Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

February 13, 2012

Adamawa

INEC National Commissioner in-charge of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States, Dr Nuru Yakubu, said INEC would build on the experience gained from the Adamawa governorship poll in conducting future elections.

Answering questions from newsmen in Yola recently, the Commissioner said the Adamawa exercise was one of the best conducted polls in the country.

He said that based on the assessment of his colleagues and people of the state, the election was not only free and fair, but also very peaceful.

“Based on assessment that we undertook in the company of other National Commissioners, reports were the same all over the state that the conduct of the election was peaceful.

“INEC deployed four National Commissioners as well as many resident commissioners from neighboring states to monitor the election.

“I can say that based on my experience, this is one of the freest elections ever conducted and I think the result reflected the wish of the people.’’

Benue

Benue State House of Assembly has directed the Logo Local Government to commence negotiations with the banks being owed to enable them to cancel the debts.

The House gave the advice last Thursday during a plenary session in Makurdi.

The decision arose from deliberations on the volume one of the report of its Committee on Public Accounts on the activities of Local Government Areas.

Speaker of the House, David Iorhemba, further urged the council to abide by the guidelines provided by the Financial Memorandum in preparing financial records.

Iorhemba also called on Logo council to complete all abandoned projects before embarking on new ones.

He charged the council to have budgetary estimates in its yearly financial transactions to enhance performance.

FCT

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Bwari chapter, has stressed the need for adequate enlightenment on the introduction of the Growth Enhancement Programme (GEP) by the Federal Government.

The acting Chairman of the association, Alhaji Isa Labba, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Bwari.

Labba said that the call became necessary as the Federal Government was no longer involved in direct procurement and sale of fertiliser to farmers.

According to him, in view of this development, farmers are in a dilemma on how to access inputs for the 2012 farming season.

He urged the Federal Government institute a standard structure to replace the former fertiliser procurement arrangement.

Our correspondent recalls that the Federal Government had announced that the procurement and distribution of fertiliser had been handed over to interested private individuals.

Gombe

The Gombe State House of Assembly has confirmed the reappointment of Alhaji Abdulmajid Adamu as member of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC).

The confirmation followed a letter sent to the House by Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo.

In the letter, Dankwambo said the reappointment of the member was based on the powers conferred on him by section 198 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said the nominee was eligible for the reappointment having served for five years in the first appointment.

Moving the motion, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Mamman Alkali, urged his colleagues to confirm the nominee based on his wealth of experience.

Alhaji Buba Mohammed Bajoga, representing Funakaye South Constituency, seconded the motion and was unanimously approved.

Kaduna

Japanese government has provided 2.53 million US dollars for the take-off of the “Access to Justice for the Poor Project“ in Kaduna state.

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ryuichi Shoji, made this known in Kaduna on Thursday at the launch of the three -year project, to be managed by the World Bank.

According to him, the project is aimed at providing the less privileged access to free legal services in line with the Millennium Development Goals.

He noted that the project would also assist those deprived of fair hearing in matters affecting them by using the services of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

He commended the federal government for the adoption of the Legal Aids Act 2011, saying that it would strengthen the legal framework relating to access to justice by the poor.

Katsina

The Police in Funtua, Katsina State, have killed one suspected armed robber and apprehended another after a shoot out in the early hours of Thursday.

The suspects, who were on a motorcycle, had engaged a police patrol team in a shoot out after failing to stop when flagged down along Katsina road in the town.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Muhammad Abubakar, confirmed the incident, saying his men were on the trail of the third suspect who fled.

“The three suspects were on a motorcycle and when police stopped them, they refused to stop, consequently the police pursued the suspects who engaged the law officers in gun battle.”

Kebbi

The Kebbi Primary School Teachers Pension Board has so far verified 1,293 retired teachers during its annual headcount.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Hajiya Halima Dikko,told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday that the execise was geared towards eliminating wastage of public funds.

According to her, ascertaining the actual number of pensioners as well as determining their monthly entitlements will go a long way in checking dubious practices.

“The number of retirees increases periodically but the monthly subvention to the board has not been increasing; the pensioners need to be patient.

Kogi

The Kogi Central Media Practitioners Association (KOCEMPA) has urged the Acting governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulahi Bello, to use his short tenure to ensure peace and growth by uniting the various ethnic groups in the state.

