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APC Publicity Secretary Shot Dead

The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Sylvanus Namang, is dead.

It was learnt that Namang was shot dead in Pankshin town, Pankshin Local Government Area of the state.

According reports, the deceased left home on Saturday to attend a burial in Pankshin, where he was suddenly killed outside his hotel room in the area by hoodlums who opened fire at him around 7:30 am.

Confirming the incident, an APC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Namang died from injuries sustained in the attack.

He stated that the late Namang was a dependable ally and deeply committed to the development of the APC at the grassroots and state levels, adding that the party would issue a statement regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

Delta polytechnic shut down as hoodlums invade hostel

Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku

Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, has been forced to close down following incessant attacks on students by hoodlums.

The Rector of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu announced the closure of the institution during the weekend.

According to her, students are expected to resume academic activities on Monday, February 26.

The Students Union Government, (SUG), of the school also issued a statement ordering all students in the hostels to comply with the management’s directive to proceed on semi semester break.

Reports from Ogwashi- Uku said most of the hostels outside and inside the campus have been deserted over fears of attacks by hoodlums.

Some students have lost handsets and laptops to the hoodlums, while some females have been raped.

An eyewitness who gave her name as Chisom Gladys, narrated how the hoodlums attacked the students.

“They went to the first room, bending the steel protector and pulling out the rods in the casement window in order to gain entrance and proceeded to rob the boy who stays in the room.

“If they had continued breaking down the doors like that, they would have come across my room, but it seems they noticed that most of the persons staying in the first block of the hostel were girls, so they switched to the second block which was occupied by boys and that was how I escaped being robbed.

“They robbed the first room in the block, carting away phones and other valuable properties and it was in the second room that they shot the boy residing there on the leg.

“According to what we heard coming from the room, the boy was shot twice, but the first bullet failed to penetrate his body, while he was able to extract the second bullet from his leg by himself before the police arrived and took him to the hospital hours later.

“The last room that was robbed was occupied by a boy who happened to be sleeping on his corridor because of the heat. Immediately he woke up and saw the robbers, he tried to run inside the house but he was caught and beaten thoroughly with cutlasses and other weapons.”

It was gathered that the state Commissioner of Police, AbaniwondaOlufemi, has summoned the area commander and the divisional police officer in Ogwashi-Uku over the matter.

Labour Party crisis: I’ll sue suspended Treasurer, Oparah for defamation —Abure vows

Abure

Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure has vowed to sue the party’s national treasurer, Oluchukwu Oparah for allegedly defaming his person, reputation and character.

Abure made this vow in an interview with Arise Television, during his right of reply to the claims of Oparah.

The Labour Party chairman said Oparah only made the claims to mislead the public and destabilize the party.

Abure said, “She has come to lie and to misinform members of the party in order to bring us and the party to disrepute. She was in this studio and said she never had access to the account and didn’t know how the account was run and so, I came here with these checks that she co-signed.

“Those checks that were signed between February and march 2021, but these are public documents that you can get from the bank and so you can ask her to bring the evidence that those monies were withdrawn without her signature.

“I must also state that beyond a right of reply, if not that there was an insistence that I should reply, ordinarily I will get people to reply and put all the facts before you. But I decided to come and make a few clarifications.

“My lawyers are working and by today, those cases of defamation will be filed against Oluchukwu Oparah who came on national television to defame my reputation and bring down my person.

“There is no way I would have taken this for granted. By today or tomorrow, my lawyers will file. I find it very embarrassing that it is even those within the party that are being used to destabilize the party.”

Abure also provided some cheques, which he said were signed by the national treasurer, who had claimed that she has no idea of what is going on with regards to the party’s finances.

He said “First and foremost, I need to make it abundantly clear that I am the first national chairman of the party that has been able to make and ensure that we have financial records in the office.

“Before my assumption as the national chairman in 2021, there were no financial records in the office. Oluchi Oparah has been the national treasurer of the office from 2014 till date. I will challenge her to bring all her records from 2014 till 2021 before I assumed office in 2021.

“I must make it clear that I have never at any point in time stopped or prevented Oluchi Oparah from carrying out her duties as National treasurer of the party. Today, it is no longer in vogue that people will pay into the treasurer’s account. People do direct transfers.

“I must also put on record here that it is not true that the party has collected over 3.5 billion. I need to make it clear that we already have audited reports made by a certified auditor of the party who has reviewed all the records and we have all the audited statements of accounts from 2022 to 2023.

“The total money that entered the party in summary between 2022 and now is 1.3billion. We also got 700 million which were the campaign funds that went straight to the campaign organizations for the campaigns. So, I didn’t know and I cannot reconcile where she got the 3.5 billion that she talked about.”

“We have three accounts. One in zenith, fidelity and one in UBA and then the signatories are myself as A signatory, national secretary as B signatory and the national treasurer as signatory C.

“The party came under attack just after the 2023 elections, obviously the intention is to destabilize, disorganize and take over the leadership of the party and therefore destroy the very foundation of the party so that there will not be credible opposition in the country. It is clear and very obvious that a lot of people are being used to disrupt the party.”

Meanwhile, Abure debunked the claims that he has plans to run for governorship in Edo state.

He said, “In Edo state for instance, I must say here that I am not interested in the gubernatorial race and I am not going to run.

“I feel like the process must be transparent, open and must be competitive and I feel the reason we have bad leadership is because all other political parties have lacked internal party democracy and therefore the best cannot come out of the parties, that’s why in Edo state, I have that responsibility to do that for the people of Edo that they get the best.”

Tinubu’s economic policies will soon yield positive results – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured Nigerians that the economic policies of the Bola Tinubu administration will soon yield positive results.

Wike gave the assurance on Sunday during a thanksgiving service organised by Senator Barinada Mpigi in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The minister called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s economic reform policies to address the economic hardship and poverty in the country.

According to Wike, it won’t be easy to turn the fortunes of the nation around in a short time frame, following the bad economy inherited by President Tinubu.

He said: “God in His infinite mercies will continue to give us the strength to work together to support Mr President. So many people in this country hardly remember yesterday, we are in a rush – we have problem, but have you asked yourself how was yesterday? Decisions of Mr President, if we are patient by the end of the day, we will get to where we want to get to.”

The event was also attended by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, among other dignitaries.

Organised Labour shifts ground on N1m Minimum Wage

NLC President

The Organised Labour is prepared to lower its demand for N1m minimum wage for workers in the country, in line with realities on the ground.

The President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and a member of the labour unions, Akeem Ambali, stated this in an interview.

Recall that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, had in a recent interview said the rising inflation in the country might push organized labour to demand N1 million as minimum wage.

Speaking with newsmen, Ambali, who is also a member of the Minimum Wage Committee, said the organized labour has shifted its ground on the N1 million proposed minimum wage.

Ambali said one of the principles of collective bargaining allows all parties to look into all factors before an amount would be agreed on.

He stated that the shift in position will likely be communicated to the Federal Government during the second meeting of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage on Monday and Tuesday.

He said: “The principle of collective bargaining allows compromise, once the parties look at all factors to ensure an agreeable amount is reached.

“The second meeting of the minimum wage committee has been slated for Monday and Tuesday.

On the timeline of March for the expiration of the current minimum wage, we hope that the committee, the Presidency, and the National Assembly will expedite action to ensure that the new Minimum Wage Act would have come to replace the old one by April 1, 2024.”

