Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

Adamawa

The Emir of Mubi in Adamawa, Alhaji Isa Ahmadu, has advised teachers to ensure proper upbringing of their pupils.

The emir gave the advice on Monday in Mubi at a student parade organised by Islamic schools, as part of the activities to mark the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

He stressed the need for teachers to emphasis discipline for the good and moral upbringing of the pupils.

Ahmadu said, “The lack of discipline is largely responsible for the political and socio-economic problems in the country.

“We must emphasis discipline and morality to address the growing social vices in the society.’’

He also urged teachers to adopt more practical measures toward imparting knowledge in students and urged students to dedicate themselves to their studies.

Borno

The National Deputy Chairman of African Liberation Party (ALP), Alhaji Abba Kale has in Maiduguri called on Nigerians to support President GoodLuck Jonathan continuity bid.

· Kale in an interview with newsmen told the people to vote him in the April general polls.

· He said the Jonathan PDP led administration had initiated many developmental projects across the country and should be re-elected to complete them.

· He said an attempt to vote for any other party’s candidate would send Nigeria back to the starting point as the leadership will start all over again.

FCT

Chief Ambrose Owuru, the presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), says credible, free and fair elections will avert civil revolution in Nigeria.

He said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja and made available to the newsmen.

Owuru said that except the leadership of the nation was allowed to be determined by Nigerians through their votes, civil revolution might take place.

“There is a civil revolution now cutting across Africa. It might visit Nigeria if care is not taken,” he said.

Owuru, who is also the national chairman of the party, explained that credible, free and fair elections would oust bad leaders who had held the nation to ransom.

He attributed the socio-economic under-development of Nigeria to bad leadership.

Gombe

The Federal College of Horticultre, Dadinkowa in Gombe, has donated 265 books on enhanced farming techniques to farmers and secondary schools in Baure and Hinna towns.

At the presentation ceremony in Hinna, the Provost of the College, Dr Umaru Gurama, told representatives of the two communities the books would enhance the skills.

He identified areas the books would add value to the beneficiaries to include poultry, fisheries, livestock, vegetable, fruits and ornament production, among others.

According to him, if the farmers use those books as guide, their farm output will be enhanced, thereby boosting food production in the state and the country at large.

The provost said that his institution had assigned coordinators in each of the college’s outreach centres to assist farmers in comprehending the contents of the books for effective application.

Kaduna

The North-West zonal office of the PDP has declared that it recorded huge success at its presidential campaign in Kaduna.

The Tides source recalls that the PDP held its presidential campaign rally in Kaduna on February 10.

The zonal secretary of the party, Mr Baba Lawal-Aliyu, told the source in Kaduna that executives from the seven states, the NWC, the governorship, National and State Assembly flag bearers attended the rally.

“It is malicious and deliberate mischief by some idle minds that the rally was poorly attended.

“It is also a complete falsehood that the poor attendance cause feud between Gov. Patrick Yakowa and Vice President Namadi Sambo,’’ he said.

Kogi

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kogi has called on the state government to evolve a people-oriented tax policy that will lessen the burden on its workforce.

The Chairman of the association in the state, Dr Attah Ahmed, told newsmen that the state government should revert to the old tax policy and maintain the status quo to avoid further recourse to strikes and industrial unrest.

The chairman said that prior to the recent development, the state had been deducting one per cent of the workers’ net pay, which was about 10 per cent of the basic salary.

He explained that under the new tax regime, between 18 per cent and 20 per cent of the net pay of the workers, amounting to about 40 per cent of the basic salary, was being deducted monthly, adding that the implication was grievous.

Kwara

Twenty seven students from various tertiary institutions under the aegis of the National Association of Kwara State Students were recently arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrates’ Court over ‘violent’ protest.

The 27 persons are also being accused of criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, criminal force and assault on public servants.

The Tide’s source reports that other charges brought against them include mischief and disturbance of public peace, which run contrary to sections 97, 397, 267 and 113 of the Penal Code.

