Hello and Welcome to Signature TV News Highlight for this Thursday
Corruption Tori: Abuja Resident accuse politicians, Lament Neglect
The Mpape Community, a Suburb of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory was agog on Thursday, as corruption Tori, an anti-corruption television Programme held the Abuja edition of its town hall in the community.
The locals, their leadership and residents accused politicians of neglect even as they alleged that monies earmarked for the development get misappropriated while the people suffer neglect.
Speaking at the Town Hall Meeting Held in the community, the Chief Executive Officer of Signature Communications Limited, VinMartin Obiora Ilo, said that the need to bring down the language of corruption to ordinary Nigerian’s understanding was what gave birth to the Corruption Tori programme.
The Director, Africa, MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, who facilitated the town hall, said that many of everyday suffering of ordinary Nigerians in the lack of potable water, good health facilities, bad roads, broken-down schools and poor remuneration to teachers can all be traced to corruption in the country.
Shettima called on ordinary Nigerians to add their voices to the rejection of corruption even as he appreciated Signature tv for bringing the people together for the event.
Educationists Pick Holes on Sexual Amendment Bill
The sexual amendment bill, sponsored by Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and 106 other senators, seeks to create equal learning opportunities for students of tertiary institutions in an atmosphere devoid of sexual harassment.
It is also to promote ethical standards of education and respect for human dignity.
However, while passing the law, the Senate adjusted the law to even mean all schools including secondary and primary schools.
As the bill prohibits lecturers in higher institutions to date, friend or having sexual intercourse with any student, intimidate or create a hostile or offensive environment for the student by soliciting for sex, and grab, hug, kiss, rub or stroke or touch or pinch any part of the body of a student among others, it also noted that students’ consent is not a defence.
While any person who commits the offence of displaying or sending sexual pictures or videos to a student, or making sexually complimentary or uncomplimentary remarks shall, on conviction, be sentenced to two years imprisonment or a fine of N1 million or both.
However, lecturers and teachers who spoke to the media picked holes in the bill, saying it is targeting only the educators instead of all sectors.
Prof. Ben Ugwoke of University of Abuja said: “My overall assessment of the bill is that it is obnoxious, discriminatory, and would create more chaos than any good it is meant to serve.
Police Arrest Gun Manufacturer, 2 Armed Robbers in Imo
The police in Imo State have arrested two suspects, Obiaka Uchenna, 23, and Michael Ihunna, 24, for armed robbery in the Isu Njaba Local Government Area of the state.
The police spokesman in the state, CSP Mike Abattam, in a statement said the suspects had confessed to the crime and mentioned one Ozor Nwako, a welder as the manufacturer of their locally made guns.
He said the Police recovered two locally made pistols, one live cartridge, one expanded cartridge, one Jackknife, one POS machine and some quantity of Indian hemp among others.
According to him, investigation was ongoing and that efforts were on top gear to arrest other members of the gang mentioned during interrogation.
Buhari Approves N656.11bn Fresh Bailout For 36 States
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a fresh six hundred and fifty-six-point 0ne-one -two-billion-naira Bridge Financing Facility to the 36 States.
This was disclosed Thursday at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja onThursday.
The vice president’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement issued after the meeting, said each state would receive eighteen point two-two-five billion naira with a 30-year tenor, and a 2-year moratorium at an interest rate of 9%.
According to the presidency, the step was taken in a bid to help state governments meet financial obligations, especially the previous budget support facility due for repayment.
Nigeria: We’ve Not Sacked Gernot Rohr, Says NFF
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has said contrary to reports in some sections of the social media, it has not sacked embattled Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr.
On Thursday, the name of the Franco-German played widely in both local and international media, with most platforms stating authoritatively that the 68-year old has been given the boot by his employers.
However, the president of the NFF, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick, in a statement insisted that no such decision was taken.
However, a former Super Eagles assistant coach, Godwin Koko Uwua, has said sacking the Franco-German tactician now will be counter-productive.