Tackle hunger, insecurity in Nigeria – Catholic bishop tells govt

Bishop David Jang of Lafia Diocese...

 The Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Most Rev. David Ajang, has urged the Federal Government to urgently take steps toward tackling hunger and the security challenges currently confronting the nation.

Ajang made the call on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Mass organised by the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, held at St Aloysius Catholic Church, Doma.

The bishop said tackling insecurity and hunger would not only promote peace but would significantly improve the living standard of Nigerians.

“This is a critical time; security is a big problem and the second one is hunger.

I think something is needed to be done” he said.

The cleric, who quoted various verses in the Bible, called on Christians and Nigerians in general to eschew evil, adding that such move would enable them inherit God’s kingdom.

Ajang also urged Nigerians to use their God’s given talents toward promoting peace and development in the nation.

He admonished Nigerians, especially the youths, to shun cyber and all forms of crime.

“Before now people were doing Yahoo in hiding, but today a lot are proud of doing yahoo in the open

”Young people must desist from all forms of crime, that way our society will be better,” the bishop advised.

He urged Christians to regularly show gratitude to God at all times, to attract God’s favour and blessings.

The bishop assured the deputy governor of his support and constant prayers for God’s guidance as he support his principal in running the affairs of the state.

Emefiele did many terrible things, we don’t even know what to charge him with – Akpabio

Emefiele

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has accused a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, of committing so many economic offences during his time in power as the head of the country’s apex bank.

The atrocities the Senate President accused Emefiele of committing include illegal possession of firearms, printing naira notes without authorization, and others which put Nigeria in an economic mess.

He said there is hunger in Nigeria today because of the type of policies and actions taken under Emefiele’s watch during the past administration.

Akpabio, however, submitted that despite the damages caused by the past administration, the government of President Bola Tinubu is battling to ensure Nigerians can sleep with their eyes closed and eat three square meals a day.

While appealing for patience from Nigerians, Akpabio, who spoke personally during a recent event, said the current leadership would get to the bottom of everything and turn things around for the better.

He said the damages that have happened in Nigeria for so many years can not be corrected in just six months.

Recall that Emefiele, after he was removed from office by President Tinubu, is currently standing trial before a court on charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit felony.

Economic hardship: ‘I don’t know why South East is quiet’ – Ex-NHIS boss, Yusuf

South East

Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, (NHIS), on Saturday, said he is surprised the South Eastern part of the country has remained quiet amid the worsening economic hardship facing the country.

This is even as he urged the President to buy food, flood the market and feed the people before things get too late.

Yusuf made this known on Saturday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

There have been agitations against the increasing hunger in some parts of the country, most of them from the south west and northern part of the country.

However, Yusuf found it surprising that the South East has remained calm.

He said: “I honestly don’t know why the South East is quiet, uncharacteristically quiet. But the President needs to find out. The North is where I know I live; even my heritage is. The silence in the North is more lethal than anywhere else in the country. And the President needs to listen to that.

“The silence in the North, from the people of the North, in spite of the suffering people are going through, is more lethal than people coming out.

“We are going into the month of Ramadan, people are going to pray. We ask the President to buy food, flood the market and feed the people before things get too late.

“The whole country is suffering. There’s hunger in the land. We hope you listen. Don’t listen to your advisers. Bring a whole lot of money for food, don’t wait for the governors.”

Bandits kill six, abduct five in community

Six people have been killed while five others were abducted in an attack by bandits on Kwasam community, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A resident of the community, who pleaded anonymity, said in a telephone interview on Saturday that the incident happened a few minutes after 10pm on Friday.

He said the bandits came in large numbers and were armed with sophisticated weapons.

According to him, on arrival, the bandits abducted two people, who at gun point, led them to the residence of one Mr. Zakariya Markus, a retired director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his younger brother and wife.

He said as the bandits were leaving the community with the five abducted persons, the residents rushed out in an attempt to rescue them.

However, the bandits started shooting sporadically at them and in the process, six people were killed, while two others were injured.

He said: “The village came under attack by Fulani men a few minutes after 10pm on Friday. When they came, they picked two people, who at gun point, led them to the residences of Mr. Zakariya Markus, a  prominent man in the community, who happened to be a retired director of the CBN and kidnapped him.

“After picking him, they moved to their family house and picked his younger brother, Mr. Monday Markus and the wife.

“So five people were kidnapped, but as the kidnappers were leaving the community with them, residents rushed out to pursue the criminals in an attempt to rescue the victims.

“But the bandits were shooting sporadically at them and in the process, six people were killed, while two others were injured.”

According to him, those killed included DanmasaniGwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, KapishiBarmu, GanyaUbangida, ShigamaSalisu and GaniMagawata.

Mansir Hassan, spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, could not be reached when contacted as his telephone was not connecting.

 

Lagos begins full enforcement of styrofoam ban Monday

Foil

The Lagos State Government will on Monday, February 19 commence the full enforcement of the ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam food containers all over the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, TokunboWahab, disclosed this on Friday while meeting with all market leaders in the state at the BlueRoof in Alausa, Ikeja.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the ministry’s spokesman, KunleAdeshina.

According to the statement, the commissioner said that enforcement officers from LAGESC/KAI, Environmental Health Officials and LAWMA Police and the Ministry would go after all those having the styrofoams in their shops, stores or outlets and confiscate them.

“I would like to appeal to all our traders to desist from selling on the railway lines and all the roads. Also, we must stop littering our market with waste.  We must segregate our wastes in our respective markets; bag our wastes and ensure we patronise PSP operators,” the commissioner said.

Monarch suspended for abusing naira notes

The Olu of Owode in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba KolawoleSowemimo, has been suspended for two months without pay.

A viral video in early January showed the royal father decorating a popular fuji musician, WasiuAyinde, with new notes of N1,000 .

The council moved against Sowemimo for publicly degrading Nigerian currency, an offence that contravenes the law of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

However, during the Egba Traditional Council meeting chaied by the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba AdedotunGbadebo on Friday, ObaSowemimo was suspended.

The meeting in a joint resolution adopted the suspension of the monarch following the recommendation of its Ethics Committee which declared that during the period of his (Sowemimo) suspension, he should not parade himself as a traditional ruler.

It was further gathered that the resolution emphasised that Sowemimo should not be invited or seen at any government or public function as a traditional ruler, and for three months should not receive any payments

The Chairman of a three-member Ethics Committee of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba SakaMatemilola, who read the report of the committee, said that the committee came to its decision after examining the viral video in which Sowemimo breached the ethics of a Yoruba traditional institution by defacing Nigeria’s currency.

The committee chairman, who is the Olowu of Owu, said findings revealed that the embattled traditional ruler was seen holding strewn naira as a bead and hanging onto the neck of a musician in public.

The chairman added that a lot of public condemnation of the act inundated the council with derisive comments on the traditional institution, stressing that the said Oba’s action is in contradiction of Section 21(1) of Central Bank Act, 2007.

The suspended monarch confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that he was suspended due to the way he spent money on a musician.

“They said the suspension was due to the way I spent money on one musician.

“And when I was asked if I had anything to say, I stood up and apologised for whatever I had done wrong and the suspension which was earlier announced to be for three months without salaries was reduced to two months.

