Nation
THE STATE
Bauchi
Former Bauchi State Governor Adamu Mu’azu has gone to court to challenge the 10-year ban on him from holding public office.
In a suit filed by his lawyer Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) at Bauchi High Court, Mu azu is claiming that the state executive has no power to set up a judicial commission of inquiry without the approval of the House of Assembly in line with the provisions of the 1999 constitution.
According to Mu azu, the move which contravened Section 128 and 129 of the Constitution, was inconsistent with the provisions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act, Criminal procedure of the Northern Nigeria as applicable in Bauchi State and the Public Act 2004.
Mu azu said the defendants lacked constitutional power to investigate matters bordering on criminal allegations levelled against him.
He said the commission did not avail him fair hearing when it ordered that he should be served through publications in newspapers despite that he had been out of the country since July 2007.
Mu azu asked the court to set aside the findings and recommendations of the commission, restrain the government and its agents from implementing the report.
The defendants are the governor Isa Yuguda,
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice”, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Vitrus Sanga and the five members.
Besides being banned, Mu azu was also ordered to refund N1. billion which he allegedly misappropriated to the state coffer.
Lagos
In reaction to a report credited to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) that no more than four newspaper companies pay their employees regularly, while others owe arrears, the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has told journalists they should stop working when being owed.
In a statement yesterday made available to newsmen, NPAN accused NUJ of being consistently cowardly in mentioning those companies that are actually owing journalists, saying that it is ready to wade into the matter only if NUJ can “name the newspaper companies that are not living up to the employment contracts obligation, primary of which is the payment of their workers including journalists”.
“The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, (NPAN) whose members own and publish newspapers and magazines which employ journalists, naturally feel concerned about these allegations even in their un-substantial form. As such it is quite prepared to investigate the allegations and act accordingly, depending on its findings, in the interest of both the employee journalists and the newspaper companies”, NPAN posited.
Oyo
The Oyo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEN) has seized some substance suspected to be cannabis (Indian hemp) with a street valve put at over N8 million.
The drug was allegedly discovered in a bungalow at Adewolu village in Egbeda local government area of the state.
The state commander of the agency, Mr Sulaiman Jadi stated this recently while addressing reporters on the activities of his command in his office at Onireke area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He said the hard drug, which was parked in 421 bags, was discovered following a tip-off to the command on the activities of some yet to be arrested drug dealers in the area.
On how the command got the information that led to the discovery, Jadi explained that his men received a tip-off and mounted a three-day surveillance on the bungalow until the arrival of the Indian hemp dealer who is said to be on the run.
Ogun
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the four Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-West governors net in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Wednesday, ahead of a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) on the state of the nation.
The president’s health is believed to have topped the agenda of the meeting held at Obasanjo’s hilltop residence.
Sources said they may have also discussed the Ijebu-Ife mayhem in which a senior police officer and scores of others were killed.
A source said they may have adopted a position to be canvassed at the NEC meeting billed for Abuja.
Obasanjo is chairman, PDP’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and the governors are members of NEC.
Governor Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo) and Segun Oni (Ekiti) were in attendance.
Oyrilola told reporters that the meeting lasted for two hours because Obasanjo was preparing pounded yam for them.
Daniel said the governors were on a “yuletide visit” to Obasanjo.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wawakko has called on religious leaders, traditional rulers and citizens of the state to pray for the ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua and the peace and stability of the country.
He said there was no cause for alarm as available credible information in the state of health of the president indicates that he is improving fast.
The governor advised those wishing the president bad to be weary of the wrath of their creator.
“They are playing with God by arrogating to themselves the powers of life and death”.
Wamakko, in a statement by Special Assistant on Press Abuybaka Mohammed Dan Gusau, said it was disheartening that rather than praying for the quick recovery of the president,.
“Some Nigerians are nursing uncharitable thoughts of this resignation and succession”.
He appealed to Muslims to offer special prayers during this week’s Juma, at prayers and Christians during church service on Sunday.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar has also called for prayer for the president’s speedy recovery.
He said this while receiving a delegation of the Muslim Ummah of the South-West of Nigeria (MUSWEN) in his palace.
Oyo
Coalition of non-governmental organisations, the Medical Support Group (MSG), has urged Inspector-General of Police Ogbonna Onovo to order the immediate release of the chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Council, Ogun State, Mr Tunde Oladunjoye.
Oladunjoye, who was on Tuesday invited along with the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba A.A. Oguntayo, and one Chief Duduymi, has been held by the police.
He arrived in Abuja on Tuesday about 8:10 am aboard a Virgin Nigeria airplane to honour a police invitation over last Saturday’s violence which rocked Ijebu-Ife. Scores of people were killed during the crisis, including the Area Commander of Ijebu Division.
The others had gone the previous day aboard an Arit airplane, while the two others were allowed to go, Oladunjoye was detained after giving his statement at the force C.D Head- quarters, Area 10, Abuja.
In a statement by the group’s Director of Organisation, Nathaniel Igbimo, he wondered why Oladunjoye was being held.
He said the police’s action may further exacerbate the tensed situation.
