The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

The lawsuit, filed against the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, challenges the alleged unlawful practice of the National Assembly setting its own allowances and running costs without transparency or accountability.

The lawsuit follows allegations made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that lawmakers have been fixing their own salaries and allowances, disregarding the recommendations of the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC).

In the suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1289/2024 and filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP was seeking an order to compel Akpabio and Abbas to end the practice of the National Assembly determining its remuneration and allowances, termed as running costs. The organization is also calling for the disclosure of the exact amount of monthly running costs paid to lawmakers and a detailed account of how these funds are spent. SERAP argues that the practice of paying running costs into the personal accounts of lawmakers violates Rule 713 of the Federal Government Financial Regulations, which prohibits the payment of public money into private bank accounts.

The organization further contends that this practice wais a breach of the Nigerian Constitution and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a signatory. The suit also emphasizes the constitutional oath of office taken by lawmakers, which requires them to act transparently and accountably, ensuring that their actions serve the public interest rather than personal gain.

SERAP asserts that the reported practice of lawmakers fixing their own salaries and allowances undermines public trust in the National Assembly and is inconsistent with the principles of good governance.

SERAP is also calling for any misused or mismanaged running costs to be accounted for and returned, arguing that such actions would restore public confidence in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.

The organization was seeking an order to compel Akpabio and Abbas to refer allegations of misuse of running costs to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

The lawsuit highlights the need for public officials, including lawmakers, to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the management of public resources. It also stresses the importance of transparency in the use of taxpayer money, arguing that Nigerians have a right to scrutinize how their lawmakers spend public funds. The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Andrew Nwankwo, and Ms Blessing Ogwuche, read in part: Directing and compelling the lawmakers to account for and return any misused or mismanaged running costs they collected would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.

SERAP is seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to refer the allegations on the misuse of the running costs received by members to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution where there is relevant admissible evidence.

Strong indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu was planning to rejig his cabinet to ease out underperforming ministers.

Tinubu has been facing increasing pressure from within and outside his party, the All Progressives Congress, to sack ministers, some of whom appeared to have been inactive.

The President had last year set up the Result and Delivery Unit, headed by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Mrs Hadiza Bala-Usman, to measure the performance of ministers and other top government officials serving in his administration. He warned that any minister or aide that underperformed would be sacked.

Last week, Tinubu replaced the directors-general of the National Intelligence Agency and the Department of State Services after the heads of the agencies resigned their appointments.

Sources in the Presidency told Our correspondent that a cabinet reshuffle was imminent. The officials, who requested revealed that some ministers would be dismissed, while others would be reassigned to other ministries for improved effectiveness.

However, the sources did not disclose the ministers likely to be affected.

What I can tell you is some (ministers) will go. A few will swap positions, then new people will be brought on board. But the President will be focused more on capacity now; on people who can easily add value to his government, a source stated.

Another source disclosed that Tinubus close associates agreed that the President required a stronger cabinet to implement his policies effectively.

The source stated, The general concern among some of his aides, friends, and even the public is that the cabinet can be far better than this. There is a consensus among his (Tinubu) close friends that he needs a stronger cabinet to push through with his policies. It is one thing to announce policies and it is another thing for your ministers to deliver the outcomes you want. Oftentimes, it is the capacity of your cabinet members and heads of agencies that determines how you will deliver on those outcomes.
If you look at the editorial by Financial Times earlier this week, it was not palatable at all. And what they were saying is that, yes, he has taken bold decisions, the reforms are good, but he has a weak cabinet that cannot help him to deliver on those reforms. That is why it appears like we are wobbling. So, he needs to bring in people with more energy and expertise, who are more patriotic and willing to roll up their sleeves and work for Nigeria and turn things around.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Head of the Legal Services Department of the apex bank to appear before it with specific documents on Monday, September 2, the new date fixed for the continuation of the trial in the money laundering case brought against Binance Holdings Limited and its executives.

