Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Apparently on the heels of the assassination of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate in Borno State, 19 northern governors Tuesday decried the increasing security threats in some parts of northern states, cautioning against the use of inflammatory campaign languages by some politicians.
The governors at a meeting presided by the governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu also agreed to offer assistance to Plateau, Borno and Bauchi States following the increasing security challenges be failing the states.
In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the governors after much deliberations on measures that would bring the crisis to an end identified security, poverty and youth restiveness as the major causes of the conflict in the region.
Accordingly, the governors resolved to promptly identify and address the causes of the conflicts which they said had been economically, religiously and politically motivated.
While agreeing to support the three affected states using various strategies that are beyond physical means as well as addressing the perceptions and misinformation perpetrated over time, the governors also maintained that they would take other measures in handling constitutional provisions to tackle security challenges.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, has expressed sadness over the destruction of 62 houses in the Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of the state by rainstorm which ravaged the community recently.
Olayinka who was on an inspection visit to the community yesterday, however, promised that the Dr Kolayode Fayoemi led administration through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) would provide relief materials to the victims of the rainstorm to make the affected houses habitable again.
She revealed that the state government would make an official report to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and table a request for assistance for the victims.
Olayinka who stressed the need for people to plant more trees around houses to serve as wind breaks and prevent rainstorm from blowing off their roof tops also advised house builders and owners to ensure that roof tops are designed in such a way that can not be easily penetrated by storm.
The deputy governor, however, sympathised with the victims of the natural disaster and joined them to thank God that no casualty of any sort was recorded despite the enormity of the disaster.
FCT
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Josephine Anenih, has disclosed that the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) which has been a male university from inception would soon begin to admit female cadets to prepare them as officers of the Nigerian Army.
Anenih disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the ‘Nigerian Women at 50 Reflections’ aimed at recognising the contributions of women to national development before and after independence.
She said this was made possible by the first female Rear Admiral in the Nigerian Navy, Itunu Hotonu, who was recently promoted after her feat as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Navy Post-Service Scheme.
Anenih also lauded female presidential aspirant, Mrs Sarah Jubril, who she said has given women the hope and confidence to aspire to reach the highest position in the country.
The Women Affairs Minister urged Nigerian women to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan during the April polls expressing hopes that he would grant women the glamoured 35% affirmative action.
Kebbi
The mother of the Senatorial candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) for Kebbi State, Hajiya Fatima Sadiq Yelwa, who was kidnapped at her residence in Yauri town about 10 days ago has been released.
Hajiya Yelwa, mother of Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, former Chief of Staff to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister was found during a search by the police detectives at a bush in the outskirts of Kontangora in Niger State.
State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Dalhatu Saa-d told journalists Tuesday, that Hajiya Yelwa was found in a bush by policemen and was returned to her family in Yauri.
The CPC senatorial candidate explained that though the kidnappers demanded for some money for the release of his mother, the family did not pay any ransom rather embarked on prayers after reporting the incident to the police.
Yelwa said “it is true that my mother has been returned this morning. We thank Almighty Allah for her safe release”.
The politician also thanked the security agents from both Kebbi and Niger States for ensuring the release of his mother by the hoodlums with her sustaining no injury.
Lagos
Lagos State Government has called for dialogue with the Dental and Medical Personnel, under the aegis of the Medical Guild, to resolve the ongoing doctor’s strike.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris who addressed reporters Wednesday, on the unions meeting with leaders described the strike action as unnecessary, stating that government was will and ready to address the issues raised by the doctors.
According to him ‘I had a meeting with the union yesterday and we have reviewed some of those areas and so far, the strike action is uncalled for’.
Idris said that under the new agreement, a highest-level consultant would earn about N700,000 monthly and a level 10 officer N173,927.33 pointing out that the government was considering other areas to improve doctors welfare.
The commission therefore urged the doctors to reconsider their demands for the 100 per cent implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for the hitch-free medical activities in the state.
