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BREAKING: Stop Keeping Students At Home, Buhari Goes Tough On ASUU

Published

3 years ago

July 11, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider their position on the prolonged strike.

The president made call while receiving some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), legislators and political leaders at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.

He assured that the government understood their position, and negotiations should continue, with students in lecture halls.

Buhari, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, expressed worry that the hiatus would have generational consequences on families, the educational system and future development of the country.

The President said the strike had already taken a toll on the psychology of parents, students and other stakeholders, throwing up many moral issues that already beg for attention.

Buhari said the future of the country rested on the quality of educational institutions and education.

“We hope that ASUU will sympathise with the people on the prolonged strike. Truly, enough is enough for keeping students at home. Don’t hurt the next generation for goodness sake,” he said.

The President called on all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly those close to the leaders and members of the association, to intervene in persuading the lecturers to reconsider their position, and the ripple effect on an entire generation and the nation.

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Buhari said students from Nigerian universities will be faced with the challenge of competing with others in a highly connected and technology-driven work space, and keeping them at home only deprives them of time, skill and opportunities to be relevant on the global stage.

“Colonial type education was geared towards producing workers in government. Those jobs are no longer there. Our young people should get education to prepare them for self-employment. Now education is for the sake of education.

“Through technology we are much more efficient. We should encourage our children to get education, not only to look for government jobs,” he added.

Buhari said resources should be channeled more into building infrastructure and operations of the health and educational sector, not to expand the bureaucracy to create job opportunities.

“By this time next year, I would have made the most out of the two terms, and the remaining months I will do my best,” the President noted.

Buhari urged those in political positions and places of privilege to be mindful in helping the many Nigerians that were looking for opportunities.

“If you are greedy, you won’t look around to see what is happening with those who are less endowed,’’ he said.

The President told the governors and political leaders that he had not been to his house in Daura for close to a year due to the demands of office.

President Buhari said he would retire to Daura, not Kaduna, where he had a better house.

The President said relative to the resources available, and compared to the last administration, the government had done well in many areas, particularly in infrastructure.

“I wish the person who is coming after me the very best,” he said.

On security, the President said the North West had posed more challenges, and some success had been recorded in other regions, North East and South South.

Buhari advised some indigenes in the South South to stop hurting national assets, which also affect their livelihood.
“I am eager to go. I can tell you it has been tough. I am grateful to God that people appreciate the personal sacrifices we have been making,” he added.

In his remarks at the meeting, the Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, thanked the President for his leadership roles in improving the economy of the nation and the many successes recorded at the APC, which include two conventions to produce the party leadership and the presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Bagudu, who is the Governor of Kebbi State, said the favorable seasons supported the vision of ensuring food production and making agriculture a priority, with clear results in rice pyramids in various states.

Related Topics:ASUU Buhari Featured students

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Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp – Alia

Published

9 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp – Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has given the major reason for blocking major opposition figure Peter Obi from visiting the IDP camp in the state.

Alia accused the Labour Party leader of violating standard protocols by failing to inform the governor ahead of his visit as courtesy demands.

Alia, in an interview with TVC on Thursday, said Obi was blocked from visiting the Benue IDP camp because his “intention” was unknown, and he violated protocols by not informing him in advance.

“A very respected Peter Obi was a governor. If you are coming into someone’s state, there are protocols. Very high personality; you are coming into someone’s state, and your party does not even know you are coming.

“I, the sitting governor, did not know you were coming. Then, you are going into where I’m protecting even the most, the IDP camp. It’s my duty to protect them. They’ve been displaced. I need to protect them even some more. I don’t know the intent you have,” Governor Alia said.

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He added, “Is it not courteous enough for me to know as a sitting governor and even to provide more security for you and prepare the minds of the IDPs that a guest is coming to visit them?”

The governor denied claims that he was unreachable when the former Anambra governor called to inform him of his visit.

“No, that’s not the right narrative. I can never politicise that. I’m the one bearing the brunt, pain and sorrows of the IDPs in my state,” Alia stated.

He added, “If he (Obi) couldn’t reach me, I have a chief of staff, I have an SSG, (and) I have a PPS.”

Last week, Alia said he could not guarantee the safety of any individual or group visiting Benue without his knowledge or clearance, barring Obi from visiting the state.

However, Obi expressed displeasure at how Governor Alia’s government allegedly politicised his planned visit to the troubled Benue.

Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp – Alia

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Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack

Published

10 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has commiserated with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) following the recent Boko Haram assault in Wulgo, a border town with Cameroon.

Governor Zulum paid a visit on Thursday to Cameroonian troops under Sector 1 of the MNJTF, where he also extended sympathies to both the government and citizens of Cameroon over the devastating attack.

In Wulgo, located roughly 15 kilometres from Gamboru Ngala, the governor was welcomed by Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, the Force Commander of the MNJTF.

“I am here to commiserate with you, and with the government and people of the Republic of Cameroon, over the recent unfortunate incident. I wish to salute your bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the region,” stated Governor Zulum.

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The governor also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the MNJTF and Cameroon in their fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad region.

“The Government of Nigeria will explore all possible avenues to complement the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the government of Cameroon to bring lasting stability to the Lake Chad basin,” he assured.

Alongside the Federal Government’s support, Governor Zulum pledged additional assistance from Borno State to the troops operating in the region.

The governor was accompanied by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan of Borno Central, Special Advisers Hon. Idrissa Jidda and Hon. Mustapha Dalatu, Hon. Yuguda Saleh Vungas, Chairman of the Borno State Social Investment Programme, the Chairman of Ngala Local Government Area, and his Principal Private Secretary.

Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack

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Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp

Published

10 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday delivered its judgement in the appeal filed by Meta Platforms Incorporated (Facebook) and WhatsApp LLC against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), affirming the Commission’s authority and actions in nearly all the contested issues.

A statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs of the FCCPC, said the tribunal specifically determined that the Commission should comply with prevailing laws, discharged its mandate, and exercised its powers within the confines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It ruled that the multiple actions by WhatsApp and Meta, for which the Commission made findings of violations, were correctly identified, and that the Commission did not err in making those findings.

“In addition to upholding the major aspects of the FCCPC’s Final Order, the Tribunal awarded the sum of $220 million against Meta Platforms Incorporated and WhatsApp LLC as an administrative penalty, and further awarded $35,000 to the FCCPC as cost of investigation.

“The tribunal’s three-member panel was led by Honorable Thomas Okosun,” the statement said.

WhatsApp and Meta’s legal team was led by Professor Gbolahan Elias (SAN) while the FCCPC’s legal team was led by Mr. Babatunde Irukera. Both teams had made their final arguments on behalf of their respective clients on January 28, 2025.

PlatinumPost reports that FCCPC had on on July 19, 2024, issued a Final Order imposing a $220 million administrative penalty after concluding that the companies engaged in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers.

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The case arose from a 38-month joint investigation initiated by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into the conduct, privacy practices, and consumer data policies of Meta Platforms and WhatsApp.

Dissatisfied with the Order last year, Meta and WhatsApp appealed to the Tribunal, challenging both the legal basis and the findings of the Commission.

While ruling on Meta’s appeal, the Tribunal also validated the Commission’s investigative procedures and processes.

The Tribunal resolved Issues 1 to 7 largely in favour of the FCCPC, dismissing the appellants’ objections to the Commission’s findings, orders, and legal competence.

One of the central issues (Issue 3) which alleged a breach of fair hearing, was decided in favour of the Commission, with the Tribunal affirming that the FCCPC fully discharged its quasi-judicial responsibilities by affording the appellants ample opportunity to respond.

The Tribunal found no violation of constitutional due process.

On Issue 4, which questioned the Commission’s powers in matters of data protection and privacy, the Tribunal held that the FCCPC acted within its statutory mandate, reaffirming its authority under Section 104 of the FCCPA to regulate competition and consumer protection even in regulated industries.

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On Issue 5, which challenged the Commission’s findings regarding Meta’s privacy policies, the tribunal also resolved in the FCCPC’s favour. The Tribunal found no error in the Commission’s conclusions and held that the privacy policy in question did, in fact, offend Nigerian law.

While Issue 7 was largely resolved in favour of the Commission, the Tribunal set aside Order 7 of the Commission’s Final Order, stating that it lacked sufficient legal basis.

While expressing delight at the landmark judgement, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, thanked the Commission’s legal team for their exceptional diligence and forensic skills in assembling evidence and marshalling their argument.

He restated FCCPC’s unwavering commitment to not only championing the rights of Nigerian consumers but also ensuring fair business practices in the country in accordance with FCCPA (2018) and consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.