A technocrat, Mmeri Okoro, says Barr. Prada Uzodimma, is a role model who he mentioned believes that the energy, creativity and potential of young people are incredible forces that can drive progress and change in the society.
In his epistle which he made available to the media on Thursday in Owerri, Mmeri Okoro reflected that “in a world filled with opportunities and challenges, motivating the youth to strive for excellence, is a vital mission. Barr. Prada Uzodimma, believes that the energy, creativity and potential of young people are incredible forces that can drive progress and change”.
Mmeri Okoro observed that” the youth are future leaders, innovators and problem solvers of our society. Their actions and decisions, if well empowered, will shape the world we live in for years to come. Therefore it is essential to motivate and empower them to reach their full potential through the branch of the scholarship grant.
He added that, “through this medium, potentials are harnessed, confidence is built in the youth to pursue excellence, believing in their abilities which had motivated them to rise to the challenge”.
According to him, “Barr. Prada Uzodimma, continues to provide opportunities for learning, opportunities for exploration and growth which has given access to educational programs, workshops and mentors. She continues to serve as a positive role model, which demonstrates her value for handwork, resilience and excellence.
The Nigeria Police Force yesterday denied allegations that they were out to witch-hunt journalists and suppress press freedom through the application of the amended CyberCrime Act of 2024.
Recently, the country has seen a series of crackdowns on journalists due to the implementation of the act by the police.
The former editor of First News, Segun Olatunji; Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism; Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting; and Nurudeen Akewushola, an investigative journalist with the platform, were among the latest victims of the contentious act.
However, while speaking at a joint briefing by Security, Defence and Response agencies organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja, the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the police were not preventing journalists from performing their duties.
He said, “It’s not that we are applying cyber crime act to witch-hunt or oppress you or to subvert press freedom in Nigeria. I am not saying you should not be a whistleblower but if you want to be one, you must get your facts right.”
He noted that the police operate under numerous laws and could prosecute journalists guilty of publishing defamatory reports using any of these laws.
Adejobi said, “Defamation of character is a law defined under the cybercrime act and the criminal acts of this country define defamation as an offence. If somebody has published something wrong against you, as a Nigerian you have the right to take it up.
“As a trained police officer I may decide not to use the cybercrime act to prosecute you. As a trained policeman I must be able to lay my hands on many laws to nail you if I want to. Forget the fact that the NSA has called for the full implementation of the act, the police can lay their hands on any law to prosecute anybody.”
The Force spokesperson added that journalists do not enjoy immunity, noting that a journalist is “criminally liable” once accused of a crime.
He said, “Mind you, the fact that somebody is a journalist does not grant him immunity over certain things. You are criminally liable once an offence has been laid against you and the police have the duty to take it up.”
He urged journalists invited by the force to honour the invitations and inform his office.
Adejobi said, “Let me put it on record that if a petition has been written against you as a certified journalist is to honour the invitation and get across to the office of the Force spokesperson. Some of them you claimed have been victimized have not contacted me. Everybody is a journalist, we practice citizen journalism in Nigeria. ”
Adejobi further stated that the police have not yet arrested any journalists from mainstream media.
He said, “The fact is the police have not arrested anyone from the mainstream media. Most of these bloggers are always running foul of the law because they want to break the law. You can’t break the news without confirmation from the parties involved. You need to balance your report. Once you are invited to come and clarify a report, don’t run away. We are human beings like you.”
Adejobi criticised media houses for using the term “abduction” to describe the arrest of journalists.
He stressed that the police do not abduct, rather they arrest.
He said, “We don’t abduct, we arrest. If the arrest is wrong, you tell us why the arrest is wrong and we will tell you why it is right. We face challenges because many of you don’t understand the legal framework.”
Adejobi, however, said when a journalist get arrested, his colleagues cannot stand surety for him.
He maintained that the police would not release such a journalist unless a “substantive surety” is provided.
Adejobi said, “Once you have been arrested, your statement is taken under caution. Under the law, you are to be granted bail to a substantive surety and that is another problem. Don’t tell me your colleague in your office will stand surety for you. No. If you are not a substantive surety the police will not release anybody to you.”
Adejobi stated that the force is not mandated to extend an invitation to a suspect during the investigation, describing such a gesture as an honour.
He said, “I want to clarify that we are not obliged to send an invitation to a suspect in the first instance. It is just out of respect. No law says you must invite somebody before you carry out your investigation, we can only honour you by extending an invitation to you. Where you don’t honour the investigation, we go to court to get a warrant. With that warrant, we can even declare you wanted and arrest you anywhere. “
Senators from the northern region have objected to a bill to ban open grazing and stop the movement of herders and their cows.
The bill, which also seeks to establish ranching at the various herders’ states of origin, passed a second reading on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.
The bill was titled, ‘A Bill to Establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches Throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024’.
The bill was sponsored by Titus Zam, a member representing Benue North-West senatorial district, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although claiming to support the proposed bill, Danjuma Goje of APC described the controversial clause seeking to restrict herders to a particular geographical location as discriminatory.
“There are many angles to this issue of farmers and herders. We have to tackle the problem holistically. These Fulanis are Nigerians,” Mr Goje said.
Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of movement for all Nigerians with their property.
According to Mr Aliero, any bill proposing such restriction is unconstitutional, adding that the bill’s sponsor was wrong to propose the establishment of ranches in the state of origin of herders alone.
Also against the provision in the proposed bill was the cap chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Suleiman Abdulrahman-Kawu, representing Kano South of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who said the bill would contravene the herders’ constitutional rights and worsen the crises.
“The bill is totally against the constitution of Nigeria. The bill will even compound the problem of the herders and the farmers. You can’t propose a law to attend to a particular group or section of the country only. This bill is not holistic, and we will fight it till the end,” Mr Kawu vowed.
“This bill is against provisions of the constitution and, in fact, will compound the crisis of herders/farmers in Nigeria if allowed to become law,” he added.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, representing Kano North for the APC, tried to stop the bill’s passage. Mr Barau said he had already asked the sponsor to step it down due to the controversial provision.
The senator representing Abia South, Eyinnaya Abaribe, said that if properly managed, the bill would prevent clashes between farmers and herders.
Recommending the amendment of the Land Use Act to simplify the management of lands in states, Mr Abaribe stated that although some herders were peaceful and engaged in legitimate animal business, some criminal elements were amongst them and were being sponsored to destabilise communities.
Other senators who backed the bill are Sunday Karimi (APC Kogi West), Garba Musa Maidoki (PDP Kebbi South), and Abba Moro (PDP Benue South).
“We must hold a public hearing and bring all the stakeholders to have a say, including cattle rearers and the state governments,” said Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Mr Akpabio assured that a consensus would be reached on the bill, including amending the Land Use Act where necessary and adding that offensive clauses found not to be in line with the constitution would be expunged at a public hearing and national summit on security.
Therefore, when Mr Akpabio put the bill to voice votes, it scaled to a second reading. After the sponsor refused to step down, the bill was thereafter forwarded to the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Judiciary, and Legal Matters for more legislative input within the next four weeks.
The legal team of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, have submitted nine judgements on the matter to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The leader of the team, Barrister Nnaemeka Ejiofor, told journalists yesterday that the judgements were from both domestic and international courts directing the release of Kanu.
He said the decision to forward all the pronouncements was in response to the statement credited to the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), that he was not aware of the Kanu’s case and that his fate would be resolved by the court.
“It seems obvious that some persons who ought to have brought your good attention to these judicial developments may have deliberately hidden them from you as to prevent you from seeing to the enforcement of the judgment as well prevent Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu from taking a positive step in the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.
The judgements include: the African Union African Commission On Human and People’s Right Communication 680/17; the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of 1st October, 2020 with Reference AL NGA 5/2020 (Proscription of IPOB); United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of 26th August, 2021 with Reference UA NGA 5/2021 (Enforced disappearance and Torture of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu);
Others are the judgment of the High Court of Abia State Umuahia Division of 19 January 2022, HIN/FR.14/2021; the United Nations Human Rights Council working Group on Arbitrary Detention opinion of 30th March – 8th April 2022 opinion no 25/2022; the judgment of the Federal High Court Umuahia Division of 26th October, 2022, FHC/UM/CS/30/2022; the judgment of the High Court of Enugu State of 26 October, 2023, E/20/2023; the judgment of the court of appeal of 13th October, 2022 with Appeal No CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022 and the judgment of the Supreme Court of 15th December, 2023 with Appeal No SC/CR/1361/2022.
Kanu had been detained since his repartriation from Kenya in June 2021 and rearraigned on allegations bordering on terrorism.
At the last hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 20, Kanu had protested his continued trial on terrorism charges, arguing that it was against the international treaties entered into by Nigeria.
However, while answering questions at the sectoral ministerial briefing to mark the one year anniversary of the Tinubu administration, Fagbemi said Kanu’s case was difficult, adding that only a competent court can resolve the matter.
The All Progressives Congress, (APC), has extended the tenure of the party’s Caretaker Committee in Rivers State.
This was the resolution of the National Working Committee, (NWC), of the APC at its 151st meeting held on Wednesday, 5th June 2024 at the National Secretariat in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party resolved to extend the tenure of the seven-man Caretaker Committee for another six months.
