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Lawmaker visits Buhari, asks him to forgive Nnamdi Kanu’s ‘missteps’

The lawmaker representing the Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and South federal constituency, Obi Aguocha, has approached former President Muhammadu Buhari to advocate for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

During a visit to Buhari’s country home in Daura on Saturday, Aguocha extended an apology for Kanu’s actions, which have been a point of national contention.

“For the missteps, utterances, and ill gestures of the past, especially on the part of my constituent and brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I am deeply sorry,” Aguocha expressed.

This meeting follows a recent appeal on June 23 by about 50 members of the House of Representatives, who have called on President Bola Tinubu to facilitate Kanu’s release.

These legislators, under the banner of Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, urged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to utilize Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to secure Kanu’s release, highlighting a growing legislative push for a resolution to this longstanding issue.

In response, the former president appreciated Aguocha’s efforts and expressed his openness to a political solution for Kanu’s situation.

Buhari’s stance reflects a potential shift, considering his previous statement in January, where he described the extradition of Kanu to Nigeria to face trial as a “favour” by the federal government, which had other more severe options at its disposal.

Nnamdi Kanu, a central figure in the call for the secession of the Southeastern regions of Nigeria, was extradited to Nigeria in 2021 after he jumped bail and fled the country.

He was initially arraigned on charges including terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement. Since his extradition, Kanu has expressed a willingness to negotiate with the federal government, seeking a peaceful resolution to the issues raised by the IPOB movement.

UK-based taxi driver admits to receiving salary as Nigerian civil servant

A UK-based taxi driver has admitted to receiving salary as a Nigerian Civil servant after relocating for two years During an interview with BBC, the UK-based taxi driver narrates how he scale through the salary system without resigning and relocating.

Earlier, President Tinubu ordered a crackdown on these cases, stating that the culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected.

When asked why he didn’t make it clear to the civil service that he had left, in his response he replied he never resigned with the hope to return to his job after some few years

“To be honest I didn’t resign because I wanted to leave that door open in case I choose to go back to my job after a few years.”

Tinubu said he was “struck by the revelations the head of the civil service shared regarding employees who had relocated abroad while drawing salaries without formally resigning”.

The president said that not only should the money be repaid but those who were complicit in allowing it to happened should be investigated too.

“Their supervisors and department heads must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch,” he said.

In the case of the UK-based taxi driver  he admitted that he continued to be paid thanks to those in his department.

“I had a good understanding with my boss and he just let me leave, in my case my boss was a relative.”

Woman climbs flyover, plunges to death

DEATH

A yet-to-be-identified woman, on Saturday morning, mounted the  Ekpan-Refinery flyover at Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State and took a plunge backwards to her death.

Details of why the woman decided to end it all are still unknown as of the time of filing the report, but it is believed that it’s not unconnected to the current economic hardships in the country.

In a one-minute, 14-second video sighted by our correspondent, passersby were seen armed with their smartphones, waiting for her to take the backward plunge to death.

On the flyover were also motorcycles and other vehicles passing, and occupants watched as she inched towards the edge of the flyover, whose rails had been plundered by hoodlums, and took the plunge.

In a terse post accompanying the video, someone wrote:

“She killed herself by jumping off the flyover that leads to the refinery at Ekpan, a spot that has been quite familiar to me for decades now.

“Depression is real, and we would do well to regularly check on our loved ones, neighbours, friends, and colleagues, especially in these trying times.

“Depression is a disease that is actually treatable, and we must never, ever succumb to it.

“No matter what is happening, it is only temporary. Where there’s life, there is also hope, and that is one of the great mysteries of life.

May her soul rest with Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

After landing on the tarred road, those standing by were heard in the video lamenting her tragic action.

No official statement has been released to ascertain the identity of the deceased and her family.

Imo govt marks International Day of Drug Abuse …Promises to prioritize prevention

By Jude Onyenedogha…

Imo State Government and stakeholders have joined countries and states, world over to mark the 2024 edition of the annual International Day of Drug Abuse, with the theme: “Evidence is clear, invest in prevention”.

Addressing newsmen and stakeholders in his office last Friday, as part of activities to commemorate the event, Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Prosper Ohayagha said the programme is marked on June 26 every year. He said the theme for this year underscores the urgent need to prioritize prevention in the global fight against drug abuse which has far reaching negative consequences, as the detrimental impact on individuals, families and society at large is undeniable.

He said by investing in evidence based prevention strategies, the stakeholders can achieve reduced demand for drugs, adding that comprehensive enlightenment to young people, informed by scientific data will significantly help to deter them from initiating drug use.

According to Ohayagha, drug abuse and illicit trafficking promotes violent crimes, disrupts social cohesion and strains social services, placing an enormous economic burden on healthcare systems.

He called for all hands to be on deck in the fight against the societal menace, by; “Empowering our youths, open communication about drugs by stakeholders. We must break the stigma surrounding addiction. By investing in prevention, we can create a society with fewer individuals falling victims to the destructive  consequences of drug abuse.

Adding his voice, the Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Secondary and Tertiary Health Care Management, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ubaka, described drug abuse as big public health issue.

Prof. Ubaka emphasized on the need to fucus on tackling the driving force of drug abuse, as according to him, a recent research they carried out showed that more females were going into substances abuse and reason is because they have male partners who are into drug abuse.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Austin Ekeji, welcomed all the stakeholders, expressing optimism that the sensitization programmes will add a boost to the fight against illicit drug abuse in the state.

In their separate remarks,  the State Commander of NDLEA, Abdulahi Squeed (Commander of Narcotics) and the Deputy State Commander, Operations and Training, Lamuwa Shehu, highlighted some of the programmes and activities the agency had been carrying out in its concerted fight against drug/substances abuse in Imo State, such as; Seminars and Workshops, sensitization programmes in Schools, Communities and Churches, as well as stakeholders engagement programmes.

According to them, while traffickers and dealers are investigated and prosecuted in Courts when arrested, users who they described as people who are already challenged and need help, are taken through cancelling and other rehabilitation processes and discharged at the end of the processes.

They used the opportunity to once more appreciate the wife of Imo State Governor, Barr Chioma Uzodimma, who  renovated and furnished their rehabilitation center at their Aba Road state headquarters, for both males and females and upgraded it to  20 bed capacity.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, of the Ministry, Pharmacist Lady Uche Mmaduike said the Ministry of Health collaborates with many stakeholders, such as Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and NDLEA, adding, “We go to the field to sensitize the masses on the dangers of drug abuse.

“The hazardous effects are so many. It is the reason we have a lot of organ damages, kidney failures, skisophremia. You have people exhibiting all manner of abnormal behaviours. And that is why the rate of kidnapping and criminality is increasing by the day, because the perpetrators of such crimes work under the influence of hard drugs and substances”.

Imo Charter of Equity: Owerri Zone People’s Mandate emerges …Set to negotiate with Okigwe Zone

The issue of which zone between Okigwe and Owerri will produce the next Governor of Imo State after Orlu Zone has taken another dimension as a new political group, Owerri Zone Peoples Mandate (OWZOPEM), was birthed over the weekend.

The new group is championed by Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, Capt. David Mbamara, who is now designated as the Chairman of the new group, and Chief Mike Nwachukwu, who is designated as the Chairman of the Strategic Committee of the group.

In a communique raised after their first meeting held in Owerri on Saturday, June 29, the group resolved to set up a high-powered committee tasked with reaching out to Okigwe Zone through Okigwe Global Elders Forum and Orlu Zone through Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA). They stated that the major aim of reaching out to Okigwe is to avoid a clash of interests in their respective quests to produce the next Governor of the state.

The communique further stated that the group will write to the people of Ohaji/Egbema regarding their decision to remain in Imo State, following the agitation for creating Orlu State. They also commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for the good works he is doing in the state and his support for Owerri Zone to produce the next Governor of the state.

The aims and objectives of the meeting were contained in a communique issued to journalists, which included a resolution to communicate as soon as possible with those championing the cause of Okigwe Zone, particularly the Okigwe Global Elders Forum led by HRH Eze Oliver Ohanweh, to reach an understanding with them and avoid a clash of interests of the two zones in their respective quests to produce the next Governor of the state.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman of the new group, Capt. Mbamara, stated that no zone in Nigeria has suffered what Owerri Zone is suffering in terms of getting a fair share of the governorship slot since the inception of the present democratic dispensation in 1999.

He went down memory lane to inform the gathering that he was in primary school when Imo State was created in 1976, and since then, no person from Owerri Zone has enjoyed the substantive position of the Governorship seat. Rather, the zone has always been offered as a sacrificial lamb for other zones emerging as Governors.

He said that what played out in 1999 continues to reoccur in every election year, placing Owerri Zone in its sorry state. He maintained that this time around, the zone must form a common front to achieve its purpose of producing the Governor of the state.

In his speech, Prof. Ajumbe informed that the group is still at its formative stage and is open to welcoming every idea that will help the zone get it right this time around.

He maintained that Owerri Zone cannot get the Governorship seat alone and that they must reach out to other zones to seek their support and try to avoid actions capable of jeopardizing the political future of the zone regarding the Governorship seat.

The meeting was well attended by political stakeholders across the zone.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma Condoles With The Madumeres

The Madumere's

The Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma has condoled with the family of Madumeres as they lay to rest, the remains of their late wife, mother and grandmother, Ugoeze Lady Malinda Madumere.

