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Nigerians In UK Condemn, Disown YouTuber Tiamiyu, Over BBC Interview On Student Visas

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The Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), an umbrella body of all Nigerian organisations in the UK has distanced itself from the claim by UK-based Nigerian YouTuber, Emdee Tiamiyu, that Nigerians see student visas as answered prayers and the easiest route to escape from Nigeria and live abroad.

CANUK, which is also responsible for youth and student affairs in the UK, in a letter addressed to Consular, Education and Welfare Section, and signed by its Assistant General Secretary-elect, Shoyemi Peper-Hade Shoyemi, said Tiamiyu spoke for himself and not on behalf of the thousands of students of Nigerian descent during his interview on BBC News on Tuesday.

The association expressed shock that the BBC chose to pick a random individual to speak on behalf of Nigerian students in the UK.

Recall that Tiamiyu during an interview with the BBC on Tuesday said that Nigerians see student visas as answered prayers and the easiest route to escape from Nigeria and live abroad.

He said that “People are looking for alternatives. They want to escape Nigeria,” adding that “The student route is more like an answered prayer,” and that it is a “big bracket that’s able to take a lot of people, the ordinary people.”

He added that “The student thing; it’s not like they need the degrees. They want the degrees as access to come into the country. So a lot of these people, their priorities shifted real fast. It’s not really about the education.”

But in the letter, CANUK said, “We listened and read the story credited to one Youtuber, Emdee Tiamiyu, who spoke for himself and not on behalf of the thousands of students of Nigerian descent on BBC News yesterday. Rather surprisingly, the corporation chose to pick a random individual to speak on behalf of Nigerian students in the UK.

“As a National Union of Students (NUS) delegate for three consecutive years and an NUS Black Student official, I know that if you need any information about students in the UK or you want to enquire about the well-being of all students, what you do is contact the union. Democratically elected officials are always on hand to offer informed interviews.

“Mr Tiamiyu is not a representative of Nigerian students and their dependents in the UK, so cannot speak for them. Canuk and all her three registered and recognised students bodies hereby state categorically that:

“We distance ourselves from Mr Tiamiyu‘s comments and his disparaging contributions do not represent the views or actions of the greater majority of Nigerian students and their dependents in the UK.

“He is not privy to any information regarding Nigerian students and their dependents in the UK as he has not attended any meeting with our representative bodies

“Mr Tiamiyu spoke for himself. If the BBC wants an informed position they should please contact CANUK, Nans, NSU UK or NSS.

“Nigerian students in the UK contribute to the diverse student population and bring their unique perspectives to the academic and cultural landscape of the universities they attend. Upon completion of their studies, many Nigerian students return to Nigeria to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of their home country. Others may choose to pursue further education or explore employment opportunities in the UK or other countries.

“If BBC or any media want information about our student members, they should not hesitate to contact the appropriate quarters.”

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Tinubu Meets PDP’s G-5 Members

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President Bola Tinubu is in a meeting with members of the defunct ‘G5 Governors’ at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The group made up of Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde; former Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Ifeanyi Ugwuwanyi (Enugu) and Samuel Ortom (Benue) are all members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The group is considered to have been friendly with President Tinubu and contributed to his electoral victory in February.

Although the reason for the visit is yet to be known, it is believed Makinde and the former Governors would be seeking to take advantage of their cordial relationship with the President to gain political capital.

Makinde and Wike have frequented the Villa a couple of times in the last few days

 

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BREAKING: Tinubu Signs Bill Raising Judges’ Retirement Age Into Law

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President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the bill on uniform retirement age for judicial officers.

Tinubu signed the bill into law on Thursday.

More to come…

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You Are A Liar, Woman Beater, Ondo Deputy Governor’s Wife, Seun Ayedatiwa Tells Husband

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The wife of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Seun Ayedatiwa, has faulted her husband’s defence over allegation of assault, maintaining that she is a serial victim of abuse in his hand.

But the deputy Governor in a statement through his media aide, Kenneth Odusola, said he had never raised a hand to hit his wife since they got married.

He described the allegation as baseless, false, nothing but political blackmail taken too far,” to cause political unrest in the state.