“I totally accept the verdict of the council because it is the person that we love that we chastise, so I am good with the decision,” he said.

Reacting to the video in a statement signed and directed to the monarch, Director General, NOA, LanreIssa-Onilu, said the display was an abuse of the national currency that attracts imprisonment, fines or both.

Group  Inaugurates Committee on HPV vaccine

The Imo State Technical Working Group for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)  vaccine introduction has been inaugurated.

Performing the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Rev Sister Joannes Uzoma said that Imo State was one of the states selected in the second phase for the introduction of the novel vaccine.

In her exposition,she stated that cancer was one of the deadliest diseases, cervical cancer being the second most killer disease for the women folk.

In her exposition she described cancer as a development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. She declared that cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world.

She qouoted research in Nigeria as  pinpointing cervical cancer as the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44 years. In 2020, the country recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.

She further revealed that virtually all cervical cancers are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV).

On the type of vaccine available for the health programme coming up in May in the State,the Executive Secretary of IMPHCDA said that a single dose of Gardasil 9 was approved by NAFDAC  for Nigeria.

She emphasized that the HPV vaccine is most effective when given to girls and boys before they become sexually active, which is why it is recommended for girls aged 9-14 years old.

According to her, WHO estimates that cervical cancer could be the first cancer to be eliminated if 90 per cent of girls are vaccinated against HPV, 70 per cent of women are screened, and 90 per cent of women with the disease receive treatment and encouraged parents, guardians and those in  positions of care to present their wards for the vaccination.

Speaking on the role of the HPV Technical Working Group (TWG ),the Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr Odom stated that the Group will be responsible for the mapping of all relevant HPV stakeholders. They will also provide coordination, management and planning for all stakeholders meeting throughout the Introduction and provide overall guidance in the smooth running of the operations rooms during the introduction of the HPV vaccine amongst others.

Ikeduru DPO chats way forward with Lawmaker

The DPO in charge of Ikeduru Divisional Police Headquarters, CSP Goodluck Ohiole, has visited the member representing Ikeduru State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly,  Hon Chief Johnleoba Iheoha, at the Assembly complex to chat a way forward for the Constituency.                

In his speech, Hon Johnleoba, thanked the DPO and specifically  appreciated the Imo State  Commissioner  of Police , CP Danjuma Aboki,  for assembling a team of dedicated and committed officers that are working round the clock to rid the state of criminal elements, especially, tackling the menace of arm robbery, kidnapping, car-snatching and challenge of “unknown gunmen”.

He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Police, Imo State Command for its efforts in ensuring security and safety of lives and property of citizens in the state, pointing out that they have almost become issues of the past.

The lawmaker appealed to his constituents  to continue to resist the urge to commit crime and to report  suspicious activities  to the police, appealing to them to continue to support the vision driven leadership of his Excellency Governor hope Uzodimma.

According to the Ikeduru Lawmaker, who is also the House Committee Chairman on Commerce and Industry, his efforts are geared towards forming a synergy with the Police, by providing security backup.

“So you can consolidate in carrying out your assigned duties, in protecting lives and property,  as DPO in Ikeduru  Police Division. The responsibility of securing  lives and property in Ikeduru Local Government should not and cannot be left alone in the hands of the Police.”

The Lawmaker said, pointing out that collaborative effort should be encouraged so as to achieve optimum results.

Pray for my mother – Jonathan begs at elder sister’s burial

Goodluck Jonathan

 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to pray for his mother, Mama Eunice Afeni-Jonathan and his family following the death of his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein.

Jonathan said the death of Madam Obebhatein traumatised their mother.

He spoke during the burial of Madam Obebhatein in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Friday.

Jonathan noted that Madam Obebhatein, who died aged 70 on January 11, 2024, was his only surviving sibling from his aged mother.

According to him: “Death, as they say, is something we all pass through. But the time it comes also matters. Yes, we will all die someday but the time matters.

“My elder sister died at a time that we can gather these celebrities to celebrate her, but that our mother is to mourn her is the nasty aspect of the whole thing.

“My mother has lost her first child that ought to mourn her when God calls her. I have to sincerely thank the Bayelsa State First Lady and other women who came around her because I was then in London.

“If you knew what she used to be and what she is now, you would know that she is still traumatised. So continue to pray for my mum. God will see us through. I thank you.”

Govt to penalize Landlords for exorbitant rent, offenders to forfeit houses

Housing

The Lagos State Government has warned that it would start penalizing house owners found guilty of renting out their apartments at exorbitant fees.

This disclosure is contained in a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, who stated that the government would wield a big stick on allottees who engaged in sharp practices.

Akinderu-Fatai said residents of various state housing schemes have filed complaints about the high rent being charged by homeowners, adding that the state government will withdraw allocation from culpable homeowners.

The Commissioner said: “The essence of asking allottees to make a five per cent down payment and spread the remaining amount for ten years was to make life bearable for Lagosians.

“This is what Mr Governor wants to achieve, but some people seem to be taking Mr Governor’s magnanimity for granted. They are renting those apartments out to make money. The question is why do people try to inconvenience others when the government intended to make life bearable for citizens?”

Akinderu-Fatai called on the facility managers and association members in the estates to report culpable allottees to the ministry, adding that those homeowners would forfeit their apartments with their payment refunded.

The commissioner assured that the State Government will continue to cater to the needs of first-time buyers who are in dire need of such accommodation facilities through outright purchase and rent-to-own platforms.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, AbdulhafisToriola, an engineer, said a lot of complaints have been received from some of the estates that some homeowners harbor people of questionable character, hence posing a threat to residents.

He noted that the ministry, as a matter of urgency shall investigate and take the right step towards safeguarding the lives and prosperity of residents in the affected estates.

The Permanent Secretary also urged allottees to take ownership of joint facilities and follow the rules put in place to maintain the estates.

Reactions trail tinubu’s plan to remove Electricity Subsidy

Power grid

By Sampson Uhuegbu…

Reactions have trailed proposal by the Federal Government to remove its financial assistance for electricity in the country.

This move, as made known, recently,  has thrown Nigerians into a deep anxiety as it would jeopardize many areas of daily income by the citizens.

Hoteliers, shop owners, artisans and other residents who make use of electricity supply for their daily business have expressed worry  that there would be an increment in electricity tariffs if the government removes the subsidy as it has announced.

A hotelier in Owerri, Uchenna Njoku, described  electricity as a social service that helps the well-being of Nigerians in various ways.

“Electricity is the only thing we are relying on, in this critical time. If government removes the subsidy, how else can we cope?”, he asked.

A Saloon owner; Chioma Ngoka, Andy Nwogu and the former Senior Legislative Aide to ex- House of Representatives member for Orlu, Orsu & Oru East; Hon. Unamma Olemgbe, pleaded with the Federal government not to remove the subsidy and that it is not the right time to take a such decision.

Uzodimma-led committee declares Idahosa winner of Edo APC governorship primary election

By Jennifer John…

The Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election committee for Edo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma on Saturday declared Hon. Dennis Idahosa as winner of the primary election conducted in Edo State.

Announcing the result after collations, Governor Uzodimma said; “And the primaries have been duly collated and results returned to our secretariat.”

Governor Uzodimma was flanked by his deputy and Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, former deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs Titi Laoye- Tomori,  and other members of the committee.