In his address after the church service in honour of the late Ugoeze, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Achi Mbieri, Mbaitoli, the Governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Lady ChinyereIhuoma Ekomaru, PhD, while consoling the family, prayed for a peaceful rest for the soul of the late Ugoeze.

He went on to remind the family of the words of John Done, a celebrated English Poet, who said “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind and therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee”

“What this means is that we shall all die. Mama will sorely be missed but we as Christians know that she has gone to meet with God. And to be with God is far better”, the Governor explained.

The Governor however, submitted thus “On behalf of the Imo state government, we extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency Prince EzeMadumere, the former Deputy Governor of Imo state, His Royal Highness EzeMadumere and the entire Madumere family.

May the soul of Ugoeze Lady Malinda ChikaneleUlunmaMadumere, JP (Nee Etumadu), rest in the bosom of the Lord, through the name of Jesus Christ, Amen”.

Earlier in his funeral sermon, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese on the Lake, Rt. Rev’d C.B.N. Otti, who described the late Ugoeze as a humble, soft spoken, diligent and lover of God, admonished the congregation to be prepared for death.

According to him, “death is a debt owed by everybody. It is an inevitable exit waiting for all mankind” The Bishop, to buttress his point, referenced Shakespeare, who asserted that “death

will come when it will come”. So, everybody should be ready for it. That nobody can escape death irrespective of class, gender, body build, spiritual fortification, etc, encouraging people to repent and accept God to avoid his wrath in hell after death. “Be ready to meet God in his kingdom after death”, the Bishop charged. He stressed that it will be tragedy to enjoy here on earth and suffer in hell while emphasizing that it will even be a double tragedy to suffer in the world and again, suffer everlasting hell after death.

Prince Eze Madumere and his elder brother Prince ChijiokeMadumere, in their separate speeches, thanked everyone who came to sympathize with them, especially, the Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by his Deputy, Lady ChinyereIhuoma Ekomaru, PhD. He also appreciated the husband of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Barr) Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN (whom he described as a brother and good in-law), for accompanying his wife, the Deputy Governor to the funeral church service.

Imo Govt distributes FG’s assorted food commodities allocation

The State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma has flagged off the distribution of Assorted Food Commodities allocated to Imo State by the Federal Government.

The Governor who was represented at the flag off ceremony held at Nick’s Banquet Hall, Government House Owerri by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the Assorted Food Commodities as part of his efforts to reduce the impact of Economic Policy of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Governor commended Mr. President for his determination to build a viral Economy for the Country, and commended the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar for making the approved food items available to Imo State.

He recalled that the 3 R Mantra Administration has distributed series of palliatives to both indigenes and none indigenes resident in the State and has maintained regular payment of Salaries, Pension and currently paying gratuity to Retiree and has also attracted palliatives from Donor Agencies.

Chief Iwu noted that distribution of palliatives is in continuation of the Government’s resolve to alleviate the effects of the Fuel Subsidy Removal.

Meanwhile, earlier in his Address the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency who was represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Major James Eze, said that the palliative was in fulfilment of President Tinubu’s promise to reduce the impact of the current Economic Downturn being experienced in the Country.

The Acting Zonal Director, Major Eze, disclosed that the President approved the release of forty two thousand tones of Assorted Commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Present at the occasion were the Head of Operations, NEMA in Imo State, Mr. IgweNnamdi, Management Staff of NEMA, Executive Secretary of Imo State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Onyeuko Priscilla, Covering Duty Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs Bureau, Cabinet Office Mr. Joe Odoemenam, Local Government Sole Administrators, representative of different Security Agencies in the State.

Others were;  the representative of Traditional Institution in the State, HRH Eze Lucky Okoro, the representative of can, Imo State Chapter, Pastor Sunny Odoemene, NULGE Imo State Chapter Comrade Okere Charles, Muslim Community Imo State, AlhajiYahaya SB, special Citizens, Mr. Darlington Nwachukwu, etc.

The high point of the occasion was the distribution of the Assorted Food Commodities.

Hope Rising for Imolites kicks off 2024 free medical outreach

Considering the importance of health in the life of humanity and in fulfillment of part of their social responsibilities, Barr. Success Akagburuonye under the auspices of Hope Rising for Imolites has commenced multi million Naira comprehensive free medical outreach for Imo State populace.

The program which commenced last Friday at  Central School Ogbor Uvuru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State

with over 3,000 patients in attendance is christened, Hope Rising for Imolites, 2024 Free Medical/Eye Care Outreach, which entails Consultation,BP/Sugar Check, Surgical screening of all cases, Surgeries, drugs, eye glasses etc.

Rev. Dr. Dennis Jacobs,  who  came with his wife, Harrieta was inadvertently the Chairman of the occasion and also the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, in his opening speech,he said it point blank that God knows why  the people assembled.

Jacobs who is the Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN Imo State Chapter observed that the people gathered to be witnesses of the fulfillment of the biblical injunction that the wealthy should always endeavor to help the poor.

He applauded Akagburuonye for always using his God giving wealthy for the upliftment of humanity and the society at large.

Adding his voice, Rev.DrChidiOkoroafor, former Supritandent General of Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria who also graced the occasion with his beautiful wife lamented that most people are christians without knowing who own the church which he said is Jesus Christ.

Okoroafor pointed out that there’s somebody behind the success of  Barr. Success Obioma  Akagburuonye, which he attributed to be God Almighty and enjoined the people to come and be partakers in the divine  grace of  success which the sponsor is carrying.

He commended the sponsor for not only caring for the peoples physical health needs but also for their spiritual health and fulfillment needs.

The man of God insisted that the secrets behind the secret of Success Obioma tremendous progress is Almighty God and prayed to God to heal every participant of the free comprehensive medical outreach.

Barr.SuccessAkagburuonye, who’s the founder and financier of Hope Rising for Imolites, a non governmental organization, before his speech, rejuvenated the environment with emotions ridden and inspirational praises, worship and thanks giving christian songs, that made the people even the sick, danced biblical David dance.

Akagburuonye recalled that when he was growing up as a child, born in a penury stricken family, he prayed and promised God that, if He alleviates him and his family from the shackles of poverty, having passed the crucibles of lack, humiliation and disgrace as a result of poverty, that he will devote his divine wealth to serve God and humanity, in truth and spirit.

He expressed gratitude that Almighty God answered his prayers and that it’s in the fulfillment of that promise that he’s investing heavily in philantrophy and charity to humanity and the society at large.

Evans emerges President General Assa Town Union

Comrade Reward Evans, the newly elected President General of Assa Autonomous community in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo state, has appretiated Imo  state governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma for giving him and other executives the opportunity to serve their community.

Comrade Reward expressed the appreciation at Heroes Square Owerri, during the inauguration of the new executive , on 26th of June , 2024.

Comrade Reward, noted that governor Uzodinma is passionate  towards the overall development of the Assa  community and they are willing to serve the community towards it’s rapid development.

He commented the initiatives and visionary leadership mapped out by the governor to transform Assa community to an enviable height . He assured that, they will align with the governor’s visions to bring development to Assa community, which according to him is one of their agenda..

Comrade Reward also thanked Imo Commissioner For Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba , Commissioner For Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Mrs Ruby Emele , Special Adviser to the governor on Labour Matters, Hon Austin Chilakpo , Former Minister Of Education ( state ) , Rt Hon Goodluck Nana Opia , Former Transitional Chairman of Ohaji/ Egbema Local Government, Chief Marcel Amadioha , traditional ruler of Assa autonomous community, HRH Eze Emmanuel Assor , the present Sole Administrator of Ohaji/ Egbema and other Assa community leaders that played pivotal roles towards the actualization of their appointments.

He also pledged that, they will leave up to expectations and bring the desired peace, unity and development in Assa community to limelight.

However, he noted that, Assa community host over five multi national and indigenous companies which include SPDC , SEPLAT among other. He maintained that the community that host such companies deserves social amenities like electricity, access roads , hospital among others for the community members to enjoy with . He then called on the management of the said companies to do the needful.

The inauguration ceremony attracted lots of dignitaries and community members in Ohaji Egbema LGA and beyond.

Ndubueze Suggests Carryover Of Unimplemented Projects

The pragmatic Lawmaker representing Okigwe zone in the Red chamber of the National Assemby Senator Patrick Ndubueze has counseled that going forward, unimplemented aspects of the National budget should be carried over to the appropriation Act of the next financial year.

Speaking while supporting the motion for the extension of the subsisting budget, the Senator noted that since government is a continuum, merging outstanding aspects of a budget with the subsequent budget would eliminate the issue of application for the extension of the implementation period of a budget and save time for other legislative issues.

This well thought out idea was, not surprisingly, upheld by the Senate President and the entire Senate.

It is worth recalling that the discussion arose in the Senate following the request of the executive for an extension of the 2023 budget on account of some outstanding sections of the budget.

It is heartwarming that the voice of Okigwe zone is beginning to be heard again especially on national issues that affect the lives of our people.

To God be the glory.

Imo hoteliers hail FG’s ban on underage girls

Imo chapter of the Nigeria Hotel Association has hailed the Federal Government’s ban on patronage of hotels, brothels and motels by underage girls.

The Chief Servant of the association in Imo, MrChimaChukwunyere said this while speaking with newsmen in Owerri, on Wednesday.