But in a statement from London entitled, “My Ordeal At The Hands Of Lucky”, Mrs Ayedatiwa narrated her experience, adding that she could no longer endure his temperament.

According to her, she had endured physical, emotional, and mental abuse from her husband, beatings, torture, and constant mistreatment.

Excerpt:

“I have come across numerous comments regarding the statement released by the Women Group, the Society for Women Empowerment (SWE).

“Although I cannot ascertain the existence of the group or the true intentions behind the story, I feel it is important to express my pain for the sake of other women.

“I am a woman who deeply respects and supports my husband. Our story, like many others, has been one of grace and growth. While I am sociable, I am always mindful of my husband’s position. I have dedicated myself to nurturing our home and children, as any wife and mother would. I have done so with unwavering strength.

“Prior to Lucky’s appointment as the deputy governor, we had ongoing issues revolving around abusive behavior. Each time, he would apologize, often attributing his actions to alcohol. Our children have witnessed this on two occasions. They implored me to have him arrested, but I explained that Nigerian culture does not provide room for such measures.

“I am not happy about revealing my personal struggles publicly. It is a painful reality I must confront. I have reached the conclusion that concerted efforts must be made to eradicate the scourge of violence against women. I have endured physical, emotional, and mental abuse from my husband, beatings, torture, and constant mistreatment.

“On December 1, 2022, during a minor argument, I experienced one of the most severe beatings of my life at the hands of my husband. I was left bruised and battered, to the extent that I could not attend the birthday ceremony of Toyin Akeredolu, the younger sister of Governor Akeredolu, in Ibadan. He threatened to kill me, uttering words of disdain.

“On Friday, December 2, I traveled to Ibadan to meet with the First Lady, Chief Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, to report Lucky’s actions. When she saw my battered face, she was enraged. She subsequently reported Lucky to the Governor. Lucky used to be the First Lady’s favorite, but since that day, she has distanced herself from him.

“Upon returning to Akure, even with my bruised face, Lucky slapped me again. He accused me of exposing him to the Governor and First Lady. He not only slapped me but also poured Hennessy on my head, berating me as a worthless woman.

“A few days before the FOWOSO summit, I was burdened with depression and numerous issues. I had already made up my mind not to attend the program. However, Lucky approached me, pleaded, and promised never to harm me again. I had to apply heavy makeup and wear dark glasses to conceal the bruises on my face, just to attend the event.

“By the end of January, Lucky resumed his abusive behavior. As much as I am a strong supporter of his aspirations to succeed the Governor, I have consistently advised him to exhibit decorum in his public life.

“Every time I mentioned this, he dismissed it as jealousy and insecurity, showing no regard for my feelings. Disrespectful calls were frequently received at our home, especially from one Ambassador Tolu Taiwo, one of his girlfriends.

“During the first week of February, we had a conversation about his political aspirations, and I advised him to refrain from making certain remarks to people. Instead of considering my advice, he unleashed his anger on me, subjecting me to further physical abuse. He threatened to kill me and make another woman the First Lady when he becomes Governor.

“Lucky not only assaulted me but also locked me out of the house. I had to spend two nights at St. Jacob Hotel. He instructed the gatekeeper not to allow me entry. From there, I had to travel to Lagos and eventually moved to Ilesa, my hometown.

“After being locked out, my driver eventually went to the house to retrieve my bag, which contained my passport. Since then, I have relocated to London.

“I am aware that Lucky may attempt to deny this story once again. However, I urge you to question him: Why have I not refuted the allegations of his abuse?

“He is my husband, and no woman would want to falsely accuse her spouse. If he claims that all of this is untrue, ask him to call me and put our conversation on speaker. He is well aware of my position on this matter. I refuse to continue hiding and suffering in silence.

“Once again, the First Lady is fully aware of this situation.

If Lucky denies it once more, I will come out with pictures and videos, no matter how humiliating it sounds. I am taking this step because I can no longer endure this situation silently.”

 

OLUWASEUN ESTHER AIYEDATIWA

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

7TH JUNE, 2023.

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