Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
had debunked allegation that some electoral materials meant for the February 6, governorship election in Anambra State was hijacked, by mischief makers.
But INEC on Saturday said a truck belonging to INEC which was conveying collapsible polling cubicles from its headquarters to Port Harcourt zonal store collided with a payloader at Okija in Anambra Stte.
The INEC position followed report that some INEC electoral materials were sized in a bid to rig February 6 election in Anambra State.
According to a statement signed by the INEC Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Umengar “the truck, like others deployed across the country, was on routine delivery of non-sensitive electoral materials to its Port Harcourt Store.”
Bauchi
Armed Mobile Policemen at the weekend stormed the
resident of Air Commondore Ishaku Komo (retd) and surrounded his house in Tafawa Balewa at about 3.am with the aim for undisclosed reasons.
This coming few weeks after Komo was installed as the first Gung Zaar Of the Sayawa Community in Bauchi State.
Sayawa community has for long been agitating for a chiefdom of its own and it was last year that the National Assembly passed a law granting the request, which sources say doest not go down well with the state government.
The Tide gathered that the new traditional ruler of the Sayawa People of Bauchi State has relocated to Kaduna in order to avoid arrest by the Bauchi State police command shortly after his first public appearance in Tafawa Belewa, the headquarters of the Zaar Chiefdom.
Gombe
Nigerians have been cautioned to moderate their reactions
to the state of health of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, even as they have been urged to continue to pray for his speedy recovery.
The leader of the Yoruba Youths Alliance (YYA), Mr. Jackson Lekan-Ojo, also observed that calling for the president’s resignation was a wrong approach to the situation as it Portrayed those behind the call as callous and in human.
Lekan-Ojo, who was recently honoured with an Award of Excellence by the students’ Union Government of the University of Port Harcourt, noted that as human beings, no one prays to be sick and that Nigerians owed the President Prayers at all times, whether healthy or sick.
Jigawa
Attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National
headquarters has been drawn to alleged plot to impeach the deputy governor of Jigawa State, Ahmad Muhamma Gumel, if Governor Sule Lamido decides to run for vice president.
PDP stalwart and secretary of Yar’Adua friendship forum, Ishaq Hadejia, told The Tide that members of a group (name yet unknown) would not like to see Gumel become governor in the event of President Umaru Yar’Adua’s incapacitation, when lamido is appointed Vice President.
According to him, the group has been holding series of meetings to actualiSe their plan, a development which he said could throw Jigawa into Chaos.
“While the president is recovering and he has even spoken in the media, this group is spearheading a move to impeach the deputy governor in Jigawa”, he said.
Jos
As the people of Taroh land in Plateau are set to elect
another paramount ruler, following the death, last year, of the late Edward Zhattau, a social cultural group in the land “Gazum Cultural, Economic and social Development Organisation (GACESDO) has alleged a Plot to scheme Gazum People of the area out of the contest for the throne.
Addressing the press in Jos over the development, the national president of the organisation, Mr. Clement Chairman said the GACESDO was surprised that the selection process of Ponchi Taroh which was supposed to go on without rancour had been made unnecessarily difficult, thereby fanning the embers of hatred, distrust and bad faith among the people.
The National President Said the organisation had uncovered the plot to expunge a Gazum man as the legitimate heir to the throne, adding that the people behind the clandestine act had gone to the extent of making a fake draft gazette for Gazum chiefdom.
Kaduna
Former Head of State, General Muhammandu Buhari (rtd)
has said that lack performance on the part of those at the helm of affairs in the country and the refusal of Nigerias to take their destiny in their own hands had put the future of the country in a precarious situation.
According to the presidential candidate of All Nigerian People Party (ANPP) in the last general elections, ordinarily there is nothing wrong with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and other laws of the land, saying that the only problem we have in the country is the lack of action on the part of those saddled with the responsibility of steering the country out of the present musky waters.
Lagos
The Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwan Lukeman says
that no date has been set for the implementation of deregulation of the down stream sector.
He recounted a number of factors that have mitigated against the immediate take-off of the implementation like the condition of the nation’s four Refinaries.
Speaking at a function in Lagos State on the state of the industry, Dr. Rilwan said a lots of measures are been taken to repair the damaged oil pipe lines which will aid the resumption of local refinery capacities.
The minister further said the proposed petroleum industry bill help curb the challenges of supply and short falls of petroleum products in the country.
Borno
Campaigns for wide acceptance of the child Right Act
may not yield positive fruits in some Northern States unless certain aspects of the new Act are fine-tuned to get with the Sharia Code and Northern Culture, Borno State government and a federal ministry say.
This hint was dropped when the minister of women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Salamatu Suleiman, paid a two day advocacy visit to Borno at the weekend.
The new Shehu of Borno Abubakar Kyari Ibri Garbai el-kanem, also shared this view by giving conditions under which the Act could be implemented in the state.
He said the conditions include the protection of Sharia law and traditions of the people of Borno, when the Act comes up for debate at the House of Assembly.
Niger
Former Federal Permanent Secretary, Chief Philip Asiodu,
on Saturday in Minna, Niger State, blamed the non-performance of the civil service in the country on the 1975 purge and the reforms of 1988.
Asiodu, chairman of council of Retired Permanent Secretaries, declared awareness of the great “erosion of standards and values of authority and powers which have afflicted the civil service, the devastating purge of 1975 and reforms of 1988.
The former permanent Secretary made the remarks at the public lecture organised by the Gamji Members Association in honour of the late Makama Nupe, Alhaji Shehu Musa.
Oyo
Oyo State police command has arrested three boys
including an under graduate student of the university of Maiduguri for alleged armed robbery, juust as a 52-year old was arrested for impersonation.
The suspects, Muhammed Shuaib (21), Nazim Emmanuel (20), a 100 level student of the university of Maiduguri in the Department of Public Administration and Abba Michael (21), were said to have on January 15 attacked residents of Tinuoye Estate, Ojoo area of the state capital.
Also arrested was a 52-year old Adebare Balogun for allegedly impersonating the Commissioner of Police.
Speaking while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters, Eleyele, on Friday, the state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Baba Adisa Bolanta, said the command received a distress call that some daredevil robbers were operating at Tinuoye Street, Ojoo area of the state capital.
Ogun
The Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government Council,. Ogun State, Hon. Tunde Oladunjoye, has raised alarm over plans to unleash fresh mayhem in the council area .
The council boss said he wanted to inform the whole world on the plan by some politicians in the state to spill more blood in Ijebu-East local government.
Oladunjoy stated that, “before another blood is spilled in Ijebu East Local Government Area, I must inform the whole world that some unscrupulous men are mobilising hugs for the PDP extended executive meeting in Ogbere, Ijebu.
“Their plan is to create confusion during which someone will be killed and then blame it on my supporters, so that OGD will give me the treatment he meted out to Tele Ogunjobi of Ijebu North, whom he removed as chairman on 31 December, 2008.
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