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.
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