By David Owei

The South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) has condemned calls for the removal of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, following the death of 37 suspected miners in Niger State.

The youths in a statement signed by their their National President, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, described the calls as “misplaced, unjust and politically motivated.”

Oscar said it was wrong to hold the NSCDC boss responsible for an alleged operational breach committed by a state commandant.

According to the group, the NSCDC operates a defined administrative structure in which state commandants report directly to zonal commanders, who are assistant commandant-generals.

He said the various state commands also have legal, intelligence, administrative and operational departments responsible for their day-to-day activities.

Oscar further argued that Audi had previously issued circulars warning personnel against detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally prescribed period.

He said: “It is on record that the Commandant General has issued several circulars warning all formations against detaining suspects beyond 24 hours, in line with the Constitution.

“Specifically, circulars to this effect were issued in 2022 and 2024 and widely circulated to all State Commands.”

Oscar described as “wrong, unjust and mischievous” attempts to demand Audi’s removal over an alleged offence committed by a state commandant.

“It is therefore wrong, unjust and mischievous for individuals or groups to call for the head of the Commandant General for an offence allegedly committed by a State Commandant”, he said.

The South-South youths also linked the calls for Audi’s removal to the corps’ operations against illegal mining, alleging that “some powerful illegal miners and their collaborators” were behind the campaign.

The group said that Audi had previously contributed to efforts that helped increase crude oil production in the Niger Delta from about 800,000 barrels per day to approximately 1.6 million barrels per day.

Oscar also said that the Federal Government generated about N40bn from mining activities in 2025, attributing the development largely to operational reforms and measures introduced under Audi.

“The Commandant-General should be allowed to repeat what he did in the Niger Delta in the mining sector,” he said.

It called on the Presidency, the Minister of Interior and Nigerians to disregard what it described as “sponsored calls” for Audi’s removal and instead support him in his efforts to tackle illegal mining.

“Prof. Audi should be supported and encouraged to do more for the nation,” the statement added.

By George Mgbeleke

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Rivers State will take centre stage at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, as his administration moves to showcase the State’s huge investment potentials to the world.

In a statement by his Chief Pres Secretary,Onwuka Nzeshi,the governor said the UNGA platform provides a unique opportunity to market Rivers State as Nigeria’s number one investment destination in oil and gas as well as other critical sectors.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the conference in New York, the Governor said the essence of his participation at the global meeting is to give visibility to Rivers State and showcase its economic endowments and woo investors to the state.

“The issue is very simple. We’re trying to give visibility to the state and also showcase the areas where God has really endowed us in the oil and gas sector and other aspects of the state.

“I strongly believe that at the end of this conference and other side meetings, business opportunities will be made open and presented to interested investors who might have very serious and immediate needs to come to our dear state, knowing full well the position of Rivers State in the oil and gas industry.

“I also strongly believe that we are also going to make some inroad into financing and investors opportunities for our dear state,” he stated.

Fubara explained that the investment drive at UNGA 81 is in sync with the deliberate economic reforms of his administration, particularly the establishment of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) as a one-stop shop to facilitate and protect investments.

“This is not different from what we have already done before in establishing what we call the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency. What we are doing here will also aid the programme of that agency.

“Overall, I will say that Rivers State will be visible and prominent in this conference and we will come home with some good investments for our dear state,” he stated.

The Governor assured investors that Rivers State remains peaceful, stable, and open for business, with vast opportunities in oil and gas, agriculture, blue economy, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Rivers State is among the few Nigerian sub-nationals participating actively at UNGA 81, with engagements lined up with development finance institutions, multinational corporations, and diaspora investors.

By Our Correspondent

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rejected allegations of harassment against teachers, insisting that its ongoing education reforms are guided by civil service regulations, statutory provisions and efforts to strengthen the sector.

The administration’s position followed an opinion article by U. Ndagi titled “Letters: Wike, stop harassing FCT teachers” published on September 19, 2026, which raised concerns over some policies being implemented under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

Responding to the claims, a senior FCTA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the administration’s decisions on staff redeployment, promotion processes and infrastructure projects across the six area councils were based on established laws and government guidelines, rather than personal interests or punitive measures.

The official defended the decision to return some senior education administrators to classroom duties, citing Section II(e) of the implementation circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), which provides for the deployment of experienced personnel as classroom teachers or quality assurance officers.

According to the official, the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act 2022, which extended teachers’ service period to 40 years or 65 years of age, was introduced to retain experienced educators and ensure their expertise directly contributes to improving learning outcomes.

“The extension of teachers’ retirement age was specifically designed to keep experienced educators where they are most needed in the classroom.

“Holding an administrative position does not exempt any educator from direct teaching responsibilities,” the official stated.

The FCTA official further explained that the expertise of senior teachers remained valuable to students across the territory and that their classroom engagement would help improve the quality of education.

The administration also dismissed claims that recent changes at the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) were targeted actions, describing the adjustments as routine administrative measures aimed at promoting efficiency, accountability and institutional discipline.

On the issue of promotions, the FCTA maintained that career advancement in the public service must follow approved structures, including statutory cadres, available vacancies, establishment limits and budgetary provisions.

The development comes amid a brewing dispute between the FCTA and some teachers’ unions, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, threatening an indefinite strike in the nation’s capital.

In a formal letter signed by NUT FCT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi M. Shafa, and State Secretary, Comrade Margaret F. Jethro, the union argued that moving senior directors back to classrooms could negatively affect staff morale and disrupt administrative stability.

The NUT also demanded the removal of the vacancy clause affecting promotions, restoration of teachers due for promotion in 2025, and suspension of the redeployment of senior officers to teaching roles.
Supporting the position of the unions, NLC FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Knabayi S. Adalo, issued an ultimatum warning that industrial action would commence if the grievances were not resolved.

However, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), FCT Chapter, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has distanced itself from the proposed strike.

ASUSS maintained that the FCTA has the legal authority to deploy personnel where necessary, adding that promotions in the civil service must remain tied to available vacancies, approved establishment positions and financial sustainability.

Meanwhile, a recent judgment by the National Industrial Court has provided further legal interpretation on the redeployment controversy.

The case involved a Grade Level 17 Education Officer and former Director at the Ministry of Defence, who challenged her reassignment to Command Secondary School, Ibadan, after attaining 61 years under the provisions of the 2022 Act.

The court upheld the authority of public employers to redeploy staff based on administrative requirements, affirming that government institutions have the discretion to assign duties to employees.

As the deadline issued by labour unions approaches, school administrators, teachers, parents and other stakeholders across the Federal Capital Territory are awaiting further developments from the FCTA on the dispute.