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How we tackled cultism, shored up academic standard in 4 years – Rector Kogi Poly

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The Rector of the Kogi Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Usman, has said the management’s bold reforms in the last four years have helped in reshaping the institution.

Usman made this known on Tuesday in Lokoja while addressing newsmen as part of activities to mark the end of his first tenure in office as rector of the institution.

”We inherited an institution where cultists reigned supreme and operated as demi-gods on campus.

”The polytechnic had no functional students’ hotels, untidy physical environment with dilapidated infrastructures when I came on board.

”These and many other threatening social vices caused the polytechnic to battle deeply disturbing image issues,” he said.

Usman said that the institution suffered over 107 security threats on campus between May 2020 and January 2025.

He explained that certain measures were put in place to restore normalcy to the polytechnic that was once known for cult-related killings and violent activities.

According to him, hidden Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) were installed in and around strategic places to monitor unholy activities of secret cult members and other criminal elements.

He said the installation of CCTV cameras was also extended to the classrooms, lecture theatres and other strategic areas on the campus.

The rector stressed that the measures had helped in curbing activities of cultists and reduced the incidence of examination malpractice in the institution.

He added that modern communication gadgets were bought while security patrol vehicles were also purchased for the use of the school’s security operatives, and more security personnel recruited, among others.

“These and other measures have yielded tremendous results, including the arrest of some students and outsiders with guns and other dangerous weapons and illicit drugs.

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“These steps were also taken to restore the integrity and prestige of diplomas and other certificates being awarded by the polytechnic.

“This was achieved by strengthening the culture of academics and improvement of the quality of academic services in the school,” Usman said.

The rector said the management had been able to enshrine quality assurance and academic development to bring an end to all forms of examination malpractice in the institution.

He said a new statement of result template with complex security features was also introduced during his first term in office.

”An e-result computation was introduced while a central examination misconduct committee was also set up.

“These measures have further bolstered the authenticity and integrity of the academic credentials and boost confidence and integrity in the conduct of examinations and result processing of the polytechnic.”

He added that 18 new academic programmes introduced by the school during his first term gained full accreditation in December 2024.

The 57 programmes offered by the polytechnic, the rector said, had been accredited.

He added that the administrative reforms and re -organisation, led to the upgrading and creation of 12 directorates in the school.

He emphasised that the idea behind the initiative was to raise the bar of administrative and academic effectiveness of the school.

“The implication of the foregoing is that the Kogi Polytechnic, as it stands today, does not have any programme with denied and or interim accreditation status,” he said.

He commended the former governor, Yahaya Bello, for reposing a huge trust in him by considering him worthy of the appointment to serve the state in such capacity.

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Usman appreciated Gov. Ahmed Ododo, for re-appointing him.

The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Usman, will begin his second tenure as rector on Feb. 12 for another four years. (NAN)

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Police reply El-Rufai, say no kidnapping gang in the force

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Kaduna State Police Command has said there is no kidnapping gang within the force.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan made this known in a statement on Friday in Kaduna.

“The attention of the command has been drawn to Malam Nasir El Rufai’s statement on his X handle, wherein he alleged that one of his former Commissioners, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he referred to as Uba Sani’s ” kidnapping gang,’’ which he claimed to be the police .

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-rufai

He said the former governor of Kaduna state further stated that Sani was remanded in custody by a Magistrate without any police First Information Report or charges by the State Ministry of Justice.

“To put the records straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian police force.

“The Nigerian police is an institution created by the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act. These two statutes mandate the it to maintain law and order.”

According to him, in the discharge of this constitutional duty, the police have the legal, legitimate and constitutional right to arrest and investigate whoever is suspected to have committed an offence.

“Individuals, corporate organisations and governments have the constitutional right to lodge formal complaints to the police.

“The police also have the mandate to investigate such allegations and when it’s believed that an offence had been committed, such matter will be prosecuted or referred to court.”

Hassan urged members of the public, especially individuals who have held positions of authority, to exercise caution and desist from frivolous and malicious allegations against any security agency.

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” We urge individuals to always verify allegations before making public statements. Making unverified allegations against security agencies not only mislead the public but also have the potentials of undermining the law enforcement agencies.

“Citizens are encouraged to seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved, rather than resort to inflammatory comments that will heat up the polity, “Hassan stated.

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PDP: DWI Support Peter Obi’s Political Moves, Calls For Unity Among Nigerians

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The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has expressed strong support for the recent political moves by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, describing them as a significant step toward national unity and collaboration.

In a statement by the Director of Strategic Communication for DWI, Dr. AbdulRazak Ahmed, the group commended Obi’s visit to Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum.