“We are appealing again that they should call off the strike to reduce the suffering of the masses. A lot of people have expressed their displeasure over this strike and they have offered their hand of fellowship to us to ameliorate the suffering of the people”, the commissioner explained.
Nasarawa
Following the stoning of the convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Police Service Commission had approved the request of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Hafiz Ringim, to transfer the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Wilfred Obute.
It was gathered that the pelting of the convoy was contrary to the security report hitherto sent by the Commissioner of Police to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
A top police source said that the Commissioner of Police (CP) had the itinerary of the president ahead of his arrival adding that he should have ensured a comprehensive protection of the Commander-In-Chief in any part of Nasarawa State including the Emir’s place.
While noting that the review of the president’s campaign visit to Nasarawa State showed some security laxity, the source revealed that the IGP’s request was tabled at the Police Service Commission and given approval stating however that the name of the new CP in Nasarawa State was yet to be forwarded.
Oyo
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has rejected 50 million additional litres of kerosene into the market through its subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC).
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Ore and Ilorin and its environs are to enjoy 17.4 million litres as being pumped to Mosimi depot from Atlas Cove for onward supply to the areas.
The Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Dr Levi Ajuonuma, said measure was embarked upon to arrest the reported cases of the kerosene explosion and scarcity being experienced in some parts of the country.
Ajuonuma restated that aside the 17.4 million litres for Oyo and the other states, 18 million litres was loaded out of NIPCO for the Independent Marketers and 12.2 million litres out of capital oil for NNPC retail stations.
He said “I want to assure consumers of kerosene across the country that NNPC has injected more than enough of the product into the market and so, they should desist from panic buying”.
Plateau
Muslims in Plateau State have observed a one-day fasting and prayer to bring an end to the crisis rocking the state.
Complying with the directive Tuesday, as given by Plateau State Council of Ulamas, many restaurants especially within the Jos metropolis did not open for business until late in the evening and families made purchases the previous evening for their livelihood.
Secretary of the council, Barrister Lawal Ishag told newsmen the people of the state were observing the fast to sought for Allah’s intervention so that lasting peace will return to the state.
According to him “this fast has become necessary looking at the degenerated form of the state and its environs as this crisis is going on. It has gotten to the time when we have to seek for the intervention of Allah and I believe that the purpose will be achieved”.
Prayers were also observed at various mosques across the state including the Jos Central and Zuwiya Mosques where hundreds of Muslims gathered to participate in various sessions.
Sokoto
Sokoto State High Court presided by Justice Bello Abbas has again adjourned the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Sokoto Governor, Attahirn Bafarawa, till February 28 to enable his counsel, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), respond to the application for severance.
This is coming as the Sokoto State High Court II presided by Justice Mohammed Binju adjourned till March 7, 2011 to enable the state government and Bafarawa settle their despite over pension of court.
Bafarawa had two months ago dragged Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Warmako, to the State High Court over non-payment of his pension totaling about N27 million.
Bafarawa and 15 others were arraigned by the EFCC over an alleged financial misappropriation and corrupt practices totaling N15 billion during his tenure as the governor of the state.
While the case came up yesterday for hearing, Fagbemi applied for adjournment through his representative, Barrister Suleiman Usman, saying he had another case before the Supreme Court in Abuja.
However, EFCC counsel, Adeniji Akintola (SAN) told the court that the case had suffered several adjournments at the instance of a single defendant since December, 21, 2009 when the case was filed.
Yobe
Over 20 people were feared dead on Monday when a Yobe Line bus and a Cross Country vehicle collided at Dagare on the Potiskum-Kari road in Yobe State.
The crash allegedly occurred when the drivers of the two vehicles on opposite direction rammed into each other at about 4.40 pm that day.
The impact from the collision led to the occupants of the Yobe Line bus burning beyond recognition.
