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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!

Unease, as father of slain Anambra Lawyer slumps, dies

The father of an Nnewi, Anambra State-based legal practitioner, Jude Oguejiofor, Principal Partner in Oguejiofor & Co Chamber, has slumped and died, after hearing abductors had killed his son.

The corpse of the late father was buried in his hometown Last Saturday amidst tears and fear.

It was recalled that Oguejiofor and his brother, a medical doctor, were ambushed and abducted on their way to see their parents on Sunday. It was gathered that the medical doctor was released later. However, while family members were making efforts to bargain for his release, the kidnappers contacted them and informed them of the lawyer’s demise.

It was learnt that the gunmen expressed dismay that the lawyer was in the habit of reporting their activities to the government.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, said: “I normally followed Jude home to visit his parents. He has never had any issue with gunmen in the community. Infact, whenever I accompanied him home, they would search me but would not search Jude.

“When he went home with his brother who just bought a new Lexus Jeep, he didn’t have an issue with anybody until we heard that the two of them had been abducted.

“The gunmen later released his brother but held onto him, alleging he had been writing petitions to the Anambra State government on their activities.

“They promised he would be released as soon as they complete their investigations. However, they later contacted the family and told them to forget about the legal practitioner, adding that he had been killed.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “There’s no such report before me.”

In a reaction, the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) said it was deeply saddened and outraged by the assassination of one of its members.

It described Oguejiofor as a beacon of integrity and a pillar of the legal community in the Eastern region.

Condemning the act, EBF called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to book.

Uzodimma commended for ensuring peace,  security in the state

By Ezinne Ude…

The State Coordinator, Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peace Building And Conciliation (ICRPC), Rev. Dr Austin Uchegbu, has commended the state governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma for his commitment to peace and security in the state.

Rev. Dr Uchegbu made the commendation during the Imo PeaceBuilding And Conflict Resolution, 2024 Conference, jointly organised by ICRPC and UFP, Imo State, with the theme: Mediation, Negotiation Skills, Conflict Resolution And PeaceBuilding, at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.

Dr Uchegbu who is also the Coordinator United for Peace Imo State, congratulated the governor, for the peaceful and successful election and inauguration of his second tenure in office, wishing him more peaceful and progressive next four years of regime.

“ As we thank His Excellency for his tireless efforts in tackling the security challenges in the state, this conference has come at a critical period to compliment his efforts in our contribution to a peaceful tenure of his second term, geared towards sustainable development” he said.

The ICRPC Coordinator said the mission of ICRPC was to build, strengthen and improve the crisis resolution and Peace Building capacities of practitioners, scholars and stakeholders, through professional development and certification, in addition to promoting best practices to foster crisis resolution management and Peace Building in Africa and beyond.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Engr Peter C. Ohagwa, Director Bureau for Peace and Conflict Resolution/ Comdr Imo Peace Corps, stated that the country is passing through a major humanitarian crisis that has resulted in more than seven million person displaced by insurgency in the North East since 2010 and maintained that something must be done differently to effectively address Nigeria current threats to peace and security before things fall apart.

Engr Ohagwa stressed that in order to curb the excess of insecurity in the major cities and communities, government at all levels should upgrade, train, equip Forestry Officers with arms and deploy them into forest to forestall continuous occupation of the forest by Bandits and Kidnappers.

The State Commissioner for Police, CP  Aboki Danjuma in his Paper Titled “ The role of Community Policing in Conflict Resolution and PeaceBuilding,” said that Community Policing involves collaboration between the Police and community that identifies and solves community problems with the police no longer the sole guardians of Law and Order, all members of the community become active allies in the efforts to enhance safety of the neighborhood.

He revealed that Community Policing was officially launched in 2004 as a strategy to help deal with emerging trends of conflicts.

Speaking on the Topic “ Peace Building And Non Violent Approach to Conflict Resolution – A General Appraisal”, HRH Eze Dr Goodluck Obi of Ofo Dim Ubulu Ihejiofo, Owerri West, in sustenance of peace in Nigeria, Imo State in particular, all should cultivate the spirit of non violent approach to conflict resolution which he said is adjudged by friends and foes alike as the best way to sustenance of peace where justice will flow like water and righteousness alike an unending stream.

On the topic “ The power of Mediation in conflict process” by Dr Solomon Ochepa Oduma Aboh of Kaduna State University and the topic “Conflict Transformation, Peace Building And National Development in Nigeria” by Dr Emmanuel Achus Jah of Nigerian Army University Biu Borno State, where the lecturers said that peace building encompasses efforts to build positive peace, in which underlying structural, relational, cultural, Political and economic drivers of conflict are addressed and transformed.