At the previous court sitting, the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, had adjourned the matter to October 11, but the defence counsel had approached the court for a date change, which the court granted by bringing the trial forward a month early.

Binance USAs Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigan Gambaryan, and the exchanges British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla, are facing money laundering charges to the tune of $35m brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were initially both detained in the custody of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Anjarwalla, however, fled lawful custody on March 22, 2024, while his counterpart, Gambaryan, was moved from ONSA custody to EFCC custody and afterwards to Kuje Correctional Facility, where he is currently detained.

In the document titled Subpoena Duces Tecum, with charge number: FHC/ABCR/138/2024, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Binance Holdings Limited and Tigran Gambaryan, the court asked the apex banks heads to appear before it or delegate someone to do so.

It read, The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria Plot 33, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Way, Central Business District, Abuja FCT.

You or any other officer you may delegate are commanded in the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to attend before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, presided over by the Honourable Justice E. Nwite, on the 2nd day of September 2024 at 9 oclock in the forenoon, and from day to day until the above cause is tried, to bring with you and produce at the time and place mentioned the following documents.

Certified True Copy of the excel spreadsheet captioned Export Exchange Rate Results published on the Central Bank of Nigerias website for the period from 1 June 2024 to 16 August 2024.

In a separate document but with similar wording, the court summoned, The Head, Legal Services Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Plot 33, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Way, Central Business District, Abuja FCT.

You or any other officer you may delegate are commanded in the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to attend before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, presided over by the Honourable Justice E. Nwite, on the 2nd day of September 2024 at the hour of 9 oclock in the forenoon, and from day to day until the above cause is tried, to bring with you and produce at the time and place mentioned the following documents, part of the subpoena read.

Aloy Ejimakor, lead Counsel of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), has accused President Bola Tinubu of tolerating selective injustice against Igbos.

He claimed that Igbos suffered less of selective injustice under the past administration of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan but peaked in Muhammadu Buharis time.

Posting on X: Ejimakor wrote: What is now emerging in the open (thanks to social media) as institutionalized selective injustice against #Ndigbo has always been there.

It reduced slightly under OBJ & GEJ, peaked to a new high under PMB & has attained genocidal proportions. Shocking that TINUBU tolerates it. People of the Southeast have severally alleged marginalization, a situation that fuelled the agitation for Biafra.

Tragedy struck in the Makwarari quarters in the Kano metropolis on Friday when a one-storey building collapsed, killing a 35-year-old woman, Balarabe Tijjani and injuring two of her children.

It was gathered that the building collapsed following a downpour in the area which lasted for many hours from Thursday night through Friday morning.

According to a resident, the mother and her two children, Abdulnasir and Abdallah, aged 11 and 13, were rescued and rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital but the mother succumbed to her injuries.

“After rescuing the victims from the debris, they were transported to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Unfortunately, Tijjani succumbed to her injuries while the children are currently receiving treatment,” the resident said.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, said the one-storey building collapsed at about 9:30 am on Friday.

“Therefore, the building crushed three people, mother, Balaraba Abba about 35 years old and two children, Abdulnasir Jilani about 12 years old and Abdullahi Jilani about 9 years old.

“With the effort of the people around the area all victims were rescued alive and taken to Murtala Muhammad hospital on the arrival of the brigade,” Abdullahi said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps on Saturday said four lives were lost in multiple road accidents that occurred in Ikeji-Arakeji, a town along the Ilesa/Akure expressway in Osun State.

Also, 20 other commuters were said to have been injured in the accidents which involved three vehicles.

In a 2-minute 5-second video recorded at the scene of the accident obtained by our correspondent, it was observed that one of the affected vehicles was burning, as some of the injured passengers lay in different locations close to the burning vehicle.

Also, about three of the injured passengers were in the uniform of the National Youth Service Corps. Many of the injured passengers could be observed in blood-drenched clothes.

Contacted for confirmation and other details about the crash, the FRSC Osun Sector Commander, Mr Taofeek Sokunbi, said the accident was caused by speeding.