The President of the association, Alhaji Abduikareem Abdulmalik, gave the advice in a statement issue in Lokoja on Sunday.

The statement urged the action governor not to be bothered by the mild drama that preceded his inauguration, saying that it was one of the dynamics of politics.

Lagos

The Cargo Defence Fund (CDF) says it is handling more than 27 cases of unpaid proceeds of Nigerian exports.

The Secretary of the fund, Ms Azuka Ogo, said in a statement on Thursday in Lagos that the non-payments were due to breach of trust by the foreign buyers.

CDF, a project of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, is to assist importers and exporters in the pursuit of claims and legal remedies.

Ogo appealed to small-time exporters to always ensure the appropriate steps were taken in their transactions with foreign buyers.

According to her, the Open Account System of payment for international trade transactions which the Nigerian exporters contracted is based solely on trust.

Ogun

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP) has pledged its commitment to the success of its partnership with the Republic of Benin to facilitate the implementation of its mandate.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, made the pledge in Abeokuta on Thursday at the end of the 9th Nigeria/ Benin Joint Technical Committee meeting on Trafficking in Persons.

She said the partnership would help both nations to achieve the objective of phasing out human trafficking and increase “the dignity of man”.

A communiqué issued at the end of the four-day meeting was jointly signed by Jedy-Agba and Emile Ekpinse, the Deputy Secretary-General, Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, Republic of Benin.

Plateau

The Plateau State Government has approved the award of various road contracts worth more than N3 billion in its bid to improve on infrastructural development.

The state government has also purchased 500 units of tricycles worth N285 million in addition to 100 taxi cabs and 15 units of 18-seater buses to alleviate the transportation challenges following the increase in fuel pump price from N65 to N97.

The Commissioner of Information, Mr Abraham Yiljap, told newsmen in Jos after the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday that the wellbeing of the people was foremost in the agenda of the government.

He explained that contracts for the construction of five-kilometre road projects in Wase Local Government Area was re-awarded at the cost of N437 million.

Sokoto

A lecturer at the Department of Mass Communications, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Gusau, Mr. Agabas Apelugun, has expressed optimism that the on going reforms by President Goodluck Jonathan will transform the country for optimal goal.

Apelugun told newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday that the President’s commitment to improve power supply would boost the socio-economic and political base of the country.

Apelogun explained that security agencies could not be everywhere all the times but relevant information from citizens would help in tackling the menace of criminals.

The lecturer appealed to traditional and religious leaders to complement the efforts of the government by sensitising their followers on the need to be security conscious.

Nation

Rumuaholu Community Denies Land Grabbing Allegations, Accuses Obio/Akpor Chairman of Interference in Land Dispute

Published

4 days ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ekeanyanwu family of Rumuaholu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has strongly refuted allegations of land grabbing levelled against it, describing recent media reports as false, misleading, and deliberately fabricated.

The family made its position known during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the residence of Dr. Colonel Ogwumerum Eke in Rumuaholu. The briefing was attended by community leaders, stakeholders, and family representatives.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Eke dismissed claims attributed to the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Gift Worlu, which allegedly labelled the family as land grabbers. He described the allegations as baseless, frivolous, and lacking any factual foundation.

According to Dr. Eke, the Ekeanyanwu family remains the legitimate owner of the parcel of land known as Ohia Agbada, comprising approximately 6,000 plots situated along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road corridor. He further maintained that Victory Estate, located within the disputed area, belongs exclusively to the Ekeanyanwu family and not to the Rumuosi Community as claimed by the council chairman.

Dr. Eke stated that ownership of the land had been affirmed by the courts, citing Case No. CCC/22/2015 at the Choba Customary Court. He explained that while the suit was instituted against another family in Rumuaholu, the Rumuosi Community sought to be joined in the matter but their application was rejected by the court.

He further disclosed that the family currently holds 15 subsisting court judgments in its favour relating to the disputed land, including judgments from the Customary Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal.

The family spokesman alleged that the Obio/Akpor council chairman, in collaboration with the local Anti-Land Grabbing Committee, was attempting to undermine the court decisions and dispossess the family of its land through what he described as “backdoor means.”

Dr. Eke accused the chairman of assuming the role of an appellate authority over matters that had already been conclusively determined by competent courts.