The source recalls that the students were arrested on Friday in the course of a protest for non-payment of their 2009/2010 bursary allowances by the Kwara Government.

According to the Police First Information Report (FIR), the students during the protest criminally conspired to destroy a Nissan Primera with registration number AL285 MUN and a Volkswagen Golf (AW693APP).

Lagos

Some financial experts have urged the Federal Government to adopt policies that would create the enabling environment to attract foreign investment.

The experts, who gave the advice in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, called on the government to revamp ailing sectors, especially the power sector.

Dr Tunde Adeoye, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Lagos, said that the problem of epileptic power supply must be solved for the survival of ailing industries as well as generate employment.

“For Nigeria to be successful economically, the power sector must be given urgent attention to ensure stable electricity in the country,” he said.

Adeoye said that the government needed to fast track the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to end the challenges of power supply in the country.

Security is another critical area that the experts said needed to be tackled.

Niger

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger has urged people in the state to vote enbloc for President Goodluck Jonathan, during the April elections.

Aliyu made the call in Minna, at the inauguration of his campaign team tagged: “Talba-2011’’.

“We must vote for President Jonathan if we want to attract federal projects to Niger.

“If you vote for PDP all round, your Governor can walk to the Villa to ask for anything,” Aliyu declared.

He tasked the campaign organisation to ensure that the party got two million votes of the total 2.5 million registered in the state.

The governor re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to a hitch- free election.

Aliyu also called on the electorate to ensure a PDP-controlled House of Assembly, to ease governemnt activities.

Oyo

The Federal High Court in Ibadan, has vacated the interim injunction restraining INEC from listing Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala as a contestant in April polls.

The Tide’s source recalls that Alao-Akala was elected in the governorship primaries conducted by the ruling PDP on December 31, 2010 at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

Three aspirants, Chiefs Wole Oyelese, Yekinni Adeojo and Hazeem Gbolarunmi and 34 others, had on February 1, secured an injunction restraining INEC from listing Alao-Akala and others as the party’s candidates from the primaries.

In vacating the order, Justice Johnson Shakarho said that since the plaintiffs and Alao-Akala were seeking elective posts in the PDP, they should go to INEC to harmonise their positions.

Plateau

Striking medical and health workers in Plateau, have suspended their industrial action for two weeks.

Mr. Richard Gbawuan, Secretary, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), disclosed this to newsmen in Jos.

He said that the suspension was to make room for negotiations with government.

The Tide’s source reports that the latest action, which took effect from February 14, followed series of meetings with the various groups involved.

“We also took into consideration the effect of the protracted industrial action on the citizens of the state,’’ Gbawuan said.

The source reports that health workers are seeking a harmonised salary structure and the Consolidated Health salary scale (CONHESS).

Yobe

The Coalition of Political Parties in Yobe has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide helicopters for timely delivery of materials and supervision at the Nigeria-Niger border areas during the April elections.

Malam Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the coalition, told newsmen in Damaturu that the provision of the helicopters was necessary in view of the difficult terrain of such areas.

He said the helicopters would not only facilitate the transportation of materials but also stem the problem of non-participation of citizens in the elections as well as ensure safety of poll materials, officials and observers.

Zamfara

National Assembly PDP caucus from Zamfara, on Tuesday called for peaceful campaigns in the state towards the April general elections.

Senator Sahabi Yau (PDP-Zamfara) who spoke on behalf of the group at a news conference in Abuja, said that the security situation in the state was worrisome.

He blamed the current insecurity situation in the state on the dangerous activities of some politicians.

“We, therefore, call on the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the State Security Service and other security organs to take note of these issues we have raised,’’ he said.

Continue Reading

Nation

Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

Published

on

Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.

Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.

Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.

The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.

On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.

The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.

Continue Reading

Nation

Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

Published

on

Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Continue Reading

Nation

OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

Published

on

The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.

Continue Reading

Trending