Sokunbi, who said three female and one male passenger died in the crash, further explained, “The accident involved three vehicles and four people died. Twenty people were injured. Those who died include three female adults and one male adult.

“The cause of the accident is excessive speed. The vehicles involved include two buses and one truck. The accident occurred where Bumps is located at Ikeji-Arakeji (Osun State).

The accident happened about three days ago (Thursday) We have cleared the crash.

I want to urge drivers to drive carefully on the road because it is overspeeding. The accident was carelessness on the path of the drivers.”

A 35-year-old man named Emmanuel Urhobocha has been found dead in his house on Alafia Street, Sango-Ota, in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The deceased was found face down with a container of insecticide next to his body.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun Police Command, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident to newsmen yesterday, said it happened at about 9:00 a.m. on Friday.

Odutola disclosed that the roommate of the deceased, Obabiyi David, had gone to the Sango-Ota Police Division to report that his flatmate was acting odd and had even attacked him with a knife, which he managed to escape.

She noted that based on this information, a team from the division was sent to question Urhobocha regarding the alleged attack, but upon arrival, they found the room locked from the inside.

The spokesperson said the officers, who eventually forced the door open, discovered the suspect lying dead.

Odutola said, “He was discovered dead in the apartment, with a container of insecticide found next to his body.

“He was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical attention, but the attending doctor confirmed him dead. His body has been placed in the morgue for an autopsy.”

She maintained that an investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.

the incident happened just a day after a 32-year-old man, Oluwaseun Shorinola, died by suicide in the Kémta area of Abeokuta.’

LG Election rescheduled to October 26

Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has announced the local government council election will hold on October 26 instead of the November 30 date.

KANSIEC Chairman, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, who briefed reporters on the change of itinerary for the election at the commission’s office, asked relevant stakeholders to understand the situation and accord the electoral body the needed cooperation.

“In recognition and conformity with the recent Supreme Court’s decision, the nature of agreement between the state and federal governments, and the open expression of October deadline for local government autonomy given by the Supreme Court and federal government, as well as other extraneous variables, the commission is impaired to reschedule the electoral activities from the already scheduled election date to October 26 2024, as against November 30, 2024,” Malumfashi said.

He noted that the decision was pursuant to the power conferred on the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission by paragraph 3(4) (a) of part 11 of the third schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 3(1) of the Kano State Local Government Election Law 2004.

According to the new timetable, political parties will begin electioneering campaigns on September 1 and end midnight (12am) of September October 26.

From September 3 to 14, party primaries and submission of names of successful candidates to the commission will hold.

Sale of forms by KANSIEC will commence on September 15 and end September 26, while submission of completed forms will end on October October 8.

Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has announced November 01,2024 as the burial date for late President General of OhanaezeNdigbo, Worldwide, Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

In a statement he personally signed, Gov Uzodimma disclosed that the date was arrived at after due consultation with the Iwuanyanwu’s family .

The Imo State Governor, who recently inaugurated the burial committee at Abuja, announced that further details concerning the burial will be made public soon.

The Nigeria Police Force has released the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Joe Ajaero after a “short interview”.

Recall that the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team, (IRT), in Abuja had invited Mr Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.

A letter from the IRT, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Adamu Muazu, directed Mr Ajaero to appear for an interview at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the IRT complex located at Guzape Junction in Abuja.

However, the NLC’s legal team replied to the police, saying Mr Ajaero could not honour the invitation as scheduled.

But the NLC president honoured the invitation today (Thursday) in company of Human Rights activists, Femi Falana, SAN, Maxwell Opara, Deji Adeyanju, among other lawyers.

Mr Ajaero was allowed to leave immediately.

A member of the team of lawyers disclosed that there was no need to detain or request for bail as the interview lasted very short.

The National Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, (NOGASA) has urged the Federal Government to end multiple taxation on gas supplies, saying it’s frustrating business activities in the country.

The association handed down the appeal to the Federal Government at a press conference in Abuja.

