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ASUP Issues Two-Week Ultimatum To FG Over Unmet Demands

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The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding action on a series of unresolved issues affecting the nation’s polytechnic education sector.

The ultimatum is set to commence on October 7 and will end on October 25, 2024. If the government fails to address the demands, ASUP may resort to industrial action.

The announcement was made by ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, during a press conference following the Union’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

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Kpanja emphasized that the ultimatum was necessary due to ongoing grievances that were discussed in the 111th NEC session.

Key issues highlighted by Kpanja include allegations of impunity and a lack of adherence to the Federal Polytechnics Act and various state edicts governing polytechnic institutions.

He noted that these problems hinder the appointment of principal officers in both Federal and State-Owned Polytechnics, which affects governance in the sector.

Kpanja expressed concern over the non-review of the contentious “Schemes of Service for Polytechnics” document and the failure to release conditions of service, which are critical for the functioning of polytechnics.

He also criticized the government for not releasing the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds.

Another major point of contention is the alleged overreach of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into the responsibilities of Academic Boards regarding the admission of Higher National Diploma students.

Kpanja stated that this interference undermines the integrity of the academic system.

Additionally, he lamented the absence of provisions for the peculiar academic allowances of members in the upcoming budget, as well as the failure of state-owned polytechnics to implement a 35/25% salary review and settle outstanding arrears for Federal Polytechnics staff.

Kpanja also addressed the unresolved CONTISS 15 Migration arrears for lower cadre members and the lack of progress on the renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN 2010 agreement.

“Should the government ignore our demands, we will mobilize our members for protests,” Kpanja warned, reiterating the union’s commitment to advocating for a functional polytechnic education system.

He concluded, “Our union hereby issues a 15-day ultimatum as required by law, commencing from 7th October 2024. We hope the government will utilize this period to address these critical issues and prevent an imminent shutdown of the sector.”

Following the ultimatum, the ASUP National Executive Council will reconvene to decide on further actions based on the government’s response.

Union chapters across the country have been instructed to prepare for potential protests and media campaigns during this period.

 

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Old Video Of Wike Campaigning Against Godfather Syndrome Resurfaces

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A damning video clip has resurfaced, showing former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike vehemently opposing the godfather syndrome in politics.

The clip, which is currently circulating on social media, reveals Wike’s stance on the issue, stating that the godfather syndrome will not be tolerated in Rivers State.

In the video, Wike, who is currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, explicitly states that the system of godfatherism may be prevalent in other states like Lagos, but it will not happen in Rivers.

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He emphasizes that he cannot perpetuate the system even if he wants to, and that it is not possible for one individual to dictate the political landscape of the state.

He said, “It may happen in Lagos State but it cannot happen in Rivers, we are quite different. As a governor, I will come and go and I can’t stop it.

“The day that my tenure ends, by the grace of God, I will go. When you are thinking that what is happening in Lagos State, we will do it here, it may be difficult.

“You can’t continue to say that you must be a godfather of a state. That is the problem and it is not possible.

However, the irony of Wike’s statement is not lost on many, as Rivers State is currently embroiled in one of the worst political crises in the country.

wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara are locked in a bitter struggle for control of the state’s leadership structure, with both sides trading blows and accusations.

The crisis has divided Rivers State along ethnic and political lines, with various groups issuing threats and warnings.

The Ijaw Youth Council and the Ijaw National Congress have warned that any attempt to remove Fubara from office will be seen as an attack on the Ijaw nation.

As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, the resurfaced video clip has raised questions about Wike’s commitment to his earlier stance on godfatherism.

 

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JUST IN: Explosion Hits APC Secretariat In Rivers State

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An explosion rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday, causing significant damage to the building and its surroundings .

The blast, suspected to have been caused by dynamite, shattered the secretariat’s gate, doors, and windows, and also destroyed other properties.

This is the second attack on the APC secretariat this year, and it comes at a time when the local government elections are set to hold in the state.

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The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has confirmed that all sensitive materials have been distributed to the various local government area.

A viral video of the incident has been circulating, showing workers assessing the damage to the secretariat.

The police have not yet commented on the incident, but the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, has promised to investigate and provide updates.

The APC has not made any official statement on the incident, but the attack has raised concerns about the safety and security of political parties and their properties in the state.

The incident is currently under investigation, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

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Police Raid Notorious IPOB Camp, Rescue Traditional Ruler, Others

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The Anti Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has successfully raided a notorious camp linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Ezioha forest of Mbaitoli local government area.

The operation, which took place on Friday, resulted in the rescue of several kidnap victims, including a 69-year-old traditional ruler from the Umuorji Mgbidi community in Oru West local government.

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According to Henry Okoye, the Command Public Relations Officer, the operation was initiated following intelligence reports about the camp’s activities.

Upon arrival, security operatives engaged in a fierce gun battle with the armed group, which led to the neutralization of the gang leader, identified as a key figure in recent kidnappings that have plagued the state.

Other members of the gang fled the scene, reportedly suffering from bullet wounds.

In addition to the rescue of the traditional ruler, a couple and several other individuals held captive were freed during the operation.

Law enforcement officials recovered a range of items from the camp, including several vehicles, a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four locally made explosives, a Biafra flag, and a native bulletproof vest.

The Imo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating kidnapping and criminal activities in the region, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

 

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