An eye witness of the accident told journalists that the two vehicles at collision burst into flames leading to the loss of 20 passengers in the bus in his words” we heard a thunderous noise from the road and the villagers rushed to the scene with buckets of water to put off the fire from the vehicles. But the volunteers could not make any difference until the arrival of the firefighters from Potiskum, who rescued 10 passengers from the scene.
Sambo said the bus was burnt to ashes while the Cross Country vehicles was partly burnt to the drivers cabin.
Confirming the accident, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at Potiskum Al Maigori said the mishap could have been avoided if the drivers had been cautious and shunned dangerous overtaking on the road.
He however, attributed the accident to the poor state of the roads in the south-east zone adding that cautious driving and compliance with traffic rules would help to avert the carnage on the highways.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Eastern Zone, has applauded the appointment of Hon. Benibo Anabraba as Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) by His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara,
The Socio Cultural Organisation described the appointment as a masterstroke of leadership and wisdom.
MOSIEND in a statement by the Acting Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Gibson, and the Assistant Secretary, MOSIEND Eastern Zone, Dr. Tams Longjohn hailed the appointment as a reflection of Governor Fubara’s Eagle-eyed discernment, belief in merit, and unwavering commitment to building a peaceful and people-centered administration anchored on excellence and integrity.
“Hon. Anabraba is a statesman in every sense, an accomplished lawyer, a tested grassroots politician, and a man of Peace whose record of service stands tall,”
The statement noted that “from his days as a grassroots politician to his election as a legislator, his tenure as Minority Leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his service as a Commissioner, Hon. Anabraba has remained a model of maturity, courage, and dedication to the Rivers project.”
MOSIEND expressed confidence that Hon. Anabraba will bring his trademark calmness, intellect, and wealth of experience to bear in his new role, assuring that the people of Rivers State will feel the positive impact of his leadership.
The group commended Governor Fubara for his strategic and inspiring commitment to peace, stating that the appointment once again demonstrates the administration’s preference for competence, loyalty, and results over political convenience.
“We are proud of this choice,” MOSIEND affirmed. “It signals continuity, stability, and a renewed focus on people-oriented governance.”
The organization congratulated Hon. Benibo Anabraba and prayed for divine guidance, good health, and strength as he takes on this vital assignment in service to Rivers State.
Chinedu Wosu
Nation
HYPREP Remains Steadfast In Adhering To International Standards—Zabbey …As Regulators, Asset Owners Hail Project
The Project Coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, has said that the Project remains steadfast in adhering to international standards, processes and protocols, contending that it would continue to engage all stakeholders transparently to achieve set goals and targets.
This is even as regulatory stakeholders, regulators and asset owners have expressed satisfaction with the work so far being carried out by the Project in Ogoniland, commending it for sustaining the momentum of the ongoing cleanup project.
Zabbey, who gave the indication during the third quarter meeting of HYPREP with regulators and asset owners in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said as an interventionist and community-based project, HYPREP would continue to engage all stakeholders transparently, as it addresses challenges that may arise during project implementation.
To this end, he noted that the continuous support and constructive feedback of regulators and asset owners remains vital in helping the project coordination office overcome challenges and sustain the momentum of progress.
Zabbey said the quarterly meeting with regulators and asset owners serves dual purpose of providing a platform for the Project to share updates on the status of the cleanup project, highlighting areas where further support is required; and allowing “regulators and asset owners to provide constructive feedback that would help our collective approach.”
According to him, the meeting is ultimately designed to catalyse deeper collaboration and synergy between HYPREP and its regulatory stakeholders.
While appreciating and recognising the invaluable roles of the regulators and asset owners in the project’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control(QA/QC) framework, the Project Coordinator said their consistent oversight, technical input, and commitment to upholding standards have remained essential to the integrity of the Ogoni cleanup efforts.
He noted with a sense of satisfaction that Quality Assurance and Quality Control are being given increased attention at all levels of the cleanup project, and solicited for the continuous support of the regulators and asset owners.