He disclosed that earlier  there was some kind of misinformation as to the venue and (or) the secretariat of the primary election, but clarified that the Party secretariat remained where the results were expected to be collated and announced.

The Chairman who is also the Imo State Governor said following agreement by all stakeholders, after a reasonable dialogue, a direct primary method was adopted that eventually  led to the primary election being conducted in the eighteen (18)  Local Government Areas of Edo State and one hundred and ninety two (192) electoral Wards of the State.

After announcing the result, the primary election committee Chairman drew the attention of the party faithful and delegates to the need for affirmation of the result by the delegates who cast the votes.

He said: Having declared the result, I want to take a motion from the delegates, so we can affirm the result by the delegates as a true representation of what transpired in the field.”

Consequently a delegate, one Mr Charity from Obiihkor  moved the motion thus: “I hereby move that the primary election which took place today, 17th of February 2024, across the 192 Wards, in the 18 LGAs of Edo State was conducted in accordance with the party constitution, that the election was conducted in a free and fair manner and the total votes cast was 42, 381, out of which Hon. Dennis Idahosa scored majority of lawful votes cast.”

He was also seconded by another delegate, Mr. Charles Orosanye from Okada Council while there was no dissenting voice when the Chairman called for counter motion.

After the motions were heard, Governor Uzodimma requested for voice vote affirmation by their fellow delegates which they unanimously

Hardship: Leave if you are overwhelmed, PDP governors knock Tinubu

Tinubu and PDP

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have advised President Bola Tinubu to throw in the towel if he cannot provide a sustainable solution to the problems plaguing the nation.

The PDP Governors who gave the advice in a statement at the weekend reminded the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of the need to be guided by the fact that it is (APC) that sought power to solve the problems of Nigeria, not to compound them or shift blame and use propaganda to confuse issues.

The Governors noted that the hardship and suffering being faced by Nigerians have no tribal, religious or party colouration, stressing that “a hungry man is an angry man”.

Accordingly, the governors said while all tiers of government have a role to play, the APC led Federal Government has a disproportionate role to mobilise Nigerians and all organs and tiers of government for sustainable solutions, adding that “If it cannot do so or is unable to do so, it should graciously throw in the towel.”

The PDP Governors pointed out that the buck ultimately stops at the President’s table as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Chief Salesman and leader of Nigeria.

However, they promised to continue to work collaboratively with the President in finding lasting solutions to “a very difficult situation created or exacerbated by the APC since 2015”.

The Governors also frowned at the Minister of Information, APC Governors’ Forum and other officials of the APC-led Federal Government who criticised the PDP-GF for their suggestions, advice and “patriotic intervention on the way forward for the country in a communique issued at the end of their recent meeting in Abuja.”

“Attempts by the Minister of Information, APC Governors’ Forum and other officials of the Federal Government who criticised the PDP Governors’ Forum for their patriotic intervention should be guided by the fact that the APC sought power to solve the problems of Nigeria not to compound them or shift blame, or grandstand or use propaganda to obfuscate or confuse issues.”

“PDP governed States are comparatively the best in Nigeria in terms of developmental policies, programmes, and projects that benefit their States positively, regular payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities, and minimum wage to their workforce.

“State governments that are delinquent on these issues are not of PDP extraction. It is false to say so.

“Even the food crises are exacerbated by insecurity and high exchange rate issues, among others, which are largely federal subjects.

“The PDP Governors as stakeholders in governance would continue to work collaboratively with Mr. President to find lasting solutions to a very difficult situation created or exacerbated by the APC since 2015. We believe in co-operative Federalism.

“We are not in doubt that he is trying his best. We only hope and pray that his best is good enough to take Nigeria out of the woods in the shortest possible time”, they said in the statement signed by Hon CID Maduabum, Director-General of PDP Governors’ Forum.

FCCPC reopens Abuja store sealed for ‘misleading pricing’

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reopened Sahad Stores, a supermarket located in the Garki area of Abuja.

A Saturday visit by Channels Television to the supermarket revealed that business activities are gradually picking up after it was sealed on Friday.

On Friday, the supermarket was sealed by an enforcement team, for engaging in “misleading pricing and lack of transparency in pricing”.

The FCCPC in a statement said investigations revealed that Sahad Stores displayed lower prices on shelves and charged higher prices at checkout.

The commission said the investigation included all Sahad Stores branches in Abuja, in a bid to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues and implement corrective measures across the entire chain.

According to the agency’s acting executive Vice Chairman, AdamuAbdullahi, the commission had invited members of the supermarket management to defend themselves, but they failed to show up.

But he said  following a mutual understanding and commitment from Sahad Stores to implement transparent pricing practices, “the FCCPC reopened the store on February 16, 2024, at about 7:00 pm.”

“Businesses are expected to display transparent pricing information to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, especially during challenging economic times,” the statement read.

“The FCCPC remains committed to combating all forms of exploitative or misleading practices that undermine consumer rights.

“The FCCPA protects consumer rights and prohibits deceptive business practices. Section 115 outlines potential penalties for violations, including fines for organisations and imprisonment for directors.

“The FCCPC encourages all businesses to adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices to ensure consumer protection and a healthy market environment.”

Methodist Church hails Tinubu on state police, urges urgent actions in Agatu, Otukpo, Apa

Tinubu

The Methodist Church Nigeria has commended the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for contemplating the establishment of state police to curb the growing rate of insecurity across the country.

This was, even as the Church called on President Tinubu, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia and relevant agencies to come to the aide of the people of Agatu, Otukpo and Apa Local Government of Benue State, who have come under sustained attacks from Fulani herdsmen for the past weeks.

Rising from a 3-day apex Leadership and Prayer Retreat for the Dioceses in the

Northern Region held at the Norcross Memorial Cathedral, Otukpo, Benue State, weekend, the church also urged the government to ensure that the state police be properly equipped and funded, when established.

Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba (JP), signed the Communique at the end of the retreat.

According to the Communique, the leadership of the church called on the “government at all levels to rise up to the challenges and do all within her powers to make life comfortable for the masses”.

While condemning unprovoked attacks and killings of innocent citizens in some communities within Apa, Otukpo, Agatu and other parts of Benue State, the religious body also called on the government and the security agencies to do the needful in bringing the situation under control.

The communique partly read: “That the Retreat encourages all Methodist Leaders and Members to join forces with the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba (JP) in prayers and crystallizing our vision for building the Church.

“That the Retreat encourages all Christian faithful to intensify prayers for divine interventions in the affairs of our nation Nigeria, especially in the area of insecurity and the economic hardship facing the masses.

“That the Retreat calls on the Government at all levels to rise up to the challenges and do all within her powers to make life comfortable for the masses.

“The Retreat decries and condemn the unprovoked attacks and killing of innocent citizens in some communities within Apa, Agatu Local Government Councils and other parts of Benue State and calls on Government and Security agencies to do the needful in bringing the situation under control.

“That the Government should utilise the proceeds of fuel subsidy to create jobs and put up measures that can ameliorate the suffering of the masses.

“The Retreat commends the Government on the decision to allow the State Police to come to existence and encourage that they should be properly equipped and

funded.

“That Government should ensure that our borders are tight, so as to check its porousness to stop the influx of criminal elements from our neighbouring countries who may pose security threats to the Nation.”

Recall that President Tinubu, on Thursday, set up a committee made up of state governors and federal government officials to work out modalities for the establishment of the long agitated state police, its funding and equipment.

