Former Nigerian Military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has caution some state Governors from making a reckless statement that is capable of instigating ethnic violence in the country.

Governors of the 36 states of the federation under the umbrella of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), yesterday February, 17, unanimously voted against open grazing, announcing that it is no longer fashionable. They made the decision during their first physical meeting since the coronavirus pandemic hit the country, at the banquet hall of the State House Conference Center. Recalled that the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) on February, 10 admitted that open grazing is no longer fashionable in modern society.

Niger State Governor Sani Bello has directed the immediate closure of all boarding schools in four local council areas in the state following the abduction of some students and teachers from Government Science College (GSC) kagura, Rafi Local Government Area, by suspected bandits. Governor Bello said boarding schools in Rafi, Munya, Shiroro, and Mariga local government areas will be closed indefinitely until further notice because of heightened insecurity. The Governor subsequently ordered that all boarding schools in Rafi, Mariga, Munya, and Shiroro local government areas of the state be closed until further notice.

The Nigerian newly appointed service Chiefs have been slated to face the House of Representative for a screening tomorrow. However, according to the Chairman House Committee on Defense, Babajide Benson, for security reasons, it was learned that they will be screened behind a closed door.

The Nigerian Army has appointed Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima as its new spokesman. Yerima takes over from Sagir Musa who has been a spokesman in acting capacity since 2019. Yerima, who is expected to assume office on Wednesday is the former director of defence information and was until his appointment, the deputy director, reserve at the defence headquarters. He joined the army in October 1989 and was commissioned into the corps of the Army Public Relations. Yerima holds a bachelor of arts (education) degree in political science from Ahmadu Bello University, He has also served in various military formations.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami said the Federal Government is planning to replace the Bank Verification Number (BVN) with the National Identity Number (NIN). Dr. Pantami made this known while addressing newsmen following a facility tour and inspection of the ongoing NIN enrolment exercise at NIMC and other designated centres in Abuja. He added that he made a presentation to the National Economic Sustainability Committee and drew the attention of Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor on the need to replace the BVN with NIN, citing that while the BVN is a regulator’s policy, the NIN is a law.