President of NOGAS, Benneth Korie lamented the impact of excessive and double taxation on businesses in the country, explaining that there was a need for government intervention to encourage and strengthen businesses in the country.

Korie further maintained that multiple taxation on gas is worrisome, particularly as various arms of government are laying claims to having the power to impose taxes, thereby making it critical and difficult to have seamless operations.

He emphasized that the association’s concerns extend beyond taxation, touching on other pressing issues such as the availability of refined petroleum products, agricultural development, transportation infrastructure, and the fight against smuggling.

Speaking on Dangote Refinery, he expressed the belief that the Refinery would boost oil and gas supply, and encourage healthy competition in the overall interest of the economy.

“I urge that Dangote’s refined products be made available to a broader range of stakeholders, including Nigerian National Petroleum Company Trading, NNPC Retail, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria,

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria. This inclusivity will facilitate sustainable and widespread distribution across the country,” Korie said.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), has urgently called for an investigation by the United Nations Human Rights Council, (UNHRC), into the allegations of genocide against the Igbo people by the Nigerian Army.

The group emphasized that the accusations levelled by the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) against the Army are not entirely baseless, highlighting the need for an impartial and independent investigation into the matter.

HURIWA’s call comes amid escalating concerns over the spate of kidnappings and violence in the South-East geo-political region, particularly in the Ihiala axis of Anambra State, which has been dubbed the ‘Sambisa Forest of the South-East’.

“The dense forests in this region have reportedly become notorious for harbouring criminal elements, including kidnappers, who have turned these areas into terror zones. Victims who manage to survive the ordeal recount harrowing experiences, including torture, maiming, and in some cases, death even after ransom payments.

“The dead bodies of those less fortunate, along with their personal belongings, often litter the forests where they were held captive.

“These kidnappers reportedly operate with impunity in areas like Ihiala, Lilu, Orsumoghu, and other surrounding communities, despite efforts by security agents to comb the forests and engage in gun battles with the criminals. The vast forest stretch, known locally as ‘Mother Valley’ and other nicknames, spans over 700 hectares and is largely inaccessible, making it a haven for these criminal activities.

“Residents live in constant fear, with some communities abandoned or deserted due to the persistent threat posed by these criminal elements”.

In a Press statement, HURIWA revealed that it has consistently supported the Nigerian government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the South-East.

The organization acknowledged the devastating impact of the ongoing violence, which has led to widespread loss of lives and destruction of property.

However, HURIWA is deeply concerned about the methods employed by security agencies, which have allegedly resulted in the indiscriminate killing of innocent Igbo youths under the pretext of hunting down IPOB members.

The rights group pointed out that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which should ideally conduct such investigations in Nigeria, lacks the independence required for an impartial investigation.

HURIWA argued that the NHRC, a federal government agency, is not in a position to assess the situation objectively, hence the need for a high-powered investigative team from the UNHRC.

While HURIWA supports the federal government’s initiative to restore security and stability in the South-East, it stresses that the government must also protect innocent civilians.

The group condemned the killing of security personnel and attacks on national security assets but raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the identities of those responsible for these attacks.

“Each time an attack occurs, the Nigerian Armed Forces are quick to blame IPOB, but the official IPOB leadership often denies involvement.

“In some instances, factions within IPOB, which the mainstream group has distanced itself from, claim responsibility. This confusion underscores the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the truth”.

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, is dead.

It is not clear when he died and if he was ill.

The police spokesperson in the state, Timfon John, when contacted asked our reporter to wait for an official statement.

“Just wait for an official statement from his family and the command,” Ms John said.

Another operative who works at the police headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia in Uyo confirmed the death to this newspaper this morning.

“Yes, it is true,” the operative said, but declined to give details because she is not permitted to speak on the matter.

A 13-year-old boy simply identified as Christian has been seen selling tickets to commercial tricycle operators at Jigbale market in Udu LGA of Delta State.

The development has raised concerns about child labour, with many questioning how a kid could be subjected to such exploitation.

According to eyewitnesses, Christian was seen standing by the roadside, selling tickets to tricycle operators, who ply their trade in the area.