The statement said, “The membership of the Caretaker Committee remains as originally constituted: Chief Tony C. Okocha – Chairman, Chief Eric Nwibani – Secretary, Hon. Chibuike Ikenga, Prince Stephen Abolo, Hon. Silvester Vidin, Senibo Karibi Dan-Jumbo, and Miss Darling Amadi.”
Governor Alex Otti has hailed the new Abia State business environment, stressing that his administration is working very hard to clean up the business environment and make it conducive for new investments.
Otti who said this when he received a group of investors, led by Dr John Nwankwo, Chief Executive Officer of Comfort Stevens, a footwear manufacturing company located in Owerrinta, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA) said that he is working hard to bring back old ones that had left the state in the past due to unhealthy government policies.
Otti said that capital, by way of investment, is devoid of emotion and sentiment and only goes to places where the environment is conducive for it to thrive and flourish which is why his administration must work hard to ensure investments come to Abia.
According to Otti, “You may choose to relocate abroad in search of capital, but foreign capital will not come until you have created the conditions to attract it.
“No matter how much preaching you do, no matter how much of platitudes, capital has its own sense, it doesn’t have emotion, and it’s not sentimental, it just moves to where the environment has been prepared because the reward for capital is profit.”
Otti who assured the investors that his government would support them in realising their dream of official operation of their factory located in Owerrinta, said he would always align with projects geared towards meeting his agenda of providing job opportunities for the teeming unemployed Abia youth.
“I want to congratulate you for not giving up and I’m happy that you have gotten to this level that you are hopeful of commissioning by December.
“If there’s anything that we can do to support you to make that December a reality, please don’t hesitate to ask,” Otti assured.
Otti underscored the importance of local manufacturing and noted that no country has ever developed on the back of consumption of imported products without production, disclosing that his government is working very hard to support existing businesses and also attract new investors through favourable policies.
Otti added that supporting the Geometric Power company to come on stream and the various infrastructural upgrades going on in the State, including the dualisation of the Imo River-Umuikaa-Umuene road in Isiala-Ngwa South LGA, are all geared towards industrialisation of Abia.
Governor Otti expressed joy that one of the company’s plans is to train and upskill existing local shoe manufacturers in Aba and promised that his Government would partner with the company in that regard.
Dr John Nwankwo, who led the team of visiting investors from the United States of America, China, and Brazil recounted the ugly experience he and his team had gone through under the previous administration in trying to realise their dream of establishing a world-class shoe factory in Abia.
Nwankwo told Otti that, Comfort Stevens, in the last year of the new government has made tremendous progress that they decided on the visit to formally introduce to the Governor their large-scale industrial footwear project, which will be commissioned by December 2024, and thereafter start production.
Nwankwo, who presented different samples of high-quality shoes to the Governor, said that the fifteen thousand daily footwear production capacity factory will not only produce complete shoes but also shoe components such as gum, soles, insoles, and strings, among others.
He said that the mission of the company with its partners from the US, China and Brazil is to produce quality footwear that can compete favourably in the global market, adding that machines for the production of high-quality footwears and its components have arrived its facility in Owerrinta for installation before the end of June.
A Kano Federal High Court hearing the case against the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Kano State Government, has fixed 13th June, 2024, to decide whether it has the jurisdiction to continue with the matter.
Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, one of the deposed Kano Emirate senior councillors, had taken the Kano State Government to court for removing him unilaterally without his consent.
Barrister M. A Waziri, counsel to the plaintiff, argued that the court has full jurisdiction to hear the case.
He noted that his client was not given fair hearing before Emir Aminu Ado Bayero was deposed, leading to his removal as senior councillor, and as such, his rights were abused.
He also claimed that the processes leading to Sanusi’s reinstatement were illegal, and as a result, null and void.
But counsel to Sanusi, Barrister Muhamud A. Magaji, urged the court to decline the temptation of accepting the plaintiff’s narrative that it has jurisdiction to continue with the case.
He argued that it was indisputable that the State House of Assembly has powers to amend, repeal, or even create a law that suits the state.
He said the House of Assembly needs not consult the plaintiff when making or repealing laws.
The presiding judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, said two applications were before the court – that of jurisdiction and a motion to set aside the order stopping the reinstatement of Sanusi.
The Police Command in Kaduna State has confirmed a failed kidnap attempt by gunmen on Wednesday night on Alhaji Umar Musa, the Paramount Ruler of Ninzo Chiefdom in Sanga Local Government Area.
ASP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson of the command, however, told our correspondent that the whereabouts of the chief’s wife was still unknown.
Mansir said that security operatives have since been deployed to the forests around Sanga in search of the wife.
The Ninzo Development Association, in a statement signed by its President and Secretary, Prof. Moses Audi and Silas Anche, respectively, condemned the planned kidnap of their traditional ruler that led to the disappearance of his wife.
The statement however called for calm with a view to allowing the government to live up to its responsibility.
He thereafter adjourned to 13th June for ruling on whether the court has Jurisdiction to continue with the case.
The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 6, called on the Federal Ministry of Communications to develop measures to limit social media usage for children below 16 years in Nigeria.
The House said the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of school work.
It urged the federal government to adequately fund the educational sector in the country.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to review and apply stringent policies to the standards of education in Nigeria at all levels.
It further urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission to work with the Teachers’ Education Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and other relevant bodies to monitor the accreditation and strictly regulate the Continued Professional Development (CPD) of teachers in Nigeria.
The Committees on Basic Education and Services and Communications were mandated to ensure implementation.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Tackle the Dropping Standards of Education in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Ayodeji Alao Akala.
The House noted that the introduction of Western education changed the education landscape in Nigeria and placed educated Nigerians on a level playing field globally.
The House also noted that Nigerians have demonstrated educational prowess and capability globally, earning admirable seats in positions that only education provided.
It observed that the Nigerian educational sector is facing a continuous decline in standards due to poor funding, inadequate facilities, insufficient teachers, corruption, insecurity, poor supervision, poor policy implementation, and poor attitudes towards schoolwork.
The House said meanwhile the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of school work.
The House worried that the Nigerian school system is plagued with numerous social vices such as examination malpractices, cultism, hooliganism, and corruption.
It was alarming that despite the constant reduction in cut-off marks, secondary school students struggle to meet average marks, highlighting the importance of education in societal development, industries, and moral regeneration.
The House believed that Education is considered the foundation of societal development, moral regeneration, and people’s revival, serving as the lifeline of society;
The House said the government must take practical steps to address identified problems in the educational sector and foster the development of youth.
No fewer than 14 miners remain trapped under the rubble of a collapsed mining pit in Galkogo community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, according to the Niger State Police Command.
Recall that the mining site, operated by African Minerals and Logistics Limited, caved in following a heavy downpour, trapping about 50 workers.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, resulted in the death of one miner and left six others seriously injured.
Six miners managed to escape unharmed. Rescue operations are ongoing, with police and government officials actively involved.
Commissioner of Police Shawulu Danmamman, alongside the Commissioner of Homeland Security Bello Mohammed and Commissioner of Minerals Resources Garba Yahaya, visited the site to oversee the rescue efforts.
The police command reported that 20 individuals were initially trapped but six have since been rescued, leaving 14 still unaccounted for.
Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, provided details of the ongoing rescue operation. He said, “The Commissioner of Police visited the mining site incident, alongside the Commissioner of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of minerals resources.
“They arrived at the scene at about 1200hrs and the engineer in the site confirmed that 20 persons were trapped under the rock but 6 persons were rescued out of the 20 persons. 14 persons are still trapped under the rock. Efforts are still ongoing by the site engineers and rescue team to rescue the rest of the victims.”
Abiodun said the district Head of the area, Mallam Aliyu Umar, who was also present, corroborated the number of those trapped and expressed gratitude for the bravery shown by the police and local authorities since the incident.
He said the commissioner of Minerals Resources conveyed the government’s condolences to the affected community, expressing the state’s dismay over the incident.
”The CP also reminded them that mining activities have been banned by the Government in the state but people still go about the activities of mining. He warned the community to desist from such acts,” Abiodun added.
Residents of Ebonyi state have lamented the failure of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to restore electricity supply to the state, 48 hours after the organized labour called off its industrial actions on Tuesday.
Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent in Abakaliki, the state capital, lamented that states like Enugu, Imo, and other parts of Nigeria had their light restored on Tuesday, shortly after the strike was called off.
They wondered why the electricity Distribution Company was yet to restore light in the entire Ebonyi state.
The residents expressed sadness that between Monday 2nd June 2024 when the supply was cut off, and today Thursday 26th June 2024, they have lost billions of Naira and called on the relevant authorities to ensure that light is restored to the State as soon as possible.
A resident and business owner at the Abakaliki Timber Market, Mr. Chidi Ifejioba wondered why other southeast states have since gotten power supply while Ebonyi have been left out.
He said: “I don’t know if Ebonyi is not part of the States in the country, why people would always look down on us? Organized Labour called off the industrial actions on Tuesday and that same Tuesday, EEDC restored light to Enugu same day, there is Light in Imo State and other States of the country but today is Thursday, and there is no sign of light anywhere in Ebonyi state.
“Are we in Ebonyi not part of the electricity consumers? We spent thousands of naira to run the generator to remain in business and many of us who can’t cope had to shut down waiting for EEDC to restore light.