The highlights of the occasion were, induction of new members and Award ceremony.

Mama Boko Haram, two others bag 10-year jail term for N40 million fraud

A high court in Borno State on Monday convicted and jailed the trio of Aisha Wakil popularly known as Mama Boko Haram, Tahiru Daura and Lawal Soyade for 10 years.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission X account.

According to the statement, Justice Umaru Fadawu, who gave the ruling, found the defendants guilty on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining N40 million by false pretence.  

According to the charges, the EFCC accused the defendants of crime which contravenes Section (1) 1(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

Counsel for the prosecution counsel, A.I Arogha presented four witnesses and tendered 17 exhibits before the court.

Consequently, Justice Fadawu, convicted and sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of conspiracy.

The court further sentenced the defendants to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of obtaining by false pretence and ordered them to jointly pay the sum of N40m to Bashir Muhammad.

“The prison term shall run concurrently on the expiration of all prison terms imposed on the convicts by any court”, the Judge said.

The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began when a petitioner alleged that they swindled him of N40 million through a purported contract for the supply of five X-ray Machines 1900 with solar energy to a non-governmental organisation, Complete Care and Aid Foundation.  

They neither supplied the machines nor returned the contract sum to the petitioner.

The two-count charge read, “That you Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Alhaji Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyade whilst being the Chief Executive  Officer, Programme Manager and Country Director respectively of Complete  Care and Aid Foundation, (a Non-Governmental Organisation) and Saidu Mukhtar (At large) sometime in Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud obtained the sum of Forty Million Naira (N40,000,000.00) from  one Bashir Abubakar, the Chief Executive Officer of Duty Free Shop Ltd under the false pretence of executing a purported contract for the supply of Five (5) X-ray machines 1900 with solar energy which you knew  to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section (1) 1(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006  and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Hardship: Address food scarcity, corruption in your govt – PDP BoT tells Tinubu

Tinubu and PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, BoT, has charged President Bola Tinubu to address the economic hardship in the country.

It noted that the hardship occasioned by food scarcity in the country has led to restiveness and frustration across the country.

This was contained in a communiqué issued yesterday after its meeting in Abuja.

According to the communique: “The BoT expresses deep concerns over the biting economic hardship, high cost of essential life-enhancing commodities and alarming food scarcity in the country occasioned by the ill-implemented policies of the APC administration and which are already causing restiveness and agitation in various parts of the country.“The BoT is appalled by the monumental corruption and unbridled treasury-looting in the APC administration, especially the looting of billions of Naira meant for palliatives for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“Mr President should immediately address the issues of corruption in his administration, worsening insecurity in the country, a continuous fall in the value of the naira, high fuel price, unbearable food scarcity and unemployment in the country.”

$6.2 million fraud: Ex-SGF, Boss Mustapha testifies in Emefiele’s trial, says Buhari’s signature forged to withdraw funds from Central Bank

The immediate former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha yesterday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that neither he nor former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the disbursement of $6,230,000 to international election observers.

At the resumed trial of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele at the FCT High Court on Monday, Onyeka Ogbu, a prosecution witness told the court that he was aware of a $6.2million payment request for international election observers.

He said Emefiele approved the payment of $6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars) in cash for international election observers in the last 2023 general election.

Ogbu made the revelation while testifying at the ongoing trial of Emefiele.   

The former CBN boss is standing trial before Justice Muazu on 20-count amended charges bordering on corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and obtaining by false pretences to the tune of $6,230,000.00 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand United States Dollar).

At the resumed trial on Monday, Michael, a former branch controller of the CBN, Abuja branch, led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, identified the documents presented to him by the prosecution, adding that he worked on the documents.

According to him, on January 8, 2023, a request for $6,230,000 payment came to his office and documents for the disbursement of the money were approved by the then-CBN boss in cash for international election observers

Boss Mustapha appeared at the FCT High Court in Abuja as Prosecution Witness 2. The former SGF in his testimony said he knew nothing about the transaction up till the time he left office after serving for five years and seven months.

According to him, the document did not come from the office of the President.

Mustapha also said he never heard of any “Special Appropriation Provision,” saying he was only familiar with “appropriation” and “supplementary.” Mustapha said Buhari never concluded any of the correspondence he received from him with “Please accept with my highest regard”.

He said Buhari’s signature was forged, noting that the Nigerian Government has no business paying foreign election observers.

Mustapha said he did not know of the transaction.