Heatwave: Drink plenty water, resident doctors issue safety tips

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has issued health safety guidelines for the heatwave currently being experienced in parts of the country.

The association made the advisory in a message posted via its X handle on Saturday.

The advisory, titled, ‘Stay safe in the heatwave,’ read, “As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and take care of ourselves.”

The association warns “that the extreme temperatures could provoke ill health, endanger eutherian and may cause death. Staying safe in hot weather is essential for your well-being. Let us look out for each other and take the necessary precautions to stay healthy.”

The tips are as follows:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Wear loose, light-weight and light-coloured to help your body stay cool.

Seek shade: Limit your time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outside, seek shade whenever possible.

Take cool showers or baths as they can help lower your body temperature and provide relief from the heat.

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: Be aware of symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeats and confusion. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had said that the excessive heat being experienced in the country presently would remain for a while.

The agency, in the post, also outlined the weather implications and guided the public on how to manage the situation.

“Air Temperatures hit 41°C over the North and 39°C over the South with model projections indicating temperatures to remain high in the coming days,” NiMET said.

The agency listed the implications of the heat, noting, “This could also cause fainting; chickenpox disease, measles, heat rash, weakness of the body, slight fever, and dry lips; heat-related illnesses; respiratory issues; and increased vulnerability to chronic conditions.”

However, NiMET advised citizens to ensure adequate fluid intake. seek shade, use fans, and wear light, breathable clothing to reduce exposure to high temperatures, amongst others.

EFCC re-arraigns professor over alleged N1.47bn fraud

EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), on Thursday re-arraigned Uche Chigozie, a professor, and three companies before a Federal High Court in Lagos, over alleged money laundering to the tune of N1.47 billion.

Visionary Integrated Consulting Ltd., Nemad Associates Ltd., and Revamp Global Enterprises are the companies.

The defendant was alleged to have converted the sum through the account of Visionary Integrated Consulting Ltd. (second defendant).

Chigozie is standing trial before Justice Isaac Dipeolu on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud, stealing, and money laundering.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts since the other defendants are not physical persons.Chigozie was first arraigned in August 2023, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, and had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Oweibo was later transferred out of the Lagos division, and the case was transferred to the new judge, Dipeolu.

Following the defendant’s plea on Thursday, defence counsel, Mr. Edudo Mefo, urged the court to allow the defendant to continue on an earlier bail granted by the court on Aug. 7, 2023. But the prosecutor, Mrs Chineye Okezie, urged the court only to allow the defendant to continue on his existing bail, if the defence counsel would undertake to ensure his attendance in court.

Okezie explained to the court that the defendant had been absent on certain occasions, which she claimed had caused some “drama”. Therefore, the prosecutor insisted that she would not oppose it if the defence counsel made that undertaking.

In response, the defense counsel told the court that when the defendant was first granted bail, his sureties included his biological father and a legal practitioner.

He told the court that he was willing to add to the number and undertook to ensure the defendant’s attendance in court. Following the parties’ agreement, the court adjourned the case until March 13, for trial.

In the charge, Chigozie was alleged to have conspired with the other defendants to use the sum of N1.47 billion belonging to the Maize Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria.

The EFCC said they should have known that the money formed part of the proceeds of their unlawful fraud activity.

The defendant was also alleged to have retained the sum of N197 million in his bank account, part of the proceeds of an illegal act of gratification.

He was alleged to have used the sum of N120 million to acquire a property in his name, at the Gwarimpa area of Abuja and another N200 million to acquire two properties in Owerri, Imo State. The defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sum of N90 million to acquire several plots of land in Owerri.

Police recruitment: PSC shortlists 171,956 applicants for JAMB CBT

The Police Service Commission, (PSC), has fixed Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 for the Computer Based Test (CBT) for successful applicants who scaled through the just concluded credentials and physical screening exercise held across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, in a statement on Thursday, said a total of 171,956 applicants who were successful from the screening exercise are expected to take part in the CBT.

Candidates for the aptitude tests are applicants for the General Duty positions.

The 43,778 applicants who were successful from the specialists cadre during the screening exercise are expected to go through practical tests at a date to be announced soon.

The statement said the Commission, after the meeting of the Police Recruitment Board on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, approved that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, (JAMB), should conduct the CBT for the police applicants because of its longstanding pedigree in such examinations.

In the General Duty cadre, 315,114 applicants were invited for the screening exercise out of which 171,956 were successful and shortlisted for the JAMB CBT.

“The 171,956 applicants shortlisted are made up of 25,818 females and 146,138 males.

“Kaduna State will be presenting the highest number of candidates for the tests with12,343 followed by Bauchi with 10,911, Benue, 10,532 and Katsina,10,457,” the statement said.

In the same vein, Anambra has the least number of candidates for the aptitude tests with 343 applicants followed by Lagos, 504 and Ebonyi, 600.

Successful candidates from the computer based tests will be required to appear for medical examinations before they proceed for training.

Student Loan Scheme to entrap beneficiaries in endless debt – ASUU Warns

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the proposed education loan scheme, stating that it will leave students in inescapable debt

ASUU, following its National Executive Council meeting at the Niger Delta University in Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, expressed dismay on Thursday over reports that detailed the unfulfilled commitments of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

These commitments were intended to resolve the longstanding issues that prompted the union to initiate a nationwide strike from February to October 2022.

ASUU maintained its stance that the Students Loan Scheme, advocated by international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, would deprive public universities of necessary funding.

The statement read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC of ASUU reiterated its rejection of the Students Loan Scheme, which is being promoted by international money lending agencies such as IMF and World Bank.

“Nigerians should be aware that the scheme is a way of starving public universities of funding and a ploy to divert public funds into private universities owned by politically exposed individuals and their friends.

“NEC further observed that the students’ loan scheme will mortgage the entire university system and keep our promising students in perpetual indebtedness. If the scheme could fail in some better-managed economies, there is no guarantee that it will succeed in Nigeria where unbridled corruption, nepotism, and other unsavoury tendencies conspired to kill the Education Bank project after over five years of its existence.

” ASUU, on the other hand, proposed that to truly invest in the future of Nigerian students, both state and Federal Governments should offer grants and scholarships and reintroduce the Needs-Based Budgeting System to the university structure, for enhanced efficiency. That Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced during a meeting with a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its President, Lucky Emonefe, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, that the Federal Student Loan Scheme is expected to launch in the next two to three weeks.

APC National Vice Chairman, S’East Visits Obi Of Onitsha …Says party regards Obi, Traditional Institutions

Obi of Onitsha

Last week, the National Vice Chairman of APC in South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, with his formidable team, paid a Courtesy Visit to Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, at his palace, where he assessed the First Class Monarch as a man of excellent qualities.

Indeed, it is on record that Arodiogbu since he  assumed office as National Vice Chairman of APC in South East, had consulted worthy Igbo leaders on ways forward for the region, saying his visit to the Paramount Traditional Ruler was germane given to the sterling role the Igwe plays in the development, peace and advancement of Igbo Land and Nigeria.

Arodiogbu submitted that APC is a party that respects Traditional Institutions, seeks advice  on matters affecting their people within their domain.