“The strike is becoming more harm than good to residents and I believe that those handling electricity supply should not join in the strike action again”
Another resident and a printer, Emeka Obiora called on the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru to urgently intervene and ensure that EEDC restores light to the State.
“I am a printer, there are many jobs there to print and I have already collected advance payment from my customers. We had already concluded on the price believing that I would run the machine on public power supply, but now am constrained. How much fuel am I going to use to run the machine for 5 days?
“Everybody in the State is now affected. Millions are lost each day the electricity Distribution company cuts off the light, now think of cutting off the supply for 4 days. It’s so disheartening.
“The unfortunate thing is that only Ebonyi State is affected. The management of the company is not even giving us any hope or explanations.
Imo govt can’t interfere in a matter that is at Supreme Court –Govt official
Police are not involved in land matters, it’s a civil matter -PPRO
Umuokanumee village in Ugbele community, Mgbidi in Oru West local government of Imo state is tension-soaked. The tension can only be doused by timely intervention of stakeholders, community leaders, traditional rulers and security agencies especially, the Nigeria Police, as represented in Imo state by Commissioner of Police Danjuma Aboki.
The intervention of the police has become necessary as one of their men, Inspector Augustine Odidika is allegedly involved in the community land tussle.
Findings revealed that the bone of contention is land dispute, which dates back to 1944. According to documents, the dispute over the land, known as ‘Ala Isi nkwu Okanumee’ was between Umuokanumee village and Umuochie, both in Ugbele Community.
“The legal tussle raged on till 24 of June 2014, when Justice K.A Orjiaku of the then Mgbidi High Court gave judgement in favour of Umuokanumee village in the suit as plaintiffs are as follows: Elder Sunday Mgbeajuru from a kindred called Umuihedoro, Augustine Ikegwuoha from Ozurumba kindred, paulinus Akukwe who was then the village chairman, from Umuihedoro kindred, Sylvanus Ireozor from Umunwasiri kindred, Edwin Nwowu from Umueluoka kindred and Peter Onyenamereibeya from Umuozurumba kindred, the four kindreds that make up Umuokanumee village were ably represented as plaintiffs,” the document made available to the reporter said.
Dissatisfied with the judgment which favoured Umuokanumee Umuochie appealed the judgement at the Court of appeal holden at Owerri on the 18th of August 2018. But the Appeal Court upheld the judgment of Mgbidi High Court, the chairman of the community said when they thought the legal battle was over and about to parcellate the land, they were served notice of Appeal at Supreme Court by Umuochie village.
According to him, at that point, Umuokanumee had exhausted her financial strength, as it became difficult to pay their lawyer.
“In order to raise the needed money, a resolution was passed by Umuokanumee Village Assembly that all married men who are entitled to share of the community land shall pay the sum of Hundred thousand Naira only, it was also agreed that those who promptly paid the said sum of N100,000 shall be given first, according to order of payments”
He explained that when it later dawn on them that the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court, they advised everyone to maintain status quo, pending Supreme court’s decision.
According to the Village Head, Dr. Alloysius Ikegwuoha, one of them, Inspector Augustine Odidika defied the order, allegedly using his position as a police officer to intimidate and harass members of the community. Inspector Augustine Odidika was also alleged to have forcibly entered into portion of the said land, claiming it belongs to his father, Odidika. Dr Ikegwuoha said: “He started erecting and defacing the land, the community tried to call him to order through his elder brother and the Head of his family, he insulted him and threatened to declared war against Umuokanumee community and true to his words, he has serially insulted, arrested, harassed, threatened and intimidated the critical stakeholders in the community, just to scare them away from the community so that he would have a field day in achieving his inordinate ambition against the community, which is already dead on arrival.
He revealed how Umuokanumee community had written petition to the Imo State Police Commissioner Danjuma Aboki and the Police Service Commission (PSC).
In the petition to the PSC dated 18th April 2024, with the headline; “Petition over the unprofessional activities of one Inspector Augustine Odidika serving under the Imo State Police Command”, the community, through their lawyers from G.C Nwowu& Associates, reported what it called, “Unprofessional activities of Inspector Augustine Odidika attached to the Imo State Police Command, Owerri”.
The petition to Imo PSC also alleged how Inspector Augustine Odidika, on the 4th of April, 2024, took some youths from Umuokanumee community and engaged youths from Umuochie community in free-for-all fight, where dangerous weapons were freely used.
“He uses teargas at random, to harass and chased away people who have come to farm in their lands. On the 6th of April, 2024, he masterminded another fight which almost resulted in the death of one Mr. Chukwudi Mgbeajuru, he narrowly missed death, and however, he lost one of his fingers to that unrest.”
The petition continued: “The youths of the other community are using the unprofessional conduct of Inspector Augustine Odidika to attack the youths of our client’s community”.
“Our clients fear that the way things are going between the said Inspector Augustine Odidika and the youths of the community, it may occasion loss of lives, hence, the urgent need for redeployement of the said Inspector Augustine Odidika to a reasonable distance place out of South East, so that the youths, who are influenced by him will cease all hostilities in the community at his absence, he has really become a native influence in the community”.
The petition concluded by appealing to the Chairman, Police Service Commission to use his good offices to invoke the power of his exalted office to bear on the matter before it is too late.
IGP of Police
In the petition addressed to Imo police Commissioner Danjuma Aboki, with the headline; “Threat to life, forcible entry and acts capable of breaching public peace”, the community, through their lawyer, N.C. Ogbenna Esq narrated the activities of Inspector Augustine Odidika over the land, in connivance with some youths and the detractors of Umuokanumee community to foment trouble.
The petition by Umuokanumee village said further: “Rather than use his office as a security agent, he is now using it against his own people, intimidating members of his own community. We have it on good record, all the voice notes wherein he reeled out his threats against our clients and their family members; at the appropriate time, we shall submit same to the appropriate authority”.
In conclusion, the petition to Imo CP, which was dated 6th April 2024, said: “But the truth remains that there is a limit to human endurance. Our clients cannot perpertually hold the youths from fighting for their rights, hence, this petition. We, therefore, most humbly beseech you, Sir, to invoke the powers of your exalted office to bear on this matter before it is too late.”
It was gathered that on the 10th of May, 2024, police officers from Zone 9 came to effect the arrest of Augustine Odidika Azubuike Ireozor and Jude Odidika, but they resisted arrest, thereby, creating scene. “They went about circulating false information, using online publishers to claim that Imo state government has given them the land, which matter is still at the Supreme Court.
The false publication has given them the impetus to go about jubilating and telling unsuspecting members of the public that the Governor has given them the land that is still subject of litigation at the Apex Court of the land.
“The youths of the two communities that are contesting the land the Supreme Court are alarmed and agitated by the false news, hence, the need to counter same before it gets out of hand,” Dr. Alloysius Ikegwuoha said.
Investigation by the reporter revealed that there was no time Imo State government is supporting any party in the land matter that is at the Supreme Court. It was also gathered that a particular group is dropping the name of Imo state government for selfish goal, as Imo state government cannot do the job of Supreme Court.
“It is a lie, the government knows the law and cannot go against it. The youths of Umuokanumee should leave the government out of this and allow the law to run its full course. That publication is false,” a source who pleaded anonymity said.
When the reporter visited the Imo State Police Command severally, to seek the reaction of the Commissioner of police, DanjumaAboki, he was not on seat but the Command’s PPRO, Henry Okoye, an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) said the police are not involved in land matters as it is a civil matter.
He said Police could only be involved, if such land tussle poses a threat to peace and security of the community. He, however, warned the affected villages and youths, to desist from actions or activities that could threaten peace in the community.
In a passionate appeal, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, a political analyst and member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from Imo State, has urged Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha to join the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Opara emphasized that APGA is not just a political party but a symbol of hope and welfarism for the people of Imo State and the Southeast region.
He highlighted the party’s focus on the welfare of ordinary people, citing the successes of previous APGA administrations in prioritizing the needs of the people.
Opara cautioned against the dangers of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and pressure groups, which he believes are fleeting and lack the stability and commitment of a true political party like APGA.
He pointed to the example of His Excellency, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who rode on the “My people, my people” mantra but ultimately failed in his attempt to connect with the center.
Opara extended an invitation to Rt. Hon. EmekaIhedioha to join APGA, emphasizing that the party is the true voice of the Southeast and the only viable option for sustainable political progress in the region.
A yet-to-be-specified number of people lost their lives when a trailer lost control and crushed two tricycles at Oba, along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday.
Our correspondent gathered that the fatal crash occurred at about 9am and the victims were said to be on their way to attend a church service when the accident occurred.
Sources at the scene said the heavy-duty truck failed brakes, lost control and while the driver was trying to control the vehicle, It eventually rammed into the two fully loaded tricycles, thereby pushing it and some of the occupants into a ditch.
Some of the victims were said to be run over by the truck as some victims were stick stuck by the tyres.
An eyewitness at the scene who simply gave her name as Amaka, said, “The accident occurred this morning as the revenue collectors stopped the tricycles for money, while this was going on, the oncoming truck which had already failed brakes rammed into the two tricycles, thereby pushed them into a nearby ditch.