Chukwunyere was reacting to a decision of the Federal Ministry of Woman Affairs, conveyed by the minister, MrsUju Kennedy-Ohanenye in a meeting held with the national leadership and state Chairmen of the association in Abuja, last Wednesday.

Chukwunyere said the minister frowned at the lodging, bullying and abuse of underage girls in hotels and placed a ban on their use of such facilities.

He added that hoteliers are advised to display a notice of prohibition of underage females from using their facilities and present the Federal Government Age Declaration form to suspected underage females to ascertain their real age before they check into hotels.

He called on all hoteliers in Imo to abide by the decision as serious sanctions will be imposed on defaulters by a mobile court established across the states of the federation by the minister.

“The minister, while addressing us harped on the need for holistic partnership with hoteliers across the country to shutdown brothels and checkmate the spate of abuse of underage girls in hotels and motels.

“To this end, hoteliers must put their eyes to the ground to ascertain the actual activities of customers and device means of protecting young girls from perpetrators of child trafficking, drug abuse, sex for grades and other vices.

“On no condition should any student in school uniform be found in an hotel or similar facility where alcohol is sold, as such outfits, when found, shall be shut down and be made to face the mobile court “, he said.

Chukwunyere however added that although times were tough, hoteliers must synergise with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure that lives of children are saved and their morals preserved.

Fire guts Dangote Refinery

A fire outbreak has occurred at the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals company located at the Lekki free trade zone in Lagos.

It was  learnt that the incident occurred yesterday  morning.

The cause of the outbreak could not be ascertained at the time of this report.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent on Wednesday afternoon, the company’s Group Head, Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina, said a minor fire occurred at the company’s effluent treatment plant.

“We have swiftly contained a minor fire incident at our effluent treatment plant (ETP), today Wednesday 26th of June. There is no cause for alarm as the refinery is operating and there is no recorded injury or body harm to all our staff on duty,” he said.

The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel in January.

The first crude delivery was done on 12 December 2023, and the sixth cargo was delivered on 8 January.

Civil servants decry delayed payment of salary increase, minimum wage implementation

Some civil servants have decried the delay in payment of approved salary adjustments for civil servants on the consolidated salary structure, as well as the prolonged minimum wage negotiations.

The civil servants spoke newsmen yesterday  in Abuja.

Dr Uche Anune commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the increase of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase for civil servants on the six consolidated salary structures.

He urged the government to expedite action on its implementation to help the workers ameliorate the present economic hardship.

“It is a good thing the president appreciates that there is the need to provide some palliatives by way of adjustment and harmonisation of salaries of public sector workers at the federal level.

“However, I wish the president could expedite action in that regard because, as it is now, many Federal Government workers are passing through difficult times arising from certain policy adjustments.

“I know that it is usually not very easy to negotiate and agree on sensitive issues like the minimum wage, the two parties, the Federal Government and the labour unions, have sound arguments.’’

According to him, the president can consider the implications of salary adjustment and its sustainability, as well as the ability of state governments to pay.

“It is good that they are driving an inclusive approach to the negotiation process.

“But salary adjustment for workers is long overdue; I call on the president to take urgent steps to ensure that the minimum wage impasse is resolved as quickly as possible.

“While workers continue to wait for salary adjustment, issues bothering on family expenses are not waiting; they are daily requirements.

“The long wait for a living wage in the midst of rising cost of goods and services is actually affecting the productivity of workers,” Mr Anune said.

He said that the N250, 000 minimum wage figure of the labour unions should be acceptable to all workers since the unions represented the workers.

Another civil servant, Joseph Edeh, said that the delay in implementation of the salary adjustment and the prolonged minimum wage negotiations were unfortunate.

According to Mr Edeh, what Nigerians are going through presently does not warrant such delay.

“And the communication gap is fuelling a lot of suspicion; nobody knows the reason for the delay.

“There is the need for better communication so as not to put Nigerians in the dark.

“The labour unions have done well and they need to be encouraged as they try to negotiate a decent wage for the workers,” he said.

Dorcas Jonah appealed to the Federal Government to “try and do the needful” by effecting payment of the salary adjustment.

According to her, the prevailing economic hardship is taking its toll on civil servants and their families.

“A lot of civil servants would have planned on the money and it would have gone a long way to help those who have children going back to school.

“So many civil servants now survive on loans; delaying the payment is not helpful at all,” she said.

She urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, not to relent in their struggle for a decent living wage for the Nigerian worker.

“There is a plethora of things to agitate for; the price of everything has skyrocketed; the labour unions should not relent,” she said.

Angela Atabo, another civil servant, said that the delay in implementation of the various increases in salaries was counterproductive to the workers.

“On workers’ day, we had hoped that a new minimum wage would be announced but our hopes were dashed because the issue was not even mentioned.

“The 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustment was announced, and civil servants have been planning on it

“We can only urge the government to expedite action on implementation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Press, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr Bawa Mokwa, said that the wage adjustment had been approved.

Mokwa said that its implementation was awaiting a directive and cash backing by the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

He urged civil servants to exercise a little more patience as all issues relating to salary adjustment and minimum wage would soon be resolved.

ASUU issues 2 weeks ultimatum to Nigerian Govt over 2009 agreement

ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Uyo branch, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour the 2009 renegotiated agreement it had with the union or risk industrial action.

In a public sensitization protest on Wednesday at the University of Uyo town campus, the Chairperson of ASUU, Prof Opeyemi Olajide, recalled that in 2022, public universities embarked on eight months strike over the outstanding issues and had to come back to classrooms in obedience to the rule of law.

He expressed regrets that two years after, the Federal Government is not willing to honour the agreement and attend to their demands.

The chairperson explained that the union reached out to relevant authorities to intervene and make government do the needful to avert any disruption to academic activities, but, there was no positive result stressing that if after two weeks nothing was done, the union will shut down the universities and send the students home.

He said, “In year 2022, ASUU was on strike for eight months, public universities in Nigeria were shut down, students were sent home because federal government of Nigeria refused to address ASUU demands as contained in renegotiated 2009 agreement which Academic Staff Unions of Nigerian Universities had with them.

“ASUU suspended the strike because our union is very civil, law abiding and has respect for rule of law. This is two years after, the Federal Government has refused to sign that agreement with our union.

“We are telling government and the public that if in the next two weeks nothing is done, ASUU is going to embark on yet another strike and students will be sent home.”

The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Calabar Zone, Dr Happiness Uduk, addressing the protest, disclosed that the Federal Government still owe lecturers in public schools three and half months salary.

She noted that public universities are not functional as expected when compared with the private universities urging the Federal Government to make deliberate efforts to resuscitate public educational system.

“Enough is enough! the government is not taking care of public institutions yet they are establishing their own private universities where they are taking our resources to, where they are taking our tax payers monies to.

“Federal Government has about two weeks to do something and if not so, ASUU will down tools, that is what we want to tell people that it is not well with us.

“The Federal Government has not treated us well and to say the least, we are very hungry, whatever we are getting is not taking us home, we are requesting government to pay us what they owe us, we are calling on government to make the university system functional, we are asking government to pay us our EAA, they should carter for universities they brought and not to bring up more universities without taking care of them.”

On his part, the former Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof Aniekan Brown, said the union over the years had been clamouring for “education for all”.

He noted that the workload of lecturers is not commensurate with their pay and called for salary increment.

Brown lamented that despite the meagre and static salaries, the rate of taxation by the Federal Government was unbearable as a lecturer pays upto 90 per cent of his/her salary as tax.

Nigeria’s inflation will cool off as CBN reforms attract $24bn inflow – Cardoso

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has projected that Nigeria’s inflation will moderate in the coming months as its reforms attracted a $24 billion inflow into the country in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Tuesday.

He noted that recent reforms by the apex bank have helped firm up the country’s liquidity by 40-50 percent more than the figure recorded in 2021.

“In terms of liquidity, especially on the foreign exchange side, we have seen an increase.

“The first quarter of this year has resulted in a total inflow of about $24bn. Now, this is almost 40 to 50 percent more than the quarters up to about 2021.

“The tools are having a positive impact. So we believe that continuing on this trajectory, we believe that liquidity will continue to grow,” he noted.

Recall that In April, Nigeria recorded a total foreign portfolio inflow of N93.37 billion against a foreign outflow of N119.81 billion, marking a 415 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Speaking further, Cardoso said there was a deceleration in Nigeria’s inflation rates which rose to 33.95 percent in May 2024.

According to him, the Monetary Policy Committee will continue to do everything to bring down the country’s inflation rates.

He projected the likelihood of inflation moderation in the coming on the back of MPC decisions.

“So far from what we’re seeing, there’s a deceleration in inflation rates, which is good news.

“And my intuition is that with the measures that have been taken in the recent past, and with the confidence of the MPC members to watch the interest rate trajectory very closely. We should see a continuation of the moderation in the inflation rate,” he said.

Tinubu not discriminating against North — Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said that President Bola Tinubu is not working against the interests of Northern Nigeria.

Shettima made this statement on Wednesday in Kano while receiving a Federal Government’s delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Bajabiamila, on a condolence visit over the death of his mother-in-law. Hajiya Maryam Abubakar.

The vice-president cited the appointment of the two Ministers of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chairman of Police Service Commission, among others, all from the North, as evidence of the president’s commitment to the region’s growth.