“QA/QC considerations are a key part of HYPREP’s policy framework, from the Governing Council decisions to field-level work,” he said, emphasising that this focus ensures that HYPREP’s interventions and activities are executed professionally, safely, and in compliance with national regulatory standards and global best practices, guaranteeing value for money.
“As we continue to consolidate the gains made so far, I want to reassure you that HYPREP remains steadfast in adhering to international standards, processes and protocols”, he said.
Zabbey announced that considerable progress is being recorded across various thematic areas of the cleanup project, including remediation of hydrocarbon-impacted sites; mangrove restoration; provision of potable water; public health interventions; the Ogoni power project; and the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration; among others.
He said these coordinated interventions are gradually restoring confidence in the cleanup effort and bringing renewed hope to Ogoniland.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the performance status of the cleanup project by HYPREP’s Evaluation and Monitoring Unit, which put the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration at 92.5 percent completion, among other legacy projects.
In their response, the regulators and asset owners were unanimous that HYPREP has recorded remarkable improvement so far in the cleanup efforts, and solicited for more support of the project.
Environmental Resource Manager of the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development(CEHRD), Mr Meshack Uyi commended the Project Coordinator and his team for the remarkable improvement recorded so far in the area of environmental remediation and mangrove restoration, describing the Ogoni cleanup as one of the most robust in Africa.
He applauded HYPREP for its human capacity building initiative, saying, building the capacity of Ogoni people and training them to become mangrove vanguards are boosting their economic wellbeing.
Uyi said what is going on in Ogoniland is a learning process for the Niger Delta, saying, “those who think that nothing is happening in Ogoniland, they should come closer and see that a lot is indeed going on, and this can impact on Nigeria, the Niger Delta and Africa.”
He called on people all over the world to come on board to support HYPREP to achieve far greater milestones.
Also, the representative of the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mrs Doris Wilcox Balafoma commended the Project for doing very well, working and collaborating with its partners, saying, “We are always with them in the field.”
She scored HYPREP 90 percent for its cleanup efforts, insisting, however, that the abandonment of some ongoing water facilities in some Ogoni communities is due to cost variations.
For the Executive Director of the Society for Women And Youth Affairs(SWAYA), Dr Stella Amaine, HYPREP has recorded a great improvement in the area of women inclusion and livelihood restoration.
She, however, noted that she looks forward to the realisation of the 45 percent empowerment quota for women as promised by the Project Coordinator.
The National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), a recognized trade union, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Minister of Labour and Productivity to urgently investigate alleged tax deduction fraud by the management of Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited.
The union, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), through its law firm, Everlaw Associates, Abuja office, raised an alarm about “unwholesome events” at the Nigerian LNG Limited Train 7 project site in Bonny, Rivers State.
The petition, signed by O. Marx Ikongbeh, Esq., the Principal of Everlaw Associates, and supported by a five-point affidavit deposed by NAPO President Mr. Harold Benstowe, alleges that the management of Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited has been making unusual deductions from workers’ salaries for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) purposes.
According to the workers, despite the deductions, the taxes have not been remitted to the Rivers State Inland Revenue Service (RIRS) to their credit. When the workers approached RIRS to process their tax clearance certificates, they discovered that the taxes had not been remitted.
The workers further alleged that the management of Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited misappropriated the deducted PAYE taxes, running into billions of Naira, for three years, to the detriment of both the federal and state governments.
The union urged the anti-graft agencies to investigate the management of NLNG Limited, Daewoo E&C Ltd and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, and their subcontractors, to bring the perpetrators of this tax fraud to justice.
However, in a press statement, the management of Daewoo E&C Limited claimed that the tax matter had been completely resolved, stressing the company’s commitment to transparency, due process, and sound corporate governance, adding that the company remains dedicated to maintaining a compliant trust worthy and proactive working environment as it continues the successful delivery of the NLNG Train 7 project.
Akujobi Amadi