“While some of the victims fell into the ditch, others were run over by the truck. It was a terrible sight to behold. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to attend to the injured and retrieved the bodies of the victims. As of now, five individuals have been confirmed dead, while the search for any other potential casualties is ongoing.”
This was also corroborated by some gory videos already trending online showing some of the bodies of the victims littering the road, where a voice noted that the tricycles were hit in quick succession because they were driving close to each other.
As of the time of filing this report, a crowd had subsequently besieged the scene and gridlock took over the ever-busy road as people rushed to the accident scene while the affected vehicles were blocking a major part of the road.
Local authorities were seen investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and are working to determine the exact cause of the brake failure and the actions of the tax collectors that may have contributed to the tragic incident.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra State, Adeoye Irelewuyi in a short statement, confirmed the accident.
He said, “Yes, there was a road traffic crash at Oba along the Onitsha -Owerri expressway earlier today. Details of the crash are still being gathered. Some youths in the town and others are allegedly protesting over the incident.”
National Vice Chairman, South East Zone of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. IjeomahArodiogbu, has saluted the 24-year old Imo born 2nd Lt. Princess OluchukwuOwowoh, for Graduating in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), in Berkshire, England, in flying colours.
Arodiogbu stated that, like General Yakubu Gowon and Lt. Col. ChukwuemekaOdumegwu-Ojukwu, 2nd Lt. Princess OluchukwuOwowoh, as a female soldier, has made Igbos and Nigerians proud.
Arodiogbu who gave the salute in a release signed by his Special Adviser, Engr. ChikeEmenike, on Sunday, in Abuja, the Capital Territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, described Owowoh as a true Igbo breed.
According him him, “I join His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Nigerian Arny and His Excellency and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to salute and congratulate this amazing young female officer who has done us proud.
“I also thank Her Excellency, the First Lady, Senator. Mrs. Remi Tinubu, who, on Monday, graciously hosted 2nd Lt. Owowoh, one of the 135 Officer Cadets that recently graduated, in recognition of her exemplary accomplishment.
“I would like to urge other young women in Imo State and, indeed, all over Nigeria, to emulate 2nd Lt. Princess OluchukwuOwowoh and aspire to be the best in their chosen career.”
Arodiogbu reflected that “the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (RMAS) in Berkshire, England, has produced for the Nigerian Army, a long list of illustrious officers, the most prominent among which we recall just two – General Yakubu Gowon and Lt. Col. ChukwuemekaOdumegwu-Ojukwu.
“The several others not mentioned are no less prominent and had all served our nation meritoriously in various capacities. But that special breed of officers had all been male soldiers. Then came 2nd Lt. Princess OluchukwuOwowoh, the equation changer, a proud daughter of the land and a citizen of Imo State, who altered the tradition, to join the illustrious roll of RMAS produced army officers for Nigeria. She became the sole representative of the female gender within the RMAS alumni in the Nigerian Army.
“The 24-year old Owowoh, an indigene of Imo State, was one of the Officer Cadets to graduate during RMAS sovereign parade in London on April 12, 2024”.
Who is who including governors of Peoples Democratic Party has celebrated Senator AldophusWabara on his 76th birthday as well as honour him on his confirmation as the Party Board of Trustees chairman..
The grand reception was Orgarnised by PDP Abia chapter in collaboration with Peoples Democratic Institute, Abuja on Saturday at the trademore event centre Umuahia.
Speaking, governor, SeyiMakinde of Oyo state said the Southeast is important region to Nigeria, he encouraged the zone and advice that what ever they are passing through now they should not be discourage.
He commended senator Wabara for all his achievement in Nigeria including PDP.
He reiterated that the senator has restored hope in Nigeria. He regretted that Southeast used to be PDP state but today only Enugu is PDP state. He said hope is not lost yet.
Governor Makinde maintained that senator Wabara is important to the party as he has restore hope to their party. He said they have come to celebrate him on his birthday and his position as the chairman Board of Trustees.
Speaking also the governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mba lauded the celebrant for achieving alot in Nigeria politics adding that he held sway during the great days of their party.
He assured that they will surely reposition the party before the next general election assuring that the party will take it pride of place.
In his speech, the acting National Chairman of the party, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagun, said the gathering of PDP to celebrate Senator Wabara birthday and his new position as the Board of Trustees chairman is very significant. He said the party need him more now to draw from his loaded well of wisdom and seek solution to the nation’s political quagmire.
He said the celebration is well deserved considering his enormous contributions in the political jurisprudence of their party in particular and the nation at large.
“Your large mark achievements during your tenure as the highest ranking officer in the nation speaks volume and commitment to public service is a great inspiration to future generation”.
Speaking the governor of Abia state, Dr Alex Otti said his government is non discriminately adding that once you are residing in Abia you are seen as a citizen. He said because of this policy an Edo man attained the highest position as permanent secretary.
He revealed that senator Wabara is a good man and not tribalistic, he disclosed to the party that they did not make mistake by chosing him as their Board of Trustees chairman.
He said he was happy that he was invited by the party adding that even if he was not invited he would still have come because senator Wabara is a man he holds at high esteem.
He regretted the killing of soldiers in Aba said once he leave the venue, he will be going to visit the families of the slain soldiers.
Dr Otti maintained once again that the state was safe advising them to jettisoned the advice of those discouraging them from holding the event in Abia. He disclosed that his government would do all possible to smoke out the killers of the gallant soldiers.
Other governor present are Edo state, Bauchi state, some present and past senators, House of Representatives members and party faithfuls, including the state chairman of the party, DrAlwellAsiforo
Highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the birthday cake.
End
Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady (Dr.) Chinyere Ekomaru has marked her birthday with a visit to Widows, Orphans and Destitutes Care Center, Owerri, where she celebrated with the orphans and less privileged children living at the Center.
The Imo number two citizen, who was full of appreciation to God for adding another year to her age, with numerous blessings; sang, danced and interacted with the children. She also fed them and cut her birthday cake with them.
The Deputy Governor was so passionate about the state of the children as she carried them one after the other.
In her speech, she stressed that Governor Hope Uzodimma cares for everybody in the state, without exception. That he cares for the children at the center and those at other similar places in the state.
“Today, in continued commemoration of my birthday, I cooked my birthday rice and decided to come and share with you. You are so dear to me, our Governor, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma and his amiable wife, Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Uzodimma. God will keep protecting you while we continue to pray and provide for you. I came with my grandchildren, so they will know that there are children in need and without parents that demand our care, love, prayers and protection. I want to also inculcate in them, the spirit of charity”, the deputy overnor said.
To the staff of the Center, she thanked and encouraged them to continue making the children look decent and healthy.
“Because you care for them, they will live a fulfilled life and God will bless all of you. Some of my staff will come back here to ascertain the details of all you need to make the children happy and comfortable while I make efforts to reach out to other less privileged homes in the state”, the Deputy Governor added.
The elated children whose happiness was so obvious due to the visit of the Deputy Governor, sang and prayed for the Imo number two citizen, her family and Imo state government, while the Cordinator of the center, Mrs. Akunna Ngozi, thanked and appreciated the Deputy Governor for coming to share her moment of joy with the children.
Earlier, the Imo Deputy Governor, celebrated with staff of her office, after their usual Saturday farming exercise at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, Owerri.
She thanked the staff for their commitment to agriculture which she had identified as the panacea to the present biting food insecurity in the state and country.
“Today’s farming exercise is part of the activities marking my birthday, hence, I decided to celebrate with you. It offers us the opportunity to familiarize better, interact with ourselves, socialize, wine and dine together. I am celebrating my 58th birthday in the wake of all the eventful moments that have come my way recently, yet, I didn’t plan an elaborate party but will seize every opportunity to show gratitude to God for his love and blessings to me. I am so happy to be with you at this special period of my life.
While complying with the charge of the wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and the Imo First Lady, Bar (Mrs) Chioma Uzodimma, to go back to agriculture, we must also celebrate ourselves in a moment like this”, the Deputy said.
Speaking during the Deputy Governor’s happy moment with her staff was her husband, Chief (Bar) Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN. Chief Ekomaru described his wife – the Deputy Governor as the ‘engine house of his “Obiaozuma”.
He submitted that his marriage to his wife has been a blessing all through, as their marriage produced three vibrant boys, one of whom is today, the Deputy Chief of Staff, office of the Deputy Governor.
The Apex Leader of Mbaitoli APC, Chief MarcellinusNlemigbo while speaking, asked all the staff of the deputy governor’s office and all Imolites to continue to support the deputy governor and the governor to succeed.
He also advised the staff to train their children well, as he made reference to the mother of the Imo Deputy Governor, MrsMaribe, whom he said, trained her children very well.
Adding his voice, was Dr. Cyril Okafor, who is an in-law to the Ekomarus. He described the marriage between the deputy governor and her husband as ‘divine and well designed by God’.
An eze elect of NsirimoAmaise autonomous community, in Umuahia South LGA of Abia state, High Prince Dr. Charles Chukwuemeka Amanze (PhD) who is also the Amadioha Nsirimo has threatened to invoke the gods of the land to few individuals who decided to make the community ungovernable.
Amanze made this known through a World Press Conference which he held at his country home at Nsirimo, he said on the 25th and 27th of March this year, his people presented him to the Mayor of Umuahia South LGA Chief Victor Ikeji and the Local Government Council as their Eze elect but regretted that a few opposing his Ezeship are doing all possible to frustrate him.
