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The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company
(AUMTC)) says it has concluded plans to improve the safety of its passengers by regularly monitoring its drivers.
Mr Tunde Akintola, the company’s Head of Marketing and Communication, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday.
Akintola said that the company had improved its customer care services in the interest of passengers.
“We are in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to give daily pep talks to our drivers on the basic tenets of driving.
“We also mandate our drivers to properly check their vehicles every morning before they set out. This is to ensure comfort and safety of our passengers,’’ he said.

Gombe

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has
promised that his administration would deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state next year.
Dankwambo, who made the promise at the 9th Tangale Cultural Festival “Pissi Tangle”, said “I want to assure you that we will continue to do our best and ensure that we provide social amenities for the development of our people’’.
He said his administration would provide comfortable environment for the people and contribute its very best to the development of the state and Nigeria in general.
The governor said by January 2015 more roads would be constructed in the area, adding that the design of the roads had been completed.
He said the state government would also build the Tal General Hospital which he said would cost N1 billion.

Kwara

The President of Living Faith Church (Winners
Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, says the ministry has six million members in 147 nations across the world.
Oyedepo made the disclosure at a breakfast meeting with members of Omu-Aran Government Secondary School Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) at the Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara.
Oyedepo, the Chancellor of Landmark and Covenant Universities and also a member of OGSSOBA, said that the figure was ascertained at the recent convention of the church.
He advised members of old boys association to rededicate themselves to arresting infrastructure decay in all colleges and institutions across the length and breadth of the country.
“No amount is too small or too big toward the growth, progress and development of the schools,” he said.
Mr Segun Adeniyi, the newly elected president of the association, described Oyedepo as a living legend of the nation’s education sector.

Lagos

The presidential candidate of the KOWA Party, Prof.
Oluremi Sonaiya, has advised Nigerians to elect candidates of credible character, come 2015.
Sonaiya gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
“Everybody talks; the real issue is who will match their talk with action,’’ she said.
The candidate said political office seekers should have a passion for truth, justice and fairness to all, with the conviction that “righteousness exalts a nation and corruption is a reproach and destroyer”.
According to Sonaiya, intending leaders should be concerned with the issues that have bedeviled the country such as unemployment, decayed infrastructure and poor electricity supply among others.
Nasarawa

Mr Labaran Maku, a former Minister of Information,
has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) one week to correct anomalies in the party’s governorship primary in the state.
Maku gave the warning while addressing youths in Wakama Village of Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
He said that he had already written a petition to the appeal panel set up by the national headquarters of the party challenging the outcome of the primaries.
He mentioned the irregularities that occurred during the primary to include shortchanging of delegates names in many LGAs, intimidation and threatening of delegates, among others.
According to him, the fraud committed in the recent PDP governorship primaries in the Nasarawa state is worse than the one committed at party’s primaries in the state in 2007.

Ogun

A 32-year-old man, Oke Oladipupo, who allegedly
obtained N350, 000 under false pretence, was yesterday docked before a Sango-Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State.
Oladipupo, who lives at No. 21, Daniel St., Iyana-Iyesi in Sango-Ota, is facing trial for allegedly obtaining the money from one Mr Kolawole Soyinka, on the pretext of clearing a car for him.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Mustapha Abdulkareem, said that the accused committed the offence on June 7 at No. 2, C.A.C. St., Ewupe, in Sango-Ota.
Abdulkareem alleged that the accused obtained N350, 000 from the complainant under the pretext of assisting him to clear a car from Lagos Port.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Sections 319 (a) and 419 of the Criminal Code Vol. 1, Revised Laws of Ogun, 2006.
Osun

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has called for
the sustenance of peace in Modakeke in the Ife East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Aregbesola made the call in a message he sent to the 29th Modakeke Akoraye Day Celebration and launching of N500 million Community Development Fund at Modakeke.
The governor, who was represented by Mr Wahab Adeniji, member, Local Education Authority Board, Modakeke, said peace was imperative for any sustainable development to take place.
“My administration is determined to ensure that infrastructure is provided in every part of the state, including Modakeke,’’ he said.
Earlier, Mr Tajudeen Oke, the National President of Modakeke Progressive Union, called on the Osun government to provide basic infrastructure in the area.
Sokoto

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has
inaugurated three committees to devise strategies of ensuring total victory for the APC in the 2015 general elections in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the committees were for campaign , reconciliation and contact.
The 33-man state campaign committee is chaired by Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, a one time gubernatorial candidate of the defunct DPP in the 2011 elections while the APP governorship running mate, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, will serve as secretary.
The reconciliation committee is headed by a former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Amb. Shehu Wurno, with Dr Yakubu Maccido as Secretary, while the contact committe has the former state chairman of the defunct DPP , Alhaji Umarun Kwabo, as chairman.

Taraba

The PDP Governorship Candidate in Taraba State and
ex-Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Darius Ishaku, has pledged to boost the state’s economy with increased tea production if elected.
Ishaku made the pledge at a news conference shortly after a reception in his honour by supporters and party faithful in Takum recently.
“Taraba is the most resourceful state in Nigeria due to its huge agricultural and mineral resources.
“I want to assure you that coffee production alone can sustain the state’s economy, let alone the entire tea production potential of the state.
“I, therefore, assure the people of the state that I will make use of private partnership to resuscitate the Kakara Tea Factory on the Mambilla plateau.

Zamfara

The Zamfara Co-ordinator of National Directorate of
Employment (NDE), Alhaji Muhammad Alhassan, said that the directorate, under its various programmes, assisted 1,427 people in 2014.
Alhassan told newsmen yesterday  in Gusau that NDE, funded by the Federal Government, was meant to provide employment to the unemployed youths nationwide.
According to him, the Zamfara office of the directorate empowered and employed 1,427 youths under its various programmes, including Graduate Coaching Scheme, Graduate Attachment Scheme and National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS).
The co-ordinator said under the schemes, all the beneficiaries were empowered from January to date.

L-R: Out-going Ambassador of Sebia, Mr Rifat Rondic; President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali,  during the visit of the out-going Ambassador to the Presidential Villa Abuja, recently.

L-R: Out-going Ambassador of Sebia, Mr Rifat Rondic; President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali, during the visit of the out-going Ambassador to the Presidential Villa Abuja, recently.

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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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