Rivers crisis may truncate Nigeria’s democracy, remember ‘Operation Wetie’ – Bode George warns

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, on Friday, has warned that the political crisis rocking Rivers State could consume the country.

He urged elders and stakeholders of the party to intervene in the crisis between members of the state House of Assembly loyal to the ex-governor Nyesome Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

NANS kicks against tuition fee introduction in federal varsities

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the recent proposal by Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, to introduce tuition fees in federal universities.

Echono’s suggestion, made during an education sector conference in Abuja themed “Funding for Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” sparked widespread concern among student communities.

Pedro Obi, the President of NANS, issued a statement on Friday, condemning the proposal as a direct assault on the fundamental principle of accessible education for all Nigerians.

Obi emphasized that federal universities have historically served as pillars of hope for underprivileged students, offering them the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial constraints. Introducing tuition fees, he argued, would undermine this noble principle and create barriers that could prevent countless deserving students from accessing tertiary education.

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While acknowledging the need for sustainable funding in educational institutions, Obi asserted that burdening students and their families with tuition fees is not a viable solution. He urged the government to explore alternative funding mechanisms that would not compromise the accessibility and affordability of education.

NANS called on the federal government to reject the proposal and uphold its commitment to providing free and accessible education for all Nigerians. Obi urged stakeholders in the education sector to prioritize the welfare and future of students above all other considerations.

The statement reiterated that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the affluent. NANS affirmed its unwavering commitment to defending this principle and ensuring equal access to quality education for every Nigerian.

NANS kicks against tuition fee introduction in federal varsities

Binance: Rep threatens legal action over $140m bribe allegation

A House of Representatives member. Dominic Okafor, has denied allegations of accepting a $140 million bribe from Binance, an online cryptocurrency trading platform.

Okafor, representing Aguata Federal Constituency of Anambra State, has threatened to sue Premium Times that reported the allegations.

He told journalists in Abuja of his intention to pursue legal action against the media outlet responsible for the report tarnishing his reputation.

This came after Okafor’s motion to investigate the escape of Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla from Nigerian security custody.

He asserted that the timing of the bribery allegations, shortly after moving the motion, suggested a deliberate attempt to smear his name and integrity.

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In response to the report, Okafor wrote a letter to Premium Times demanding the retraction of the report within 24 hours.

He copied the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Clerk, Inspector General of Police, EFCC, and DSS.

A Binance executive had earlier accused members of a federal government committee of corruption.