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Drama as Benue ministerial nominee grilled over age disparity

Drama as Benue ministerial nominee grilled over age disparity
There was a mild drama at the senate on Monday as one of the ministerial nominees, Prof Joseph Utsev (Benue State), was thoroughly questioned after an age disparity was spotted in his certificate.
The nominee in his certificate stated that he was born in 1980 and finished secondary school in 1989.
The error was spotted by Lagos lawmaker, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, who stated that something must have been missing.
The Senator pointed out that according to his Curriculum Vitae, he was born in 1980 and started primary school three years after in 1984, and finished secondary school in 1989.
The Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, then called upon the senator representing Benue South, Sen Abba Moro to speak up as they were likely to be classmates.
Akpabio said, “He was three years old when he started his primary education. He finished six years later. He was the classmate of Abba Moro, let us also see if he (Moro) started primary school at age three.”
Read Also: Senate begins screening of ministerial nominees, clears Wike
Sen Abba Moro in his defence, noted that it was a typographical error stating the nominee was very notable.
The discrepancy probably came from a typographical error. Let us give him the benefit of the doubt. He has sufficiently discharged himself and he should be asked to take a bow and go.”
The Benue caucus also noted that they were in support of Utsev stating that it was a minor error that should not rub him of his qualification.
Senator Elisha Abbo said the issue of starting primary school at age three was not a problem given his academic attainment and the positions he has held in the past.
“I did Common Entrance Examination in Primary three and I won (passed). You may have been exceptionally brilliant like me. We are on national television, I don’t want anybody to get from here to doubt his academic attainment and integrity. That issue has been laid to rest,” he said.
Utsev, thereafter, answered questions on water resources asked by Senators Abdulaziz Yari (APC, Zamfara West) and Sani Musa (APC, Niger East).
After answering questions about what he would do if made the Minister of Water Resources in the area of dams, Utsev was asked to take a bow and go.
Some of the nominees that have been screened are; Abubakar Momoh (Edo State), and former River State governor, Nyesom Wike.
Drama as Benue ministerial nominee grilled over age disparity
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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