Nation
THE STATES
Kwara
Police in Kwara State have arrested five suspects in con
nection with severance of a human head allegedly for ritual purpose.
Among the suspects is a septuagenarian who is alleged to be a herbalist.
It was clamed that the planned ritual was meant to make one of the suspects (name with held) become a rich man.
The police said its team of detective acting on information, found the severed head with another of the suspects (name withheld also) in his residence at Igbonna in Oyun Local Government Area of the state.
They said confession of the suspect on interrogation led to the arrest of the others.
The suspect, during an interaction with newsmen at the police head quarters in Ilorin, however, claimed that he was innocent.
Edo
Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole, on Tuesday sent
three names of commissioners designate to the Edo State House of Assembly for approval to replace the three commissioners who resigned last year.
The nominees, who are expected to be in charge of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, as well as that of Transport, are Anstem Ojezua, Dr. Cordelia Aiyowieren-Awize and Lucas Okojie respectively.
Three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who were serving as commissioners in Oshiomole’s administration resigned their appointment in September last year over irreconciliable differences.
They are Vincent Akhere, who was in the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Fedelis Oriafo, who was in the Ministry of Transport and Mrs. Sera Adetugboboh, who was in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. they had cited personal reasons for their resignation.
Bayelsa
Embattled contractor, Joseph Ajuwa, who is handling the
installation of the floodlights and electronic scoreboard at the Yenegoa Sport Complex, said the decision of the Bayelsa State Government to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest him over the uncompleted project is an act of victimisation aimed at discrediting him.
Ajuwa, who is the Managing Director of Yarbek & Company, denied claims that the project was abandoned as alleged by the state government.
In an interview with The Tide’s source on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the contractor said there was an agreement between him and the state government on November 4, last year, that the manufacturer of the floodlights would take 10 to 14 weeks in France before shipment, which takes a maximum of 30 days.
The state government had alleged that the contractor abandoned that N450 million project since 2006, despite several appeals that funds collected to complete the work.
Consequently, the governor directed the sports ministry to invite the EFCC to arrest the contractor for breach of contract agreement.
Niger
Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has
cautioned the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of inherent danger of imposing candidates on Niger and during the fourthcoming 2011 general election.
He also advised the nation’s traditional rulers, as custodians of the peoples’ culture and tradition, on the need to be conscious of their actions and inactions in order not to send the wrong signals to their subjects of their roles in politics and the next years’ election.
Aliyu gave the warning at Agaie headquarters of Agaie Local Government Area of the state, during the distribution of vehicles and motorcycles to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) official in council areas within the Niger South Senatorial Zone.
He told the traditional rulers not to do anything that would be detrimental to their position but to act in compliance with the country’s constitution, which provides that they remain non-partisan.
Aliyu was responding to a comment by the Emir of Lapai, Umaru Bago, who said that with the presence of traditional rulers at the Agaie event, they were at liberty to attend similar functions put together by any other political party.
Lagos
Nigerians have been urged to make sacrifices to move the
nation forward.
The call was made by Venerable Igeni Isemede during the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Nkem Oyindamola Dike, daughter of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall, Paul Dike and Ikechukwu Ebube Obianyor.
Ven. Isemede also said the nation could be improved if leaders eschewed corruption and other social vices, which he said, is “the bane of all developing countries”.
Rivers State Deputy Governor Engr. Tele Ikuru, represented Governor Chibike Rotimi Amaechi at the event, which took place at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
Ven. Isemede said “he regretted the attitude of some citizens, noting that such were detrimental to the progress and development of the country, urging such people to have a rethink of God’s will in their lives”.
He also urged citizens to make their ways right before God. Isemede further enjoined the couples to provide succour from the vissitides of life to their spouses, saying “You are the umbrella your spouse has from the troubles of this world and prayed for the sustenance of the godly virtues in families.
Abuja
The Federal Government has assured members of the dip
lomatic corps of its readiness to combat crime and unrest.
Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan gave the assurance recently when he hosted head of diplomatic missions and international organisations at his Aguda residence, Abuja.
Governors and Ministers also attended the dinner.
Jonathan said peace and security formed a key area which would receive the government’s attention.
He spoke on the December 25 botched terror attack by Umar Farouk Abdumuttatalab on a US plane, urging the diplomats to see the incident in its proper perspective.
Jonathan said “Nigerians are peace loving people and responsible members of the international community.
“This incident must, therefore, not become an excuse to single out Nigerians for undeserved profiling and the application of restrictive measures which unduely impinge on our dignity, freedom and fundamental rights”.
Anambra
The state House of Assembly and Executive of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Prof. Chukwuma Soludo were at daggers drawn on Tuesday following indications that 12 of its members may be expelled for alleged anti-party activities.
Giving the indication, PDC Caretaker Committee Secretary, Tony Muobike, and its Publicity Secretary, Joseph Ofokansi, said the party is considering expelling the members who they claim are supporting Andy Uba, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate.
They had already written to the lawmakers mandating them to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them, adding that the de-registration of Uba, Mrs Uche Ekwunife and Nicholas Ukachukwu of the LP, Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) and HDP from PDP has commenced at their respective ward levels.
Delta
Delta State House of Assembly has warned on the delay
in competing the Asaba International Airport and the new Government House.
Its committee on Finance and Appropriation also ordered stabilini Visionmi, the contractor handling the Asaba Township Stadium and its chairman, Wale Babalaki, to appear before the committee next week Tuesday.
Chairman of the committee, Daniel Mayuku, gave the order last Tuesday at the commencement of inspection of some mega projects across the state.
According to him, most of the projects ought to have been completed last year, particularly that of the Asaba Township Stadium for which the contractor has collected over 90% of the contract sum.
Abia
Demolition of illegal structures is billed to commence in
Aba and Umuahia in February, according to the Abia State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Emeka Nwachukwu.
The Commissioner said this in Umuahia recently while briefing newsmen on the activities of his ministry.
According to The Tide source, Nwachukwu said some of the building blocked drainages, while others, which did not comply with the town planning laws would also be affected in the exercise.
The commissioner explained that the essence of the demolition is to accommodate the lapses noticed in the planning of the two towns when the digital mapping of the two towns begins.
He noted that many landlords have vacated the town planning laws by using their buildings for purposes other than what is contained in their certificate of occupancy.
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