Natasha: Memo to the Nigerian Senate, judiciary and fellow citizens by Obiageli Oby Ezekwesili - ITREALMS

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The Senate’s Constitutional Overreach in the Case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Democracy Dies When Laws Become Weapons and Lawmakers Become Serial Lawbreakers.

Six months have passed since the unconstitutional suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, 2025. The Senator, representing the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended following her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

'Why FEC rejected memo on ICT University'

ITRealms:

Some reasons have been adduced to why the Federal Executive Council (FEC) rejected the memo seeking to establish the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University by the Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, reports ITRealms.

According to the Minister in a recent chat with newsmen, although the President, Muhammadu Buhari was reportedly full of commendations on the initiative, yet, the position of the government was hinged on the enormous fiscal demands it will place on government at a time such as now, when existing higher institutions where in scarcity of fund.

As said by Shittu, the Federal Executive Council believes that the proposed partnership funding by the private sector and other international donors should be more evident before any government commitment can be asserted.

“For me, maybe the Federal Government did not see what I saw but since we are in a democracy, I cannot force my ideas on the majority because it is a game of minority have their say but majority have their way,” he declared.

Shittu said he is not relenting on the ICT University initiative, as there are plans to continue to explore the good will within the ICT sector in order to rally more private sector to buy into the vision.

 

He emphasized that since there is no need for fresh built out of campuses from the scratch, “but run on existing currently used by the Digital Bridge Institute, I believe we can revisit the initiative.”

ITRealms recalls that the proposed ICT University has been massively opposed by some parts of the ICT sector who believe Nigeria has enough universities that require ICT upgrading across board than diversion of attention in the name of ICT University initiative.

Chuks Egbune with additional report from Digivision/GEE

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Pix; Shittu with Lai Mohammed and  Prof. Adewale at FEC meeting recently

MIIVOC submits memo on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, tasks National Assembly

ITRealms:

The Media Initiative Against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC) has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, reports ITRealms.

The Executive Director, Dr. Walter Duru, MIIVOC in a memorandum submitted at the public joint hearing by the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption and Foreign Affairs, in Abuja, Thursday, said that the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill is a strong legislation that will enhance international collaboration in the handling of criminal matters.

This, he said, will boost the image of Nigeria at the global level.

He also said the importance of the legislation in Nigeria's anti-corruption war cannot be over emphasized, as it facilitates the proper and effective implementation of the Proceeds of Crime across international borders.

“It is a relevant legislation that will strengthen anti-corruption war in Nigeria and discourage looting of public treasury. All well-meaning Nigerians must support its passage,” he said.

MIIVOC noted that since the inception of the Bill, (from the 7th National Assembly), his group has been at the fore front of building coalitions of civil society groups and communities at local, state and national levels, with the aim of encouraging wide and active participation in the process leading to the passage of the bill.

“Ultimately, we believe that this bill, when passed, will help to strengthen the legislative framework against corruption in Nigeria,” he said.

MIIVOC, he said, is determined to engage on this Bill to ensure that it is passed into an effective law that serves the national interest.

Chuks Egbune/GEE 

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Pix: Walter Duru