According to the Imo State born pragmatic politician, humanist and medical doctor, “we have come here to associate ourselves with one of the finest Traditional Rulers in Igbo Land and given such pedigree as paraded by the Obi of Onitsha, we know that Igwe Achebe is a man of several exceptional qualities, qualities men like us would always love to associate with”.

He added “in my consultation into Igbo Land, to make the APC an acceptable party in the South East, we must consult the likes of Igwe Achebe, owing to the strategic importance of his Throne and the good people of Onitsha. Igwe, let me state that the APC under my watch will always respect and consider Traditional Rulers as important storehouses of wisdom and would regularly seek out such priceless counsel at all given time. I must say that I am indeed awed by the level of intelligence and background knowledge of the Obi of Onitsha on various topical issues of Nigeria, especially in the spheres of economy and security.”

While reiterating his firm commitment to adding to the political, social and economic advancement of South East and Nigeria, Arodiogbu wished Igwe Achebe good health, long life and peace within his domain.

Welcoming Arodiogbu and his team to his palace, Igwe Achebe thanked them heartily

for visiting him, even as he wished them well.

Those who accompanied the National Vice Chairman of APC in South East on the August Visit included the Zonal Organizing Secretary, Dozie Ikedife, Senator who represented Anambra North, Emma Anosike and the Vice Chairman, Anambra APC North, Emma Ekwuaju.

Hardship, Insecurity: Tinubu, Govs, IGP, WIke, others in emergency meeting

President Bola Tinubu is in an emergency meeting with all the governors from across the federation, the Inspector General of Police, KayodeEgbetokun, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FTC) Chief NyesomWike and other stakeholders.

Vice President KashimShettima is also at the meeting, which commenced around 11:30am on Thursday.

The meeting, which is taking place at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, is not unconnected with the security and economic crisis ravaging the nation. The Federal Government had started releasing tonnes of assorted grains to the market to make food available, affordable and accessible across the country.Similarly, measures have been taken to arrest the rising criminal activities through synergy among the armed forces and other paramilitary organisations.

President Tinubu is expected to leave for the AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia immediately after the meeting with the governors.

African leaders will meet in Addis Ababa for the annual summit to be used to tackle the many challenges facing the continent and decide on how best to bolster the AU’s intervention in its various crises.

Magu: FCMB bows to pressure, deposits N540m damages awarded to Prophet Omale

The First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has obeyed the order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja and deposited the N540million damages awarded to Prophet Emmanuel Omale into an interest yielding account of the Chief Registrar of the court.

The FCMB paid the money into an interest yielding account of the Chief Registrar in Premium Trust Bank on February 8, 2024 as directed by the appellate court.

The bank took the step in a bid to prevent contempt proceedings against its Managing Director, Mrs Yemisi Edun, for alleged disobedience to court order.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on February 2, 2024, ordered the FCMB to pay the N540million damages awarded against it by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja for defaming Omale of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry and his wife, Deborah.

The appellate court also directed the FCMB to pay the money into an interest yielding account of its Chief Registrar within 48 hours of its enrolled order.

The development prompted the lead lawyer to Omale, Chief Gordy Uche (SAN), to write a letter to the lead lawyer to FCMB, Prof Wale Olawoyin (SAN), informing him that he would not hesitate to initiate contempt proceedings against the Managing Director of the bank if the money is not paid as directed by the appellate court.

Uche’s letter dated February 2, 2024 reads in part, “Consequently, the conditional stay of execution is hereby granted to the Appellant. The condition being that the judgment sum shall be deposited into an interest yielding bank account of the Court to be opened by the Chief Registrar of this Court within 48 hours of the grant of this Order.”

“May we also bring to your knowledge the fact that this conditional stay of execution was a consent order having been consented to by M.S. Hamza Esq. who held your brief for the Appellant.

“Wherefore we wish to state that if the said judgment sum of N540, 500, ooo. oo (five hundred and forty million, five hundred thousand naira) is not immediately deposited with the Court of Appeal as directed in the enrolled order of Court, we shall commence contempt proceedings against the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, to commit her to Prison for disobedience to order of Court.”

Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court in Abuja had in a judgment on October 4, 2022 held that the bank recklessly breached the duty of care it owe to the claimants – Omale, his wife and their church – by making false claim that former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu paid N573m the church’s account.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the FCMB filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, asking it to set aside the verdict of the lower court.

But the Court of Appeal in a ruling on February 1, rejected FCMB’s request for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of its appeal as prayed in a motion on notice it filed.

Instead, a three-member panel presided over by a Justice of the Court of Appeal (JCA), Justice Muhammed Shuaibu, granted a conditional stay of the execution of the judgment by ordering the bank to pay the judgment sum of N540million into an interest yeilding account in the name of the court’s Chief Registrar.

In an enrolled copy of the ruling, the appellate court said: “The application is granted as prayed in terms of the first prayer in the appellant’s motion filed on 3/11/2022.

“Consequently, conditional stay of execution of the judgment is hereby granted to the appellant.

“The condition being that the judgment sum shall be deposited into an interest yielding bank account of the court to be opened by the Chief Registrar of this court within 48 hours of the grant of this order.”

Tinubu orders security agencies to go after those hoarding foodstuff

President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) Yusuf Bichi to work with governors and go after those hoarding foodstuff.

Nigeria has been battling a rise in the cost of food items occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and insecurity among other factors.

But as part of moves to combat the development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said Tinubu has mandated the heads of these security agencies and the NSA to liaise with governors to look at the issue.

“First, the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police; and Director General of the State Services have been directed to coordinate with the state governors to look at this issue of those hoarding commodities,” he said after a meeting between President Tinubu and state governors on Thursday.

President Tinubu

“At this point that the nation requires food to be brought out to the people, so that we can control prices and put food on the table of most Nigerians, commodity sellers are busy hoarding these commodities so that Nigerians will suffer or they will make more money as a result.

“So, the governors and Mr President have taken this decision that security agencies will collaborate with state governors to ensure this ends.”

President Tinubu had ordered the release of grains to ease the rising cost of food items with the Federal Government mulling importation of food.

But Idris said that won’t be the case anymore.

“A decision has also been taken that in the interest of our country, there would be no need for food importation at this time. Nigeria has the potential to feed itself and be a net exporter of food items to other countries,” he said.

“We do not also want to reverse some of the progress we have seen in terms of food production in this country. What we are seeing now is just a temporary difficulty that will soon go away.”

Court remands tailor for stealing pot of soup

Court

An Ondo State Magistrate Court has remanded a 19-year-old tailor, Adua Fatogun, for stealing a pot of soup and other items worth N311,100.

The suspect was said to have committed the offence on October 12, 2023, at about 9 am at Ifeleye Street, Ayeyemi, Ondo town.

Fatogun was alleged to have stolen the property of Felix Ogunbolade, Adeqoga Aboodun, and Akinsete Adurayemi.

Fatogun pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of burglary and theft.

The police prosecutor, Bernard Olagbayi, said the offences contravened Section 383 and were punishable under Section 412(1), 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State.

He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to prepare witnesses for trial.

The presiding magistrate, O. A. Omofolarin, remanded the defendant to prison custody and adjourned sitting to February 19, 2024, for trial.

‘Bandits have taken over our women’, man laments

Bandits

Attacks on rural communities in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria had taken another dimension as the hoodlums now concentrate on raping married women and girls in their family homes.