He, therefore, called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s efforts to make Nigeria great, stressing that governance transcends political party affiliations.

Shettima emphasized that the country’s unity and progress were more important than party differences.

He cited the support he received from the Kano State Government, led by Gov. Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, during his time of bereavement.

Shettima said that the country has moved beyond politics and was now in the act of governance, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to achieve greatness.

He reminded that Nigeria’s greatness was a collective responsibility, and that political party affiliations should not be a yardstick for division and destruction.

The vice-president called for unity and cooperation among all the political parties, saying that ensuring Nigeria’s greatness was a collective responsibility

Six teenagers drown while returning from Junior WAEC exam in Kaduna

Six secondary school pupils have drowned in the Mbang river in Ribang (Mbang) village, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The teenagers, according to report drowned while returning from a Junior WAEC exam at about 5:30 p.m on Tuesday.

The victims were identified as Manasseh Monday (16 yrs), Musa John (16 yrs), Pius David (15 yrs), Monday Ayuba (16 yrs), David Danlami (19 yrs), and Yahuza Audu (16 yrs) were students of Government Secondary School Fadan Chawai writing the West African Junior School Examination.

The National Public Relations Officer of Ribang Development Association, Pastor Simon Ishaku, who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Wednesday.

Ishaku said three dead bodies have already been recovered and buried.

He added that there are still three missing as locals have not been able to recover them out of the river.

Ishaku said, “The school children left their homes full of hope and excitement while their parents went to the farm with the hope of reuniting with them after writing their papers of the day, only to meet their untimely death.

“The Mbang river has been a death trap for our people over the years, noting before the community can access any school or any hospital facility they’ve to travel for about 8 kilometres.

“We’re calling on the Federal Government, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Katung and our House of Representative members as a matter of urgency, to kindly assist us with school, hospital, access road and bridge in order to bring succour to our community,” Ishaku said.

The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

But, the Zonal Coordinator, of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency Zone One, Mubarak Muhammad, said he would confirm the incident and make official statement known to the public.

Bandits demand N20m levies, taxes monthly from Benue communities

Suspected armed bandits operating in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State have reportedly commenced the collection of taxes and levies from residents of Torough and nearby communities.

It was gathered, yesterday, from a resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being attacked, that the gangs introduced a levy of N20 million as monthly tax to be paid by each household.

He said they had already started gathering the levy after allocating each household their share of the tax since they had no option but to comply.

He pointed out that no one, including the village heads, dared challenge the authority of the armed gangs or report the matter to security agencies stressing: “We are more or less in bondage here. There is no complete freedom of movement, association or expression. These militia boys are very deadly and powerful here in our Sankera axis.

“The whole of the three LGAs in Sankera made up of Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala are affected by this madness. These boys have a very strong communication network for their business. They monitor everything.

“So, when the news about the N20 million came to us, nobody dared report to security agencies. You and your family will be eliminated in broad daylight. We are paying the N50,000 levied each household. Some traditional compounds that have many households are levied N1 million.”

Confirming the development, Caretaker Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Victor Iorzaa said: “it is true that armed bandits are taxing the people and are demanding N20 million. I have reported the matter to the Police and also the State Security Council.

“The person behind is a bandit known as ‘Full Fire’. He was the person that connived with armed herdsmen recently to attack Tiv people, he has been working with armed herdsmen.

“The people are living in fear. That community is the most troubled place in the LGA. He started this shortly after he lost the attack on the community. And the place he stays is a community bordering Taraba State. If you remember two weeks ago, the military launched an attack on his house.

“The man has been terrorising the area for the past five years but the government of Governor Hyacinth Alia is working hard to put an end to their activities. And security operatives are also working hard in that regard.”

We’ve decimated them— Security Adviser

Reacting, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har said bandits were already on the run from the state and could not have the luxury of collecting taxes from villagers.

According to him, “The issue of illegal levies has become a common practice with bandits everywhere worldwide because they use it to survive. However no government will fold its hands and allow that callous thing to happen.

“The criminals have been having very tough time of recent and they are really having the heat and cannot have the guts to wait and collect any tax.

“Most of them have fled their camps, you can find out, and we intend to sustain the momentum until we run them down or they surrender.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene said the Command had not received report of the development.

39-year-old woman dies after injection, police begin probe

Following the death of a 39-year-old woman, Afusat Ololade, in the Ita Baale area of Ifo, Ogun State, the state Police Command has begun an investigation into the incident.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident happened at about 4:07pm on Tuesday 18, 2024.

Our correspondent learnt on Monday that the deceased was allegedly given an unknown injection, which led to her death.

A police source familiar with the incident, but not authorised to speak officially, informed our correspondent that the deceased woman had been receiving treatment at the house of someone, identified as Alabede Libagi, who claimed to be a native doctor, following a brief illness.

Suspecting that he could no longer treat the victim’s ailment, Libagi allegedly consulted with an auxiliary nurse in the community, known as Oyin Israel, who is alleged to have administered the fatal injection.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the 39-year-old woman reportedly passed away shortly after receiving the injection, resulting in the arrest of the native doctor, the auxiliary nurse, and the motorcyclist who transported them to the location.

Responding to the incident, the command spokesperson, Odutola Omolola, stated that an investigation had begun to uncover the details of the incident.

She said, “Our Ifo Division has arrested the three suspects after the matter was reported by the deceased daughter. The deceased was taken to the general hospital in the area which confirmed her dead. Three persons have been arrested in relation to the crime.”

PUNCH reported a similar incident in 2018 when a native doctor, Olawale Raji, and a nurse, Funmilayo Olusegun, were arrested for allegedly causing the death of a pregnant woman through an abortion.

The woman, reportedly two months pregnant, sought the services of the two suspects who worked at a private hospital for the procedure.

However, she began experiencing complications shortly after the abortion and died en route to a Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta for treatment.

EWMCO visits Imo Head of Service, seeks support for state-wide sanitation

The Management of the Eastern Waste Management Company (EWMCO) has paid a working visit to the Head of Service Barrister Raymond Ucheoma at the State Secretariat Complex, Owerri.

Barrister Ucheoma enjoined the company to always prioritize the cleanliness and evacuation of refuse within the Secretariat, city and state in the course of discharging their duties.

The Head of Service stressed that the change in Management from ISWAMA to Eastern Waste Management Company was designed by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State to make the State the best in the Country in terms of sanitation, hygiene and well being towards having a healthy citizenry. He encouraged all citizens to make the task of the new company successful.

He assured that his office would collaborate with the new company in the area of human capital development as well as competent advisory personnel to help sustain their activities.

Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director of Eastern Waste Management Company, Mr. Agbi Isi disclosed that the organization has taken over the responsibilities of the Imo State Waste Management Agency (ISWAMA).

He added that his crew were in the State Secretariat to enumerate the bin spots and approximate volume of refuse generated periodically as well as stipulate the bills for their services.

Present at the event were the Acting Permanent Secretaries: Establishment, Office of the Head of Service, Dr. Ezioma De-Nwigwe; Ministry of Works, Engr. Nwagwu Elias Nwaneri and Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Egbuka Blessing.

P.G tussle: Uzodimma charges Ohaji/Egbema communities to maintain peace

By Jude Onyenedogha

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has charged communities in the state, especially in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, not to result to violence in the issue of President General.

Governor Uzodimma gave this charge while addressing people of Awara Cot Area (Awara, Ochia, Asaa and Obile, who embarked on thank you/solidarity march to Governor Hope Uzodimma at the Government House over the appointment of Presidents General in the area.

The governor who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie urged them to return to their various communities and make sure that everywhere is peaceful.

“What the governor wants in every community is for them to be peaceful, for the individuals to be law abiding. With peace, the progress and development expected from government will get to you accordingly”.

While promising to inform the governor of their solidarity march and pass their message to him, the Chief of Staff assured them that any action taken by government will stand the test of time, adding, “whatever decision the governor has taken, nobody can reverse it”.

Earlier in his speech, leader of the delegation and President General of Asaa Autonomous Community, Comrade Evans Reward said the Awara Cot Area which is made up of Awara, Ochia, Asaa and Obile is peaceful, promising that he will continue to work in line with the dictate of the governor, to ensure that the peace in the area is maintained.

He posited that the area has been peaceful for past sixteen years, because of the wisdom of government in appointing the President Generals, which has eliminated the usual crisis that characterizes electoral processes in oil producing communities.

While reaffirming their intrinsic confidence in Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nana Opiah as the only Apex  leader of Ohaji/Egbema, he promised, on behalf of people of the area that they are solidly behind the present Government till the end of four years and beyond.

He described the people who protested at the Government House the previous day as enemies of peace and development, who are bent on truncating the peace being enjoyed in the area.

Other Presidents General from Ohaji/Egbema in the delegation included; Prince Joseph Ezeali, P.G Obiakpu Autonomous Community, Festus  Ogbonna-Obile Autonomous Community and Hon. Abel Ezekwe- Awara Autonomous Community, among others.

Meanwhile, a group of Presidents General and their supporters had the previous day protested at the Government House, against what they termed usurpation of their positions through the imposition of President Generals in the area, by Goodluck Opiah and  the newly inaugurated Sole Administrator of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

GBV: “Center for Right to Health” to premier Documentary today

A Non-Governmental Organization, “Center for Right to Health” will today, Thursday, June 27, premier a documentary on the life experiences of women with disabilities who had been Victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV ) in Imo State.