Traditional ruler urges NAFDAC to rethink ban on alcohol in sachet, PET bottles

Oba Abdulkabir Adeyemi, Olota of Ota, Ogun, has appealed to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to reverse its ban on alcoholic beverages in sachet and PET bottles below 200ml.

Adeyemi made the appeal while addressing factory workers protesting the ban of the products on Tuesday at his palace in Ota.

He said the government should reconsider the ban based on the several benefits of the products to the manufacturers and contribution to the economy.

It was learnt that workers under the Distillery Unions continued their protests around Ota where majority of their factories are located in Ogun on Tuesday.

The protesters marched through major roads in Ota, drawing the attention of passersby and those that patronised the products.

Adeyemi said there was need for NAFDAC to revisit its ban on alcoholic beverages below 200ml and PET bottles as the benefits outweighed the disadvantages.

He said the products could be exported to other countries to generate revenue and employment for the teeming youth.

“I think NAFDAC should have a rethink as these sachets and PET bottles could be exported to West African countries and European countries, which in return would earn revenue for the country.

“The regulator can make other laws to protect the health of Nigerians but not to impose a total ban on the products as this would increase the crime rate in Ogun and the country at large,” he said.

Adeyemi assured the people that he would inform the government about their grievances and plead for a review of the ban.

It was reported that the Enforcement Department of NAFDAC, Lagos, had on Feb. 2 carried out a two-day enforcement exercise in Ota, after the five-year directive to stop the production of alcoholic beverages in sachet and PET bottles below 200ml expired on Jan. 31.

Emefiele: Why we paid out $6.2m, by CBN Director

Emefiele

A Deputy Director in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Michael Onyeka Ogbu, has explained why the apex bank released $6,230,000 as payment to some international election observers prior to last year’s general election.

Ogbu, who is currently a Deputy Director and Head of the Service Delivery Division at the CBN, said the funds were released because the request documents contained evidence of approvals by the then President Muhammadu Buhari and erstwhile CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.

The deputy director said this while testifying yesterday as a prosecution witness in the trial of the former CBN governor.

Emefiele is facing a 20-count amended charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in which he is, among others, accused of engaging in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence.

He is, in the amended charge, accused of forging a document, titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions, dated: January 26, 2023 with reference number SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) to the governor of the CBN.

Emefiele is alleged to have, on February 8, 2023, knowingly obtained by false pretence $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the SGF vide a letter, dated: January 26, 2023, with reference number SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Mr. President’s directive”. Ogbu, who was led in evidence by RotimiOyedepo (SAN), said he served as the Branch Controller until he was redeployed last September.

He recalled that on February 8, last year, there was a request for payment addressed to the Branch Controller.

Ogbu said after going through the documents and was satisfied, he minuted on it to the Head of Business Services Unit for processing and payment.

On whether the money was eventually released, the witness said: “Payment was eventually made. The $6,230,000 was paid on September 8, 2023. The payment was in cash.” At that point, Oyedepo handed the witness a bundle of documents, which Ogbu identified as the documents he referred to.

Identifying each of the documents one at a time, the witness said the first page “is the payment slip, which was issued at the point of payment from my bank to the person nominated to receive the payment”.

He added: “The second page is the memo from the Banking Services Department authorising the branch to make the payment of $6,230,000.“The third page is the request of the Director of Banking Services Department for approval of the Governor for the payment.”

The witness explained what pages four to six contained.

Ogbu told the court that the presidential approval was addressed to the then SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

Oyedepo was about tendering the documents when he noticed that some of them were not properly certified.

The laywer prayed the court to be allowed to tender them as they were with a promise to replace them later with properly certified copies, a request the defence lawyer, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), rejected.

He also urged the court to grant him a stand-down of about 30 minutes to get the documents certified, which Burkaa also rejected.

Burkaa argued that it was impossible for the prosecution to have the documents certified within the 30 minutes Oyedepo requested for.

He urged the court to instead grant an adjournment to allow the prosecution sufficient time to put its house in order, an option the judge, Justice HamzaMuazu, felt comfortable with.

With the agreement of lawyers to parties in the case, Justice Muazu adjourned till February 13 for continuation of trial.

Nigeria: Bolaji Agbede replaces late Wigwe as Access Holdings Acting G-CEO

Access Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

This followed the death of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimboloa Ogunbanjo on Friday in California, United States.

Wigwe
Wigwe

A statement made by the company’s Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, stated that the appointment was subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.

“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, read in part.

Until her recent appointment, Ms Agbede was the company’s most senior founding Executive Director in charge of business support.