Ondo
Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has approved the payment 50 per cent of the monthly basic salary to workers for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The government in a statement by the commissioner for information, Mr Ranxi Akerele, said the gesture is part of government’s welfare package for the workers to appreciate their contributions to the successes recorded in the outgoing year and to motivate them for the challenges ahead.
The Commissioner said: “Mr Governor’s gesture, the first of its kind in the history of Ondo State, is another way of demonstrating that the present administration realises the prominent position occupied by the workers in the task of building a new Ondo State.
He expressed the hope that the gestures of the government would motivate and elicit commitment, loyalty and hardwork in the workers.
Meanwhile, the Head of Service, Mr Ajose Kudehindu, has, in a circular yesterday urged heads of ministries departments and agencies to urgently implement the governor’s directive.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Government has pleaded with the leaders of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to resolve the internal crisis rocking the state chapter of the union.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Gboyega Oyewole, said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that the government remained committed to the conclusion of negotiation with the union and improve the welfare of the judicial workers.
Oyewole, who said the government has restrained itself from interfering in the internal crisis of JUSUN added, it has never been the attitude of the government to interfere in the internal affairs of any trade union even when there is palpable division within such union”.
He urged politicians to desist from misinforming the public.
Oyewole said “for the avoidance of doubt, the state government has shown enough commitment to the resolution of the judiciary workers’ industrial action by being one of the first states to committee to look into JUSUN demands.
“The committee, which is already looking into the financial implication of the new salary structure for the judiciary staff, is headed by the state Acting Chief Judge, Justice Silas Oyewole.
Ogun
Commercial banks at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, have suspended their operations because of incessant robbery attacks.
The banks have not been attending to customers since December 7, due to worsening security situation.
The latest suspension of banking operations is the second in one month.
Some of the bank officials who pleaded anonymity said that they were living in tear because of the likelihood of attack by armed robbers
They said they felt their lives were no longer safe, adding that in the circumstance they had no option but to suspend operation indefinitely.
Newsmen report that customers, who trooped to the banks for withdrawal, were turned back by security men.
It was learnt that the decision by the banks not to open for business until further notice was reached at a meeting held by officials of the banks last week.
The officials had resolved that the closure would continue until insecurity was addressed by the relevant authorities.
Sources told journalists that the bank officials were also planning to march to the governor’s office in Abeokuta to stage a protest.
Efforts to get police comments were unsuccessful as the officers approached said they were still mourning the death of their area commander.
FCT
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) needs wider power and financial independence to win the battle against corruption. Its Chairman Justice Emmanuel Ayoola (rtd) said Wednesday.
Speaking at a public hearing on a bill for an Act to amend the ICPC (Establishment) Act 2000 organised by the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values in Abuja, Ayoola said the National Assembly should give more powers to ICPC to stem corruption in the private sector
Create new criminal offences and allow the agency to seek, receive, publish and disseminate information on corruption.
According to him, this will only be subject to review of certain restrictions regarding respect of rights and the reputations of others and for protection of national security, public order or public health or morals in the amended ICPC Act.
He said the existing acts have greatly limited the committee on drugs, Narcotics and Anti Corruption which faulted ICPC on its proposal of N300 million in the 2010 budget to build an academy.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Sola Akinyede, queried why the amount was inserted in the N2.235 billion 2010 budget for the commission, when N270 million was appropriated and released for the project in the 2009 financial year.
Plateau
The Pioneer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Solomon Daughep Lar, has warned politicians against heating up the polity by debating over the health condition of President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Speaking to journalists in Jos Wednesday, Chief Lar said it was baseless for anyone to argue over the outcome of Mr President’s illness, stressing that it amounts to playing God. “None of us is God. So, why are we debating over what we as humans, do not have power to do?. We should be praying for Mr President to recover quick enough to return to the country and continue his national assignment”, he said.
The elder statesman expressed concern over comments by politicians especially political office holders who have chosen to fly to Saudi Arabia to see Mr President rather than remaining on their duty posts.
He told them to desist from their unwarranted visits.
According to him, such visits are not helping matters.
He said: let everybody remain on his or her duty post, be you governor, minister, senator or council chairman”.
The first civilians governor of Plateau State noted that Yar Adua is not the only president who has fallen ill in office and wondered why Nigerians are trying to make politics out of his health problem.
Lar recalled that Fidel Castro of Cuba and Sharon of Israel fell ill in office but their countries remained intact until their presidents recovered. He added that Yar’Adua should not be different since he is not a super human.
Strategic regulators and other stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the pace, quality and magnitude of work carried out by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoniland, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In their separate speeches at the 2025 4th quarter key regulators / asset owners meeting held in Port Harcourt, the strategic stakeholders commended HYPREP for the significant milestones achieved with excellent efficiency and transparency, demonstrating capacity and commitment to sustaining collaboration with development partners for the overall success of the Project.
The regulators particularly lauded HYPREP for the landmark success in the implementation of the land and shoreline remediation, mangrove restoration, provision of reticulated potable water, the various sustainable livelihood programmes, donation of ambulances to health facilities in Ogoni, the construction of Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, as well as the ongoing Ogoni Power Project, adding that their independent field reports have shown proofs of HYPREP driving even beyond its mandates.
