Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, has returned to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to face charges of alleged misappropriation of public funds.

Sirika is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday (today) to face charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, regarding an alleged N2.7 billion fraud linked to the failed Nigerian Air project.

His arraignment is set to take place before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court.

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has vehemently opposed the proposed imposition of a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on every electronic transaction in the Nigerian banking system by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), denouncing it as extortion.

According to a statement by CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, the group criticized the levy, slated to take effect within the next two weeks, as a manifestation of the Federal Government’s indifference and insensitivity to the hardships faced by Nigerians amidst the current economic challenges.

The CNG characterized the policy as “completely unacceptable extortion” unfairly imposed on Nigerians already grappling with neoliberal exploitations, highlighting the government’s disregard for the plight of the less privileged.

The group argued that the additional charge is unjustifiable, given the existing levies such as stamp duty, transfer fees, VAT, and SMS charges in the Nigerian banking sector. It further emphasized the exorbitance of the 0.5% levy in a country where the minimum wage of N30,000 has not been fully implemented but reportedly increased the disposable income of National Assembly members.

Moreover, the CNG raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the collection and utilization of funds, citing the opaque handling of stamp duty revenue by the apex bank over the years.

The coalition expressed dismay over the government’s perceived neglect of vital sectors like healthcare, education, fuel subsidy, and agriculture, which has significantly diminished the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

In light of these grievances, the CNG demanded the immediate reversal of the CBN’s decision and urged the apex bank to provide detailed explanations of stamp duty charges accrued from banks over the past decade. Additionally, it called for the reconsideration of the policy in favor of alternative solutions that do not exacerbate the financial burden on Nigerians.

The CNG underscored the importance of transparency and urged the CBN to prioritize the welfare of struggling Nigerians over the interests of capitalist institutions.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has expressed concern over the educational crisis in the state, attributing it to the prevailing insecurity situation.

Addressing participants at a capacity training program organized by the Nigeria Police Force Schools Protection Squad in Kaduna, Sani noted a decline in school enrollment due to security challenges. He highlighted instances where insecurity has led to school consolidation in certain local government areas, resulting in an increase in the number of out-of-school children.

The recent abduction of 135 students from LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Kuriga, Chikun LGA, exemplifies the dire consequences of insecurity on access to education and safety, according to the governor.

Sani emphasized the vital role of safety and security in facilitating human capital development and societal progress. He underscored the state’s efforts to combat banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, which have disrupted socio-economic activities and posed threats to educational initiatives.

The governor lamented a significant drop in primary school enrollment, with over 200,000 fewer pupils recorded in the 2022/2023 academic session compared to the previous year, largely attributed to insecurity. He highlighted areas like Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, Giwa, and Igabi LGAs, where insecurity has necessitated school consolidation, exacerbating the out-of-school children issue.

To ensure uninterrupted education for children in conflict-prone and terrorist-infested areas, Sani announced plans to merge 359 schools with those in safer locations.

He commended the federal government for the N144.8 billion Safe Schools Financing Plan launched in 2022, developed through extensive consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders in the education and security sectors.

Meanwhile, Halima Iliya, National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Programme, revealed the development of a Medium-Term National Plan on Financing Safe Schools (2023-2026) in collaboration with states, local governments, and critical government agencies, including the military and security forces.