Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Adamawa State House of Assembly has directed the state Acting
Chief Judge, Justice Ambrose Mamadi to constitute a seven-man impeachment panel within seven days to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, James Bala Ngillari.Gov. Nyako.
The directive is in defiance of an earlier court order restraining the Assembly from proceeding with the matter which was before the court.
At yesterday’s plenary, the House cited Section 188 (3)(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which empowered the members to proceed with the impeachment processes. They said that both the governor and his deputy failed to defend themselves against allegations of gross misconduct made against them, adding that due processes had been followed to that effect.
The House further noted that the directive to the chief judge followed the expiration of the two weeks given to Nyako and Ngillari to reply to the allegations of gross mismanagement and fraud levelled against them.
Two requests signed by 20 out of the 25 legislators and verified by the Speaker, Alhaji Umaru Fintiri, led to the resolution of the House to start the impeachment proceedings against Nyako and Ngillari.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), says it will institute a legal action against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led state government over the recent appointment of caretaker committee chairmen for the 20 local government councils in the state.
Governor Yuguda had through a letter dated June 27, addressed to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Right Honourable Muhammed Yahaya Miya, sent the names of the new caretaker chairmen to the House for screening and confirmation.
The letter, which was read on the floor of the House last Monday, generated heated debate as the Minority Leader, Honourable Baba Abubakar Suleiman, vehemently opposed the appointment of another set of caretaker chairmen in the state, arguing that the continuous refusal to conduct local government election in the state since the last was held in 2008 was undemocratic.
The House, however, confirmed the appointment of the 20 nominees at its sitting on Tuesday. They were subsequently sworn in by the state governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, Tuesday evening.
Reacting to the development while speaking to newsmen in Bauchi, on Wednesday, APC state chairman, Honourable Uba Ahmed Nana, stated that the appointments were null, void and ultra vires, adding that party would approach the court on the issue, with a view to stopping the government’s action.
FCT
The Federal Government last Monday said it had enough equip
ment to fight and curtail the activities of Boko Haram.
Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, said this at a news conference in Abuja.
He said contrary to insinuation in some quarters that insurgency elements had more sophisticated weapons compared to the military, the military were more equipped and well trained to curtail the activities of insurgents.
According to Omeri, a lot of assets and security gadgets are being deployed for the fight against Boko Haram and the Federal Government will not relent in its efforts to bring them to justice.
He appealed for calm among Nigerians and said that statements inimical to the security of the people should be jettisoned.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government said it was committed to the
completion of grass control project on Hadejia River.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Abdulkadir Jinjiri, who said this during an inspection tour of the project at Matara community in Kirikasamma Local Government Area of the State said the State government in collaboration with the Hadejia River Basin Development Authority had so far cleared several kilometers of grass on the river.
Jinjiri said the state government had also executed various water projects to enhance access to safe drinking water by the rural communities.
Also speaking the Chairman of the council, Malam Haruna Dauda, commended the government over the project and pledged this council’s support for the exercise.
Dauda said that the project was providing rural dwellers with alternative means of livelihood.
Kano
The Kano State Government has provided 50 kilometers of land for
the Great Green Wall project in four local government areas of the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, made this known on Monday at the opening of a one-day training of rural women on the use of alternative energy to save the environment.
Abbas said the state government aimed to improve soil fertility and fight desert encroachment so as to complement the efforts of the Federal government in the Great Green Wall initiative.
The commissioner explained that the workshop was organised to give the rural women other alternatives to firewood so as to reduce cutting down of trees.
Katsina
Grains, livestocks, poultry, vegetables and fruits trad
ers in Funtua, Kafur and Malumfashi markets in Katsina State have decried low patronage and dwindling price of the commodities.
The traders said last Monday that activities in the markets have worsened because of the Ramadan fasting.
Chairman, Vegetable Traders Union, Malumfashi Market Alhaji Yakubu Haruna, attributed the high price of fresh vegetables in the area to scarcity as the rainy season had set in.