He said the Ezeship position has been vacant since eight years ago untill out of divine intervention, he offer himself for the Ezeship and his people accepted him, he however wondered why a few persons from the community is trying to frustrate the good intention.
“That day I announced to you that I have received a divine mandate to build the brightest nation on earth, starting with my immediate community of Nsirimo. This is an assignment I have committed myself to its executions by offering a leadership, not just of the head, but more of the heart. Within this period, my team and I have made significant strides in addressing our community’s challenges.
“It is deeply troubling and regrettable that after eight years we have not been able to install the pride of our Cultural Heritage in the community even when there is a constitutional procedure for the accreditations of aspiring Candidates yet the same people involved manhandled it”.
Amanze made it clear that they are in democracy and instead of causing crisis over the Ezeship they have the constitutional right to present their own candidate to the Local Government Council and they should allow the people and government to take their decision.
He urged those who believed in his ability to take the community to a greater height and who were part of those who presented him to the LGA Council not to identify with the likes of the President General and other collaborators, the village heads and urged that they should not allow this people to intimidate them or urge them to pay the fine they imposed on them.
He said as the son of Nsirimo who is in tune with the culture and traditions of the land and if such persons do not have a rethink or redress their steps he will be forced to invoking the Law of the land upon them.
He regretted that the community faces critical challenges that threaten the very fabric of the existence, at a time Nsirimo battle with economic hardship that leaves many household in pains, at a time the people in some parts of the community cannot go to their farms or go to sleep with their eyes closed, they need some form of reassurance from their leader the king to keep hope alive. They need to see concrete actions taken by those they have entrusted with power, but they were met with defeat of their expectations.
He commended Governor Alex Otti, for his giant strides in infrastructure and construction of roads noting that this will enhance growth and development of the various communities. He said because of the passion he has for his community he will use all within his disposal to bring growth and development.
Markets and other public facilities have been reportedly closed down as tension heightens in parts of Aba, Abia State, following the gruesome murder of five military personnel by gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB).
The bloodthirsty gunmen, who have been wreaking havoc in the Southeast, attacked a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill in Obingwa Local Government Area on Thursday.
The incident, which claimed the lives of five soldiers, occurred when suspected members of the proscribed secessionist group were enforcing sit-at-home in the region to mark the 2024 Biafra Heroes Day.
The daredevil gunmen also destroyed two patrol vans belonging to the military.
It was gathered that at least six civilians were also killed in the crossfire.
The soldiers who paid the supreme price are: Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu, Sergeant Bala Abraham, Corporal Gideon Egwe, Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu and Corporal Augustine Emmanuel.
Reacting to the incident, the Defence Headquarters on Friday vowed to fight back, saying it would be fierce in its response.
A statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba accused IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, of carrying out the heinous attack.
“The situation leaves more to be desired. Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.
The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” the statement said.
Our correspondent gathered that hours after the military’s stance, the entire Aba was enveloped in palpable fear.
Reports emerged on Saturday that the tension was heightened as two military helicopters were sighted hovering over the Ogbor Hill area and environs.
Sources told our correspondent on Saturday that the city of Aba is currently under siege by the military, triggering fear of attacks.
It was also gathered that some schools were closed on Friday following the statement by the military.
President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL), Goodluck Ibem told our correspondent that the military has shut down four markets, including Ngwa Road Market, Alaoji Market, Cemetery Market and Enyimba Market since the incident happened.
“There is a serious tension in Aba right now. The presence of the soldiers alone is very intimidating. They have blocked any road that leads to their checkpoint. No vehicular movement in those places.
“Some markets are no longer functional because the military closed them down.
They have closed down four markets. Ngwa road Market, Alaoji Market, Cemetery Market and Enyimba Market are not functioning at the moment.
“Other markets are scanty because of fear of attack by the army”, the COSEYL’s President General added. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Chinaka Maureen declined speaking on the tension, saying “it is a military matter, I only speak for the police”.
However, a police source, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development, saying people no longer step out of their homes.
According to him, the only solution to the impending face-off between the army and the community where the attack was carried out is for residents to fish out the assailants.
He said, “The Nigerian army will not back down until the perpetrators are apprehended.
“So the best thing the people of Aba will do to save the innocent people is to bring out those that carried out this attack.
The Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin OkezieKalu, the wife of the former Governor Lagos State, Mrs. Botanle Ambode, the speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Gabriel Gewan, the former Chief of Staff to Imo state Government, Hon. Uche Nwosu were among those that was honoured with a prestigious award during a Grand Finale of an event organized by Women Of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) a Non -governmental organisation founded by the former first lady of Imo State, Dr. Mrs Nkechi Okorocha.
The Summit tagged ,”The Power of An Inspired Women” held at Rochas Foundation College of Africa, Owerri.
Speaking during the event, Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu expressed joy to be part of the closing ceremony of 2nd WODDI inspiring women summit.
Hon kalu noted that the WODDI summit 2024 has not only been a platform for sharing knowledge and experience, but a catalyst for self- discovery, confidence building and embracing the holistic well-being of women.
He pointed out that the House of Representatives was considering a bill to Improve the represention of women in legislative institutions which is chiefly sponsored by him.
He promised to host the 2025 WODDI summit in Abia State, to enable the women in Abia State participate fully in the programme.
Also Speaking the Plateau State Speaker, Rt Hon. Gewan Commended the founder of WODDI, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha for organizing such a wonderful event.
Hon Gewan said that the Award will encourage him to contribute more towards the welfare of women in the society.
In her speech the Founder of WODDI ,Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha thank God for the success of the 2024 WODDI event and thanked the personalities who attended the event.
Mrs Okorocha said that she is passionate about women, adding that the 5 days event will go a long way in inspiring women in every area.
Adding his Voice, the former Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha pointed out that women deserve more respect, recognition and empowerment in the society.
A housewife, Omolara Oluwakemi, has allegedly smashed her husband’s head with pestle while he was fast asleep.
The incident occurred at the sleepy town of Akungba, Akoko southwest local government area.
It was gathered that the late husband, Seidu Jamiu, and his wife had an altercation the night of the incident over a side chick of the husband.
Witnesses said they were surprised when the wife called for help at night and they rushed in to see the gory sight of her husband.
One of the witness who gave his name as Chief Awesu said he was among those who saw unconscious Jamiu in the pool of his blood.
The deceased was confirmed dead at the hospital he was rushed to.
His wife has been detained by the police and transferred to the police headquarters for further investigation.
Sympathisers said the deceased recently bought a car for the suspect.
Ondo Police spokesman, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said it was the deceased’s wife that reported at the police station in the morning that some people killed her husband in the midnight of Saturday.
She said the wife was the complainant of the incident adding that no arrest has been made.
According to her , “I can’t confirm that the victim’s wife killed him because it was the woman that reported the matter at police station. We have not made any arrest now but investigation has commenced into the incident “
THE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has called on the Kano State government to pay its members their entitlements, saying that life has become so unbearable for the affected members in the midst of economic hardships in the country.
The North West Zone of SSANU, lamented that the Kano state government is owing members of two State owned universities entitlements ranging from promotions arrears; hazard arrears; arrears of earned allowance as well as 2018 consequential adjustment on the minimum wage arrears.
According to the union, the two universities being owed their entitlements are Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, ADUSTECH, formally, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil and Yusuf Maitama Sule University, YUMSUK formally, Northwest University, Kano.
A statement issued at the end of its 6th Regular Executive Council Meeting, held at Federal University Birnin Kebbi, signed by the National Vice President, Comrade Aliyu Adamu and the zonal Ag. Secretary Comrade Hauwa Abdullahi Danbatta, stated that “its surprising that Kano state government is yet to pay SSANU members at ADUSTECH, Wudil the 2021 and 2022 promotions arrears; hazard arrears; arrears of earned allowance as well as consequential adjustment on minimum wage arrears.”
The statement further explained, “At YUMSUK, our members are yet to receive the outstanding six months consequential adjustment arrears. Even the palliative paid to civil servants in Kano state was not given to our members of the two state owned universities.”
While describing the action of government as “absurd”, the North West zone of SSANU said, “Our understanding and belief on the Kano State administration’s priority to education is put to check by the inability of the government to settle our members entitlements as well as the absence of governing council for more than a year in the two state owned universities.”
The statement added that the neglect meted out to workers in the two universities leaves much to be desired and called on the state government to immediately reconstitute the governing councils of both universities and without further delay pay all the arrears of salaries and allowances being owed the workers.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the sum of N494,000 national minimum wage being demanded by organized labour, which cumulatively amounts to the sum of N9.5 trillion bill, is capable of destabilizing the economy and jeopardizing the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.
Idris stated this at a news conference in Abuja in response to the threat by the organized labor to embark on strike if their demands were not met.
He said the offer of N60,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government, which translates to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019, has been accepted by the organized private sector, which is a member of the tripartite committee of the negotiations team.
“The Federal Government’s New Minimum Wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage 2019. Labour, however, wanted N494,000which would increase by 1,547% on the existing wage.
