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THE STATES

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Benue

Two persons, Kparev Kamnan and Aondofa Nor, were yesterday remanded at the Federal Prisons, Makurdi, for allegedly robbing one Dominic Pila of the sum of N5,000.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Godwin Ebonyi, told the court that the victim reported the matter to the Ayati police station on January 12.

According to him, Pila said, on the same date, while he was sleeping in his house, three men armed with axes and cutlasses attacked him, stating that he raised an alarm as the robbers tried dispossessing him of N5,000.

The prosecutor said that the arrested suspects confessed to committing the offence while the third suspect was still at large. Ebonyi said that the offences were contrary to Sections 6(B) 1(2) of the Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Act.

Borno

 

The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO) in Borno State said it welcomed the ceasefire announcement by one Sheikh Mohammed Abdulaziz Ibn Idris, who said he represented the Boko Haram sect.

Ibn Idris had told a news conference on Monday in Maiduguri that the sect had directed all its members to lay down their arms and end hostilities forthwith. He said the ceasefire took effect from Monday, January 28.

Ibn Idris had also told journalists that the ceasefire order emanated from Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the sect after series of discussions between the group and the government.

“Actually, the ceasefire message came through Sheikh Abubakar Idris from Bauchi,” he said.

 

Jigawa

The Chairman, Kiyawa Local Government in Jigawa State, Alhaji Dahiru Madaki, says he is determined to execute projects which have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the area.

Dahiru who said this when he received representatives of other political parties in the area on a courtesy visit to him in his office in Kiyawa, Monday however called for tolerance among the political parties to ensure a sustainable democracy.

The LG chairman assured of his determination to be just and fair in the provision of social amenities to the people.

“No meaningful development will take place without the support and co-operation of all and sundry,’’ he said.

Earlier, in an address, the political parties’ spokesman, Alhaji Garba Mohammed, expressed the readiness of the parties to support the present administration in the council and the state in general.

 

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Agency has blamed some pregnant women, for the increase in maternal mortality rate in the state.

Its Executive Secretary, Dr Sufiyan Babale, said in an interview in Kaduna that the women were mostly ignorant on ways to access health care services, adding that this had resulted in their inability to recognise the danger signs in pregnancies.

Babale urged women to identify their strengths and weaknesses during pregnancy, so as to curb complications, which could lead to death, and lamented that most pregnant women skip ante-natal clinics, which was important to their safe delivery.

Babale blamed the increase in maternal mortality to lack of required manpower for effective medical services stating that most of the personnel working in the primary health centres were community health extension workers.

 

Kano

Kano State Government on Monday said it would give titles to at least 100,000 plots before the end of the administration in 2015.

The Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Dr Nadu Yahya, said this while receiving the Presidential Task Force on Land Reform in Kano.

Yahya said it was an honour that Kano was selected by the Federal Government as a pioneer state for the systematic registration of lands.

“Kano has begun systematic land registration about a year ago and it has registered at least 5,000 plots till date.”

 

Kebbi

Birnin Kebbi Local Government in Kebbi State said it would sanction parents who refused to avail their children of routine polio immunisation.

Chairman of the council, Alhaji Musa Dan-Illela,  in Birnin Kebbi said that a taskforce on polio had been inaugurated to ensure strict compliance by parents.

He said that 34 districts and village heads in the area had been directed to embark on intensive sensitisation campaign against polio in remote areas. They were also to report parents who prevented their children from being immunised, he added.

Dan-Illela said the taskforce was also directed to monitor the performance of vaccinators and warned that “deviants would not be spared.”

 

Kwara

The General Secretary of the Kwara Council of the NUJ, Mr Bisi Adedayo, has advocated a review of the Official Secrets Act to ensure the workability of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

Adedayo said yesterday in Ilorin that the two Acts were antithetical to each other.

He said that the Official Secrets Act was no longer necessary as “we cannot say as a civil servant you cannot divulge official information about government, whereas the FOI Act has empowered every Nigerian access to information.’’

Adedayo noted that the National Assembly needed to review the Official Secrets Act to ensure a workable FOI Act. He, however, said aspects bordering on national security should not be amended.

 

Nasarawa

A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State on Tuesday sentenced Sanusi Haruna, 23, of Sabon Gari, Mararaba, to five years imprisonment for theft and possession of deadly weapon.

The Presiding Judge, Mr Vincent Gwahemba, sentenced Haruna to three years imprisonment for the offence of theft and two years imprisonment for possessing deadly weapons. He said that the sentences would run concurrently.

Gwahemba, however, gave the convict an option to pay N6,000 fine for the offence of theft and N4,000 fine for possessing deadly weapons.

 

Ogun

The Ogun Police Command has asked owners of recovered vehicles and motorcycles to report at its Isara division within two weeks to claim them.

The command’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that vehicles and motorcycles not claimed within two weeks would be sold by public auction.

The vehicles, according to him, included a Volkswagen bus marked XE 308 BOJ, a Volvo car marked DE 45SMK, and a Mitsubishi Space bus with registration number DD 02 APP. Others were a Mercedes Benz marked AH 359 AGG and a Mazda car with registration number AV 684 KJA.

Adejobi also said that two Boxer motorcycles marked QU 576 BDG and Q 300 LSR as well as a Jincheng motorcycle marked LA 8099 SM and unmarked Qlink motorcycle were also up for retrieval.

 

Plateau

The security agencies in Plateau and Taraba States have formed a partnership to forestall the escalation of last week’s violence that hit Wadata, a border village between the two states.

Capt. Salisu Mustapha, Media Officer of the Special Military Task Force maintaining security in Plateau, had confirmed that nine people were killed in the Wednesday’s attack on the village located in Wase Local Government of Plateau.

He also said that investigation had commenced to unravel the attackers.

Yiljap, who reviewed the security situation in the affected area, said that the synergy between security agencies in the two states was a proactive step to ensure that the violence was contained.

 

Sokoto

A Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheik Yusuf Alibawa, on Monday urged the Muslim community to practically demonstrate the teachings of the religion on good neighbourliness.

Alibawa said in Sokoto that ,” Nigeria will be a better place for all of us if we totally practise in our lives what Islam really says about being a good neighbour.

The cleric said, “your neighbour will be the one to be your witness before the creator in the hereafter. Therefore, the need for the Muslim community to show love and care among their neighbours irrespective of religious differences becomes a task that must be accomplished.”

He also called for religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians in confronting the current security challenges facing the country.

 

Zamfara

The Zamfara Government yesterday said it would save N2.34 billion annually from the ghost workers discovered on its payroll after staff verification.

Chairman of the Workers Assessment and Rationalisation Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Gusau,  revealed this while presenting the committee’s report to Gov. Abdulaziz Yari in Gusau.

According to him, the state government is saving N195 million monthly, translating to N2.34billion yearly, adding that the government would save about N360million from the health sector alone, being the ministry with the highest number of ghost workers in the state.

Responding, Yari commended the committee for a job well-done, and pledged to implement the recommendations without delay.

The governor announced a seven- man committee to be headed by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Abdulkarim Tsafe, to fine tune the report.

According to him, the committe will also recommend ways of implementing the report.

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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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