Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor of Adamawa State has Murtala Nyako said that many lives have been lost in recent clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in five local government areas of the state.
Nyako, who stated this in Yola on Monday when the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Isa Abubakar, paid him Christmas homage, also said many people were reported injured in the clashes.
The clashes occurred in Mubi South, Maiha, Madagali, Gombi and Song local government areas.
He warned that the government would not fold it arms and watch some few elements destabilise the peaceful atmosphere in the state, adding:“Government is well prepared to deal with any group or individual found wanting”.
The governor expressed dismay on the activities of Fulani herdsmen who cling to the old habit of moving about with their herds, saying it was time for them to abandon the habit and stay in one place.
Bauchi
The Chairman, Bauchi State Revenue Board, Alhaji Muazu Usman, says civil servants will enjoy 50 per cent tax relief under the new Personal Income Tax Act assented to by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Usman said this in an interview with newmen in Bauchi on Monday.
He explained that the act would reduce the burden on tax payers in the public and private sectors, saying it has provided a lot of tax reliefs for workers, especially on the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE).
“The effect of this amendment will greatly reduce Pay-As-You-Earn tax. The PAYE tax will come down from the current level.
“It also specifies stiffer penalties for non-compliance, so the idea is for it to reduce the tax burden and also to ensure that everybody participates in the tax payment, the drop in tax relief averagely, about 50 per cent will come down”, he added.
He also spoke on the state’s expected internal revenue in 2012, saying the N7.3 billion figure was realisable.
“And if you look at the average monthly collection, it comes to about N410 million, so I think we can achieve seven billion in the year ahead.
“We intend to take other measures, not necessarily taxing the non-taxable entities, but there are taxes that are not being collected, we really have to introduce them and collect them in the coming year.”
FCT
The Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) says it arrested, and arraigned 600 motorists before mobile courts between December 20 and December 23, for contravening various traffic rules and regulations.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Nseobong Akpabio, the organisation’s Public Education Officer, in Abuja.
The statement quoted the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Commission, Mr Osita Chidoka, as saying that the exercise was part of efforts to ensure free flow of traffic during the festivities.
“Chidoka, however, said that some road corridors including Abuja-Lokoja, Lagos-Ibadan-Ore, Asaba-Onitsha, Obollo–Affor- 9th Mile and the Enugu-Okigwe-Port Harcourt highways, experienced slight traffic hitches during the period.
“He attributed the hitches to lack of patience among road users and urged motorists to abide by traffic rules and regulations,’’ it said.
The statement also quoted Chidoka as saying that the ongoing aerial surveillance by the FRSC had provided it a platform to be acquainted with the traffic situation nationwide and in the deployment of operatives and logistics.
Gombe
The former Chairman of Billiri Local Government in Gombe State, Mr Rabenson Wasa , has urged people in the area to be security conscious, so as to avert further breach of the peace.
Wasa, who was recently appointed commissioner by Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Billiri on Monday.
The former chairman, who spoke against the backdrop of recent attack of some villages in the area, said the issue of security should be a collective responsibility and not that of the security agents alone.
He, therefore, urged the people to work closely with security agents to make the area safe, but warned against giving false information, saying such would mislead the security agents and create avoidable tension.
“I want to advise my people to report any case of insecurity to the appropriate channel; I believe it is by coming together to sincerely report security problems, that the security agents will act accordingly.
“People should avoid spreading rumours which will mislead the security agents.”
He appealed to the people of the area to support his successor in the council, so as to sustain the gains recorded in moving the area forward.
Wasa, who would take charge of the state Ministry for Works and Transport, pledged to ensure improvement in the transport sector in the state.
Kaduna
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has commenced intensive patrol of major highways in Kaduna State to curtail road accidents, the Ag. North West Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Ilallah, has said.
Ilallah, told newsmen in Kaduna that the yuletide period was prone to accidents due the heavy traffic and fatigue on the part of motorists returning to their places of work from long distances.
He said it was part of the agency’s tradition to coordinate resources in response to road accidents during festivals, such as the Christmas.
The patrol tagged “Operation Eagle Eye” would compliment the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in tackling the menace, Illalah said.
He said that the patrols would cover the Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Kano and Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highways and would continue until January, 2012.
“Our officers will be in strategic places on these roads to monitor and ensure that road users comply with traffic rules and are moderate on their speed limit.’’
Katsina
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Katsina State arrested 340 persons for different drug-related offences in the outgoing year, an official said.
The State Commander of the agency, Mr Ahmadu Garba, told newsmen in Katsina on Tuesday that 58 of those arrested were convicted by the courts and jailed.
He said 38 cases were pending at the Federal High Court, Katsina.
Garba said the agency seized 603 kg of drugs, comprising Indian hemp and other psychotropic substances during the year.
He said NDLEA counselled 188 drug users, rehabilitated and integrated them in society.
“Our aggressive enlightenment campaigns on the danger of drug abuse as well as our patrol on highways will continue with renewed vigour to check the menace,’’ he said.
