news

I’m disappointed in INEC – Buhari

Published

6 years ago

February 16, 2019

President Muhammadu in Daura, Katsina State, has said he is disappointed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s decision to postpone the presidential and National Assembly elections earlier scheduled for today, February 16, by one week.

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the postponement early on Saturday morning.

Buhari regretted that despite INEC’s assurances that it was ready, the long notice given, preparations both local and international, and the fact that many Nigerians had travelled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers were gathered, the commission postponed the elections using logistics as an excuse.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to the independence, neutrality of the electoral umpire and the sanctity of the electoral process. He, however, urged all political stakeholders and Nigerians to continue to rally round INEC at what he described as “this trying moment in our democratic journey.”

President Buhari also charged INEC to ensure that the materials were not already distributed safe but that they did not get into the wrong hands. He added that the body must do everything to avoid the lapses that resulted in the unfortunate postponement in the first place.

President Buhari said: “I am deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and our preparations both locally and internationally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement.

“Many Nigerians have travelled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers are gathered.

“INEC themselves have given assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they were in complete readiness for the elections. We and all our citizens believed them.

“This administration has ensured that we do not interfere in any way with the work of INEC except to ensure that all funds were released to the commission.

“We now urge INEC to ensure not only that the materials already distributed are safe and do not get into wrong hands, but that everything is done to avoid the lapses that resulted in this unfortunate postponement, and ensure a free and fair election on the rescheduled dates.

“While I reaffirm my strong commitment to the independence, neutrality of the electoral umpire and the sanctity of the electoral process and ballot, I urge all political stakeholders and Nigerians to continue to rally round INEC at this trying national moment in our democratic journey.

“I, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians to refrain from all civil disorder and remain peaceful, patriotic and united to ensure that no force or conspiracy derails our democratic development.”

“I have decided to move back to Abuja to ensure that the 14.00 hrs meeting called by INEC with all stakeholders is successful.”

Post Views: 1,295

news

Breaking : US cuts Nigerian non-immigrant visas to three months, single entry, With immediate effect

Published

9 hours ago

July 8, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

The United States Department of State has announced an update to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.

According to a press release issued by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.”

The new visa restrictions take immediate effect.

However, the embassy clarified that, “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.”

The statement emphasised that this move is part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process, which the embassy described as “a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”

The US explained the rationale behind the policy update, noting that “US visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems.”

The embassy added that “these standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.”

According to the embassy, the US Mission is working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.

“The US Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria,” the statement said.

Examples of these standard criteria include “Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.

“Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas, and Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”

Despite the new restrictions, the embassy reaffirmed its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria.

“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger,” the statement read.

The embassy also expressed support for ongoing Nigerian reforms, stating, “We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.”

Nigerian travelers were advised to comply with visa regulations.

“Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date,” it added.

The embassy concluded with a reaffirmation of its engagement with the Nigerian people and government.

“The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.

“We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” it said

Post Views: 118

news

JUST IN: Abuja Primary School teachers suspend strike after Wike’s N16bn intervention

Published

9 hours ago

July 8, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

The decision follows the intervention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who convened a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, July 3rd, to address the lingering impasse.

This was contained in a communique dated July 4th, 2025, made available to our correspondent on Tuesday.

Recall that Primary school teachers in the FCT had embarked on industrial action on March 24, 2025, over the non-payment of arrears and failure to implement the new national minimum wage.

The Minister had, however, last Thursday, resolved to use 10 per cent of internally generated revenue for the Area Councils to offset the salaries of the primary school teachers. https://punchng.com/fct-councils-forfeit-six-month-igr-to-end-teachers-strike/

According to the Communique signed by the NUT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary, Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, the Union said the latest offer from the FCT Minister provided a workable pathway to temporarily halt the action.

The SWEC, after reviewing the Minister’s offer, noted the “positive disposition of the Honourable Minister for taking over the payment of the Primary School Teachers emoluments by the FCTA”, and resolved to suspend the strike upon the release and disbursement of the N16 billion.

“Consequent upon the implementation of the New Minimum Wage and payment of five months Arrears into the Teachers accounts today, 8th July 2025; the SWEC, hereby suspends the ongoing Strike action and
appeals to all Primary School Teachers in FCT to, with effect from Wednesday, 9th July 2025 return to the classrooms and continue with the Union intensifies more efforts to
their legitimate duties while ensure the settlement of the remaining entitlements.,”the communique read.

The union also extended its appreciation to stakeholders and supporters who stood by them during the industrial action.

“The SWEC – In Session wishes to use this medium to appreciate all members especially the Primary School Teachers for their unwavering support, solidarity, cooperation and prayers while the strike lasted.

“Our special thanks go to the FCT Royal fathers, Civil Society Organizations, and other well-meaning individuals who, in one way or the other intervened and stood by us during the strike.

“We equally wish to thank the National Head Office of our Union-NUT, the National and the FCT Council of the NLC for the support and guidance,” the communique added

Post Views: 114

news

Breaking: Universities adopt 150 as cut-off mark for 2025/2026 admission and sets admission age at 16, Says Alausa

Published

18 hours ago

July 8, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

Vice Chancellors of Universities in the country have adopted 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for 2025/2026 admission.

The decision was reached in a voice vote supervised by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Tuesday at the ongoing policy meeting on admission in Abuja.

At the meeting, the minimum cut-off point for admission into polytechnics was pegged at 100, while the colleges of education and agriculture adopted 100 as the entry point.

Colleges of nursing adopted 140 as the entry point for admission

The Federal Government has formally set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board held in Abuja.

Alausa, while declaring the meeting open, emphasised that the age benchmark is now official and non-negotiable. He warned that any admission carried out outside the Central Admissions Processing System would be considered illegal.

The minister further stated that heads of institutions found culpable of admission fraud or circumventing CAPS would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The annual policy meeting sets guidelines for the conduct of admissions into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for the coming academic session

Post Views: 75