The Executive Director of the NGO, Dr Stella Iwuagwu disclosed this during a Press Conference, in Owerri.

According to her, the NGO was implementing the project aimed at building the capacity of persons with disability and women’s rights organization, and engage cultural and religious leaders in order to prevent Gender Based Violence against Women in Imo State.

Dr. Iwuagwu who is a public health professional, explained that women were more vulnerable than men in this regard, adding that women were more affected due to intersectionality and multiple layers of vulnerability including religion, culture , access to education, economic securities, etc.

She emphasized the need to prioritize the prevention Gender Based Violence among women with disabilities, noting that GBV has profound and lasting effects  on women with disabilities, including life long stigma , discrimination, economic deprivations and increased vulnerability to more violence.

Dr. Iwuagwu identified hunger, loneliness and isolation as some of the factors that increase the vulnerability, and called on government, cultural and religious leaders, as well as the media to help and amplify the voices of persons with disability.

Also speaking, the programme manager of the “Center for Right to Health”, Mr. Bid Eziefule who was present at the briefing said the Traditional Ruler of Oguta, Igwe Nani Chinedu Nzeribe will be the chairman of the occasion while the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okoroafor will deliver the keynote address.

Housewife arrested for stabbing husband to death in Yobe

The Yobe State Police Command said it has arrested a 22-year-old housewife for allegedly stabbing her husband to death in the Abbari area of Damaturu metropolis.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

“On 26-06-24, at about 1000hrs, the C Divisional Police Headquarters received a complaint from a neighbor in Abbari Ward, Damaturu, about a couple, Ibrahim Yahaya, 25 years old, and Zainab Isa, 22 years old. The couple had a violent argument on the same date at about 0900hrs, which escalated into a scuffle.

“The wife used a knife to stab the husband in the chest, and he subsequently died from his grievous injury before the police rescue team arrived,” the statement said.

The suspect was arrested and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for discreet investigation and subsequent prosecution.

The Police spokesman added that the housewife confessed that she did not intend to kill the husband, but stabbed him in self-defense during what she described as domestic violence against her.

“She further stated that their marriage had been marred by violence from the outset, often occurring when she requested food or money, and had continued even after the birth of their first child and the arrival of their second child, despite her husband’s inability to provide for their needs.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Garba Ahmed, has urged couples to report cases of abuse to the authorities for a durable solution or file a complaint with the nearest Sharia or family court for possible redress.

Ondo: Woman sent to prison for killing 86 years old mother

A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State, has remanded a 40-year-old woman, Abiodun Oluyade, in a correctional centre for killing her 86-year-old mother, Olawanle Oluyade.

The suspect, who was accused of committing the crime on June 13, 2024, at Okedoko axis of Ondo town, was said to have poured petrol on her mother while she was cooking in the kitchen, before setting her on fire.

With the plea of the defendant not taken by Magistrate Mosunmola Ikujuni, the prosecution informed the court that the offences contravened Section 315 and were punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The defendant, Abiodun, blamed her action on the devil.

“It was the handwork of the devil, although something told me to do it, and I will be free. Please forgive me; my son and my husband are sick. There’s nobody to take care of them,” she told the magistrate.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Moremi Akao, however, applied for a date for the issuance of advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Following the application, the magistrate remanded the defendant in a female correctional centre.

Magistrate Ikujuni, who directed that the case file should be sent to the Ministry of Justice for advice, adjourned the case till August 5, 2024, for DPP’s advice.

Rivers State, victim of ‘politics of bitterness’ – Gov Fubara

Fubara

Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has lamented the destructive effects of what he described as “politics of bitterness’ in the state.

Fubara cautioned politicians to be circumspect with their politicking activities so as not to deliberately undermine the peace and economic growth prospects of the state and the nation at large.

Fubara stated this when he received a delegation of the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, led by its chairman, Nnolim Nnaji, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

A statement the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said the delegation was in Rivers to carry out oversight functions at the Port Harcourt and Onne sea ports and Bonny channels.

According to the governor, the sea ports remained essential facilities that would contribute to harvesting the rich gains of the blue economy, adding that those who were delighted to see them inactive and moribund did not mean well for the state and the country.

“About nine years ago, if you understand the calculation; somebody here was the senior Minister of Transport, and nothing happened at our ports. Every progress that was supported to come to the sea ports here, because of bitter politics, was stopped. That is why our ports are moribund today.

“Today, after another eight years, which this other person suffered, we have entered into another similar era. If you love this state, it is normal to support everything that will bring progress and development to this state.

“It is not about who is sitting here today. It is about the state. If the state continues to go down, what is the interest? The only reason why we are struggling is because of the allocation,” he said.

Fubara insisted that politics should be rightly situated as a game with a winner to emerge at any particular time and the unlucky ones should not indulge in acts to destroy the system.

The governor told members of the committee that his administration was determined to give the requisite support that would lead to a total revamp of all the sea ports and Blue Sea commercial channels in the state.

Abia: PDP challenges Otti to produce list of rehabilitated roads

The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has charged Governor Alex Otti to name the 90 roads he said he rehabilitated during his one year in office.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Publicity Secretary of the Abia State PDP, Elder Amah Anraham.

The party urged Otti to name the 90 roads he rehabilitated in one year and to state the cost associated with the road contracts.

They also asked Otti to show proof that due process and the provisions of the Abia Public Procurement Act were followed in the award of the road contracts.

The statement reads; “The attention of the Abia PDP has been drawn yet again to one of the many incorrect and unverifiable claims by Governor Alex Otti, which only serves to perpetuate his Nazi-style propaganda methods meant to confuse and deceive the good people of Abia State.

“This time, Gov Alex Otti claimed to have rehabilitated 90 roads in the last one year, during his last address to Abians.

“The Abia PDP challenges Governor Alex Otti to produce a list of the said 90 roads he rehabilitated and the costs associated with the road contracts, as well as show proof that due process and the provisions of the Abia Public Procurement Act were followed in the award of the contracts.

“The government of Governor Alex Otti has never published the cost of any road except to confirm our information on the Port Harcourt road Aba project  which was re-awarded at the whopping cost of N30b, and that continues to attract public outcry due to its variance with conventional road costs of that nature.

“In this case, we challenge Governor Alex Otti to take a cue from the national leader of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, on whose back Alex Otti rode to victory, who always says, “Go and verify.

“Governor Alex Otti must release the list so that Abians can verify it. And this is what he must do if he wants Abians to take him seriously.

“It should be recalled that in 2019 candidate Alex Otti confirmed during a debate that he received list of road projects done by Ikpeazu administration, verified independently and confirmed the number and length of the projects.”

Anambra community rejects inclusion in proposed ‘Orlu State’

The people of Orumba North and South council areas of Anambra State have disassociated themselves from the proposed Orlu State.

Expressing satisfaction in their current geographical setting, the people said they are happy and comfortable being and remaining in Anambra State as presently constituted.

They spoke under the umbrella of Orumba Peoples Consultative Assembly (Orumba Forum).

Rising from a general meeting, the Forum vehemently opposed their inclusion into the proposed Orlu State without any iota of consultation, saying they should not be railroaded into the proposed state against their wishes.

A statement issued at the end of their meeting and signed by Nnamdi Okonkwo, the President and Bigger Ibekwe, the Secretary, said: “After a very detailed and ground-rooted consultative engagement with Stakeholders of Umunze community and other communities of Orumba North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra State, we the members of Orumba People’s Consultative Assembly, a non-partisan body formed about forty years ago as a social monitor/advocate on matters concerning Orumba people and their development, hereby do make the following very considered statements.

“That the need for the creation of an additional state in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria is laudable, overdue and urgently needed for equity, justice and peace, South East geo-political zone being the only region with five states, while the rest have six one has seven. Given the above-stated reality, the bill sponsored by Ugochinyere Ikenga representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency at the green chambers is, therefore, a clarion call for justice and equity.

“Regrettably, however, the sponsors of the bill failed woefully to conduct the extremely needed geographical, cultural, social and ethno-demographic studies, absolutely needed in state creation.

“This lack of requisite and adequate study caused them to erroneously lump and dump far-flung towns and communities with no geographical, cultural, social or historical similitude into the proposed state. This is a very loud and extremely vocal aberration and error.

“Adding Umunze, the headquarters of Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State in the proposed Orlu State is the most eloquent statement of their naivety. Historically, Umunze has never had any form of political affiliation, relationship or dealings with Orlu. Umunze was a part of the bedrock of the Awka division which eventually metamorphosed into Anambra State.”

Cops accused of extorting Anambra bizman of N810,000 face probe

The Anambra State Police Command says it has begun a search for some yet-to-be-identified police officers at the Area Command, Onitsha, who allegedly extorted a young businessman of the sum of N810,000 in Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of the state.

The information on the alleged extortion was posted on the X.com handle of the Nigeria Police Force, @policeNG, by a social media user.

According to the post, the police officers forcefully took the money from the young man after they levelled an undisclosed offence against him.

The social media user wrote, “N810,000 criminal extortion by alleged police officers from Area Command, Onitsha, Anambra State: Dear @policeNG, kindly look into this case and help us fish out these officers that have continued to destroy the image of the police force.

“We don’t want to keep seeing or hearing some of these horrifying stories and I can imagine the fear they subjected this young man before forcefully taking his money.