Haruna said that irrigation farming that produced most of the vegetables had yet to be harvested adding that people had resorted to buying dried vegetables which now sold at between N550 and N600 depending on its quality.
Kogi
The sum of N78 million donated by the World Bank to
the Kogi State Agency for Aids and HIV Control, KOSACA, in the state is allegedly missing.
The money which was to be disbursed to Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, to curtail the spread of the diseases in the state was said to have been cornered by some top officials of the agency who later set up some “emergency’’ NGOs to siphon the fund.
Our source gathered at some of the non-exesistent NGOs had no offices, while the few that could boast of offices were largely owned by staff of the agency and government officials.
A rights activist in the state, Comrade Idris Miliki had also raised an alarm on the state television programme, Coast to Coast, expressing his displeasure over the alleged poor manner the agency disbursed the money stating that persons with HIV/ AIDS in the state were suffering in silence while some government officials were smiling to their banks with the World Bank grant.
Kwara
The Police in Kwara State said it had discovered human
parts market in an uncompleted building in the outskirts of Ilorin, the state capital.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ambrose Aisabor, who announced this when he briefed journalists in llorin.
Monday said there were decomposed headless bodies of a male, human feet, snail shells and clothes suspected to be used in strangulating victims.
He said no suspect had been arrested in connection with the crime but 85-year old woman who claimed to be the owner of the building was being interrogated.
The commissioner said investigation revealed that some people involved in rituals had turned the abandoned building into a market where they bought human body parts.
Niger
Niger State Government has accused the All Progressives
Congress (APC) in the state of dishing out falsehood to the people, warning that nobody has the right to sacrifice genuine and constructive criticism on the altar of cheap political propaganda.
Addressing journalists in Minna, the state Commissioner for Information, Communication and Strategy, Danladi Ndayebo, described the allegation as a deliberate ploy to distract the attention of the people from the landmark achievements of the Governor Babangida Aliyu administration.
“Let me state categorically that the state government has never misapplied funds meant for its 25 local councils and I wonder why APC has chosen to feed the people of the state with outright lies and whipping up cheap sentiments,” he said.
Ndayebo said if APC must find fault with the ruling party, it should be done within the confines of civility, adding that there was need to confront the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with facts.
Ogun
The Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr. Suraj
Adekunbi, say members of the seventh legislature of the Ogun State House of Assembly are committed to improving the living standard of the people in the state.
The Speaker made this remark during the inauguration of some capital projects and empowerment programmes facilitated by him in his Yewa North State 1 Constituency.
Among the commissioned projects were two blocks of classrooms at Ayetoro and modern public toilets with a borehole at the Ayetoro Market. A patrol van was also presented to a vigilance team to enhance the security of the community.
Adekunbi said the people of the state were always taken into consideration before the passage of any bill by the lawmakers, adding that the bills passed on the floor of the Assembly reflected the interests of residents.
Osun
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last
Wednesday, said that the former Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju, was removed from office because of the barrage of allegations made against him by some key stakeholders in the state ahead its August 9 governorship election.
Speaking at a media workshop in Kaduna, on Wednesday, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs of the commission, Mr Nick Dazang, who confirmed the removal of Akeju, disclosed that the removal was formally approved after INEC’s executive meeting in Abuja.
He explained that at a stakeholders’ meeting last Feburary, in Osogbo, there were protests even in the presence of the chairman of the commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, where documented evidence against Akeju were produced; hence, it became very clear that he would not be able to conduct a free and fair election.
He also added that during an interface with editors in March, Akeju’s credibility to conduct the election against the background of allegations was questioned.
From Right: Chairman, Governing Council of Lagos State College of Health Technology, Dr Abiola Tilley-Gyado, Lagos State Health Commissioner, Dr Jide Idris, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and the Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, at the 2nd Convocation of Lagos College of Health Technology in Lagos yesterday. Photo: NAN
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