When approached, the young boy revealed that he had been forced to take up the job to support his family.

This incident is a clear violation of the provisions of the Child Rights Act, which prohibits the exploitation of children in any form.

Section 28 of the Act states that “no child shall be subjected to any form of exploitation, including economic exploitation”.

A child rights expert, Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho condemned the development, stating that “it is unacceptable for a child to be subjected to such exploitation”.

“The government must take immediate action to protect the rights of children and ensure that they are not forced into labour,” he added.

The Delta State Government has been called upon to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to protect Christian and other children from similar exploitation.

The House of Representatives on Thursday promised to look into the cases of unfunded federal agencies created by the Act of Parliament.

The Chairman of the Special Committee on the Restructuring of Federal Agencies, Commissions, and Parastatals, Ibrahim Isiaka, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the agencies or commissions created by the Act of Parliament would not be merged without recourse to amendments of the Act that created them.

Isiaka said: “This is the position of the law, and the only arms of government that can alter or amend the law is the parliament, even at the state level.

He, however, noted that if such agencies were mere departments created by the federal government and did not pass through parliament, the government had the power to alter them without recourse to the National Assembly.

The lawmaker expressed concern about reports of salary delays in some agencies, including the Nigeria Press Council (NPC) and other agencies under the Ministry of Health.

“Away from that, any agency concerned should bring the Act that established it because there are so many agencies that were created,” he added.

He called for an examination of the funding structure of such agencies, noting some were created with the promise of self-sufficiency.

The immediate past Minister of State for Education, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nanah Opiah has hailed Governor Hope Uzodimma on his recent victory at the Supreme Court over the litigations by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the Labour Party (LP), Senator Athan Achonu on the Saturday, November 11, 2023 governorship election and the Leadership Prize Award on Good Governance conferred on him by the Michael Okpara Leadership Foundation, emphasizing that the governor has shown exemplary leadership in Imo State and the Southeast, and has been able to sustain the legacies of Pa Michael Okpara who served as the Premier of the old Eastern Region, from 1959 to 1966 at 39 years.

In a statement in Owerri on Thursday, Opiah, who also served as the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2011, said that the award conferred on the governor was deserving.

Opiah described the governor’s Supreme Court victory as meritorious, noting that the victory affirmed the governor’s landslide victory in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State.

He said that Pa Michael Okpara was known for “pragmatic socialism” and strong belief that agricultural reform was crucial to the ultimate economic liberation of the people, which he said were properly encapsulated in Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Shared Prosperity vision.

He said: “Congratulations, our dear governor, on receiving this prestigious award, which is a sincere recognition of your selfless service to the people of Imo State and the Southeast at large, patterned after the leadership style of Dr. Michael Okpara, former Premier of the old Eastern Region.

“Your dedication and commitment to serving the people of Imo State is truly commendable, and this award attests to it.

“For us, this recognition is a testament to your hard work and positive impact on the people of Imo State and the Southeast at large. You have not been found wanting in your service to your people.

“Keep up the excellent work, and may you continue to lead with integrity and passion for the betterment of all.”

The Spiritual Director of Zion Church Ministries Worldwide, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his administration’s efforts in the protection of lives and property in Imo, affirming that the State is safe and secure.

Speaking on Monday at the Government House Owerri when he paid a thank you visit to the Governor over the successful three days Crusade at Ngor Okpala area of Imo State that attracted participants from different parts of the world, Evangelist Obi said not one incident linked to insecurity was recorded during the occasion.

The Evangelist said: “I have come to appreciate you, Your Excellency. People were eager to see you at the crusade to thank you. The white visitors were confident and happy about the security situation. Everyone felt secure and at home. I therefore want to tell you that Imo is safe and secure.”

He reminded Governor Uzodimma that no less than three million persons attended the crusade in what he described as the largest since he started holding such crusades in the country.