“The young man has stated he will identify the officers and we are on standby to hear that justice has been served. These actions are the reason there is a disconnect between the police and the people.”

Reacting to the post, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command was aware of the post and had initiated steps to identify the alleged officer.

Ikenga said the information about the incident had been escalated to the Area Commander Onitsha for necessary actions.

He said, “The Anambra State Police Command is aware of the information on the X.com social media platform of the alleged extortion of the sum of Eight hundred and Ten thousand Naira only by a yet-to-be-identified officer of the Command and has initiated steps to identify the alleged officer.

“Information about the incident has been escalated to the Area Commander Onitsha for necessary actions.

“Meanwhile, the command also wishes to invite the victim to come to the Police Command Headquarters, Awka at the Police Public Relations Office to help us with more information that will help in facilitating the necessary procedures involved in the process.

“Further details shall be communicated, please.”

Use of dynamite by anti-Fubara protesters will end democracy if not stopped – G60 lawmakers

A group of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives known as the G60 has said that the use of dynamite explosives by protesters in Rivers State will end democracy if not stopped now.

Despite calls by the police on groups to suspend their planned protest over the local government tenure elongation crisis in Rivers State, some anti-Fubara protesters defied the order to stage a protest, leading to the death of one person following the detonation of a dynamite explosive in front of Hotel Presidential, Aba Road, around 9.45 am.

Reacting to the development, the G60 lawmakers in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere stated that the use of explosives during the protest is an invitation to anarchy that must be averted.

The lawmakers called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police and DSS to find out who financed the use of explosives at a protest and find out whether there are other explosives that have been planted in different corners in Rivers state.

They also called on the police to allow council workers to resume work and channel energy to arresting bomb bearing Pro-Wike protesters.

The lawmakers partly said, “We wish to condemn in strong terms the idea of protesters moving about with explosives and more importantly these are supporters of a minister who is serving in President Tinubu’s government…”

“The security agencies should use the energy they are using in sealing up local government headquarters to actually find out how explosives were moved into Rivers State.

“President Bola Tinubu owes Nigerians a duty to direct the Inspector General of Police and DSS to find out who financed the use of explosives at a protest and find out whether there are other explosives that have been planted in different corners in Rivers state. If government doesn’t do this we hold government responsible if anything leads to breakdown of law and order in Rivers. Government should have arrested those local government chairmen who made an attempt to illegally seal the local government, including those calling for state of emergency, they maybe working as a group.”

Court slates July 5 to hear suit seeking to remove Ganduje as APC Chairman

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, deferred hearing a suit seeking to remove the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, from office until July 5.

The court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned to allow the litigants to respond to a counter-affidavit the embattled APC Chairman filed to challenge the competence of the suit.

The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, was brought before the court by aggrieved members of the party under the platform of North Central APC Forum.

The plaintiffs, led by one Saleh Zazzaga, are querying the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the Chairman of the APC.

They, among other things, want the court to restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as the chairman of the party.

More so, they prayed the court to issue an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to accord recognition to all actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries, and nominations, since Ganduje became APC Chairman on August 3, 2023.

The plaintiffs told the court that Ganduje is occupying the office of the APC chairman illegally, not being from a state in the North Central geopolitical zone.

They argued that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC acted in breach of the party’s constitution when it appointed Ganduje, from Kano State in the North West geopolitical zone, to replace Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who is from Nasarawa State in the North Central geopolitical zone.

The plaintiffs argued that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi was contrary to Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution and ultra vires the powers of the NEC of the party.

They added that, by the true interpretation of Article 31.5(1) of the APC Constitution 2013 (as amended), the party was bound to comply with the procedure for the replacement of an officer in the event of a vacancy and ought to appoint a member from Nasarawa State in the North Central geopolitical zone into the office of the chairman of the party.

They want the court to, among other things, declare that by Article 20(1) of the APC constitution 2013, as amended, Ganduje, could not be appointed as the National Chairman of the party other than through a democratically conducted election and that his current occupation of the office is illegal.

Besides, the plaintiffs want a declaration that, under the provisions of Article 13 of the APC Constitution 2013 (as amended), the party’s national convention is the final authority of the party, which has the power to elect or remove national officers of the party, including the national chairman of the party.

The plaintiffs also want a declaration that the party’s NEC lacked the power to appoint any person to the office of the Chairman.

Meanwhile, when the case was called up for hearing on Wednesday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Benjamin Davou, told the court that he would need time to respond to the fresh process that was served on him by Ganduje’s lawyer.

His request for an adjournment was not opposed by counsel to the APC Chairman, Mr. Raymond Asikeni, SAN.

Consequently, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter for hearing.

Equally listed as defendants in the matter are the APC and INEC.

Kanu appeals Justice Nyako’s ruling against his objection to court’s jurisdiction

Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed the June 19 ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, against his objection to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to subject him to trial.

Kanu through his Special Counsel, Chief Aloy Ejimakor, filed the notice of appeal on Tuesday at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

This was disclosed by Ejimakor in a statement.

The statement made available to newsmen Tuesday night read:”Earlier today (Tuesday), I filed a Notice of Appeal with the Court of Appeal in Abuja against the 19th June 2024 ruling of Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako, refusing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s application objecting to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to subject him to trial.

” The grounds of the objection are seven and mostly predicated on provisions of the Constitution, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and other pertinent statutes.”

The Federal Government to Nigeria is the only Respondent, and to be served through her Counsel, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.

Kanu has remained at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS, since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021.

The notice of appeal further read:”TAKE NOTICE that the Appellant being dissatisfied with the Ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division coram: B.F.M Nyako, J. delivered on the 19th June, 2024, more particularly set out in Paragraph 2, doth hereby appeal to the Court of Appeal, Abuja upon the grounds set out in Paragraph 3 below and will at the hearing of the Appeal seek the Reliefs set out in Paragraph 4 of this Notice of Appeal..

“AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the names and addresses of persons directly affected by this appeal are those set out in Paragraph 5.

“Ground one:Error in law: The Learned Trial Judge erred in law and occasioned grave miscarriage of justice against the Appellant when the trial Court held that “The main claim in this application deals with the counts of charge the Defendant is facing. These counts of charge that this Court had retained after a considered ruling on the counts of charge dismissing 8 of the original counts. The main issue is that, if the Defendant has a problem with the counts of charge retained, the option open is appeal.

“Particulars of the error: The part of the Ruling by the court below that states that “The main issue is that, if the Defendant has a problem with the counts of charge retained, the option open is appeal” is an erroneous statement of the law for the following reasons:

“a. As a matter of law, the Appellant is, after the remission from the Supreme Court to the court below, entitled to raise any further preliminary objection to jurisdiction on Grounds not raised in the previous preliminary objection that reduced the initial Counts of the Charges from 15 (fifteen) to 7 (seven).

“b. As a matter of trite law, the Appellant can only exercise the option of appeal after the trial court has pronounced a ruling on the instant preliminary objection, not before. It is markedly strange, in our jurisprudence, to suggest (as the trial court did) that appeal of the said seven (7) Counts (remitted from the Supreme Court) should precede or take the place of the instant preliminary objection raised before the court below. Thus, the Appellant cannot be expected to proceed on appeal over the validity or otherwise of the Counts when the issues had never been raised and ruled upon by the trial court.

“2, The previous jurisdictional issues raised by the Appellant against the erstwhile 15 counts and which were decided by the Supreme Court was on the basis of the Extraordinary Rendition of the Appellant and other Grounds not raised in the preliminary objection that is the subject of this Appeal.

“3, The Supreme Court in its decision never foreclosed the Appellant from raising other jurisdiction issues affecting the retained counts/charges; instead the Supreme Court had in fact contemplated (or pre-exempted from its judgment) further objections to the jurisdiction of the trial Court when, in its lead judgment at Page 46, the apex court stated as follows:

“In the above premises, the duty to consider and make pronouncements on the other issues in this Appeal, is abated particularly since the trial court is clothed with the requisite jurisdiction to proceed with trial of the Respondent during, in the course of, or at which some of these issues may be raised or arise”.

“4, Further to the above, especially as it concerns the validity of the remaining or “retained” Counts of Charge, the trial court conceded or correctly stated that “the Supreme Court did not determine the validity of the counts”, thus occasioning a grave miscarriage by refusing to make said determination when the instant application was on the validity of the said retained counts.

“Ground two: Error in law

The trial court erred in law when it considered only one out of the seven (7) ‘jurisdictional’ Grounds raised in the preliminary objection), said lone Ground bordering on the repeal of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 (TPAA 2013), which thus occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice against the Appellant.

” Particulars of the error:

1, As can be gleaned from its Ruling, the Honorable trial court did not consider the following Grounds of objection to its jurisdiction:

“a. Regarding COUNTS 1,2,3,4,5 and 8, the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 (as amended in 2013) under which the IPOB was proscribed and declared a terrorist group are inconsistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and are thus void to the extent of the inconsistency.

“b, Regarding COUNTS 1,2,3,4,5 and 8, there is a subsisting judgment of a High Court to the effect that the executive action leading to the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist group and its proscription is unconstitutional.

“c, Count 3 of the charges against the Appellant is unconstitutional as it seeks to punish the Appellant for an act that was not a crime when it occurred and is otherwise an abuse of process.

