Atiku Abubakar raises concerns over Nasir El-Rufai's continued detention and stringent bail conditions
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced concerns regarding the ongoing detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, cautioning that overly strict bail conditions could undermine constitutional protections and public trust in the justice system. In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the Federal High Court's refusal to review El-Rufai’s bail conditions as troubling, arguing that conditions impossible to meet amount to a “constructive denial of bail.” He maintained that while courts have discretion in setting bail, these powers must be exercised reasonably and align with justice principles, emphasizing that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. Atiku questioned the rationale behind bail requirements that allegedly demand a defendant produce a serving Grade Level 17 federal civil servant with verifiable property in Abuja’s high-end Maitama or Asokoro districts. He warned that such judicial decisions could set precedents affecting the liberties of ordinary citizens, stressing that the judiciary must inspire confidence in the fairness and accessibility of justice. Atiku also expressed concern about a growing perception that opposition figures and government critics are increasingly embroiled in legal disputes, stating that no democracy thrives when legal processes appear to punish dissent. While not commenting on the allegations against El-Rufai, Atiku insisted that constitut
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Angela Ajala, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education NCCE, announced plans to implement a competency-based digital curriculum across Nigeria's colleges of education. This initiative aims to enhance teacher education, producing digitally skilled and globally competitive educators. The reforms, unveiled during her first 100 days in office, focus on curriculum modernization, digital transformation, skills acquisition, inclusive education, and the dual-mandate policy. Ajala emphasized that the new curriculum, developed in collaboration with the National Universities Commission and other stakeholders, will prioritize practical skills and digital learning over excessive theory. It will support self-paced learning, remote teaching, and technology-enabled instruction, ensuring learning continuity regardless of location. The NCCE is also partnering with the National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA to integrate digital literacy into teacher preparation. Additionally, skills acquisition will be a key component, enabling graduates to obtain a skills certificate, an NCE qualification, and potentially a degree. Ajala defended ongoing reforms to the Nigeria Certificate in Education NCE, stating they are necessary to reposition teacher education and promote inclusive access. She acknowledged funding as a major challenge but highlighted partnerships with development agencies. Dr. Ademola Salami, Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Federal
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Must ReadAllen Onyema, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, has called on Nigerians to implement a non-violent economic boycott of South Africa. This appeal comes in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants, including Nigerians, in South Africa. Onyema, speaking on Arise Television, advocated for Nigerians to cease investing in South Africa and instead encourage their businesses to invest within Nigeria under terms set by the Nigerian government. He criticized South African authorities for their perceived failure to protect foreign nationals during periods of unrest, questioning the absence of adequate security forces to prevent attacks. Onyema highlighted the positive contributions of many Nigerian migrants to the South African economy through business establishment and job creation. While supporting calls for stronger diplomatic action, he explicitly rejected violent retaliation against South Africans or South African-owned businesses in Nigeria, citing that many Nigerians hold shares in these companies and benefit from the employment they provide. His remarks follow renewed anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, which have led to demands for undocumented migrants to leave the country by June 30.