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University workers under the aegis of National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have threatened to ground activities on campuses to protest alleged disparity in the allocation of the N40 billion Earned Academic Allowance to be released by the Federal Government.

The union on Sunday gave the government 14 day strike notice to address concerns raised in the sharing formula adopted for the earned allowances or risk another round of industrial action in public universities.

NAAT and two other university – based unions – the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) are protesting the alleged allocation of 75 percent to the Academic Staff Union of Universities and 25 per cent to them from the N40bn allowance.

But Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige said he was yet to receive official communication from the union about the planned strike by NAAT members.

The minister, who spoke with The Nation on Sunday, directed the leaderships of NAAT; SSANU and NASU to the National Universities Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education on the allocation of the N40bn allowance.

He said: “I have not see their notice of strike. When we see it we will call the attention of their employers which is the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission.

“But before then they should go to the NUC and Federal Ministry of Education and find out the exact position of the N40bn they are talking about. It is the NUC and FMoE that will determine what each union will get on the N40bn because they also have the template as submitted by the various universities for those earned allowances.”

The university workers are protesting the disparity in sharing of the N40 billion earned allowance released to the four university based unions.

They are also demanding that the government release 50 per cent of the N71 billion accrued allowance being owed members of the union from the 2009 agreement reached between government and the union.

President of SSANU, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim expressed displeasure over government’s failure to honour agreements.

He said: “My members and by extension all other category of staff in Nigerian Tertiary institutions are disappointed and disenchanted by this singular act of government’s refusal to honor it’s promise to pay the arrears of the New National Minimum Wage that was approved by the government since April, 2020.”

NAAT president, comrade Ibeji Nwokoma told journalists in Abuja that the union has written to the minister of Labour and Employment informing him of their planned industrial action.

He said: “We have written to government that NAAT as a body ought to have been given a specified percentage of the N40bn. You must define it. You can’t just say ASUU 75 percent and others 25 per cent. Let us know the specific percentage you are giving to NAAT as a union.

“In the MoU we entered with government on November 18, in item number 2b, we demanded that in sharing of the N40bn released; that government should clearly define what is going to be allocated to each Union and government agreed to the genuineness of our demands and said NUC and Federal Ministry of Education will work it out in conjunction with the union. And what they have done negates completely the spirit of that MoU.

“We have given government ultimatum of 14 days. We wrote to government 30th December. And we have given government 14 working days and if at the end of the 14 working days our demands are not met, we resume our suspended strike. Definitely we will close down the schools, definitely there will be no opening of schools. If anybody thinks that ASUU has called of strike and that schools will reopen, then let the person dare us. Let us know how effective or how possible it is for schools to reopen when Technologists are on strike.

“If government in its own wisdom has said ASUU should take N30 billion from the N40 billionreleased, it is not the business of my union. But we have also told government that the arrears accruable to my union since 2009 to 2020, they have paid up to 2012, is N71bn and we have demanded for 50 percent of that amount and we have also given government ultimatum of 14 days if government fails to do that, we will call out our members on strike. Nobody has monopoly of closing or opening of Universities by strike. We have said that repeatedly.”

He explained that by now, the 2009 ought to have been renegotiated, but lamented that the agreement has not been fully implemented by the government.

According to Nwokoma, “It was supposed to have been renegotiated after 3 years. But since 2009 it has not been renegotiated.”

The NAAT president noted that the laboratories and studios in universities are in terrible condition as government had abandoned technology

He said: “We demanded that government should release N100 billion because if you go to all the universities, you will discover that the laboratories are dilapidated. We have asked government to release N100bn to bring the laboratories to international standard and then release another N20bn every year for the next 5 years to enable the Laboratories to be revamped.

“We have also asked that government should do an audit of the equipment that have been sent to Universities. Most are abandoned and are not in use.”

The Nation

The Son of APC National leader, Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu has reacted to the news making the rounds that, his father has contracted COVID-19 and has been flown out of the country for proper treatment.

