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Adamawa

Hawkers of various commodities, including food and hard currency are now making brisk business at the Yola International Airport due to ongoing airlift of pilgrims.

An intending pilgrim, Mr Usman Ibrahim, told our correspondent on Thursday in Yola, that the pilgrims were happy about the activities of the hawkers.

Ibrahim said that the hawkers of assorted goods were able to meet the needs of the pilgrims, as well as the needs of their friends and relations that came to see them off.

“However, one has to be vigilant, as some hawkers can give someone fake currency and that is why you need a guide, who can distinguish between fake and genuine currency,” Fatima added.

 

Bauchi

Senator  Iliya Audu, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Bauchi State, on Wednesday, urged journalists to expose underage persons wanting to register as voters during the voter registration.

Audu made the call at the opening of a two-day sensitisation workshop for journalists, organised by Bauchi State Television Corporation in Bauchi.

The REC, who appealed to the media to be positive in reporting election issues, called on all stakeholders to assist in ensuring credible elections in 2011.

 

Borno

The Police in Maiduguri on Wednesday, confirmed the killing of a Police Inspector by hoodlums suspected to be Boko Haram Sect members.

“We witnessed another ugly incident yesterday, when a police inspector, Mr Kashim Bukar, was shot dead by hoodlums suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect”.

“Bukar, an officer with the CID was trailed by the killers to his house at the Jajeri Ward, Maiduguri, shortly after closing from work before he was shot on the head severally,” Mr Lawal Abdullahi, Police Public Relations Officer, said.

Abdullahi said that the officer was in mufti when he was shot by the killers in front of his house.

Ekiti

 

The U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr Joseph Stafford, has promised to collaborate with the Ekiti State Government to provide development projects for the people.

Stafford told newsmen  in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, at the end of his tour of Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states, that the assistance would span through political and economic sphere.

“The consulate, in conjunction with the American Embassy, is ready to provide assistance to Ekiti State in the areas of political and economic developments through the U.S. intervention agencies,” he said.

 

FCT

The FCT Chief Judge, Justice Lawal Gummi, on Wednesday, inaugurated the FCT Family Court to entertain both civil and criminal matters involving children.

Gummi said the court, which is located in Apo District of Abuja, was a specialised court dealing with all matters relating to the enforcement of the rights of the child.

In addition, he said, the court would deal with other matters relating to a child, including monetary claims of N50,000 and above.

According to Gumi, the court will deal with the divorce and custody of the child and entertain appeals from the Family Court at the Magistrate’s Court level.

 

Jigawa

 

The Jigawa Government has set aside N624 million for the electrification of 28 towns and villages in the state.

The Commissioner for Rural Infrastructure and Community Development, Alhaji Abdulkadir Jinjiri, said in Dutse on Thursday, that contract for the electrification of the town had been awarded.

Jinjiri told newsmen  that 17 contractors would be involved in the execution of the projects, adding that the projects were captured in the 2010 budget.

 

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government is to procure drugs and consumables worth N530 million for the treatment of pregnant women and children under five years.

The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Saidu Adamu, made the announcement while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State’s Executive Council Meeting on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Adamu said that over N400 million would be spent to purchase injectables and consumables for women and children.

Katsina

 

Alhaji Muntari Dandutse, the Chairman of Funtua Local Government Council of Katsina State, has emphasised the need for politicians to work for the interest of the people.

Dandutse made the call in Funtua at the swearing-in of Alhaji Haruna Suleiman, the new Supervisory Councillor in charge of Water and Sanitation Department of the council.

He enjoined public office holders to work for the people, saying that the people should in turn pray for their leaders and shun negative comments.

Dandutse also urged the people to register and obtain their voters’ cards, saying that they needed them to vote in the right candidates during elections.

Kogi

 

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasir Ajanah, has condemned the practice of giving judgement to the highest bidder by the lower courts

“I discovered that some of our judges, particularly at the lower courts, were giving judgment to the highest bidder.’’

He said this at a special court session to mark the beginning of the 2010/2011 Legal Year in Lokoja, on Wednesday.

The chief judge said 33,750 of the cases recorded from the 208 courts across the state were disposed of, leaving 17,125.

He said 2,337 cases were registered at the state High Courts, out of which 1,867 were disposed of, with 470 outstanding.

Lagos

President, Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Mr Bode Adediji,  wants the Federal Government to set up a body that would oversee land matters.

Adediji told newsmen on Thursday, in Lagos, that the body was necessary in view of the National Assembly’s delay in the review of Land Use Act 1978.

According to him, several bills on housing had been sent to the National Assembly and none had received attention in the last 12 years.

Nasarawa

The Guards Brigade of the Nigeria Army in Keffi on Wednesday, began a three-day field training with other security agencies tagged“exercise sting ray“.

The exercise, which started at the Shittu Alao Barracks, Keffi, was a routine training to test the responsiveness of the brigade to civil strife.

Our correspondent  also reports that the exercise was in collaboration with the Nigerian Police and other para-military agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Immigration Service and the State Security Services (SSS).

Ogun

The Ogun State  Government has approved free distribution of 830,000 cocoa seedlings to cocoa farmers in the state.

Chief Moyo Owotomo, Director, Extension Services, Ogun Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), made the announcement on Thursday in Ijebu-Ode in an interview with newsmen.

He said the distribution of the seedlings was part of government’s effort to assist cocoa farmers to boost cocoa production in the state.

Owotomo urged farmers who had yet to receive the seedlings to contact the state ministry of agriculture for collection.

 

Sokoto

Governor  Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has advised intending Muslim pilgrims to pray for peace and stability of the country during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Wamakko gave the advice in Sokoto, on Wednesday, at Sir Abubakar International Airport while addressing those from Shagari and Kebbe local government areas before their departure.

The governor emphasised that the nation was in need of prayers for God’s intervention in all the activities going on in the country.

“You should embark on special prayers for God’s guidance, so that the desire of Nigerians to conduct a credible election will be a reality.

 

Taraba

The National Association of Fulani Fulaku, has urged nomads in Taraba State  to come out en-masse to register in the forthcoming voter registration exercise.

The Representative of the association, Ahmed Liman, gave the advice on Wednesday in Iware Town in Taraba while addressing thousands of Fulanis.

The Fulanis converged on the town for the sensitisation exercise on the oncoming voters’ register.

He said that failure of the nomads to obtain voters’ registration cards would prevent them from voting for positive change in the 2011 general elections.

Liman urged nomads who attended 18 years and above to go and exercise their civic responsibility, stressing that any eligible voter who refused to vote had relinquished his rights.

 

Yobe

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3rd Armoured Division, Maj.-Gen. Sunday Idoko, says the military is ready to deal decisively with any threat to the nation’s internal security.

He gave the assurance on Wednesday in Damaturu when he paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe.

Idoko said the military was ever ready to deal with the challenges posed by the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other civil unrests, promising that the army would maintain a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of its duties.

Responding, Gaidam said that the combined efforts of the army, police and vigilante groups “have changed the status of Yobe from a state reputed for high incidence of highway banditry to one that is most peaceful and secured in the federation”.

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NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

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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.

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Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

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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.

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Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

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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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