The goodwill messages were made by representatives of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Centre for Environment and Human Rights Development (CEHRD), Society for Women and Youths Affairs (SWAYA), Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), and Federal Ministry of Environment. Others are the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the National Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Rivers State Ministry of Power, the Rivers State University, the Rivers State Ministry of Water and Rural Development, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
Following the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit’s presentation on the status of HYPREP projects, participants offered feedback on areas of concern. They reassured HYPREP and the people of Ogoni of their continued support for the Project’s success. They also suggested that the quarterly review meeting be sustained as it enables them to report, evaluate and proffer solutions to areas of concern.
Participants also commended HYPREP for improved community and stakeholder engagement and for adding to what they saw the previous time. “We commend HYPREP for the quality work done at sites. The progress is phenomenal, because HYPREP is scoring good grades, above average,” Prof. Iyenemi Kakulu from Rivers State University said.
In his speech at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who was represented by Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services, commended the regulators and asset owners for their cooperation with the Project, and for making themselves available for fieldwork and the regular review meetings.
Prof Zabbey reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to best practice in waste management, particularly waste generation and disposal, calling on the Regulators for adequate logistics support, saying HYPREP’s priority is to focus on the core recommendations by UNEP, especially, remediation(soil, shoreline) mangrove restoration, provision of potable water, interventions in public health care services and sustainable livelihood for the people.
The Project Coordinator further highlighted the status of the Project, the successes achieved across all thematic areas, and assured that HYPREP will soon complete most of the ongoing projects and roll out others. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to review the progress of the Ogoni cleanup, ensure quality control, and foster effective collaboration.
Consequently, the quarterly key regulators/asset owners meeting is HYPREP’s strategic stakeholder management model, further underscoring the Project’s commitment to transparency, partnership for development, and accountability, all of which are harbingers of effective project delivery.
Speaking to newsmen, HYPREP Project Support Lead and representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, described his involvement with HYPREPas an encouraging and insightful experience, saying, the Project is implementing a wide range of projects across Ogoniland, spanning immediate remediation works as well as livelihood support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of affected communities.
Engr Igbinomwanhia emphasised that Renaissance Africa Energy remains fully committed to supporting the objectives of the Ogoni cleanup project, noting that the company has a long history of collaboration with HYPREP.
He added that the partnership has been characterised by continuous learning, adaptation and a willingness to respond to observations and recommendations aimed at improving outcomes.
He further emphasised the importance of safety in all project operations, particularly given the challenging terrain and operating conditions in Ogoniland.
He noted that safety is treated as a critical priority and that contractors are continually reminded to maintain high safety standards, stressing that lessons learnt from previous operational challenges like the collapse of the water tank in Gwara Community are being applied to strengthen safety practices and overall performance.
The Rivers state Government has identified six local government areas with the highest burden of maternal and Neonatal mortality in the state.
State Commissioner for Health Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh said this in an interview with newsmen at the Maternal and Neonatal Reduction innovation initiative ( Mamii)Rivers state activation workshop and state engagement meeting in Port Harcourt.
The event was organized by The Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with its Rivers state counterpart in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh also restated the preparedness of the state government to support current efforts by the federal government towards the reduction of maternal and infant mortalities in the country.
She mentioned the affected Local Government Areas to include, Andoni,Akuku Toru and Ahoada West
The rest according to the Commissioner are, Bonny, Etche and Emohua Local Government Areas.
She said the workshop will enable the team from the federal ministry of health and social welfare to brainstorm with the view to finding solution to the problem.
The Commissioner also gave reasons why the Mamii initiative was the best as far as finding solution to maternal mortality was concerned.
“The uniqueness of the Mamii initiative driven by the federal ministry of health and social welfare was that we used evidence to elicit the reasons for this deaths, so that the solutions will be context specific and tailored to the particular environment where those deaths are occuring
“For us in Rivers state we have six Mamii LGAs , nationally we we have 172 local government areas “the Commissioner said.
Earlier in her opening remarks,Dr Oreh said the state government is prepared to work with the federal ministry of health and social welfare to check the rate of maternal mortality in the state.
She commended The Minister of Health and Social welfare Professor Ali Muhammad Pategi for driving the Mamii initiative across the country and expressed optimism that the programm will see to the end of maternal mortality in the country.
Also speaking the National Coordinator Nigeria health sector Renewal Initiative Dr Adam Ahmed said Rivers state is the last state among Mamii states in the country to host the team.
He said the team will visit the affected Local Government Areas with the view to interacting with the people on how to check the trend.
He expressed the hope that with continuous efforts, maternal mortality will be checked.
Also speaking the permanent secretary Rivers state Ministry of Health Professor Justinah Jumbo said the government is not leaving any stone unturned towards reduction in maternal deaths.
The permanent secretary said Governor Siminalaye Fubara is a health friendly Governor who is desirous in improving the quality of health of Rivers people.
John Bibor