He said Obi’s visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the esteemed leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics.

According to DWI, the visit marks a crucial moment in Nigerian politics, signaling a shift toward greater cooperation among political leaders.

Ahmed said: “We commend Peter Obi for his courageous decision to embrace the most powerful opposition party in the country, thereby positioning himself squarely within the mainstream political discourse.

“Peter Obi’s visit culminated in a respectful homage to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu. This gesture not only reflects Obi’s recognition of the vital role traditional institutions play in promoting peace and unity within our communities but also underscores his commitment to engaging with all facets of Nigerian society.

“Traditional leaders have historically been instrumental in fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse groups, and their involvement in political discussions enhances the legitimacy of efforts aimed at fostering national cohesion.

“We applaud Governor Bala Mohammed’s commendation of Peter Obi’s dedication to nation-building and inclusive leadership. Such praise is significant, as it emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among leaders from different political backgrounds.

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“It highlights a shared vision for Nigeria, one that transcends partisan divides and strives for the advancement of a prosperous and harmonious nation.”

The group echoed Governor Mohammed’s call for unity and politics without bitterness, urging all political leaders to prioritize dialogue and mutual respect in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

He added, “In this light, we urge Peter Obi to consolidate the momentum generated by this visit. By aligning himself with the PDP and engaging in meaningful discussions with its leadership, he has the opportunity to redefine his political narrative and amplify his impact on the national stage.

“Unlike former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who appears to have lost focus and is attempting to fight from the periphery, Peter Obi has the chance to be at the forefront of a transformative political movement that prioritizes unity and progress.

“Governor Bala Mohammed’s advocacy for unity and politics without bitterness is a timely reminder of the values that should guide Nigeria’s political landscape. As our nation grapples with complex challenges, the emphasis on mutual respect, tolerance, and collective responsibility is essential for creating an environment conducive to growth and development.

“Leaders must heed this call, recognizing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the capacity of its people to unite for a common purpose. Only through such unity can Nigeria hope to realize its full potential and build a brighter future for all its citizens.

“The Democracy Watch Initiative celebrates Peter Obi’s strategic engagement with Governor Bala Mohammed and the Peoples Democratic Party. We look forward to seeing how this collaboration will unfold and contribute to the greater good of Nigeria. We encourage all political leaders to embrace dialogue, foster inclusivity, and work together towards the common goal of national advancement.”

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2027: Tinubu Must Sack Wike Ijaws Group

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Ijaws for Tinubu 2027, a political group, has called for the immediate dismissal of Nyesom Wike as FCT Minister over his remarks concerning the Ijaw people.

Tamuno Esiri, the group’s leader, made this demand in a statement in Port Harcourt on Friday.

“The Ijaws for Tinubu 2027 demand the immediate removal of Wike if President Tinubu is determined to secure a second term, which he deserves,” Mr Esiri said.

During an interview with journalists on the political crises in Rivers, Mr Wike allegedly referred to the Ijaw people as a minority ethnic group in the Niger Delta.

Mr Esiri condemned Mr Wike’s assertion, insisting that the Ijaws are among the dominant ethnic groups in the region.

He claimed that Mr Wike’s comments if left unchecked, could harm President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.

“We believe Wike is deliberately undermining the president’s support among the Ijaw people, who constitute a majority in the Niger Delta.

“In our view, Wike’s presence in President Tinubu’s cabinet poses a threat to democracy and peace in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Mr Esiri also urged Mr Tinubu to rein in Mr Wike over his alleged involvement in escalating political crises in Rivers and his purported insults directed at respected elders and political leaders across the country.

He advised the president against believing Mr Wike could still deliver Rivers in the 2027 general elections.

“President Tinubu should note that Wike has lost the political goodwill he carried into the 2023 elections, as an overwhelming majority of Rivers people are firmly behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

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“Any political interest that believes the FCT Minister can secure victory for the president in the 2027 elections in Rivers State should have a rethink,” he added.

Mr Esiri also criticised the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for allegedly proposing bills that could further destabilise the state’s political landscape.

He issued a 14-day ultimatum for the lawmakers to heed Mr Tinubu’s call for peace by allowing Mr Fubara to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

“The legislators must immediately desist from initiating self-serving and anti-River State bills, or they should prepare to be recalled by their constituents.

“If the lawmakers fail to promote peace, we will collaborate with all well-meaning groups and Rivers people who support Governor Fubara and President Tinubu to initiate their recall process.

“The Ijaws for Tinubu 2027 demand the total liberation of Rivers State,” Mr Esiri concluded.

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