“d, COUNTS 1,2,3,4,5 and 8 are incurably defective as the Appellant is misled by the failure to state the place or where the alleged offenses were committed and the specific dates of the alleged broadcasts.

“e, Count 15 is not in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act; it is not within the territorial jurisdiction of this Honorable Court; and it is not supported by any proof of evidence; and Law under which Applicant is being tried in these Counts has otherwise been repealed.

“2. The failure of the trial Court to determine the said foregoing six (6) Grounds is manifestly wrong and a denial of the Appellant’s rights to fair hearing, since the Appellant ought to know the competence or otherwise of the counts before being subjected to strenuous pretrial detention and trial over the manifestly incompetent counts affected by the said Grounds not determined by the trial court.

“3, Further, in its said consideration of the said Ground of objection (bordering only on repeal of TPAA 2013) and in ruling the way that it did, the Honorable trial court erred by ruling against the settled law that a repealed law can only sustain a completed or concluded prosecution and where not so concluded, the charges/counts become abated and incompetent.

“4, The binding decisions of Amona & ORS Vs. Incorporated Trustees of Omadino Development Association & Ors (2004) LPELR-12610 (CA) andNCAA Vs. Project Eagle Air Ltd & ORS (2021) LPELR-53105 (CA) on the incompetence of charges/counts founded on repealed laws were adverted to the trial court, but the court ignored them and relied on no judicial or statutory authority to overrule the Appellant’s Notice of Preliminary Objection.”

Abia govt to offset N16.5b salary arrears of state-owned institutions’ staff

Gov Otti

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

The Abia State Government says it plans to offset in tranches, the N16.5 billion salary arrears owed staff of the state owned institutions of higher learning by the immediate past administration.

Abia state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Akpara disclosed this to newsmen in his office during a press conference. He assured that the state government would equally pay off the arrears of salary owed some workers in the state civil service in batches.

Mr Akpara explained that the present administration inherited a debt of  N16.5billion  arrears owed workers in state-owned institutions of learning adding that government has resolved to clear the debts while ensuring that progress in other sectors of the economy is not hindered.

“For salary arrears, the Governor has set up machinery in motion to ensure that salary arrears would become a thing of the past.

“One thing I will promise is that it would be paid but it is not going to be in one sweep. We will do it in instalments, so that it does not hamper the progress of other sectors of the economy”, he stated.

Akpara listed the state -owned institutions of higher learning being owed to include, Abia State University, Uturu, (ABSU),  College of Education Technical , Arochukwu, College of Health Sciences, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba and Abia State University Teaching Hospital.

He faulted the financial management practices of the previous administration noting that subventions provided to institutions did not translate into timely salary payments which overtime resulted in months of unpaid wages.

“The total amount of salaries being owed to all these institutions, as we speak is N16.5billion and the government is expected to pay those arrears.

“As a matter of fact, the past government owed Abia State Polytechnic -33 months, College of Education Arochukwu -22 months, Abia State University -11 months.

“Hospital Management Board was owed for several months. Theirs was humongous. We also have ASUBEB and SEMB the total amounts being owed to them is over N4billion”, Akpara explained.

The Finance Commissioner announced that payments to workers in state-owned institutions of learning would begin in July or August, with the goal of completing the payments by the end of the year and added that the State Government had already paid the salary arrears for April and May owed workers in Abia State University, Uturu.

While noting that “a worker deserves his wages”, Akpara emphasized the present administration’s commitment to completely change the narrative of owing workers salaries and addressing the long-standing issue of unpaid wages.

He said that it was unfair for people to criticize Governor Alex Otti and call him names, but rather urged them to support the policies and programmes of the State Government.

He clarified that the present administration had not applied for any new loan facility since assumption of office but added that the previous administration began the process for requesting loan from Africa Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank adding that “we are completing what the past administration started, since government is continuum”.

The Finance Commissioner noted that contrary to speculations, the loans had not  been released to the government pointing out the state was managing its finances prudently to meet its obligations.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu was present at the press briefing.

Insecurity; Abia govt restrict operating hours for tricycles/motorcycles

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

The Abia state Government has announced the restriction of the operation of tricycles and motorcycles between the hours of 7:00pm and 6:00am daily in Aba and Umuahia with effect from 1st July , 2024.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, who is also the Chairman of  the Abia Harmonized Task Force announed this at a news conference held at his office after the meeting with stakeholders in the state’s transport  sector.

According to the Commissioner, the essence of the restriction is to secure lives and property of innocent law-abiding  citizens and residents of the state.

He recalled that a lot of security issues  ranging from pick pocketing and armed  robbery have been reported recently in the state involving keke riders , hence the need to take necessary security measures to arrest the challenge.

“A lot of issues have been reported about criminal activities. By the reports that are available to security agencies, most of these robberies, most of these attacks are happening in the evening hours, late night hours and very early morning hours in the cities.

“The state government has decided to curb the operations of the criminals who use this means of transport to pepetratrate criminal activities.” Prince Nwachukwu stated.

Prince Nwachukwu equally announced that a committee has been set up with the Special Adviser to the governor on Security , Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah( Rtd )as the Chairman comprising other government officials to ensure compliance to compulsory registration of all tricycles, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

He explained that the essence is to identify the real owners or operators of such tricycles and motorcycles for security purposes.

“The state government also believes that it has to know exactly who is operating within our environment

“And so by that reason , all commercial vehicles , Okada, tricycles called Keke, mini buses, full buses, whatever anybody is using to run as commercial vehicle will now be enumerated and registered so that in the instances of criminal activities , government would know whose vehicle is responsible”

The Commissioner also said that government has met with executives of the relevant Keke and motorcycle  unions and therefore implored all Abians and residents to comply accordingly.

He added that government would equally attempt to review the restriction when it becomes necessary ,adding that security agents have been alerted on the development.

According to the Commissioner, government would implement the policy with human face, assuring the people that there would be no victimisation of any innocent individual.

Also speaking, some executive members of various unions including, Mr. Azubuike Victor, Chairman Tricycles Union, Aba Zone, Godson Chinwotito, Chairman Tricycle Union Umuahia zone   and Ugbaja Chiemela , Chairman of Motorcycles Union,Aba  said they endorse the decision of the government as regards the restriction time of the operators.

They applauded the government for getting them involved in the new policy and assured that their members will comply accordingly.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu and other government officials were present at the press conference.

Remain steadfast in your support for Uzodimma – Deputy Governor’s CPS urges Ekomaru Vanguards of Hope

Chief Press Secretary to Imo Deputy Governor, Dr Charles Uzopuo, with members of Ekomaru Vanguards of Hope who paid him courtesy visit in his office yesterday

By Jude Onyenedogha

The Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Dr. Charles Uzopuo has reminded members of “Ekomaru Vanguards of Hope”, Owerri West chapter, the need to remain steadfast in their support for the present government led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, by applauding and publicizing its achievements.

Dr. Uzopuo gave this charge while addressing members of the group who paid him courtesy visit in his office at the Government House Owerri, yesterday.

He encouraged them to persevere in their support for the governor, promising that their expectations will definitely be met by the government, at one stage or the other, during the lifespan of the administration.

Chief Press Secretary to Imo Deputy Governor, Dr Charles Uzopuo, with members of Ekomaru Vanguards of Hope who paid him courtesy visit in his office yesterday

The deputy governor’s CPS listed some of the novel achievements of the governor to include; massive road construction and renovation, renovation of 305 Primary Health Centres across the 305 political wards of the state, attraction of investors, such as the Afreximbank and partners to the state, signing MoU with an Egyptian giant, Eswedy for the generation and transmission of steady power in the state.

Other such achievements highlighted by the CPS included; attraction of the African Quality Assurance Center to the state, the Oguta Power Plant, the ANOH Gas processing plant in Ohaji/Egbema, the ongoing construction of flyover at Control Post, fighting insecurity to a standstill in the state, human capital development, among others.

On the aspiration of some members of the Vanguard for chairmanship and Councillorship positions in the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state, the CPS urged them to take advantage of the level playing ground provided by the governor to test their popularity among their people.

“Don’t feel that because I am a supporter of Hope Uzodimma, he is going to guarantee me victory. That is not going to happen. Everybody will have equal opportunity to aspire and contest, and it’s either you win or you loose. The opportunity in Imo State is for everyone of us. The governor runs a shared prosperity government, which ensures that the prosperity of the state gets to all”.

He however expressed optimism that judging by antecedents of members of the Vanguard in their communities and LGA, most of them who will throw their heart to the ring in the election will emerge victorious.

Earlier in his speech, leader of the delegation, Lawrence Oganno said the group deemed it fit to pay courtesy visit to the CPS who is the state coordinator of the Vanguard, to formerly congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment.

He used the opportunity to inform the CPS that most executive members in the entourage were aspiring for Councillorship in their different wards while himself was aspiring for chairmanship of Owerri West LGA.

Workers Salary: Imo Head of Service seeks support of Imo legislature

IMO ASSEMBLY

Imo State Head of Service, Mr. Raymond Ucheoma has sought the support of the Legislature for the implementation of enhanced salary scale for all strata of workforce, as well as laws that would allow for regular adjustment of workers’ salaries to reflect the existing economic conditions and inflation trends.

He made this known during an Interactive session with the chairman and members of Imo State House of Assembly committee on labor, civil service, productivity and pensions who were on oversight function in his office, with the permanent secretaries and staff of his office, present.