“The sum of N494,000 national minimum wage which Labour is seeking would cumulatively amount to the sum N9.5 trillion bill to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Nigerians need to understand that whereas the FG is desirous of ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, what is most critical is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, who may not be able to pay the wage demanded by the OrganisedLabour,” he said.
The Minister said even though Labour is keen on the take-home pay of about 1.2 million workers, the Federal Government is concerned with the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians based on its Guiding Principle of Affordability, Sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy.
Idris appealed to the OrganisedLabour to return to the negotiating table and embrace reasonable and realistic wages for their members.
He said because of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the welfare of workers, the wage award of 35,000 for Federal workers would continue until a new national minimum wage is introduced.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB), has rescheduled its 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME), for 24,535 candidates.
JAMB rescheduled the UTME due to the substantial non-compliance with its standards in the centres of the affected candidates.
The board also directed affected candidates to print their supplementary Examination Notification Slips from Tuesday, 4th June, 2024, to ascertain their designated examination centres.
In a statement he signed on Sunday, JAMB’s spokesman, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the Board has also released additional 3,921 withheld results.
The statement reads in part: “The Board has painstakingly analysed the process and conduct of the 2024 UTME in some centres where there are strong proofs of substantial non-compliance with the Board’s standards.
”Consequently, 24,535 candidates have been rescheduled to retake the examination in their chosen Examination Towns on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
”Meanwhile, 3,921 outstanding 2024 UTME results that had been cleared have now been released.
”Therefore, concerned candidates are urged to check their results from Saturday, 1st June, 2024 by sending RESULT to 55019 or 66019 to ascertain their status as those cleared would have their results while those rescheduled would be told that they had been rescheduled.
”This release brings the total results released to 1,883,350. The rescheduled examination, which is taking place on Saturday, 22nd June, 2024, two weeks from now, is to give affected candidates adequate time to prepare for the exercise.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) Hon. Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma has commended His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State for the installation of street lights in all the major roads in the Urban areas and urged the drivers and commuters to make good use of them for their safety.
The Deputy Chief of Staff made the commendation when the Leadership and Members of the Imo City Transport Drivers led by the President Elder AnaelechiUkanwune paid a courtesy visit on him in his office at Government House, Owerri.
He recalled how the Government embarked on urban road renewal to ease the movement of commuters within the city, as well as elongate the lifespan of city transport vehicles which helped the transporters to earn more money and improve their economic well-being.
The Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) further thanked His Excellency the Executive Governor for the necessary empowerments and assistance he has been giving to the City Transport Drivers and appealed to the Governor to continue to support them, saying they are very important in the economic growth of the State through their contribution to the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Responding to their presentation, Chief Uzodimma appreciated them for remembering that the 3R administration in Imo State has been favourable to them in many ways for the past four years.
Furthermore, he reminded them of how the Government reduced the taxes and rates they pay on daily basis and at times gave them tax holidays as a palliative to cushion the effects of economic challenges the City Drivers faced.
The Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) thanked them for coming and advised them to continue to be law-abiding, observe traffic rules and urban neatness by ensuring that their commuters do not liter the streets of the City and urged them to ensure they worked together to reduce to minimum, Urban/City accidents.
In the address of the President, Elder AnaelechiUkanwune read by the General Secretary, Comrade Andy Ekezie said their mission was to congratulate the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) Hon. Ferdinand Uzodimma on his meritorious appointment, saying that his appointment was never an accident, considering his past track records in politics and administration.
They thanked the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, specifically for the appointment, in addition to his transformational leadership qualities in Imo State in the past 4 years in the State, as is significant in the areas of road revolution that have made both commercial bus drivers and commuters in Imo State to enjoy ease of transportation.
They recalled the nightmare drivers passed through, crossing Ekemele in Ikeduru LGA along Owerri/Okigwe road where most of their members constantly had accidents that led to loss of lives and properties of Imo Citizens.
They recalled how Governor Uzodimma made them proud in December 2021 and 2022 respectively by given them 25 Litres free fuel as Christmas bonus which they described as the first of its kind in the history of Imo State. On the above basis they sincerely commended, applauded and appreciated the Governor for his magnanimity and benevolence.
Again they reassured the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) of their loyalty, cooperation and dedication to the 3R led administration in Imo State and said “Imo Transport System is sanitized for equity, justice and fair play to reign supreme’’.
Like Oliver Twist the Imo City Transport Drivers solicited for the intervention of the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) to ensure their group benefit from any future palliatives distributed by the State Government, as well as improved welfare packages to their members inform of grants.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has charged Muslims from Imo State going for Haji in Saudia Arabia to be good ambassadors of the State through their behaviour in the Holy Land.
Addressing the intending pilgrims at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri on Sunday, June 2, 2004 preparatory for their departure the Governor said least he expects from them on return is an award on good behaviour in Saudi Arabia.
He enjoined them to be “peaceful, cooperate with one another and be united in the Holy Land and avoid anything that will bring shame and ridicule to the State, the Muslim Community and the Nation in general.”
He mandated them to “strive to bring honour and pride back home.”
Governor Uzodimma promised, that on their return and settling down, that “government will set up the Imo State Haji Commission that will take responsibility for the planning and organisation of future Muslim pilgrimages.”
He appealed to them to focus on the primary objective of the Hajj, adding, “pray at Saudi Arabia for the well being of Imo State, her growth and development, as well as increase in the State revenue that will engender increased number of people going for Hajj in the future.”
Also, he challenged them to “pray fervently that enemies will no more see Imo State and that Imo State will, henceforth, experience unstoppable prosperity,” noting that “God already knows our problems, what He expects from us is speaking to him through prayers.”
The Governor acknowledged that their prayers during last year’s Hajj were positively felt in the State as “Imo returned to peace, the elections were peaceful and the State has been growing and developing tremendously.”
Concluding, he promised that next year’s Hajj will be better than that of this year and urged the coordinators of the programme to coordinate well.
In his remarks, the Sarki Hausawa, HRH Suleiman Awal thanked the Governor for his “magnanimity to the Muslims in Imo State, the show of fatherly love that have made them indigenes, not political but true citizens of the State.”
He informed that in 2023 the Governor sponsored 200 Muslims to Mecca and that this year, despite the economic challenges, he “has provided for 100 Muslims for Hajj in Saudi Arabia,” and described it as “a show of all promises fulfilled.”
He described the Governor as a man of large heart who shows benevolence to both Christians and Muslims in Imo State, without being political and described him as “the best Governor in Hajj sponsorship and freedom of worship in Nigeria.”
He assured the Governor that as the Ammiral Hajj for Imo State, he will remain loyal and that the Muslims in the State will not be a distraction to the Governor.
He prayed that God will bless the Governor and make peace to continue to reign in Imo State.
In her address, the National Commissioner representing South East at the National Muslim Commission, Hajia Aisha Obi, thanked the Governor for his support to the Muslim Community and the special interest he has in ensuring that Muslims in Imo State participate in the Pilgrimage.
She recalled how the Governor had cleared backlog of debts owed by Imo Muslims to the National Commission by the past administrations which she said “has facilitated their participation in the Hajj operations and they will never forget the gesture in a hurry.”
Hajia Obi said the Commission was very appreciative of the Governor’s gesture and will continue to pray for the success of the Governor and his government.
She promised that they will ensure that her team does not bring disrepute or shame to Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.
Presenting the Contingents to the Governor, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu described Governor Uzodimma as “an ecumenist and a detribalised Nigerian who does not discriminate between Christians and Muslims.”
He joined the Muslim community to thank the Governor in particular for his magnanimity and in general,all Imo Citizens.
Those present at the programme were the Deputy Governor, Lady (Dr) Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, the Senator representing Okigwe zone, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Enukwu, the Chaplain Government House Chapel who is also the Chairman Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Dr. Gilbert Alaribe and members of Imo State Expanded Executive Council.
The National Assembly has said that it will engage the organised labour as part of moves to avert the industrial action due to commence on Monday.
To this end, it urged all stakeholders to remain patient and co-operative as it works diligently to find a mutually acceptable resolution in the best interest of the country.
The legislative arm said its decision to intervene followed the deadlock between the Federal Government and the labour unions in ongoing negotiations for a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
A statement issued Sunday, jointly signed by the spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, revealed that the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, are taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action.
The National Assembly stressed that both parties, labour and the Federal Government, have tenable reasons for their respective positions.
The National assembly added that the strike action would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy.
Parts of the statement read: “The National Assembly acknowledges the announcement by Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024, nationwide.
“In view of this, the National Assembly Leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity respectively, Senator Diket Plang, and Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.”
It added that the 10th National Assembly was committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arraigned Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, an 83-year-old woman and founder of the renowned Arrow of God Orphanage, in Anambra State.
The arraignment was held at the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Justice Hauwa Yilwa, for alleged buying and selling of human beings for any purpose.
Clara Ogo, a retired Nigerian Army Lt. Col and a nurse, owns the orphanage, which is located at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi L.G.A., Anambra State, with branches in Lagos State.
The Arrow of God Orphanage came under scrutiny in 2023, after an investigative journalist exposed alleged illicit activities related to illegal adoption and sales of babies linked to the orphanage.
Following these revelations, NAPTIP launched a comprehensive investigation, resulting in Ogo’s arrest on October 3, 2023, at 15:10hrs within the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Awka, Anambra State.