She has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services. She commenced her professional career in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank and served in various capacities within the commercial banking and operations functions rising to the position of manager in 2001.

Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an assistant general manager and was responsible for managing the Bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies.

She became the head of human resources for the Access Bank Group in 2010, overseeing the human capital development of the Group. She held the position until June 2022 when she was appointed the executive director of Access Holdings after the bank transitioned to a holding company.

The University of Lagos alumnus began her professional career at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), where she rose from executive trainee in 1992 to a managerial position in 2001. She was once GTB’s relationship manager and vault custodian.

Ms. Agbede subsequently served as the Chief Executive Officer of JKG Limited, a business consulting outfit, in 2003.

Tinubu honours Super Eagles players, officials with MON, lands

President Bola Tinubu has awarded the members of the Super Eagles national team and their officials with the prestigious national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for their impressive performance at the just-concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in Cote d’Ivoire.

In further recognition of their achievement, the federal government, represented by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has also granted each member of the team a plot of land.

They are to also receive a block of flat with location yet to be announced.

President Tinubu, who received the National Football Team, expressed pride in the team, acknowledging their role in fostering unity within the country through their remarkable performance.Despite finishing second, he encouraged them to hold their heads high and maintain their team spirit.

William Troost-Ekong, the team’s vice-captain and most valuable player, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, expressing a desire to present a trophy rather than silver medal.

It was reported that Nigeria emerged Silver medalist in the biggest continental soccer showpiece on Sunday night, losing the trophy to the hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

The Nigerian team was received at the State House in Abuja yesterday, where they were conferred with the national honour awards and other gifts following their return to the country in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Master bakers begin nationwide strike February 27

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria has said it would withdraw its service nationwide from February 27, seems the Federal government refuse to implement the agreement it entered into with the association in 2020.

It called for the immediate implementation of financial support palliatives for bakers as promised by the Federal Government as post COVID-19 support programmes for Small and Medium Enterprises for bakers who have lost over 40 per cent of their membership and still counting. It further called for the suspension of all forms of taxation on the bakery industry for now at the federal, state and local government levels.

A statement from the National President of AMBCON, Alhaji Mansur Umar, read on his behalf by the Kogi State Chairman of the association, Chief Gabriel Adeniyi, yesterday, noted that the decision to withdraw its services was due to the “multifarious increase in the prices of baking materials such as flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, petrol, diesel all occasioned by subsidy removal and forex deregulation.”

The association said, “Multiple taxations from several federal, state, local government agencies fees and levies, hike in business activities in Nigeria are also some of the reasons for the impending strike action.”

The statement partly read, “The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria have critically accessed the state of our business operation, consequently demand the liberalisation of flour and sugar importation, reduction or total removal of import duties on major baking materials such as flour, sugar, butter, yeast etc as applicable to other commodities as have recently been done by the federal government and Provision of concessionary forex exchange to flour millers and other stakeholders as well as reduction of tariff on imported wheat and sugar.”

Other demands outlined by the association included the development of cultivation and processing of wheat and sugar cane in Nigeria, and the removal of multiple taxations at all government levels.

The association also called for the setting up of a price control and monitoring committee as allowed by the constitution as amended and other conditions that will enhance the ease of doing business in the country.

Gunmen kill PDP House of Reps candidate

Gunmen have killed a former House of Representatives candidate from Anambra State, Jude Oguejiofor.

Mr Oguejiofor hailed from Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra but lived in Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Oguejiofor, also a lawyer, contested for the Ihiala Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Sources told our reporter that the politician was abducted around 1 a.m. last week, alongside his brother by some gunmen.

The incident happened in the Orsumoghu community where they had gone to see their aged parents.

But the gunmen later released his brother unhurt.

The brother is a medical doctor who recently came back from a foreign country.

A source close to the family, who asked not to be named, told our correspondent that the gunmen accused Mr Oguejiofor of writing petitions against them and their activities in the community.

“They said he had been writing petitions against them to the Anambra State Government,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the source said Mr Oguejiofor’s father fainted and died on Thursday last week when the gunmen contacted the family and informed them that they had killed the politician.

A lawyer, Chidi Ibekaeme, in his reaction, said that the lawyer could have avoided his community, given that he had been vocal about the rising attacks by gunmen in the area.

Mr Ibekaeme hails from Orsu-Ihiteukwa, a community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State which shares a boundary with the politician’s community.

“His (Oguejiofor’s) community is very volatile. The community is virtually run down and taken over by these criminals who say they are agitating for freedom,” he said.

When contacted yesterday, the police spokesperson in Anambra State he said he had no information on the incident.

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