Unconfirmed reports have been rife online that the former Lagos state governor is currently receiving treatment for COVID19 in France.

In a post shared on his Instastories, Seyi quoted his father’s spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, as saying Bola Tinubu has done the COVID19 test 15 times and all the tests have returned negative.

Rahman says the politician is currently in the UK taking a vaccine.

Aisha Mercy Yakubu, The owner of the restaurant demolished by Kaduna State Government over alleged plan to host sex party has threatened to sue the government adding that, she lost one-month pregnancy and N32 million worth of property.

Yakubu said she would drag the State government and its agency to court for the illegal demolition of her hotel.

“I plan to seek legal redress for defamation of my character and the loss of my properties in the building”, She said.

She said she has lost over N32 million worth of property, as well as one-month pregnancy as a result of the demolition of the building.

In a statement she issued, titled, ‘The story of Asher Kings and Queens Restaurant — this is my story’ which she personally signed said the restaurant was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2016.

According to her, the restaurant is a one-storey building structure, with a VIP Lounge section, where premium customers relax to watch football league games in a cozy environment, with all the comfort, air-conditioners and light music.

”Whilst the ground floor is where the kitchen and serving spot is, also with chairs and tables for customers to sit and eat their food as required.

”We hire/rent the VIP section for light events, of not more than 26 customers.

”On the 27th December, 2020, a customer hired the VIP Lounge for a 15-man reunion/clothing line promo, to appreciate his customers for their good patronage of his brands.

”Before the event proper commenced, a friend of mine and I noticed an unusual movement around the main gate to the restaurant, as it was half opened to avoid a crowded environment.

”We approached the main gate and on getting there I saw two truck load of heavily armed officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

”I asked the team leader what was going on but he ignored my question and said he will explain to me when we get to the Police Station, Sabon Tasha Division.

”When we arrived the Police station, my customer, who accompanied me to the station, enquired what the matter was and the Police showed us a poster on a GSM phone belonging to one of the officers by name Inspector Felix.

”It was a poster of an event titled; KADUNA SEX PARTY, which the Police claimed the venue for the supposed “sex party” was scheduled to hold at my restaurant, even though with no address of where it will take place on the poster.

”I denied knowledge of that event as there was nothing of that sort taking place at the restaurant and I wouldn’t stoop so low to entertain such illicit activity at my place, but the Police refused to believe me and had my friend and two of my staff detained for one night, one day, until the customer that had earlier hired the place for usage on that fateful day was also arrested the next day.

”They were released after paying a “bail fee” of N100,000 to Inspector Felix and one other lady Officer, fair in complexion.

”I noticed how incompetent the NPF were, i suggested to them to call the number on the supposed “Kaduna Sex Party” poster, which they immediately put a call through and a name came on, using the True Caller App as MARVELLOUS AKPAN.

”The Police asked me to pay a fee of N20,000 for them to do their job of tracking down the user of the phone number, which I immediately paid them so that they will swing into action.

”Marvellous Akpan was arrested the next day. He was interrogated and he obliged to owning the phone number on the poster and printing of the poster which was posted on Social Media, assisted by a friend of his named Noah and one other guy.

”On further interrogation, Mr Marvellous Akpan confessed to the Police that he doesn’t even know me and has never being to my restaurant nor have any knowledge of its address. He claimed that the poster for the supposed “Kaduna Sex Party” was just a prank!

”Mr Chimeze, who had hired the place was released, summarily, after the successful arrest of Mr Akpan.

”The next day, 31st December,2020, while at the other Branch of my restaurant, at Court Road, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, a friend of mine called me and asked me to go to the main Restaurant and see what was going on.

”I immediately went and saw a combined team of Police men,Soldiers,KASTLEA and Vigilante groups guarded a Pay loader to demolished my restaurant. No prior notice was served to me before the demolition, there was no any form of communication between I and the Kaduna State Property Development Agency (KASUPDA) who came to demolished the building structure.
Even when they arrived the location, the main entrance to the main Restaurant and the restaurant was under lock and key. There was no any form of communication to me !