The defendant was arraigned on a one-count charge, which states: “That you Ogo Chinwe Clara Deborah (F) 83 Years old, of 66 Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State and others (at large), on July 6th, 2023 at the above address within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did buy and sell a baby, female, 5(Five) months old, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Sections 21 of the trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015”.
Clara Ogo pleaded not guilty to the charge. The presiding judge granted her bail with a bond of N1.3 million and two sureties in like sum. She was subsequently remanded at the Onitsha Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned to July 10, 2024, for trial. Meanwhile, the orphanage has been sealed.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked God for the grace given to him to pull through the troubling political crisis, steadied governance, and celebrate first year in office.
The governor thanked all Rivers people for their trust, support, and various levels of contributions that strengthened the capacity of government to achievethe successes that have been recorded.
This was as he said there were plans to frustrate his government.
Fubara expressed gratitude at the special thanksgiving service to mark his first year in office at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
He said, “I still don’t believe that this administration is truly marking one year in office.”
Specifically, Fubara recalled that a few months ago, nobody had believed that it was going to be possible for them to come to church in gratitude
He said, “You won’t understand. I can tell you in good authority that even before we started this programme, there was every plan to frustrate us. But to the glory of God, we are all gathered here to say ‘God, thank you, that you have carried us and led us to this point’.
“Now, if we have God by our side, do we have any problem? I want to thank every one of you that are here to support us.
“I want to thank you especially, on behalf of my family and the government, you have given us honour, and you have made us proud. Without you, there wouldn’t have been any record of success. So, I want to thank you.”
Delivering the sermon at the service, Bishop of Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev, Wisdom Ihunwo, preached on the importance of people having grateful hearts when coming to God for thanksgiving.
Ihunwo said more than just being alive, God gives desired victories over the most troubling life challenges people face, and advised that they should always attribute their success to Him because without Him, nothing can be achieved.
The cleric assured that God will continue to crush those who are troubling Rivers people and strengthen the Federal Government to improve the national economy and reduce hunger in the country.
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old, Godstime Abhulime, for alleged kidnapping a four-year-old pupil and collecting a ransom of N300,000.
The State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect kidnapped the minor, a primary school pupil at Emaudo in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Adegboye said the suspect would soon be arraigned in court.
It was gathered that the suspect, who related to the victim, lured the minor out of the house and whisked her away on a motorcycle to an unknown destination.
An anonymous source close to the family, who spoke to newsmen, explained that the suspect and his accomplices kept the minor in captivity for two days before reaching out to her parents for ransom negotiation.
The source said one of the suspect’s accomplices, Destiny, popularly known as ‘Paulo’, who reached out to the victim’s family members, demanded for N7 million ransom.
He added that the family of the victim, however, reported the incident at the Ekpoma divisional police office who went on the trail of the suspect.
According to him, after much negotiations and out of fear that the kidnappers may harm the victim, the family paid N300,000 for the release of the girl.
“One of the suspects, Godstime who is relation of the victim was later arrested and confessed to the police they kidnapped the baby in order to get money to bail themselves from some cult members who threatened to kill them,” the source said.
June 1, (THEWILL)- The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) scheduled for Monday, June 3, will not disrupt its ongoing examination in Nigeria.
WAEC Branch Controller in Ekiti, T.A.Y. Lawson, disclosed this in a letter late Friday.
THEWILL reports that the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), which commenced in Nigeria on Tuesday, April 30, will end on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
Titled, ‘Notice of Commencement of Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC’, with reference number EK/BC/SC/EXAM/07/Vol.1/89, the letter addressed to Principals and school heads in Ekiti State reads: “The attention of Management has been drawn to a notice of the Commencement of Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC effective, Monday, 3rd June 2024.
“Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled.
“In as much as we share the concerns of the unions and the generality of Nigerians, the WASSCE SC is going on across the member countries of WAEC and the Nigerian Child should not be put to a disadvantage of missing the exam.
“For the aforesaid reason, WAEC will conduct the exam and School Principals, supervisors, parents and the general public should please take note and make adequate arrangements for their candidates to sit the exam.
In a bid to avert the planned nationwide strike, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the leadership of the Nigeria Governors Forum have invited the leadership of the Organized Labour for an emergency meeting Tonight, sources familiar with the matter told our correspondent on Sunday Afternoon.
“A meeting has been summoned by the senate president and the Nigeria Governors Forum. The meeting will be held Tonight,” a highly knowledgeable source said.
On Friday, the Nigeria Labour Congress declared an indefinite nationwide strike, starting on Monday, June 3, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage above N60,000.
The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, announced that the strike followed failed negotiations between the government and organised labour.
Despite the government’s final offer of N60,000, which included a recent increase from an initial N57,000, the labour unions found the proposal insufficient.
At the meeting, labour revised its demand, reducing it by N3,000 from the initial N497,000 proposed last week, setting the new proposal at N494,000.
Despite this concession, the negotiations remained deadlocked as the government maintained its offer of N60,000, leading to the declaration of a nationwide indefinite strike.
Donald Trump warned in an interview aired Sunday that if he is sentenced to prison after his historic conviction it could mark a ‘breaking point’ for his supporters.
In an interview aired Sunday on Fox News, the former president and current Republican White House hopeful acknowledged the possibility that he could be handed jail time or a period of home detention at his sentencing on July 11.
“I’m ok with it,” Trump said, but added he was “not sure the public would stand for it.”
“I think it would be tough for the public to take. You know at a certain point there’s a breaking point,” he added.
The warning will resonate in a country already concerned about the prospect of political violence in the increasingly heated run-up to the November 5 presidential election.
Trump will now be running as a convicted felon, and he has repeatedly made it clear he will not accept the result should he lose to President Joe Biden.
A New York jury on Thursday convicted Trump on all 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in the final stages of the 2016 presidential campaign to cover up a sex scandal involving porn star Stormy Daniels.
It was the first criminal conviction of a former president in US history.
Although each charge carries a possible four-year jail term, experts say it is extremely unlikely that the judge will actually hand down a custodial sentence.
Trump faces three other criminal trials, including one related to efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election he lost to Biden.
Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 after he delivered a fiery speech urging the crowd to “fight like hell.”
Breaking her silence following Trump’s conviction, Stormy Daniels said the former president should be put in prison.
“I think he should be sentenced to jail and some community service working for the less fortunate, or being the volunteer punching bag at a women’s shelter,” Daniels said in an interview with the British tabloid The Mirror published late Saturday.
After years of exchanging insults with Trump on social media, Daniels now says she finally has been “vindicated,” although she admitted she was “shocked” at how quickly the jury rendered its verdict.
Daniels also accused the White House hopeful of being “completely and utterly out of touch with reality” and compared him to a child at one point in the interview.
The former adult film actor and director helped bring Trump down in court with her gripping testimony, which included graphic descriptions of what she says was a casual sexual encounter in 2006.
“Being in court was so intimidating with the jurors looking at you,” she said in the interview, adding that she was glad it was proved that she had been “telling the truth the entire time.”
“It’s not over for me. It’s never going to be over for me. Trump may be guilty, but I still have to live with the legacy.”
Trump has continued to deny the sexual encounter, which prosecutors at his trial said had taken place shortly after his wife Melania had given birth.
In his interview with Fox News, Trump said the criminal trial had taken a toll on his wife, who was notably absent as other close family members attended the court proceedings in support.
“She’s fine, but I think it’s very hard for her,” Trump said.
“She has to read all this crap.” Melania Trump has barely engaged with her husband’s current White House campaign, failing to appear at a single Trump rally and rarely joins him in public.
A Georgia man, Jordan Talley, 27, from the United States of America, has been arrested for beating his girlfriend and killing a man who attempted to intervene in the altercation.
According to Fox News, Talley has been charged with manslaughter and domestic battery.
The report said the incident happened on March 31 in downtown Orlando.
Orange County deputies said a video captured Talley hitting a woman in front of a law office near the intersection of Robinson Street and Magnolia Avenue.
Talley allegedly pulled the woman by her hair and forcefully threw her to the ground
A bystander, Donald Storie, 64, was walking nearby with his wife, daughter and her fiancé when he heard the woman screaming for help.
The deceased family informed authorities that he headed in the direction of the screaming woman and, when he approached the couple, Talley punched him.
Storie died on April 23 after being taken off life support.
More surveillance video shows Talley and his girlfriend entering a car, which detectives were able to trace back to Talley’s home in Georgia.
He was taken into custody by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Talley admitted to detectives that he punched Storie, claiming he was concerned for his girlfriend’s safety.
Some Nigerian women have narrated the huge economic challenges confronting them in sustaining homes.
The women expressed their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
A Mother of four, Mrs Abiola Dipeolu, said that presently, the family spent a lot of money to keep the home going.
Dipeolu said that when she newly got married, she usually saved some money from the monthly allowance she received from her husband.
She said that the reverse was the case now, saying that what she received as feeding allowance hardly sustained the family for two weeks.
“I have to wake up as early as 4.00 a.m. to begin the hustle for the day and close by 6.00 p.m.
“Marriage is boring and uninteresting because the time for husband and wife to be together has been put into hustling” she said.
A Mother of three, Mrs Ronke Adu, said that she could not remember the last time she got financial support from her husband.
