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THE STATES

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Adamawa

Nigeria’s High Commissioner in South Africa Buba Marwa says aside the people’s yearnings, his credentials as a former Governor prompted his aspiration to govern Adamawa come 2011.

The retired Brig-General and one time military administrator in Borno and Lagos states is seeking the office of governor on the PDP ticket for next year’s general election.

Marwa told newsmen in Yola that he was a tested and trusted person with track record.

“I have been tested. People believe that Marwa has done it before and he will do it again in all aspects of governance at the state level,” Marwa said.

He said that in spite of his posting to South Africa, he was in constant touch with the people, contrary to beliefs in some quarters that he had been cut off from the people.

Marwa said he was fully in touch with home and could feel the yearnings and frustration of the people of Adamawa who asked him to come and run for governorship.

The aspirant promised free education and healthcare services to the people if elected governor in 2011.

 

Bauchi

The National Assembly has vowed to ensure the completion of all road projects executed up to 80 per cent, the House of Representatives Committee on works has said.

Rep Sani Abdullahi, the team leader of  the committee, said this in an interview with newsmen at Headquarters of Shira Local Government Council of Bauchi State.

Abdullahi spoke after the inspection of the Yana-Shira-Azare 35 km road rehabilitation project.

He said that the National Assembly would vire funds from road projects whose execution were still in their early stages to attend to those about to be completed.

According to him, the measure is aimed at saving cost, time, as well as ensuring quality and legality of the various contracts.

Abdullahi observed that road construction was capital intensive and spanned beyond the country’s annual budget of four to five years.

“If you are building a contract of say N15 billion and you are financing it based on the annual budget which each ministry is tied to an envelop; you are only appropriating between N1.2 million or N1.5 million”, he said.

 

FCT

Mr Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information and Communications, has said that Nigerians abroad constitute a precious national resource.

The minister said this on Saturday in Abuja at a cocktail party organised by the New Nigeria Initiative (NNI) in Diaspora for Development.

Maku conceded that a major problem confronting Africa and Nigeria was that of good governance.

He said that there was a need to repair the structures of governance in the country.

He, however, said that Nigerians living abroad could never be comfortable anywhere in the world until they were able to participate in rebuilding the country.

“A nation is propelled by the values its leadership professes and not by its resources,’’ he said.

Maku described Nigerians living overseas as the country’s emissaries, urging them to return home and participate in nation-building activities.

 

Kaduna

The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) says it disbursed  more than N3 billion loan to facilitate mega agricultural projects within the last nine years.

In a brief on its activities made available to newsmen in Kaduna last Friday, the bank said the loan was distributed to 16 mega projects in 14 states.

The benefitting projects, the brief stated, included poultry feeds, vegetable oil processing, arable crops production, tea production, agro processing, natural rubber production, cassava production and processing and flour mill.

The bank said it had also disbursed more than N2 billion loan to facilitate micro-arable and pineapple production in 12 states of the federation within the period under review.

“BOA had collaborated with reputable agencies, NGOs, governments and international agencies to make the loan available to 75,073 beneficiaries,’’ the brief stated.

 

Kano

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) will soon begin a Masters Degree programme in Public Relations, Malam Sule Yau has said.

Yau, the chairman of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kano State chapter, said in a lecture in Kano yesterday, that BUK would run the programme in conjunction with the Institute.

He said that the decision to introduce the programme was informed by the commitment of the institute and BUK to enhance the practice of public relations in the country.

“We hope that by the next academic session, the Mass Communication Department of the Bayero University, Kano, will in conjunction with our Institute, start Masters Degree programme in public relations,” he said.

He disclosed that the Mass Communication department had already dedicated a classroom, which he said the Institute would furnish for the successful take-off of the programme.

The chairman further stated that the Institute and the department had worked out a curriculum for the course.

 

Katsina

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) says it has trained and empowered 50 physically challenged persons in Katsina State in various skills under its ‘jobs-stimulus package in 2010.

The NDE coordinator in the state, Mr Yakubu Mani, who disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of the trainees on Saturday in Katsina, said that 25 youths and 10 vulnerable women were also trained and empowered on ICT and assorted trades.

Mani said that the trainees were part of the 4,790 jobs stimulus package launched by the directorate this year.

He said that apart from the training, the trainees would also collect resettlement items as loans, to enable them to start their respective business.

According to him, the physically challenged persons and women were trained in shoe, bag and pomade and bead making, while the 25 youths received training in ICT.

 

Lagos

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Inumidun Akande, announced on Saturday that government had purchased 112 new Toyota Corolla cars for distribution to magistrates.

She made the announcement at a special end of year meeting with the magistrates.

“I can confirm that each and every one of you will soon have a brand new Toyota Corolla as your official car,” she said.

Akande said the magistracy occupied a prime position in the judiciary, and urged them to reciprocate the gesture by being loyal and committed in the discharge of their duties.

“There is need for you all as members of the Lower Bench to exhibit and maintain a high sense of discipline and responsibility in line with the ethics of our noble profession,” she added.

 

Nasarawa

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has embarked on the construction of three new sub-stations in Lafia, Nasarawa State, to boost power supply in the state.

The PHCN Business Manager Lafia, Malam Abdulganiyu Isa, disclosed this at the fourth quarter customer consultative meeting in Lafia on Saturday.

Isa also said that power supply to Nasarawa State would soon rise from 10-15 megawatts to 20 megawatts at the completion of a new 450 MVA direct line.

The line, he added, was being injected into the Katampe transmission station in Abuja which has its supply source asKainji.

Isa told the meeting that of the three new sub-stations, two injection sub-stations: 33/11KV at Shendam road and Mararaba-Akunza in Lafia were almost 90 per cent completed, adding that they would soon be in operation.

He said that approval was being awaited for the construction of a transmission sub-station in Akurba a suburb of Lafia, to tap from a 330 KVA transmission line from Jos to Makurdi.

 

Plateau

The police in Plateau State are set to arrest the CPC governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, following an order by a Jos Federal High Court.

The Court, on Wednesday, ordered the arrest of the aspirant for allegedly refusing to appear before it after several summons and adjournments.

Adamu is the owner of Solid Unit Nig. Ltd, a mining company, sued for trespass by another company, Geotess Nig. Ltd.

Justice Bilkisu Aliyu, who ordered the arrest, expressed shock that the accused had not bothered to appear before the court at the adjourned sitting on December 15.

“I hereby direct that he should be arrested on sight, detained and brought to court on January 11, 2011, the adjoined date for the hearing of the case,’’ he declared.

The court, however, took steps to implement the order by taking the arrest warrant to the Plateau Police Commissioner, Abdulraman Akano.

 

Zamfara

Alhaji Abdulkakdir Tsafe, a PDP aspirant for House of Representatives in Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, has said that PDP will emerge stronger after its primary elections.

Tsafe told newsmen in Gusau that the current crisis over zoning and its “unprecedented number of contestants” were manifestations of popularity of the party.

“I am optimistic that such differences bordering on individual interests would be amicably resolved at the party level and the party will come out of its primaries stronger to face the 2011 elections,“ he said.

The aspirant said the corporate interest of the party to win the 2011 elections was more important than individual’s interest, as such, members should unite to ensure the success of the party.

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NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

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The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.

He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.

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Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

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A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.

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Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

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The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.

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