Forces and Nigerian nation will not forget the gallant efforts of these great men who proudly showcased the great spirit and tenacity required to save our nation from destructive elements.

"We must, therefore, see their death as a call to duty to serve humanity and not to let the sacrifices be in vain as we continue to confront the present challenges, we must emulate the selflessness, courage and commitment exhibited by these men.

"At times like this, words of comfort will be difficult to console or completely heal your losses, my appeal to you is to take solace in God who is the grater comforter. We will stand to migrate whatever hardship their death will bring," the minister said.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika while consoling said many of the fallen heroes died in the North-east and noted also that for paying the supreme sacrifice, "these courageous officers and soldiers have made all of us proud as Nigerians."

"As we all know, the military profession is a harzardous one and in any armed comflict, casualties are bound to occur, some of which may result in the supreme sacrifice. Therefore, when it occured, it was incumbent upon us all to honour and accord our departed colleagues the highest and last solemn respect.

"Today we are laying to rest 15 heroes, comprising of two officers and 13 soldiers who paid supreme in the service of our dear nation. Many of these heroes lost their lives in the North-east, three lost their lives in other part of the North  and one died while serving on peace keeping mission with the United Nations Mission in Darfur, Sudan," he stated.

"They were outstanding throughout their careers with much sense of responsibility, doggedness and commitment to duty and global peace. Let me say that for paying the supreme sacrifice, these courageous officers and soldiers have made all of us proud as Nigerians. Undeniably, the gallantry and high sense of functionality displayed by these gentlemen have contributed to the restoration of peace and normalcy to most parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly, the North-eastern part.

"It is, therefore, our resolve that the labour of these falen heroes shall never be in vain. We will remain spurred by their zeal and gallant efforts to ensure that terrorism and insurgency are defeated so that our country can enjoy the muc4h desired peace and progress," the COAS stressed.

"For the families of the departed colleagues here, along with those whose wards have been buried earlier in accordance with Muslim rites, I know that no amount of compensation can replace the lives of these gallant heroes, we share with you all this moment of grief and we will do everything possible to assuage the sense of loss.

"Let me assure you that the Nigerian Army will ensure the next of kin of these deceased get all their deserved benefits and timely too. It is said that every soul shall taste death, these officers and soldiers have bound to mother earth, certainly, this is monumental loss to their families, the Nigerian Army and Armrd forces and security agencies and our dear country, Nigeria. We take solace in the fact that they lost their lives in order that Nigerians and Nigeria will continue to enjoy peace and freedom."

Earlier, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim said; "While we take solace in the fact that their death will not be in vain, what we are doing here today is a warning signal to those terrorists and all persons seeking to destabilize and undermine the corporate existence and territorial integrity of Nigeria that Nigeria, especially our Armed Forces, are willing and capable of safeguarding the nation, even at the cost of their lives.

"To the families of our departed officers and soldiers, members of the Armed Forces share in your loss and grief. Be rest assured that the nation appreciates the great sacrifices of your loved ones. Their colleagues have assured us that they will ensure that their deaths are not in vain and they will continue with vigour to solve the problem at hand, especially the one that led to the loss of these gallant officers and soldiers." he said.

Pastor Aliyu Joshua who spoke on behalf of the bereaved families, thanked the Armed Forces for the honour accorded their loved ones but also called for investigations into the remote causes of the death.

Our Agreement With ASUU Is Impossible To Implement - FG

Emeka Wogu: Nigeria's Minister of Labour

Nigeria's Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu on Tuesday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat said that the agreement signed between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2009 is practically impossible to implement under the led President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

The Minister who made this known when he appeared before PDP's National Working Committee (NWC) to render his achievement as a Minister appointed under the platform of the ruling party said the relative industrial harmony being enjoyed over a long time in the country, employment and job creation, social security and improvement in the National Minimum wage and its implementation as vital highlights of his performance.

He stated that the Presidency is finding a way out of resolving the issue to the satisfactory of both ASUU and the Federal Government .

He said: "I inherited an agreement signed by the Federal Government with ASUU and that agreement was practically impossible for any administration to implement. We are still discussing with them, if I leave here, I am going to the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) where we are meeting with them. I hope that very soon, we will resolve it."

On the job creation efforts of the government, he said that the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) from the Community Service Scheme Women and Youth Empowerment Programme of the Federal Government has engaged 120,000 persons out of the 185,000 targeted for the year 2013.

Nigerian Airforce Invents Bomb Detecting Robot To Fight Terrorism

Commandant of the Nigerian Airforce Institute of Technology (NAFIT), Kaduna, John Oshoniyi said on Monday it had developed and manufactured bomb detective robots to battle terrorism in the country. The Commandant equally added that the robot designed by officers and men in the istitute is capable of detecting bombs and other explosive devices from afar and that an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has also been designed for surveillance and intelligence gathering in crisis prone areas in Nigeria.

While speaking at a news conference in preparation for the 42nd graduation ceremony of the institute, the commandant said the robot when fully approved by the National Security Team would assist the millitary in checkmate terrorist bomb plots across the country.

This idea came up after a policeman, Sunday Badang died while attempting to detonate a bomb wrapped in a bag with his hands along Ungwar Seriki area of Kaduna metropolis. The incident happened on 14 Februar 2013.

As a result of the incident, NAFIT went into research that led to the invention of the robot.

