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Abia APC Members Reject State Nominees for Board Appointments
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has expressed its dissatisfaction with the nominees for appointments to the governing boards/councils of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The party has rejected all nominees except for two individuals who are party members.
According to the Abia APC Stakeholders Forum, only former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, and Barrister Chijioke Ikpo are members of the APC. The other nominees are affiliated with either the Labour Party (LP) or the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In response to this, the party has written a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to withdraw the names of the non-APC nominees. The letter, signed by prominent party leaders including former minority leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, highlights the importance of party loyalty and political participation.
The party members express their dismay at the inclusion of these nominees, citing instances of their opposition to the APC during the 2023 election campaigns. They argue that allowing these individuals to be appointed would undermine the essence of party loyalty and could potentially affect the party’s chances in future elections.
The Abia APC members emphasize the need for correction and withdrawal of the non-APC nominees to ensure the growth and success of the party in the state. They believe that the APC in Abia State has capable and dedicated members who can contribute to the party’s development without interference from external leaders.
The party members conclude the letter by expressing their confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to address this issue and maintain the party’s integrity. They hope that their appeal will be considered in the overall interest of the APC in Abia State.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed fire service personnel on red alert to ensure swift response to emergencies during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Jaji also urged Nigerians to adopt fire safety measures, particularly while cooking, to prevent avoidable incidents during the festive period.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the fire service boss advised against leaving cooking unattended and emphasized the need to store gas cylinders outside kitchens and keep matches away from children.
“These safety measures are crucial in preventing fire outbreaks, especially during a period when many people travel, increasing the risks of fuel tanker accidents,” he said.
He added that all fire service commands and zones across the country have been placed on high alert to respond promptly to emergencies.
“I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact details of their local fire service units for quick intervention in case of any fire incident,” Jaji stated.
The fire chief also stressed the need for fuel tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials to be fitted with onboard cameras to enhance safety.
“Many tankers on Nigerian roads still fail to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident figures, leading to loss of lives and property and leaving many families in distress,” he said.
Jaji noted that modern tankers come with features such as anti-rollover systems, anti-spill devices, and onboard cameras to monitor drivers’ behavior, which help in preventing road crashes.
“The continued use of substandard tankers without these safety features remains a major risk,” he warned.
While acknowledging the financial burden of replacing old fleets, Jaji suggested an alternative approach—installing onboard computers to monitor driving patterns, speed, and nighttime movements.
“Although the complete replacement or retrofitting of tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, and automatic emergency braking remains a priority, government agencies responsible for enforcing these measures are working to address the issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be implemented,” he assured.
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the tenth edition of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show will begin soon.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, the organisers revealed that the audition process for this edition will differ from previous ones.
Unlike past seasons, where aspiring contestants auditioned virtually, those vying for a spot in the 10th edition will have to audition in person.
However, the premiere date for the new season and the audition locations has not been disclosed.
“This time, it’s all about showing up and being you. Ready to shine? Get ready your moment is closer than you think! Season 10 is coming,” the post reads.
The reality TV show first introduced online auditions in its fourth season in 2019.
At the time, the option was created for those who couldn’t attend the physical auditions held earlier.
Since then, the organisers have maintained virtual auditions, adding different twists with each edition.
In the last season, contestants were required to audition in pairs.
At the last edition, Kellyrae defeated other housemates to win the grand prize of N100 million.
The feat also sees him become the first married person to win the show.
As the winner, he went home with a cash prize of N60 million, a new car among others.
The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has described her husband, President Bola Tinubu, as a man of courage in a terse message to celebrate his birthday.
President Tinubu clocked 73rd on Saturday.
“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life over the years.
I celebrate your courage, strength, and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today,” the First Lady wrote.
“May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace and prosperity. Happy Birthday, Mr. President…My Knight in Shining Armor”.