“I watched them pulled down the building without allowing me remove any item before the demolition. As a result of the trauma, I lost my one month old pregnancy.

“I also incurred the following loses;

1. cooking utensils 2.furniture 3.Electric appliances
2. Chillers
3. Deep freezers
4. Bemarrings out door catering utensils
5. Cash,et al worth over #32 million, as the place was abruptly vandalised after the demolition”.

The Federal Government has published the passport numbers of 100 travelers, who failed to undergo the mandatory COVID19 test after their return to Nigeria.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID19 on December 24, announced that travelers who refused to undergo the mandatory COVID19 test after returning to the country would have their passports suspended.

True to the threat, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 yesterday, January 2, announced the suspension of the passports.

“Based on Presidental authority, travel restrictions are placed on the following passports due to non-compliance to the mandatory Day 7 post-arrival COVID-19 test,” a statement from the PTF read

The taskforce said the restrictions started from January 1, 2021, and would last till June 30, 2021. The PTF also confirmed that the affected passengers have been notified and will be prevented from traveling out of the country during the period.

See the list of the defaulting passengers below;

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested one Adamu Abdul Ra’uf of Gandu Jama’are, 20, for allegedly cutting off the private part of a 6-year-old girl for ritual.

The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, who disclosed this on Friday, January 1, 2021, said the suspect was arrested following a report to the police by the child’s aunt after she was found in a pool of blood.

“On the 30/12/2020 at about 1720 hrs one Hafsatu Wada ‘F’ of zango jama’are LGA reported at jama’are police station that her niece Safarau Mohammed (not real name) ‘f‘ aged 6yrs of the same address was found crying in a pool of blood,” said Wakil.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, patrol team led by the DPO Jama’are Division visited the scene and the victim was rushed to General Hospital Jama’are where the Doctor confirmed that her private part has been cut off with a sharp object. The victim was immediately referred to FMC Azare for more medical response,”

“During investigation, One Adamu Abdul Ra’uf aged 20yrs of Gandu Jama’are was arrested. On interrogation, the suspect freely confessed to have conspired with one Abdulkadir wada haladu of Chikamidari area of jama’are to perpetrate the crime.” he added.

The said Abdulkadir is currently at large but necessary measures have been put in place for possible and immediate apprehension. Meanwhile, investigation is still on going.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP Lawan Tanko Jimeta directed that the case to be transferred to SCID for discreet investigation.

Ogun Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, has reacted to allegation of sexual harassment levelled against him by a 16-year-old secondary school student identified as Barakat Mayowa.

Barakat had in a viral video alleged that the commissioner had sexually harassed her when she visited his home on December 31, 2020, in Ibiade town, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

Mayowa alleged that she had gone to the commissioner’s house in the company of her uncle, Mr Lasisi Saheed aka Mayor, who had informed her that the commissioner was searching for computer literates for employment.

She stated that it was while she was with the commissioner that he had attempted to rape her and was only let go after resisting and threatening to shout out for the help.

Commissioner Abudu-Balogun has however in a statement he personally signed on Saturday described the allegation as a lie and ‘political blackmail’ from his adversaries.

Abudu-Balogun, a former member of the House of Representatives, said that he has used his position to empower young people and not to sexually harass or molest them.

His statement reads:

‘On this said day, the girl was brought to my house by one of my loyalists who is her uncle, to assist her get a job as a Computer Operator at the ICT Centre I facilitated while I was serving as a member of House of Representatives years back, which has been moribund but I am about to rehabilitate in order to empower more youths in our local government.

‘I met her at my sitting room for few minutes where many of my loyalists were, people that came to visit me for the New Year. I chatted with the lady for a few minutes and as part of my usual gesture, I gave her some amount of money for her transportation.

