Nation
THE STATES

L-R: Representative of Chief of Defence Staff, Brig.-Gen. Lym Hassan, Representative of Chief of Army Staff, Brig.-Gen. Ams Anyalechi, Representative of Defence College Commandant, Brid-Gen. MM Mshelia and Representative of I-G, DIG Mamman Tsafe, at the strategic stakeholders meeting on Pastoralist and Sedentary Farmers Conflict in Nigeria, in Abuja, recently.
Bauchi
National President of Diabetes Association of Nigeria
(DAN), Dr Mohammed Alkali, has urged government at all levels to check the activities of traditional medicine sellers who claim to have cure for diabetes ailment.
Making the call in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi, Alkali noted that some of these sellers had been doing incalculable damage to diabetic patients.
He said that the claim by some of them that they had cure for diabetes was misleading and amounted to gambling with the lives of Nigerians.
According to him, apart from giving concoctions that compound the condition of their victims, the claim of having cure also encourages the patients to abandon their drugs.
Alkali, who is also the Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, observed that most patients that had fallen victims of such deceit were often rushed to hospitals when their condition had become hopeless.
FCT
A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Olusegun
Odebunmi (Oyo-PDP) has assured Nigerians that the legislature would ensure effective implementation of the 2016 budget through its oversight function.
Odebunmi, who is Chairman, Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values of the house, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the 8th National Assembly would synergise with the executive in the implementation of the budget.
“The leadership did its best to make sure that the budget was passed as planned.
“The delay in the budget is affecting us economically and I believe once it is signed by the President, most of our challenges will be addressed.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government has inaugurated a 15-member
advisory council to advise the governor on the exercise of prerogative of mercy.
The Public Relations Officer in the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Isma’il Ibrahim, said that the council was inaugurated by the SSG, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir.
Ibrahim told newsmen in Dutse that members of the council were advised to discharge their duties with probity and fear of God.
The spokesman quoted Abdulkadir as saying that the council’s function was to advise the state governor on the exercise of his prerogative of mercy as conferred on him by section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Kaduna
A total of 500 people have benefited from the free medical
services offered by the Nigeria Air Force in Kaduna to mark its 52 years anniversary.
Our correspondent reports the free medical outreach project targeted the Afaka community in Kaduna metropolis.
Air Officer Commanding the NAF Base in Kaduna, AVM Ahmed Alkali, said the gesture was to enhance civil/military relations through mutual interaction.
Alkali, who was represented by Air Cmdr. Bello Garba, noted that the relationship between the Air Force and the host community had been very cordial for years.
Kano
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has again called on Nigerians
to exercise patience as the Federal Government is doing everything possible to address the current economic situation in the country.
Osinbajo made the call when he visited the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II in his palace.
Our correspondent reports that the vice president was on a working visit to the state.
Osinbajo stressed that the Buhari-led administration was committed to transforming the living standard of Nigerians.
According to him, the Federal Government is doing everything possible to overcome the challenge soon.
Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said six
primary school teachers died in a road accident on Dutsinma- Katsina road.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Alhaji Abdu Bagadawa, said that the accident victims were from Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
He stated that the accident, which involved 12 passengers, claimed the lives of six on the spot.
The sector commander said five people sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to Dutsinma General Hospital.
Lagos
A 31-year-old man, Emmanuel Joel, who allegedly obtained
N370,000 from one Timothy Akpan on the pretext of assisting him to buy a tricycle, has appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Joel, a resident of Ajegunle area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Tony Etibeh, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in September 2015 at No. 60, Ile Film, Amukoko, Apapa, Lagos.
He said that the accused collected N370,000 from the complainant, with a promise to purchase a tricycle for him.
Elibeh said that the accused, instead of buying the tricycle, converted the money to his personal use.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command, said it had arrested
members of a six-member ‘one chance’ syndicate, that use commercial vehicles to rob passengers around the Mararaba-Keffi axis of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Lawal Shehu, told newsmen in Lafia that the suspects, including a nursing mother, were arrested on April 3, following a report by a victim, one Ibrahim Yelwa.
Shehu said the victim had boarded a Golf III car with registration number BR 170 RSH from Area One junction in the FCT en-route Keffi with five occupants on board.
According to him, as they continued the journey, one of the passengers, whom he later discovered to be a member of the gang, started complaining that the space in the vehicle was too tight.
Ogun
The Ogun House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment
to initiate relevant legislative bills that would lead to sustained collaboration between government and relevant stakeholders to promote healthy society.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the state’s chapter of the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) in Abeokuta, led by its Chairman, Rev. Christopher Ogunupebi.
Adekunbi assured that genuine non-governmental organisations would continue to enjoy the support of the state legislature.
Osun
The Osun Government has directed the closure of all
unregistered private hospitals and related health institutions across the state until they are properly updated and registered.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr Akinyinka Esho.
Esho also directed all registered clinics and convalescent homes to report at the ministry to re-affirm their status within seven days.
He said that the state government had resolved to review the activities of all private hospitals and other health facilities in order to ensure proper health care service delivery in the area.
Plateau
The Plateau State House of Assembly Committee on
Works and Housing is to sanction erring contractors handling road projects in the state.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr Salleh Shehu, made the announcement after inspecting the construction work on the Katako-Jingre road in the Bases local government area of the state.
Shehu expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the 31-kilometre road.
“It is disappointing that this road project, contracted over three years ago, has not yet been completed.
“Government saw the need to cushion the suffering of the people within this locality because they are mostly farmers.
Sokoto
The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has upheld the decision
of the Kebbi High Court which reinstated the deposed Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo.
The appellate court also ordered that all his salaries and entitlements for the 10 years that he was not on the throne be paid to him.
The incumbent Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar, had appealed against the judgment of the lower court, which reinstated Jokolo.
In a unanimous judgment, the three judges of the court led by Justice Tunde Awotoye, held that the deposition of Jokolo by the then governor contravened Sections 6 and 7 of the Chiefs Appointment and Deposition Law of the state.
“It was because the governor neither made an inquiry into the allegation against the emir nor consulted the state’s council of chiefs before arriving at his decision.
“The former governor’s action had contradicted Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The deposed emir was not given a fair hearing before he was dethroned and as such the decision was null and void,’’ the court held.
Nation
NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis
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.
Nation
Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum
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.
Nation
Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics
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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