Expressing concern over recent developments, he alleged that individuals acting under the influence of the council chairman had destroyed properties worth millions of naira within Victory Estate. He described the action as a direct affront to existing court judgments and the rule of law.

Displaying copies of court judgments during the briefing, Dr. Eke questioned the rationale behind branding judgment creditors as land grabbers, insisting that those challenging the court rulings were the real offenders.

He called on members of the public to disregard what he termed misleading radio announcements purportedly made by the council chairman and urged government institutions and security agencies to uphold the sanctity of court judgments.

Also speaking at the briefing, Elder Prince Ndaokani, Principal Oji Owhor of Rumuaholu Community, supported the Ekeanyanwu family’s claims. He maintained that the disputed land originally belonged to Dr. Eke’s late father, who, according to Ikwerre native customary law, acquired ownership through the clearing and development of the land.

However, the allegations were dismissed by the Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Anti-Land Grabbing Committee, Chief Alex Wali, who responded on behalf of the local government council.

Chief Wali declined to engage directly with the claims made by Dr. Eke, stating: “That man cannot be gifted with our valued response to his tirades. People like that should not be in public but should be rotting in jail for heinous crimes against humanity.”

He maintained that nothing would prevent the council chairman from carrying out his constitutional responsibilities as the chief executive and chief security officer of the local government area.

According to him, the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels, and the council would continue to discharge its duties in that regard.

The dispute is the latest chapter in a long-running land ownership controversy in the area, with both sides maintaining opposing claims over the disputed property.

By Akujobi Amadi

Nation

Asarama Kingdom Condemns Gruesome Murder of A Commercial Vehicle Driver

Published

4 days ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

The Asarama General Assembly in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has condemned the gruesome murder of a commercial vehicle driver by some identified criminal elements in the community.

It would be recalled that on Thursday the 28th of May 2026, the kingdom was thrown into mourning, following the gruesome murder of a commercial vehicle driver by some criminal elements

The Assembly which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also called for the establishment of a Mobile police and police anti cultism departments at the Asarama Police Division.

The Okangh Ama /Paramount Ruler of Asarama kingdom HRM king Appolus J Nteijaewaye who read the text for the briefing onbehalf of The Asarama General Assembly at the briefing said the community condemned in totality the gruesome incident.

He said the kingdom also extends its condolences to the bereaved family of the murdered driver, stressing that as a kingdom it would leave no stone unturned to ensure that such an incident never occur within it’s territorial space again.

The General Assembly also commended the prompt intervention of the Nigerian police Force which led to the arrest of some members of the criminal gang, adding that even though the crime was committed at Asarama, some of those allegedly involved were not indigenes of Asarama kingdom.

“As a kingdom we use the sober moment of this unfortunate incident to further commend the prompt reaction of the leadership and men of the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers state that led to their effective results aimed at eliminating criminality and deterring the evil ones in our society “

The Community also described the incident as a pointer to the level of vulnerability of not only Asarama kingdom but the entire society, against the background that the sanctity of life ought to be sacred and protected by individuals, groups, communities and governmental institutions”

Meanwhile ,The Asarama General Assembly has called for the establishment of a Mobile Police as well as police anti cultism departments at the Asarama Police Division

It said this has become necessary inview of the strategic location of the kingdom as a gateway to the rest of Andoni communities and Opobo -Nkoro Local Government Area.

“Owing to the peculiarity of our geographical location especially the amphibious nature of Asarama kingdom, intricately linked with its neighbouring inter ethnic Ogoni and Opobo -Nkoro Local Government Areas in general and intra Andoni communities in particular, the relevant authorities should urgently approved special mobile police force,Anti cultism and Marin units to be attached to the Asarama Divisional headquarters”

The kingdom also decried the continuous neglect of the Asarama police Division, since it’s establishment adding that the division up till date,does not have a single firearm as well as enough personnel

It said this situation has exposed the community to activities of criminal elements.

“The sordid state of the only security outfit that ought to police our territory and beyond now seems to complicate the delicate insecurity that we are already exposed to, first as a nation and second as a people inhabiting an intricate amphibious gateway kingdom

“Consequently we hereby cry to the appropriate authorities to urgently equip the Asarama Divisional Police headquarters with adequate men arms and ammunition “the Community said.

John Bibor

Nation

Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

Published

2 weeks ago

June 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.