Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Security agencies may go after some national leaders of
All Progressives Congress (APC), on allegation of an attempted bribe offered Adamawa State House of Assembly members in a bid to stall the impeachment move against the impeached governor, Murtala Nyako.
A top government official who spoke to journalists in Abuja on condition of anonymity, said except the leaders of APC desist from pointing fingers at President Goodluck Jonathan of being behind Nyako’s travail, security agencies may go after them to explain their roles in an alleged bribery attempt to the lawmakers to stave off the impeachment.
The top government official told journalists that both the government and security agencies were in possession of information linking the APC leaders to the alleged criminal act.
According to him, intelligence report indicated that an APC governor from the North and the one from the South, made the inducement offer of N250 million each to the Adamawa State lawmakers to jettison the impeachment move against Nyako.
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has declared his
intention to contest the Benue North East Senatorial seat in the forthcoming 2015 general election.
Suswam declared his interest in Adikpo, Kwande local government area of the state when he led three paramount rulers of the ‘Sankera political bloc’ to lobby the two paramount rulers of Ushongo and Kwande local government areas where the PDP supposedly zoned the position to, asking that the position be ceded to him.
Addressing the gathering on the purpose of their visit, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezanga Wombo, who spoke on behalf of the Suswam-led delegation, said they were in the palace of the Ter Kwande to intimate them of the governor’s intention to contest the 2015 senatorial election.
Responding to the request, the Ter Kwande, Chief Hilary Ikima, stated that “since none of our subjects had indicated interest to contest the seat and given that Governor Suswam is the first to ask for it we will loan the seat to Sankera.
Borno
Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima met with President
Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja last Friday, pleading for assistance to stop the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents.
According to sources, Shettima had a closed door session with the President at night on Friday on the security challenges facing the state. The two leaders locked themselves up for about 45 minutes without any of their aides present.
A source said: “The meeting had to do with the security situation in the state, especially attacks on Damboa and the withdrawal of troops from the area by military authorities. The death toll had made the governor sad, in spite of the huge investment in security apparatchik in the state.
“The military is unhappy that some local collaborators played key roles in the ambush of troops on July 4 which led to the killing of a Lieutenant Colonel in a tank by some suicide bombers. The governor came to beg for more military intervention to save the state. No leader will be happy seeing his people being killed like fowls. And the President reassured the governor that more actions will be taken” the source added.
Ekiti
The Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye,
has assured the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians alike of his readiness to deliver on the presidential mandate of providing critical road infrastructure in the country.
Adeyeye who stated this, shortly after assuming office while receiving the Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, in his office. He reiterated Mr. President’s resolve to deliver on critical road infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.
He thanked the people of Ekiti State for the overwhelming support and votes given to the Governor-elect during the June 21, 2014 governorship election and disclosed that having known the pedigree of the governor-elect, he was sure that Ekiti people would once more, experience unprecedented development, peace and progress.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Ayo Fayose urged the minister to squarely face his mandate while eschewing politics of rancour and favouritism with a view to leveraging on the performance of his national assignment.
The governor-elect also said he was confident on the ability of the Honourable Minister of State to deliver on the dividends of democracy, having known him to be a good team player.
FCT
The National Human Rights Commission has asked a
Federal High Court in Abuja to set aside its order of a stay of execution of the commission’s investigation report which awarded N135 million to relatives and victims of the attack and killing of some squatters in Apo, Abuja.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole had on June 27, 2014, in his ruling on the ex parte application filed by the State Security Services, ordered a stay of execution of the report.
The judge had equally granted leave to the SSS to apply for an order of certiorari to quash the decisions and awards contained in the NHRC’s report on complaint No: C/2013/7908/HQ.
The court also granted leave to the SSS to serve the commission with the originating motion, which is the main suit.
Gombe
The Nigerian Immigration Service has paraded three
suspects, including two policemen, for allegedly defrauding members of the public through an employment scam.
The two policemen, Bitrus Gata, Asartia Johnson, both of State Police Command and one Oluwatayo Komolafe, were said to have issued out fake letters of employment to their victims, after collecting various amounts from them.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday, said the service was not recruiting, and cautioned the public against falling prey to solicitations from fake Facebook accounts for employment into the immigration service.
Parradang stated that the Presidential Committee on immigration recruitment, was yet to announce the date and modalities for recruitment into the NIS, adding that the right information would be publicised once the committee concluded arrangements.
Kaduna
Former Military Head of State and leader of the opposition
All Progressives Congress (APC), Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ( rtd) has warned that the unconstitutional impeachment of governors will plunge the country into anarchy.
Buhari in a statement on Monday in Kaduna maintained that the Nigerian Constitution was being subverted in the desperate quest to impeach governors in the opposition party.
According to him, “the recent induced impeachment and threats of impeachment of Governors in the opposition” was aimed at decapitating the APC , stressing that it does not augur well for the survival of a fragile nation like Nigeria and its tenderfoot democracy.
He stated that deploying the institutions of state, some of which are symbols of the country’s unity, “just to kick an out-of-favour state Governor in the stomach can only breed anarchy and lead the nation down the slippery slope to chaos.”
Kwara
Impeachment and threats of impeachment of All Progressives
Congress (APC) governors is suspicious, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Vice-President Isa Aremu has said. The labour leader said the sanctity of tenure is needed to sustain democracy.
Aremu, who was a member of the National Conference, spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on the state’s radio programme, The Platform. The labour leader urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to use his office to torment governors in the opposition.
He said: “What is worrisome to me is that of Nasarawa. The impeachment notice was served just at the time the President, who comes from another party, was visiting the state. I mean we should not give it the impression that the President is using his office to torment a governor in an opposition state. I don’t think this is the intention of the President.
“What I am saying is, even the timing alone makes it to be suspicious. The President is an elected President. Currently, he is our President.
Nasarawa
The First Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi
Adamu, foresees a prolonged crisis arising from the plot by some members of the State Assembly to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. He has therefore cautioned them to have a rethink and avoid being conned by fifth columnists who do not wish the state well.
Adamu, in a letter to the Assembly said that given the heterogeneous nature of the state and the recent sectarian upheavals there, nothing should be done to further rubbish the image of the state.
“Permit me to remind you that we in this young state cannot afford the luxury that people in states that were created 30, 40 or more years ago would afford. I therefore wish to appeal to our sense of reason, to reflect and ponder deeply over the ultimate implications of taking our young state through an unpredictable path,” he said.
“As the popular saying goes, ‘Discretion is the better part of valour’. While you ponder on these few words of mine, I also urge all of you to listen to the voices of those who elected you. All of us in high and low positions of leadership in the state owe it to our people to do all we can to save our dear state from an ill wind that blows no one any good. You are advised!” he added.
Oyo
Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said his administration
will establish a radio station in Oyo town. Ajimobi spoke at the weekend during his visit to the town.
The governor was received by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. The governor and the Alaafin later proceeded to the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque for the Jumat prayer.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam, Alhaji Mukail Mobolaji, eulogised the governor for his transformation agenda.
Ajimobi said: ’’Alaafin remains not only the pillar of my success, the paramount ruler’s un-relentless, sincere and rare support for me and my administration has been a source of inspiration and stimulant in governance.’’ Adding that his administration would establish Atiba radio station and rehabilitate the Erelu Water Works.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
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.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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
Nation
TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building
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.
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