Kebbi
Governor of Kebbi Saidu Dakingari, has approved the hosting of the 2012 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival in the state.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Sani Kangiwa, in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, stated that the Argungu Emirate and other organisations would co-sponsor the festival.
It added that the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, would chair the 2012 festival, noting that the festival was last held in 2009.
The festival, the statement noted, would commence on March 19 and end on March 21.
It stated that events lined up for the festival included grand fishing, the Kabanji display, an agricultural and traditional trade fair, a durbar, cultural dances, traditional boxing and wrestling, as well as camel, horse and donkey races.
Lagos
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has called on the Federal Government to ensure effective implementation of the 2012 budget to regain public confidence.
The Secretary General of the association, Mr Solomon Onaghinon, told newsmen in Lagos that only about 34 per cent of projects earmarked for implementation in annual budgets were usually carried out.
“What happens to others and their allocations?’’ Onaghinon asked.
He said that the inability of the government to live up to its words had made many Nigerians to lose confidence in it.
Niger
The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Suleja Business District is set to collect its N1.1 billion debts from customers, the PHCN Business Manager, Alhaji Mohammed Shakur has said.
Shakur told newsmen in an interview in Suleja on Tuesday that the district was poised to collect the debts in order to complete on-going network upgrading.
“The present revenue generation is about N40 million as against energy worth N90 million and that is what has led to the present staggering debt portfolio of N1.1billion.’’
He appealed to customers to settle all their outstanding bills promptly to avoid the embarrassment of being disconnected from the network.
Osun
Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has disbursed N38 millon to 22 communities for implementation of development projects.
The governor said that the projects were being facilitated by the World Bank to enable the state achieve its six-point Integral Action Plan.
Aregbesola, represented by the General Manager, Osun Agency for Community and Social Development Project (CSDP), Mrs Funmi Abokede, said his administration intended to eliminate poverty, hunger and unemployment as well to restore communal peace and progress.
Oyo
Governor of Oyo State Abiola Ajimobi , has called for collaborative efforts among states in the South-West to build an Independent Power Project (IPP) to improve electricity supply in the zone.
Receiving the Chief Executive Officer of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Ibadan Zone, Mr Bolaji Oyesiku, who paid him a courtesy visit, Ajimobi said, states should be allowed to invest in PHCN.
In a statement, issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Festus Adedayo, in Ibadan on Sunday, the governor said the South-West would reap immense benefits if they jointly invested in the power sector.
He urged the states to work closely with Lagos State and tap from its economic advantage to make the project a reality.
Ajimobi said if states could be allowed to acquire shares in a privatised PHCN, it would create a pool of funds that would boost the operations of the company.
He also urged the company to exploit the potential of Ikere George Dam and the Dandaru Waterfall in Ibadan for power generation.
Plateau
The Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr John Dabwan, has said that any ministry or parastatal agency, which fails to perform in 2012, will be sanctioned.
Dabwan told newsmen in Jos on Tuesday that the assembly was dissatisfied with the performances of most government organisations.
“We have directed that each ministry, parastatal and department should submit a quarterly financial report to us beginning from next year to monitor the implementation of the budget.
“Anything that falls short of our expectation in terms of performance will attract serious sanction from the house.’’
He said that many of the agencies performed below 50 per cent, stressing that such a “dismal record should not be allowed to repeat itself in 2012’’.
Dabwan said the lawmakers believed that the submission of quarterly reports by the government agencies would assist them in assessing the progress in the implementation of the budget.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of the seafaring profession and upgrading maritime institutions to international standards.
Speaking at the 2025 World Seafarers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, organised by NIMASA, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.
He said that this year’s theme “speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe and respectful workplace noting that harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of continuous training and retraining to ensure seafarers remain competitive and employable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, emphasised that seafarers are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods and services across the globe.
He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying against seafarers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the need for the maritime community to prioritise the welfare, safety of seafarers and maintain zero tolerance for harassment.
According to the DG, “Today provides opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans”.
He said that this year’s theme was particularly apt, as it was a call to action to “ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home. It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment”.
He declared that NIMASA must continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting seafarers, as Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa. “Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally. This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of our Maritime Training Institutions.
‘At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
These seven (7) amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.
I, therefore, call on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027. Our seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.
He added that NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles. They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity”, he stated.
He also assured that under his leadership, NIMASA will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly the renewal of entries into force by ship owners, operators, and relevant agencies come December 2027.
Stakeholders drawn across the four local government areas of Ogoniland in Rivers State, have expressed delight over the excellent performance of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey within the past two years, describing him as a true patriot, who has been showing leadership in delivering service to the people.
The stakeholders, who gave the indication in their separate goodwill messages during the mid-term stakeholders engagement and scorecard presentation organised by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, scored the Project Coordinator high on the Ogoni cleanup and the overall implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
The President of KAGOTE and Board member of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Hon Emma Deeyah, particularly commended Zabbey for turning around the fortunes of the Ogoni people, as they are now having value for the money earmarked for the cleanup project, describing the Project Coordinator as “one of our best.”