Bar. Ucheoma disclosed that his office, in conjunction with the body of permanent secretaries have eliminated the ghost workers syndrome, cases of gratification and corruption as well as other negative attitudes which he said has made the service return to its former glory.

He appreciated Governor Uzodimma’s concern for the welfare of workers in the state through the creation of a conducive environment, training, regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuity to the retired ones, and promised that they would reciprocate the gesture through effective service delivery.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the House Standing Committee on Labor, Civil Service, Productivity and Pensions, Hon. Kingsley Ozurumba who is also the member representing Isu State Constituency, explained that the Legislator’s visit was to seek for more harmonious relationship between the government and the Imo workforce.

He appreciated the Imo workforce for the good works they are doing for the continuity of government, and reminded them of the total adherence of the rule of law and regulations guiding the civil service, which he said should not be compromised.

Also in their separate remarks, two other members of the committee, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie who represents Mbaitoli State Constituency, and Hon. Clinton Amadi who represents Owerri Municipal emphasized the need for leaving a legacy in the service.

They called for adequate behavioral change for more productivity.

However, in his remarks, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Labor and Productivity, Mr. Basil Iwu called for the fine – tuning of the system of payment in the civil service.

Explosion kills pro-Wike protester in Port Harcourt

A dynamite explosion reportedly rocked Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Tuesday morning, unleashing chaos outside Hotel Presidential.

The blast reportedly claimed the life of a middle-aged protester, who was demonstrating in support of former Governor Nyesom Wike, sparking pandemonium in the area.

The protest was spearheaded by prominent supporters of former governor Wike, including Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Martin Amaewhule, the embattled Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and George Ariolu, the embattled Chairman of Obio-Akpor Council, when the explosion suddenly occurred, throwing the gathering into chaos.

It was gathered that the demonstrators were demanding that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Igbetokun, maintain the police presence at council secretariats in the state and resist any intimidation. The explosion sparked panic and disrupted the protest, leaving one person dead.

An eyewitness reported that after the explosion, which killed a young man whose identity has not been released, security personnel quickly swarmed the area and hastily removed the body.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the chaos, saying, The protesters marched slowly along Aba Road, causing a massive traffic jam.

In response to the incident, the Rivers State Government has issued a directive to all public and private medical facilities to be vigilant and watch for individuals seeking treatment for traumatic upper body injuries, potentially related to the explosion.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, strongly condemned the violent act and urged the public to report anyone with severe upper body injuries to the authorities, including the police and the Ministry of Health, to ensure prompt action.

She however urged residents and visitors of the state to go about their lawful businesses, as the government is handling the situation.

She said, “The Rivers State Government has just received information about a failed attempt to detonate an explosive at the Hotel Presidential axis of Port Harcourt by mischievous and unscrupulous individuals.

“While condemning such malicious and failed attempt to disturb the peace in the state, the Rivers State Ministry of Health hereby, call on all public and privately owned medical facilities to be on the alert and look out for a young man with a traumatically dismembered upper body as this injury was sustained in the process of attempting to detonate the device.

“Such an individual and his accomplices if presented at any of the facilities should be immediately detained and reported to the Commissioner of Police Rivers State and the Rivers State Ministry of Health.”

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, while reacting said she would get details and get back but was yet to do so as of press time.

She said: “Please let me find out the full details surrounding the alleged incident and get back to you.”

Labour Party crisis deepens as NLC Committee storms Headquarters, demands Abure’s resignation

The Labour Party crisis took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) national transition committee members staged a surprise protest at the party’s Abuja headquarters, demanding the immediate removal of National Chairman Julius Abure from office.

The committee was led by Acting Chairman, Aduwaheed Omar.

The labour union members converged on the secretariat, chanting solidarity songs and demanding Abure’s exit on the grounds that his tenure had expired.

However, their attempt to enter the premises was met with resistance from security officials, who shut the gates upon their arrival. Undeterred, the protesters attempted to force their way in, prompting the police to fire teargas to disperse them. The demonstrators refused to back down, shouting “open the gate” as they continued to press for entry.

Drug abuse now common among high profile Nigerians, NDLEA laments

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said the menace of drug abuse in the country is a ticking bomb that all stakeholders must rise to fight elaborately.

The anti-narcotic agency disclosed that the menace has become a serious national issue as the proliferation of drug abuse now cuts across classes of persons and regions in the country.

According to the NDLEA, the practice of abuse of drugs and addiction is not only peculiar among the street and common people, but also a challenge recording high indulgence among the very important persons (VIPs) in the country.

The Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Directorate of Operations and Investigation, NDLEA, Mrs. Ibinabo Archie-Abia, said this on Tuesday while featuring in an interview on Arise TV Morning Show.

Speaking on how drug abuse is creating a challenge at the workplace, she said: “We go to the workplace, we organise seminars and workshops, we take it to their companies, and the factories because for most persons that abuse these drugs, people think they are the low class ones or those people you see on the road, it’s not true. We have high profile persons abusing drugs, managing directors, VIPs or their children into drugs. So these things translate to the work places.

“For the VIPs, they have the money to do the drugs, we are also talking to them. They can come out of it if they have the will because it’s doing them no good, rather it’s destroying their persons. We have so many of them.”

She decried the prevalent abuse of drugs among children and women in the country, saying the statistics show “for every four abusers of drugs there are three females.”

“The drug problem is now very highly worrisome. I want to see it now as an epidemic in Nigeria. Nigerians ought to know that primary school pupils are also in drugs now, girls are involved in drugs, as young as age nine they go into drugs. We have to be careful not to think it’s only in the secondary schools.

“We are not just talking to the youths, we are talking to the adults. Please be careful, save our nation. “It’s a big issue, it’s challenging, it’s worrisome, in fact, it’s a ticking timed bomb,” she said, adding that “even pregnant women are into it and they don’t get help. Because of the stigma, the women hide away, they don’t do it in public, but they are hooked on drugs.” She said addicts of drugs could be treated and rehabilitated to get freed from the problem, but called on relevant stakeholders to contribute to identification of cases for intervention, while warning against stigmatising victims of the menace. “Recently we counselled the children of very high profiled persons, some who were in schools and left, and they are hooked on drugs. We found them on the streets, and their parents came for us to help. We took them in and they are now restored.

“We have experts trained to address this situation, so nobody should be labelled or stigmatised because he/she is challenged with substance use. All they need is help. We see it as a mental issue. If you can treat malaria, you can also treat addictions. So let’s encourage them, the idea of hiding them, living a life of denial, is not helpful,” she said.

According to her, the spread of drug abuse in the Country is not isolated to any particularly geo-political zone in the Country, but there was much concentration in the North, the Southwest and the South-south.

“I want to say it’s a national issue. There’s no state that is insulated from this scourge called drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Every State, even the ones you think will never get involved, are all in it.

“But for the purposes of enlightenment, I want to say that, and that’s not like stigmatising any region, we have a major problem in the South-west, North, and the South-south. Majorly in the North, what we contend against is the local substances they abuse, they do lots of tramadol and that is understandable too.

“When it comes to the South-west because of our porous borders, the airports, the seaports and the exposure of the people, they also abuse drugs so much and they traffic in drugs. So predominantly, for every region in Nigeria, there is nothing that is insulated,” she said. She disclosed that given the clampdown on traffickers using sea and air ports to traffic drugs, the perpetrators of substance proliferation have shifted to localising the production of substances within the country.

“Nigeria was first referred to as a transit nation because of the network of our airlines. You can connect most parts of the world from Nigeria, so it was easy for people coming into our nation and trafficking substances through our sea and air ports. But recently, there’s been a new sheriff in town that uttered that we have strict enforcement measures in place, at the airports, seaports, the land borders everywhere, and we do intercity interdictions and operations taking out these drugs and now they are not very easy again, but what they do now is that they localise it and that’s the bane now and that’s what we are working seriously on.

#CHIVIDO2024: Your daughter will be protected, respected, Davido tells Chioma’s parents

chivido24

Afrobeat superstar has made a heartfelt promise to his bride’s parents, assuring them that their daughter will be “protected, respected, and connected” for a lifetime.

In a touching moment captured on video, Davido prostrated before Chioma’s parents, expressing his commitment to their daughter’s well-being.

He said, “Your daughter will be protected, respected and connected.”

Tinubu to consult further on appropriate national minimum wage

Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he needs more time to consult widely on the appropriate amount to be paid as new minimum wage for workers in the public sector.

The President gave the explanation at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, when the matter was put forward for deliberations.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris revealed this on Tuesday, while briefing State House Correspondents.

He said the memo was stepped down because the Federal Government thought it wise to consult with other stakeholders, especially as the new wage proposals affects the local government areas, states and the Federal Government.

The minister said, “A lot of people have been asking me questions pertaining to whether the New Minimum Wage would come up for deliberations today at FEC, especially whether government was going to have a position on the new wage.

“Recall that there was a report from the tripartite committee, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, the Organised Private Sector and the government representatives, these three make up the tripartite committee that discussed on the new minimum wage. They have forwarded a report to the President which he has gone through.

“But consistent with the way it should be done, I want to inform Nigerians that FEC deliberated on that because the new national minimum wage is not just the decision of the Federal government. “That memo was stepped down to enable Mr President consult further so that he can have an informed position on what to do. This decision was taken because it affects the States, LG and the Federal Government.”

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