The bandits have also killed locals and committed other obnoxious crimes in Kalgon Kunci village of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, according to a local who craved anonymity.

However, the spokesperson to the Zamfara State Governor, Suleiman Bala Idris, reacted to the claim in an interview in Hausa, saying it was a sad incident and the state government was taking the right steps to end it.

The local, speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, alleged that the situation had made 70% of the villagers relocate to other places.

According to him, “Previously, the bandits would come to our community, humiliate us, rustle our animals, and abduct people for ransom. Now, however, they would come in broad daylight and remain till midnight.

“They would be dressed in uniform carrying weapons. I swear it has reached a level where they would enter any house they like and rape women. If a woman resisted, they would abduct her, do whatever they want with her in the bush and bring her back after 2,3 or 4 days,” he alleged.

He said for over 10 years, no single policeman had been deployed to the area, a situation that allowed the bandits to humiliate members of the community.

“We are now under the control of these bandits. During the harvest season, they asked us to give them N15 million before we would harvest our farm produce. All households contributed and we gave them the money. Three days after, they stopped us from harvesting and set our farm produce on fire,” he lamented.

He alleged that they cried so that the authorities would come to their aid but to no avail. ” This has forced the majority of our people to migrate,” he added.

“Whoever has a place to run to, has left. People are leaving Kuncin Kalgo on daily basis,” he said.

The Zamfara State Government, according to the report, was taking the appropriate step towards putting an end to the menace.

Sulaiman BalaIdris, spokesperson of the Governor; said “The situation is worrisome and government is taking the right step to bring an end to it.

“Not only in that community but to bring a lasting end to this crisis by Almighty Allah’s grace,” he assured.

“You can’t force us to practice for 2 years before we relocate”– Nurses

Nurses in Oyo State have kicked against the recently released revised guidelines for verification of certificates for nurses across the country.

Nurses from different hospitals in the state staged a peaceful protest against the new guidelines on Thursday.

Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) had in a recent memo dated February 7, 2024, outlined the revised guidelines and requirements to be met by all applicants seeking the verification of certificate(s) to foreign nursing boards/councils.

The council in the memo said that eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years post qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing licence. Any application with a provisional licence shall be rejected outrightly.

Nurses in Oyo State have described the new policy as anti-people.

The nurses while speaking called for a reversal of the new policy. Spokesman for the protesting nurses, Israel Fawole, said that nurses in the state have studied the circular carefully and observed imminent dangers and infringement to the rights of nursing professionals in the country.

Fawole, while addressing journalists at the entrance of the Nurses House in Ibadan, said that nurses in the state have rejected the recent additions to the verification guideline. He said the new guidelines not only demeans the profession, but is also absolutely unacceptable.

According to him, the new policy undermines the aspirations of new graduate nurses for professional development and opportunities.

“We have studied the circular carefully and observed imminent dangers and infringement to the rights of nursing professionals within Nigeria as well as the members rights of NANNM.  Thus, we vehemently reject the recent additions to the verification guideline as it not only demeans the profession but it is absolutely unacceptable, undermining the aspirations of new graduate nurses for professional development and opportunities.

“We suggest however, the Council makes the verification process much affordable and seamless without the need of a good standing letter nor two years post-qualification experience as stated, approved within 48 hours from application.

“Our attention was also drawn to the recent circular issued by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) with ref No: NANNM/FED/22/VOL.VI/12 and dated 13th February, 2024, where in the National leadership of NANNM wrote it had engaged the Registrar/CEO of the NMCN on series of meetings on 12th February, 2024 and is in consultation with relevant Government agencies on the subject matter, assuring its members nationwide and indeed the entire Nigeria Nurses and Midwives that the Association (NANNM) will stop at nothing in ensuring that their concerns raised are properly and promptly addressed, which we commend.

“However, this action group is of the believe that the National and state leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) should rather push for industrial action (nationwide strike) should its discussions with NMCN and other relevant Government agencies fall out, unfavorable to we, its members.”

Imo Police hunt for  hoodlums who attacked Okigwe correctional center, killed police Inspector

Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP) AbokiDanjuma, addressing Officers and men of the Nigeria Police, during on-the-spot assessment of damage done by hoodlums who attacked the farm settlement of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Okigwe, recently.

By Jude Onyenedogha…

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad with the available resources and equipped to go all out, in synergy with the Military and other sister security agencies to hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attacks on Correctional Service Farm Settlements, Umualomoke and the residence of Dist. Senator Patrick Ndubeze, both in Okigwe, in the early hours of Monday February 12, which resulted in the release of seven inmates, and abduction of the officer in charge of the farm settlement, as well as shooting to death, a Police Inspector.

This was contained in a press statement endorsed, on behalf of the Imo State Police Commissioner, (CP) Aboki Danjuma, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye and made available to The Statesman.

According to the statement, the CP made the disclosure during his visit to Okigwe for  on-the-spot assessment of the ugly incidents, wherein he mandated the special tactical squad operatives to intensify efforts in ensuring that the officer in charge of the farm settlement was rescued unhurt and the fleeing inmates arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“While calling on the general public who may have any useful information that will assist the operatives in arresting the hoodlums responsible for the attacks to kindly report at the nearest Police Station or via 08034773600.

Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP) AbokiDanjuma, addressing Officers and men of the Nigeria Police, during on-the-spot assessment of damage done by hoodlums who attacked the farm settlement of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Okigwe, recently.
Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP) AbokiDanjuma, addressing Officers and men of the Nigeria Police, during on-the-spot assessment of damage done by hoodlums who attacked the farm settlement of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Okigwe, recently.

CP Danjuma encouraged the good people of Imo State to go about their lawful businesses without any form of fear, as the Command is on top of the situation and have emplaced adequate security measures to forestall future occurrence.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the State is adequately protected. He vowed that the hoodlums responsible for the attacks would be arrested and brought to book.

Otti suspends task force on relocation of spare parts market in Aba

Gov Otti

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has suspended the task force on the relocation of mechanics and spare parts dealers from the Aba metropolis to the Ovom mechanic cluster in Obingwa LGA of the state.

The suspension was announced by the Deputy Governor of Abia, IkechuckwuEmetu while addressing the business community in Aba on Tuesday.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that Otti empathized with auto mechanics and spare parts dealers over the economic hardship in the country, the depreciation of the naira, and the consequent effects the economic downturn has heaped on their businesses.

He, however, reiterated the need for the relocation of the Mechanic and Spare parts dealers from the busy Aba metropolis to a more spacious Ovom mechanic cluster, noting that the Aba metropolis would be free of heavy-duty trucks if the traders were eventually relocated.

Deputy Governor Emetu urged them to remain law abiding as they go about their legitimate businesses and to support Governor Alex Otti.

 

Delta State Police Apprehend 3 Persons in possession of hard drugs

Hard drugs

The Delta State Police Command has apprehended three individuals, Lucky Emmanuel (40yrs), Enunwuune Snu (46yrs), and Jacob Efedeye (32yrs), in possession of hard drugs in Asaba, travelling in a Toyota Hiace.

They were found with three cartons containing 100 bottles of codeine and 400 sachets of tramadol.

Additionally, Fidelis Akpos (23yrs) from the Ewhu community in Ughelli South LGA was arrested on the Kwale-Ogwashi-Uku Expressway, carrying a locally fabricated pistol and two live cartridges concealed in a polythene bag along with smoked fish.