He noted that Zabbey has done well on the saddle, working very hard, being an administrator and leader with listening ears, striving assiduously to meet the yearnings and expectations of the people.
He said the Ogoni cleanup is a journey that has just begun, stressing that he was happy that the Project Coordinator is not on the saddle to amass wealth but to deliver and achieve results, and appealed to the Ogoni people to continue to give him their support.
On his part, member representing Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor, said HYPREP under the watch of Zabbey is working with renewed vigour, and thanked the Project Coordinator for driving the Ogoni cleanup project with passion.
He noted that the funds dedicated and earmarked for the project are running out, disclosing that he was working on an Executive Bill, to facilitate the work of HYPREP.
While stressing the need for the people to take full responsibility of all the projects sited in their communities, Dekor regretted that some beneficiaries had sold the starter packs presented to them by HYPREP, while the water facility provided in his Bierra community has been vandalised.
The King of Tai Kingdom, King Samuel Nnee, said HYPREP under Zabbey as Project Coordinator has been delivering on its mandate, describing him as a square peg in a square hole, who has given hope to the Ogoni people.
The monarch urged the Ogoni people to give the Project Coordinator the necessary support.
The Paramount Ruler of Barako Community and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Mene Kadilo Kabari, said Zabbey has always demonstrated that he is a true patriot by carrying along Ogoni people from all strata of the society, describing him as a performing Project Coordinator.
He noted that the bane of HYPREP before now had been the conflict between the Project Coordinator and the Minister of Environment, saying, under Zabbey, Ogoni people can now see what unity of purpose can achieve.
He expressed delight that the water facility which was the first commissioned by HYPREP in his community is functioning optimally following the solar-powered system installed by the Project.
The King of Eleme Kingdom, King(Dr) Philip Osaro Obelle thanked HYPREP’s management team for all that it is doing in Ogoniland, stressing that the Project was built on the graves, bellies and blood of Ogoni sons and daughters who lost their lives during the Ogoni struggle.
He, therefore, advised HYPREP “not to deviate from the expectations of our heroes but to do those things that would benefit Ogoni people for the betterment of Ogoniland.”
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Netherlands, Hon Oji Ngofa said HYPREP has been like the government of Ogoniland, and harped on the sustainability of all the projects.
According to him, Zabbey has been giving HYPREP a human face.
Former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Barineme Fakae applauded Zabbey for the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and stressed the need for the implementation of the recommendations of its technical committee which recently submitted its report.
According to him, if the project succeeds, Ogoni people are going to succeed.
Chief Priscillia Vikue, on her part, thanked Zabbey for his outstanding performance, saying, the women of Ogoni are very happy with what he is doing in Ogoniland.
While scoring the Project Coordinator highly on his performance, she said the women are happy because Zabbey knows what he is doing with HYPREP.
“You went to school.You did not cut corners.You are a square peg in a square hole.You have engaged women and the youths. We have seen what you have done. And we give you A1”, she said, and challenged Zabbey to see how more women would participate in the project and also how to sustain it.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the mid-term engagement is important because “it allows us to present tangible evidence of progress in the Ogoni cleanup effort, reinforce accountability, deepen transparency, and most importantly, enables HYPREP to interact directly with the communities and stakeholders who are the heartbeat of this project.”
He noted that the scorecard presentation is designed to show what HYPREP has achieved across key thematic areas, what challenges it is currently grappling with, and what the road ahead looks like, saying, “it is a moment for stocktaking and for re-affirming our shared commitment to the success of the Ogoni cleanup project”.
According to him, HYPREP has recorded commendable progress in the implementation of its core mandates in line with UNEP recommendations and the directives in the official gazette establishing HYPREP.
Donatus Ebi
The South-South representative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyok, has concluded his one-day official visit to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Rivers State, with the unveiling of the Mass Communication Department classroom building. The project was executed under the 2021 TETFund intervention project.
During the unveiling of the project, Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rt. Hon. Uduyok commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the educational sector and praised the polytechnic’s management for utilising TETFund resources judiciously.
He noted that the quality of ongoing projects met approved specifications, and expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress.
The TETFund representative stated that his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with beneficiary schools, assess fund utilization, and identify challenges.
He assured the school management that he would convey their requests for constructing engineering works and hostel accommodations to the board and notify them of any approval.
Rt. Hon. Uduyok explained that the TETFund Board is not initiating new projects this year, except where necessary, due to presidential directives. However, he commended the institution for the commendable quality of both completed and ongoing projects.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr. Moses S. Neebee, thanked the TETFund representative for visiting, and highlighted the institution’s successes and challenges. He requested support for hostel accommodations and engineering works, emphasising that a higher institution without hostels is akin to a glorified secondary school.
Dr. Neebee while briefing the visitor on the institution’s progress, noted that it currently runs 21 National Diploma programme and five Higher National Diploma courses. He disclosed that the school accessed the 2021 TETFund release in full but faced challenges with the 2023 fund due to harsh economic conditions and bid process delays, which increased project costs. The Rector pleaded for assistance in securing additional funds for the 2023 intervention release.
Akujobi Amadi