‘A day after, I was informed by some people that I have been alleged to have attempted to sexually harrass the girl and I should invite the family for a meeting so as to settle the matter amicably. It was after my refusal to yield to their threats that they went ahead to make a teleguided video leading the lady on what to say to implicate me. This is purely political blackmail by my adversaries.

‘Let me state emphatically that I never attempted to sexually harass anyone. I, therefore, plead with my fans and loyalists to be calm and not engage anyone on the said matter as it is being handled by the police and my legal team.’

A 16-year-old girl, Barakat Mayowa, has accused the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abdul-Balogun, of sexual harassment which allegedly occurred at Ita Otu, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

Mayowa recounted that the sexual harassment occurred on Thursday, December 31, in the commissioner’s apartment, where he allegedly fondled her breasts and muttered incantations while she screamed and struggled to free herself from his grip.

The victim, in her confession to the police at the Abigi Division, narrated that the commissioner’s aides lured her to his house and to his bedroom, after which the commissioner came in and bolted the door.

In the video recording, believably done by a police investigator and obtained by SaharaReporters, the victim, a Senior Secondary School 3 student, added that the commissioner allegedly caressed her body, while offering her money.

She said she resisted the money and screamed, before she was eventually allowed to go.

Mayowa said, “What transpired between me and honourable (the commissioner) is that on December 29, which was a Tuesday, I was on my way to register for my National Identity Number. So, I came across the man who happened to be a commissioner at the Waterside Park. I was with a friend.

“So, he called me and said he knew me from somewhere. I said no, he said, maybe I resembled someone he knew. He asked where I was living and I told him. Then I left. He sent a young man after me to get my number. I said no, that my father’s elder brother stays in the park and that he should get my number from him.

“There was another Austin, a friend, who teaches at a government grammar school. They know the guy. So, the guy gave them my number. It was the commissioner who sent them to get my number.

“On December 31, one Mr Lasisi came to my grandparents’ place in the area, and said he knew someone who needed a computer operator and asked if I knew how to operate a computer. I said yes. Then he said I should get dressed and that we would go together to the place.

“When we got there, it was the honourable’s house. A lady, Maryam Odunnuga, came to pick me and took me into a living room. Mr Austin now came out and asked me to come over to a room. The honourable now came inside and Mr Austin went outside immediately.”

The teenager narrated further that the commissioner tried to entice her with money to get a chance to sleep with her but she resisted.

She said, “The honourable locked the door instantly and put the key in his pocket. So, he moved close to me and asked for the name of my school. He also asked for the amount I was paying as school fees, I replied by saying N30,000. He asked me who was paying my school fees, I told him my daddy. He said if I had thought of starting a business before going to school.

“I said I wanted to go to a higher institution. Then he said if I would need some money now, how much would I need? I said, any amount. He said I should state an amount. He now moved closer and pressed (fondled) my breasts. So, I moved his hand away. He now said won’t I cooperate. He now started pressing (fondling) my breasts and my body.

“I was struggling to free myself from him. Then he started reciting some incantations. He wanted to touch my head. I now moved his hand away so that he should not touch my head. He now wanted to force me inside his bathroom.

“But I struggled with him and started shouting. He did not want people around his house to know what was going on. He now left me and gave him four, N500 notes, that is N2,000 as my transport fare. I rejected the money.

“He said if I didn’t collect the money, he would not let me go. So, I collected it. He now asked Austin to drop me in our house. I want Nigerians to help me to take up this matter against him. This had never happened to me in my life. Right now, I am so shocked. I had never been harassed like that in my life.”

Sahara Reporters

A lady, Bae Lewis, who claimed to be ex-girlfriend of the Richest Man in Africa, Aliko Dangote has taken to her Instagram page to call out the billionaire.

Lewis shared photos of herself with Dangote, as she revealed how she met and dated Dangote. She also alleged that Dangote broke her heart.

However, another lady on Instagram @allaround1 has called out Bae Lewis for clout chasing as she accused her of lying that she dating Dangote.

She also shared alleged message she received from Dangote and a video of them chilling in an apartment together.