CP Ari Muhammed Ali confirmed the incident in a statement endorsed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe.

Delta community leader Agbofodo, sentenced to death in 2021, Passes Away In Enugu Hospital

The controversial leader of the Ekpan community in Delta State’s Uvwie Local Government Area, Newton Agbofodo, sentenced to death in 2021, has been reported dead at Park Lane Hospital in Enugu, Enugu State.

Deputy Comptroller of Prisons in Delta State, Sunday Oyakhire, clarified that the deceased person passed away not within the correctional facility but in the hospital.

Oyakhire said, “He died in Park Lane Teaching Hospital, Enugu State. He was ill and was in the hospital for almost two days before he died. He is still in the mortuary in the hospital.”

The late Newton Agbofodo, former Unuevworo (Prime Minister) of the Ekpan community, Newton Agbofodo, was arrested on June 17, 2016, and subsequently faced charges related to murder in court.

Accused of four counts, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and attempted murder, he was found guilty on all charges by the Delta State High Court 4 in Asaba. In 2021, he was sentenced to death by hanging.

EFCC nabs four brothers, 30 others for alleged internet fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested four brothers and 30 others for alleged internet fraud.

EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He gave the names of the siblings as ChukwuebukaEgbo, ChibuikeEgbo, Francis Egbo and Victor Egbo.

According to him, the other suspects include Great Eze, AniCallistus, EkpeChigbo, Eze Eric, Nnaemeka Gabriel, George Tochukwu,Uche Divine and Chiamelie Ede.

Others are EnentaEbube, Treasurer Osinachi, EjiakorChidiebere, Kingsley Olisa, UgwuanyiEkpere, Uzor Godson, TochukwuFirminus, Ebuka Comas, Okwudili John, Samuel Otti, AgadaOlema, OdohNnabuike,

“The other suspects include Okeke Harrison, OriasotieMeshack, EkperechiEbube, Ugwu Sebastian, Eli Ogbonna, Martins Ugwu, Aloysius Alphonsus, Sunday Cross, ArohChinecherem and Miracle Obiora,” he said.

He said all-male suspects were arrested on Feb. 9 in an intelligence-driven sting operation at various locations within Enugu state. “Items recovered from them include mobile phones and different exotic cars.

“The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.

Wigwe’s hometown Isiokpo declares seven-day mourning

Following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, his wife, and son, Isiokpo, his hometown in the Ikwerrre Local Government Area of Rivers State, has declared seven days of mourning to honour their illustrious son.

The declaration was announced by the Nye-Nwe-Eli of Isiokpo, His Royal Majesty, Eze Blessing Ahiazunwo Wagor.

Commencing on Wednesday, the seven days of mourning will entail the closure of all businesses on the first and last day, with operations limited to half-days on the other days.

Residents protest high cost of living in Sokoto

The protest in Sokoto is the latest in a series of street demonstrations over riding cost of living across the country.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the protesters marched from Tudun Wada area of the state capital to the front of Government House. Some of the protesters held placards, chanting “Beans is expensive”, “Maize is expensive” “Fuel is expensive” among others.

Nigerians are grappling with inflation and economic hardship that were exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies in May last year.

The prices of foodstuffs and other commodities have been soaring, which has led to the worsening of the already fragile economy of the country.

The country’s currency, the naira, has been witnessing a free fall with $1 exchanging for N1,500 as of Monday.

There were protests in Niger and Kano states last week while the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have given a two-week ultimatum to the federal government to begin implementing policies that will assuage the suffering of Nigerians.

Addressing journalists, Abdullahi Muhammad, who led the protest, said the situation is pushing the people to the wall.

“It’s surprising how nobody is trying to bring the prices of commodities down. We elected these people hoping that things would be better but things are getting worse. We need price control to ensure stability in prices of goods,” he said.

He also accused traders of hoarding goods and unnecessarily increasing prices of commodities, calling on the government to put more effort in supervising businesses.

“A mudu of garri is N1,250 while a mudu of maize flour is N1,700. Traders are part of the problem because they are in the habit of increasing prices at will,” he said.

Another protester, Jabir Usman, called on the government at various levels and business people to fear God in their dealings.

A woman, who didn’t give her name, said the situation has compounded life for several households in the state.

“People want to get married but everything is expensive. Furniture is expensive for parents to buy for their children. A small bed is more than N500,000. A bag of cement is always increasing in price. Things are difficult for people, we want the government to help us find a solution,” she said in Hausa language.

Imo govt sponsors 107 Imo  graduates to Law School …Each graduate gets N500,000

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state has approved the  sponsorship of 107  graduates  of the state to law school.

The state government would pay five hundred thousand Naira for each of the graduates as tuition ,totalling N53.5m.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy,  Barr(Mrs) Oby Amadiobi, said the gesture by the governor is to ensure that no imo indigene is denied the opportunity of attending law school as a result of lack of  funds.

According to her, the gesture is also aimed at strengthening the capacity of the state’s manpower in a critical area of human resources.

She enjoined the beneficiaries to ensure that they worked harder to justify the confidence that the governor has on them.

The statement recalled that Imo indigenes had always excelled at different bar examinations and charged the current set to follow the footsteps of their predecessors.

It pledged that the governor would also extend similar gestures to other core professionals in the realisation of his 3R mantra of reconstruction,  rehabilitation, and recovery

Corruption has really strangulated Nigeria’s progress: Arch Bishop Ugorji lament

By Jude Onyenedogha…

The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has lamented that Corruption has really strangulated Nigeria’s progress.

This formed part of his speech during his recent Pastoral visit to Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuisii, Ohaji/Egbema Local Council Area of Imo State.

He opined that Politicians wage Bloody Wars to get into Public Offices to steal our common patrimony with relish, as if Nigeria’s wealth is inexhaustible.

“Look at the level of insecurity in the land. People now find it extremely difficult to go to their Farms. This has sadly resulted to acute food shortages and massive hunger. The Nation’s level of Insecurity, Corruption, cost of Living, Ethnicity and Nepotism, has gone beyond Scale and Measure.”  The Prelate lamented.

He added that cost of living has equally hit the Skies and the Nation’s Highways are no longer safe, as ugly stories are told of how Travelers are mercilessly robbed, senselessly and mindlessly kidnapped and their Relatives extorted.

“It appears there is no foreseeable end of the suffering in our God-given land.

“A number of these kidnap victims are not usually lucky to tell the story of their ordeal in the hands of their Captors.

“Our living homes are not safe, either. People are attacked in their homes, killed, robbed or kidnapped.”

The Archbishop who became emotional, pointed out that Nigeria is obviously a sick Nation and events have shown that those managing the country’s affairs, appear to be overwhelmed, incapable, unwilling or simply do not know how to rectify the anomalies.

According to him, Nigeria is obviously a very sick Nation and possibly not only quarantined in the Intensive Care Unit but also on life support, as the sickness is prevalent in all sections of the Nation’s Life.

“We have sickness of segregation, nepotism, sectionalism, corruption, ethnicity, worthlessness of human life and a lot more.

“Most rural areas are treated as if they are not part of Nigeria. Our laws are flagrantly disrespected, even by those who are supposed to enforce it.

“Corruption is a moral rottenness. Our corruption index is very high and very frightening.

Arch Bishop Ugorji lamented further!

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