Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Armed policemen averted an attempt by some youths to burn down Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation in Yola yesterday.
The mob stormed the station over a popular Hausa language entertainment programme.
In the programme entitled, “Taba Kidi Taba Karatu,” its producer, Alhaji Adamu Katakore interviewed a lady who identified herself simply as Hajiya.
She claimed to have contacts with three Holy prophets and that she was the mother of one of them.
General Manager of the ABC, Mr Ayuba Tumba, described the incident as unfortunate.
“We saw hell. The timely intervention of the police saved the station and its staff.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Altine Daniel, confirmed the incident and called for calm, saying the police were investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, normal broadcasting has since resumed in the station.
Bauchi
A Bauchi High Court yesterday struck out a criminal case filed by the state government seeking an order to arrest Alhaji Ahmed Muazu, the former Governor.
Delivering judgment in Bauchi, Justice Kunesa Hamidu, said the ex-parte motion filed by the state government against Muazu lacked merit and therefore, struck out the case.
He said the grant of an order to arrest Muazu was a discretionary power, which ought to be exercised pending the determination of a substantive case before the court.
Hamidu said that in line with the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), to issue an order for the arrest of an accused could only be exercised when the court believed that the accused had absconded or will not obey court summons.
He observed that an affidavit of service tendered as exhibit before the court, which states that “all efforts made to serve Muazu proved abortive because his security and thugs refused to allow the bailiff to go near him,’’ was contrary to the CPC.
Ekiti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Adeniyi Olajide, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for the Moba Constituency 1 by-election held on Wednesday in Ekiti State, as the winner.
Announcing the results in Otun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of the state, the INEC Returning Officer, Mr David Arabambi, said Olajide polled 4,837 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Mr Gboye Afilaka, who got 2,568 votes.
The Labour Party candidate, Mr Babatunde Yinka, had 239 votes.
The election took place in 49 polling units in five wards which had 25,753 registered voters.
The seat became vacant following the death of the former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Saliu Adeoti (ACN), on October 27 after a protracted illness.
FCT
The FCT Command of the NDLEA yesterday paraded a 20-year-old student of Delta State University who was caught with 498kg of Indian hemp.
The FCT NDLEA Commander, Mrs Omolade Omole, who paraded the suspect in Gwagwalada, said he was arrested on the Abuja-Lokoja road.
She said the suspect was conveying the drug in a 406 Peugeot car with a fake Federal Government registration number, FG 28D50.
Omole said the drug was being conveyed from Akure, Ondo State, to Maiduguri before it was intercepted in Abuja.
She said two 406 cars with fake Federal Government registration numbers were used in the trafficking, with one of them escaping.
“Immediately we intercepted the second 406 car, we sent intelligence report to our offices in Maduguri, Jos and Yobe.
“The first vehicle has also been intercepted in Maiduguri with 450 wraps of Indian hemp.
“Efforts are being made to ensure that the suspect in Maiduguri and the one at large in Abuja are arrested,” she said.
Kaduna
Fifteen out of the 17 governorship aspirants in the North-West zone have been screened by the People Democratic Party (PDP), an official said yesterday in Kaduna.
The party began the screening of governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly aspirants nationwide on Tuesday.
The national secretariat of the party had set up a five-member committee to conduct the exercise for all those contesting in the 2011 general elections on its platform.
Mr Baba Lawal, the PDP Zonal Secretary and Secretary of the Screening Committee, told newsmen at the end of the exercise in Kaduna that two aspirants did not appear before the committee.
Lawal said the exercise was scheduled to last for two days in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines.
He gave the names of the governors of Zamfara and Kaduna states, Alhaji Mahmuda Shinkafi and Mr Patrick Yakowa, as well as Hajiya Mairo Habib as the early aspirants who kept to time.
Others who appeared before the committee were the governors of Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Jigawa, Alhaji Sa’idu Dakingari, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema and Alhaji Sule Lamido respectively.
Similarly, a former Minister of State for Information, Alhaji Ikra Bilbis, from Zamfara, is challenging the incumbent governor.
Besides, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi and Alhaji Shu’aibu Mikati from Kaduna State as well as Alhaji Rabi’u Kwankwanso from Kano State honoured the invitation.
Other contenders from Kano State who were screened included Alhaji Bello Mohammed, Alhaji Adamu Suma’ila, retired Col. Habibu Shu’aibu and Alhaji Mohammed Kabir.
However, Rep. Faruk Lawal and Alhaji Yaro Farakwai from Kano and Kaduna states respectively could not make the screening for unknown reasons.
Lagos
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, yesterday urged Lagosians to work hand-in-hand with the government to ensure the total eradication of polio in Nigeria.
Speaking in Lagos at a stakeholders Town Hall Meeting on the eradication of polio, Fashola said that the responsibility of immunising children should not rest solely on the shoulders of their mothers.
“Both parents should be concerned about taking their newborns to the nearest primary healthcare centre to have them vaccinated,” he said.
The governor urged parents to boil and filter water before drinking it and ensure that toilets and bathrooms are kept clean.
“It is a continuing agitation and the battle is not won until we kick polio out of Nigeria,” he said.
Plateau
The Federal Government has blamed the incessant crises in some parts of Nigeria on the proliferation of small arms.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Salamatu Suleiman said this at a sensitisation workshop on small arms in Jos, yesterday.
She said government was worried about the persistent ethnic and religions crises; hence it was taking steps to end the proliferation.
“It is sad that small quarrels that should be settled quietly snowball into violent dimensions simply because there are arms in circulation.
“Our community leaders and other stakeholders need to sensitise their wards on the dangers and negative effects of these small and light weapons they are holding and using,” she said.
Suleiman said it was to check the trend that the Federal Government, in 2008, endorsed the ECOWAS Convention on Control and Prevention of Small and Light Weapons (SALW).
”It is high time we rose to the challenge and take concrete and practical action to curb the menace of proliferation of SALW in Nigeria so as to bring about meaningful development,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Martins Uhomoihi, said that an estimated 630 million illegally acquired SALW were in circulation.
“The sectarian crises in Jos, the Niger Delta as well as the ‘boko haram’ attacks are results of these dangerous weapons,’’ he observed.
Sokoto
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Sokoto says intelligence officers have been deployed in the metropolis to carry out surveillance during the Christmas period.
Altai Amino Kofar-Soro, Sokoto State Commandant of the Corps, told newsmen in Sokoto yesterday that the measure was to enhance security in the state during the period.
Kofar-Soro said that NSCDC, alongside other security outfits, were working hard to sustain the peace in the state.
According to him, units commanders in the 23 local government areas of the state have been briefed on security methods to be adopted in their respective areas of jurisdictions.
“We are working like a family to ensure peaceful co-existence among the good people of Sokoto State,” he said.
Kofar-Soro called on the people to support the efforts of the security agencies by reporting any suspected character to the nearest security office for prompt action.
“We are battle ready to ensure peace, progress and political stability in our areas of assignment,” he said.
The commandant also solicited the support of stakeholders in promoting security situation in the state.
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