'Child Marriage' Is NOT Senate's Business - Arewa Youth

The debate that took place over 'child marriage' in the Nigerian Senate has triggered some mixed reactions from northern youths in the country, who have earlier told the senate to 'stop breeding religious division'.

However,, the decision by the senate to debate the issue has been described by the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) as heating up the polity based on religious and ethnic lines, pointing out that the approach to which the senate is handling the issue showed how insensitive they are to the critical challenges facing Nigerians.

In a statement signed by its President, Gambo Gujungu said the Senate should be told "that their core functions as parliamentarians is not to debate, moderate or decide religions for Nigerians, or to divide Nigerians on Christian to Muslim bases or North to South fractions. But to make laws for peace, order and good governance, stability and indivisibiity of the Nigerian Federation as contained in Path II, Section Four (1,2,3) of the 1999 Constitution."

He added that what Nigerians expect from the senate was principled oversight functions: to address insecurity tearing the country, collapsing health and education sector, increased unemployment rate and dilapidated infracstructure.

"Another expectation is to address monumental corruption and fraud perpetrated with impunity by elected public office holders and career government officials that hold Nigeria captive from any meaningful development."

"To reduce Senate to religious moderation centre and place of petite issues that divides citizens on religious and ethnic lines and not arm of government that should confront our national challenges, is such a pity and unwarranted display of insensitivity by Senators at the expense of national issues, they said.

They urge the national assembly that they should ensure that Nigerians practice their faith without harrasment, limitation and intimidation.

Nigeria Sets To Withdraw Troops From Mali

Plans are underway as Nigerian Army awaits approval from her Commander-In-Chief, Goodluck Jonathan. This was made known to newsmen after the 43rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria.

Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara said on Thursday that some of Nigeria's troops to Mali would be withdrawn back to Nigeria "because of the domestic situation in the country".

"I received a letter from President Goodluck Jonathan that because of the domestic situation in Nigeria parts of the troops will be withdrawn".

"Nigeria needs some of its people but not all are being withdrawn," he said.

"Mali is ready for elections; you do not have perfect elections because there are problems.

"Mali needs a legitimate government and they should have this election on July 28 for the first round and August 11 for the second.

"By the end of August, we would have a democratically elected government," he said.

The Authority of Head of State and Government instructed the ECOWAS commission led by Mr Kadre Ouedraogo to expedite action on the  review of peace and security in the region to prevent recurring situation.

The Authority also commended the effort of the Malian government and people for the efforts to ensure a peaceful transition and appealed to political parties and candidates to "demonstrate self-restraint, accept the outcome of the polls and resort to legal means if disputes arise".

The 620-strong contingent drawn from Nigeria, Senegal and Burkina Faso would be expected to fulfill its mandate of facilitating the restoration of constitutional rule in Guinea Bissau.

Why I Broke Up With Funke Akindele - Husband Speaks

Mr. Kehinde Oloyede, Husband to Nigeria's Nollywood Actress, Funke Akindele made a shocking announcement on his Facebook page ending his marriage with Funke.

"It's with heavy heart that am announcing the separation of me nd ma wife Mrs olufunke akindele,we've both agreed to go our separate ways coz of irreconcilable differences.we still best of friends nd we 4ever remain gud friends". - These were the exact lines which Kehinde wrote shortly after which was deleted from his page.

In his reaction to why he made the announcement via Facebook, Mr. Oloyede said, "I did so to catch Funke Akindele's attention".

Prior to that incident, sources said that Funke had moved out of their home about two months ago.

It would be recalled that Funke Akindele got married to Kehinde Oloyede on Saturday May 26, 2012 in a high societal wedding.

Nigerian Army Denies Rumor Of Al-Mustapha's Promotion

Though Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the Late Nigeria's Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, remain enlisted in the Nigerian Army, there is no truth to the rumor.

According to the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru, "The Nigerian Army as a professional force, will be guided by all administrative procedures guided by extant administrative rules and regulation in the handling of the status of Major Al-Mustapha such as the Armed Forces of Nigeria harmonized terms and conditions of service amongst others".

The Nigerian Army had earlier confirmed claims by  Major Al-Mustapha that he remains an officer in the Nigeria Army but did not state if he will recieve promotions due to him.
Al-Mustapha who was on incarceration since after the murder of the wife of June 12, 1993 Presidential winner, Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

He has been on trial for 14 years not until the Appeal Court in Lagos dismissed charges of a conspiracy to murder Kudirat Abiola in June 4, 1996.

The Court in a unanimous decision ruled that there was no direct circumstantial evidence that he conspired with anyone as evidence of prosecution witnesses in that regard were contradictory.

Army Confirms Major Al Mustapha A Serving Officer

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha

Former Chief Security Officer Nigeria's Late Head Of State General Sanni Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha has been declared a serving officer in the Nigerian Army. 

This was disclosed on Monday by the Joint Security Services Public Information Committee in the Directorate of Army Public Relations lead by Colonel John Agim.

Answering questions from from the news media on the status of Al-Mustapha, Col. Agim said, "He is still in the Army and all other things will be handled administratively in line with the terms and conditions of service." 

However, sources said that though Mojor Al-Mustapha has been discharged and acquitted, there is no way he can fit back into the Nigerian Army.

The sources added that all his entitlements will be paid to him while he was on incarceration and was not dismissed from the Army.