Explaining that he was happy to have visited the Governor with his principle officers to appreciate him for his support and that of the Government of Imo State, Evangelist Obi emphasised that “over three million people attended the programme considered as the largest of such in the whole of the South East and no bad news of insecurity was recorded.”

He added: “Everybody was happy and people re-established their confidence in the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma in the State. It is a milestone that has further positively marketed Imo State to the outside world.”

Responding, Governor Uzodimma expressed happiness that the man of God visited him, noting that “the coming of the Zion Church Worldwide to Imo State comes with a lot of advantages.”

“It will bring a lot of economic development and increase the dire need to make Imo a tourism hub for the South East and Nigeria in general.

“The programme at Ngor Okpala has further showcased the State to the whole world that Imo is safe and secured,” Governor Uzodimma said.

While encouraging the Evangelist to remain steadfast in his calling, despite the challenges he must be facing, the Governor assured him of government’s support to realise his dream of coming to Imo State.

“Let me tell you that you are not alone. You must bear in mind that every profession goes with envy. Don’t envisage any problem. I can assure you and your team that I will talk to everyone in Imo State to understand that we need the presence of Ebuka Obi and his Ministry.”

The Governor insisted: “Imo needs the Ministry in the State and we will get the people to support you and your Ministry.”

Governor Uzodimma who expressed joy to be Evangelist Obi’s landlord said it is even heartwarming hearing that the celebrated Prophet, worldwide, hails from Imo State, adding, “Imo will cue behind him.”

“The State is looking for a day when that place will be developed economically, socially, educationally and otherwise like Elele in Rivers State, resulting from the works of Fr. Edeh,” the Governor noted.

The highlight of the visit was the offering of prayer and blessing to Government House Staff who came around to welcome and bid him farewell.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere and other members of the State expanded Executive Council joined the Governor in receiving Evangelist Obi and his entourage.

South-East governors and lawmakers representing the region in the National Assembly have stepped in to help students from the region benefit from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Kalu assured students from the region that the issues would be resolved and they would soon be included in the Federal Government’s student loan programme.

The assurance followed concerns raised by the South-East caucus in the National Assembly over the alleged exclusion of the region after the Nigerian Education Loan Fund released the list of institutions eligible for the loan nationwide.

The release by NELFUND showed that institutions in the North took advantage of the programme, as well as those in the South-West and South-South.

However, no institution from the South-East had benefited from the fund initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The development generated reactions on social media, as NELFUND had to clarify that no institution in the southeast had done its verification on its platform.

In a statement on Monday, the Deputy Speaker noted that his office had engaged with the authorities responsible for the student loans and expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved in the coming days.

Kalu said during the engagements, it was identified that low student registration from the South-East and errors in completing relevant forms, such as missing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board results, were the primary reasons for the region’s exclusion.

He noted that affected institutions in the South-East had since taken steps to address the issues.

“The governors of the region are also actively involved in increasing the number of participating students, and members of the National Assembly have been encouraged to reach out to their constituents for immediate compliance,” he said.

To raise awareness, he said his office had initiated several measures, including the production of jingles in English, Igbo, and Pidgin English, which would be aired on various radio stations across the region.

He said Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, had 2,543 eligible students, but none could apply due to missing JAMB numbers.

For Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, only 406 applications were submitted out of the 21,342 students.

In Abia State University, Uturu, there was no application from the 17,928 eligible students, while for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with 40,769 eligible students, only 781 had applied.

In the University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Enugu, with 610 eligible students, only 34 applications were made while at the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, none of the nine eligible students applied.

Only 11 applications were received from the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, out of 2,491 eligible students; Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, had 930 applications from 19,221 eligible students, while Ebonyi State University with 15,622 eligible students had 331 applications.

There were 28 applications from David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, out of 831 eligible students, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana had 188 applications from 4,774 eligible students, while none of the 128 eligible students of the Federal College of Education, Isu, had applied.

In Imo State, there were 1,114 applications from the 27,371 eligible students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; 14 applications from the 736 eligible students of the Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, while only 11 applied out of 1,109 eligible students of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, among others.