Adu said that the financial responsibilities had been shared and each of them took up his or her responsibilities.
She said that the present economic challenges had rendered some husbands mere figure heads in spite of the energy they put up on daily basis to make ends meet.
She noted that she had to do menial jobs like sweeping of compounds, cooking soup for the elderly and home cleaning on daily basis to make ends meet.
Expressing her views, a Mother of two, Mrs Busayo Adamolekun, said that she was a fashion designer by profession but when the reality dawned on her, she dropped her working tools and ventured into food selling.
Adamolekun said that food was one of the businesses now thriving.
She said her husband had to join the food business and closed his business centre because he no longer received patronage.
She said that some women took up the main financial expenses at homes, while their husbands only rendered support.
A Civil Servant and a Mother of three, Mrs China Okeke, said that it was a pity that the economy turned this way.
Okeke suggested that managing the home financially needed prudence.
“As a civil servant, I had to obtain loans to keep the home going,’’ she said.
She explained that the take-home pay was not enough.
A Grandmother and Pastor, Mrs Adefunke Clement, said that many women came to the church for financial help.
Clement said that there was no day a woman would not come to the church soliciting for meal.
She said that before now, the church used to have philanthropists who donated voluntarily, saying that now the church authorities had to announce before getting few donations”
“Women are going through a lot to put food on the table.
“Some go into four or five menial works on daily basis to keep the home going,’’ she said.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has notified the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) that their June 3 planned strike action is illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.
He has therefore warned them to shelve the strike and return to the negotiation table, so as not to run foul of the law guiding labour dispute.
In a letter to the leadership of the two workers’ umbrella bodies on the consequences of their actions in respect of the planned strike, the AGF faulted the mode of its declaration as being in gross violation of the labour laws.
The AGF, who cited various relevant laws, insisted that both the NLC and TUC ought to have served a 15-day notice on the federal government before contemplating any strike action.
He said the two bodies also violated the International Labour Organization, (ILO), laws because the conditions precedent for declaration of strike action were neither employed nor met.
He said the order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria which barred the NLC and TUC from going on strike is still in force and binding on all parties in the labour dispute.
The letter personally signed by the AGF emphasized that the order of the court had not been appealed by the NLC and TUC neither was it stayed or set aside and counselled the worker’s leaders to respect the subsisting court order.
He declared the planned strike action as premature, illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional and pleaded with the workers not to proceed with it.
The AGF, however, suggested that the two labour unions proceed to the negotiation meeting already adjourned to a date that would be communicated to them.
The letter is copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, National Security Adviser (NSA), Inspector General of Police IGP and Director General, State Security Service SSS.
A civil society organization, Global Integrity Crusade Network, (GICN), has dragged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, before an Abuja Federal High Cout over failure to release the probe report on the killing of a pregnant woman identified as Mrs Shitua Aso.
In an earlier petition forwarded to the IGP, dated May 2, 2024, GICN alleged that one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), hit the pregnant woman with her car in front of the Federal Capital Terrritory, (FCT), Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja, on or about May 30, 2010.
According to petition, the Police immediately commenced investigation into the incident but it yet to release its findings, 14 years after. GICN, in the petition, demanded the release of the report of the said investigation. However, following the failure of the Police to release the report as demanded, GICN has dragged the IGP before an Abuja Federal High Court, asking the court to compel the IGP to release information.
In the originating summons of the suit numbered FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, the plaintiff, GICN, prayed the court for an order of mandamus compelling the IGP to immediately release the Final Investigation Report on the incident.
The suit, dated May 29, 2024, asked the court to declare that the failure, refusal and or neglect by the IGP to release the information and documents requested for by the plaintiff amounts to violation of sections 4 and 5 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and is therefore unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal.
The plaintiff also prayed the court to declare that that by a true interpretation of Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, the respondent, being a public official cum custodian of information at Nigeria Police Force, which is a Public Institution within the meaning of Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, is obligated to furnish on request by the applicant a comprehensive, just and fair information and documents, as requested in the May 2, 2024 letter.
Listing facts in support of the suit, the plaintiff noted that “Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020, gives the Nigeria Police Force power for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged; amongst other duties within or outside Nigeria.
“On 2nd May, 2024 the applicant (GICN) wrote a letter to the respondent (IGP) requesting for a comprehensive and detailed FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORT of the case involving Asabe Waziri who hit a pregnant woman named Mrs Shitua Aso with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja, on 30 May, 2010.
“Till date, the respondent has failed, refused and or neglected to avail the applicant access to the information and documents requested vide their letter dated 2nd May, 2024, which was received at the office of the Respondent on 3rd May, 2024.
“The 7 (Seven) days within which the respondent is required by Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act. 2011 to furnish the applicant with the information and documents sought began to run from 4th May, 2024, and elapsed on 10 May, 2024.
“However, the respondent did not comply with Section 4 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, by giving notice to the applicant that access to all or part of the information sought will not be granted, stating reasons for the denial and the Section of the Act under which the denial is made.
The dust being generated by the death of a motor mechanic, Chukwudi Abraham, while in detention at the Octopus Strike Force of the Rivers State Police Command in Port Harcourt is yet to settle, as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo has staged a protest demanding justice.
The members of the Ohaneze Ndi Igbo gathered at the spare parts market in Ikoku, Mile two axis of Port Harcourt on Saturday afternoon where the deceased shop is located and marched around the place after they had paid a condolence visit to his family.
During the protest, they insisted that Chukwudi’s death in January this year was suspicious and called on the Inspector General of police to order a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances of his death, unmask the perpetrators and make them face the law.
Speaking to newsmen, the Eze Ndi Igbo in Rivers State and Bayelsa State, Sam Nwokolo, said the deceased was arrested by the tactical police unit led by a senior officer under what he described as a vendetta mission and was detained illegally.
Eze Nwokolo debunked claims by the police that Chukwudi was a kidnapper and detained him illegally, saying a close examination of the deceased body shows that he was tortured and resulted in his death.
While noting that a Pathologist had been consulted to conduct an autopsy on his body in collaboration with the police, he stated that a situation where an arrested suspect dies in detention, especially in the said circumstances leaves much to be desired.
He stated, “We visited the market where the deceased carried out his business to have firsthand information because one of our subjects, an Igbo son was murdered by the Nigeria police men Octopus, Rivers State.
“So we came to interface with the people, the spare parts dealers in Port Harcourt where he operated his business, the Igbo community and the family of the deceased. From our observation, we discovered that with the kind of business the deceased was into I don’t think he has a history of crime.”
Continuing, Eze Nwokolo, said, “You cannot just allege that the deceased is a kidnapper because you have personal problems with the man. Taking a personal vendetta is not tantamount to the person being tagged as a kidnapper.
“We want justice to take its cause. We have a government here in Rivers State and a Governor who listens to us. So we wouldn’t want to do something that might be tantamount to disrupting the peace in the state, knowing full well that we are over five million in Rivers State as a people.
“You cannot just kill somebody and go scot-free. So we have spoken to our people to remain calm and law-abiding that we will get justice for him. I have also spoken to the Governor and he has assured me that we will get justice.
So believing the state Governor, those that are responsible for his death will be brought to book no matter who, no matter what nomenclature he carries being him a police officer or whatever.”
Eze Nwokolo further said, “We have seen the corpse and from our observation, he was murdered. We have also contacted a Pathologist to carry out an autopsy to verify the cause of his death.
“He has two small children. His wife is in the village now, and he has an aged father and mother. He was the breadwinner of the family and took care of his family and his siblings.
“You cannot just come and switch off the bulb of a family. We won’t allow that to happen.”
Also speaking, the deceased younger sibling, Chibueze Abraham, expressed bitterness that his brother was arrested on 11th January 2024, but that the police denied the family and their lawyer access to him.
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has said that military coups cannot take place without the assistance of politicians and civilians.
Abdulsalami stated this on Sunday. He noted that it is the political field that allows any military man to take over power.
Abdulsalami in his words: “You see, whatever happens, it must be the political field that allows any military man to take over. When you are in government and there is no equity and justice, certainly this brings problem.
“You have a political party and even in the political party one belongs to, there is no democracy. So, certainly, you will expect some quivers, some quarrels to come out and if they are not handled amicably, certainly, this will result to military takeover.
“Remember there is no military man that takes over without the connivance and assistance of politicians and civilians”.
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has said that he has no regret handing over power to a democratically elected president.
Recall Abdulsalami handed over power to former president Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, after the country had experienced different military coups.
Speaking during an exclusive interview, he said “…I am happy with what is going on. Yes, everything is not perfect, but here we are today, celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy.
“Well, we thank God and I am very happy that it is now 25 years ago I handed over. And we thank God that Nigerians and Nigeria are enjoying the dividends of democracy.
“We are not yet there, but we have come a long way since 1999. The only drawback we have in the system is people still sell their votes and they do all types of things, they allow the politicians to use them in ballot box snatching here and there – unnecessary things that we should have overcome at this age. But gradually and thankfully, yes, Nigerians are gradually coming out of this menace, they are realising that their vote counts and they are making sure that their vote counts.
“Unfortunately, I still maintain, there are some very few people who abuse the process and they allow their votes to be bought. And if they are buying these votes, certainly they cannot be called to be accountable, the people who are being so elected”.
