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THE STATES

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Adamawa

Governor  Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State said that the recent attack on Ganye had created distrust among the people of the area.

Nyako, who was speaking when he visited the affected town to sympathise with the Gangwari of Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Sanda, at his palace, urged the residents to be security-conscious and live in peace with one another.

The governor recalled his inability to resolve a water problem in one of the technical skills acquisition centres in the state because of insecurity.

He explained that after liaising with the Bauchi State Government to bring in some Chinese experts to address the water problem, the foreigners could not come to Adamawa.

 

Bauchi

Governor  Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has called on Christians in the state to emulate the preaching of Jesus Christ, which teaches peace, honesty and love for one another.

In his Easter message to the people in Bauchi, Yuguda urged them to bury their ethnic, religious or political differences and live in peace and harmony with one another.

He appealed to the people to continue to pray for an end to the current security challenges that had bedevilled some parts of the country.

The governor said that the period was being observed to remember Jesus Christ, who paid the supreme price in order to save souls.

Yuguda also called on Christians to use the Easter celebrations as sober reflection and self-evaluation towards relating with the Creator and their fellow men.

 

Benue

A  chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dominic Ajones, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for granting state pardon to Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and other Nigerians.

Ajones  who made the commendation in an interview  in Makurdi, Wednesday said that not all the president’s actions were politically motivated, adding that the presidential pardon to the former governor was in the overall interest of Nigerians.

“Not all the decisions of the president are politically motivated; the idea of granting state pardon to people is a way of emulating Christ Jesus who despite our numerous sins died for our sins.

He said that section 175 of the 1999 Constitution empowered the president through adequate consultations with the National Council of State (NCS) to grant pardon to individuals who had suffered convictions.

 

FCT

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other stakeholders have adopted a template of etiquettes and regulations for this year’s hajj.

A meeting on the matter, attended by officials of NAHCON, state pilgrims welfare boards and travel agencies at the National Mosque in Abuja, Wednesday  agreed on sets of guidelines for the smooth operations of this year’s hajj.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, said that some of the key areas agreed upon in the guidelines include conduct of pilgrims and activities of flight operators during the exercise.

Also speaking,  the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Mohammed Sani,commended NAHCON for convening the meeting, describing it as a proactive strategy.

 

Kaduna

The Nigerian Army said it was retraining its soldiers on weapons handling to enhance their efficiency in tackling security challenges in the country.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC)1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Garba Wahab, said this while speaking to journalists during the Range Classification Training for soldiers in Kaduna Thursday.

Wahab said the retraining would also enable the military personnel to prevent any mishap or accidental discharge while carrying out their duties.

According to the commandant, all soldiers are expected to undergo physical, medical and weapon handling training annually to ascertain their capability.

The GOC also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the soldiers at the retraining camp, assuring the public of the army’s resolve to tackle any security breach during Easter.

 

Kogi

An Okene High Court in Kogi State, last Thursday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Head of Service (HOS) and the Accountant-General.

Justice Sunday Otu, who issued the bench warrant in Okene, said the three government functionaries had persistently ignored the court summons to appear before it.

He said the HOS, Mr Moses Atakpa; the Attorney General, Mr Joe Abrahams and the Accountant-General, Mr Paul Audu, refused to implement the court’s judgment of May 14, 2012 ordering the re-absorption of 346 state civil servants sacked illegally in 2009.

It held that the affected workers had genuine documents of employment and were legally employed by the state government.

 

Kwara

The Kwara State Government said it would soon introduce contributory pension scheme as part of the government’s drive to enable workers to enjoy stress-free post retirement life.

Governor Abdulftah Ahmed gave the indication in Ilorin when he received the management of Leadway Assurance Plc, led by its Managing Director, Mr Hassan Odukale.

Ahmed noted in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Abdulwahab Oba, that the scheme had been problematic for the country and its civil servants for a long time.

He said that the contributory scheme would not only ensure that workers contributed towards their retirement but also removed post retirement uncertainties and described the scheme as the future of effective pension administration in the country.

 

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has banned all traditional rulers in the state from residing outside their domains in the interest of peace and progress of their people.

The ban followed the motion by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Godiya Akwashiki (PDP-Nasarawa Eggon West).

The bill to regulate the movement of the state traditional rulers passed the third reading after the adoption of the motion.  Akwashiki said that the law would ensure that all traditional rulers resided and presided over issues within their chiefdoms.

 

Niger

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State last Thursday swore-in Justice Fati Lami Abubakar as the acting Chief Judge of Niger.

Abubakar’s appointment followed the exit of the Chief Judge, Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo, who proceeded on retirement, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 65 years.

Aliyu said the appointment and consequent swearing-in of Abubakar as the Acting Chief Judge of the state was in conformity with the powers vested in his office under Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

 

Ogun

The acting Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Saburi Adesanya, said the institution would recall 120 lecturers retrenched in 2009.

The institution had in 2009 retrenched 962 teaching and non-teaching staff.

The Vice Chancellor said this in Ago-Iwoye  Thursday at a news conference to mark the beginning of the 22nd convocation ceremony of the university.

Adesanya said the process of recalling some of the lecturers became imperative due to the shortage of academic staff at the institution.

He said that new lecturers would also be employed to address the problem of under staffing.

 

Oyo

The Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Habitat has vowed to continue demolishing illegal structures as well as buildings under high tension lines in the state.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Modupe Omonigbeyin,  said in Ibadan on Thursday that government would not relent until there was total compliance.

The permanent secretary, who expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance so far by residents, said they still needed to be encouraged.

“ Before now, Ibadan for example, had the reputation of being the dirtiest city in the country. This is why Governor Abiola Ajimobi embarked on the Urban Renewal Project,’’ she said.

 

Plateau

The League for Human Rights, based in Jos has demanded N100 million compensation from the Nigerian Army over the alleged “extra-judicial killing” of a 26-year-old NYSC member.

Making the demand in a statement issued in Jos, Wednesday, the group alleged that the corps member, Wagley Dauda, was shot dead by a soldier at NASCO Area of Jos on February 16.

The Director of the organisation, Mr Nankin Bagudu, who signed the statement, said the brutal murder of Dauda at about 11a.m. on the fateful day was done by soldiers of the STF who mounted a checkpoint in the area.

Bagudu noted that efforts to see the STF Commander over the incident had been futile as he had directed the bereaved family to the driver of the cab in which Dauda was killed, claiming that the STF had nothing to do with the death.

 

Yobe

The Chairman, Coalition of Political Parties in Yobe, Malam Umar Kukuri, said that eight political parties had indicated interest to contest the local government council election in the state in June.

Kukuri, who is also the state chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), said in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu, that the parties indicated interest to field candidates in the election during an interactive forum organised by the state electoral commission which was attended by the parties.

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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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