Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
More than 70 per cent of the 226 councillors whose tenure expired two months ago are seeking re-election in the forthcoming local government election in Adamawa State.
The Chairman of the Councillors Forum, Alhaji Usman Maulud made this known in an interview in Yola.
Maulud said the councillors who had obtained nomination forms were seeking re-election on the platform of PDP.
He, however, said that five of the councillors including himself, who served as speakers of their respective local government legislatures, were going for the chairmanship position.
“We were encourage and supported by our people based on our performance and commitment to youth development in our areas to contest”, he said.
Bauchi
The Conditional Cash Transfer Programme of the Bauchi State Government for girl-child education, has gulped N50 million within the last five years.
The Chief Coordinator of the Programme, Alhaji Karijo Buba made this known on Tuesday in Giade.
The programme is being undertaken in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) .
Buba made the disclosure while distributing letters of invitation to participate in the programme to some selected girls in Darazo, Dambam, Giade, Kirfi, Zaki and Dass local government areas of the state. Buba said that the programme commenced in 2007 with 260 schools in the six local government areas as a pilot programme.
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State last Saturday pledged that his administration would not interfere with the independence of the judiciary.
The governor, who gave the pledge in Makurdi at a ceremony organised to mark the beginning of the 2011/2012 legal year, said that his administration would always strive to ensure a smooth dispensation of justice.
Suswam, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Chive Kaave, noted that the state’s judiciary was one of the best in the country.
In his address, the Chief Judge, Justice Iorhemen Hwande, commended Suswam for his support to the judiciary.
FCT
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has appealed to people of goodwill to eschew violence and follow the path of justice, peace, unity and stability for the progress of Nigeria.
In a message of condolence to the family of the slain Babakura Fugu, son of the deceased Fugu in Maiduguri, Obasanjo said that while out of the country, he received the sad news of the killing of Babakura.
In the message, last Sunday, Obasanjo said “Babakura who joined others to receive me in the demolished compound of his late father, was genuinely working for justice and peace.
“He should not be hated for that let alone being killed.
Jigawa
Malam Adamu Jigawa-sada, a physically challenged lawmaker representing Dutse Constituency in Jigawa State House of Assembly, has pledged to bring the dividends of democracy to his people.
Jigawa-sada, who made the pledge on Saturday in Dutse in an interview with newsmen said his election was an inspiration to all the physically challenged persons in Nigeria.
Jigawa-sada said that since his election two villages in his constituency that had been in total darkness for years had started enjoying steady power supply.
Kaduna
The Tiv community in Zaria, Kaduna State, has expressed happiness over the decision of the Zazzau Emirate to co-opt it into the annual Eid-El-Fitr celebration.
In a statement signed by the Tyoor-elect of the community in Zaria, Mr Denis Akaayar in Zaria last Saturday,the union said the gesture would enhance national unity.
It specifically described the 2011 Eid-El-Fitr celebration as a memorable event for the Tivs in Zaria in particular,and Kaduna State in general.
Kano
Dr Ahmad Suleiman, the Imam of Tudun Murtala Central Mosque in Kano, has enjoined Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad by exhibiting good character.
In his sermon, Suleiman said that during his life time Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to be God-fearing in all their undertakings.
He also stressed the need for the Muslim Ummah to shun hypocrisy in all its form.
The Islamic scholar also called on parents to give their children good education that would make them useful citizens of the country.
He implored Muslims to propagate the message of Islam and the teachings of the holy Prophet Muhammad.
Suleiman,who described life on earth as transient, enjoined Muslim faithful to always pray for peace in the state in particular and the country in general.
Lagos
Mr Abdul-Lateef Owoyemi, the former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), says Nigerian leaders should show more commitment in efforts to tackle insecurity, corruption, poverty and joblessness in the country.
He gave the advice in Lagos last Saturday, while speaking at the 2nd Annual Seminar of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC.
Owoyemi said that Nigeria would remain relevant in the comity of nations, if its citizens were more disciplined and focused.
He, however, noted that some unscrupulous politicians had been creating fears and mutual suspicions among the citizenry, while making the country polarised and unstable.
“No nation can be relevant globally without first becoming relevant domestically.
“We are relevant in terms of world energy supply and when peacekeeping activities on the global stage are being discussed.
Niger
The All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, has advocated the establishment of more examination bodies in the country to improve the standard of secondary school leaving certificate examinations.
This was contained in a communiqué issued last Saturday at the end of the conference’s national executive council meeting in Minna.
The communique noted that the establishment of the National Examination Council (NECO) had compelled the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to improve on its standard in the bid to maintain its position.
It expressed concern over the moral decadence in the country, which it said was characterised by insincerity, corruption and sexual abuse among others.
Ondo
Mr Banji Okunomo, the Chairman of Ilaje local government in Ondo State, said the council had awarded contract for the dualisation of some roads in the area.
Okunomo told newsmen last Sunday that the contract was awarded to a construction firm, adding that the people of the community had also called for the repair of link roads in the area.
He declined to name the construction firm involved and the contract sum.
He said that the reconstruction of Igbokoda market into an international market was in the pipeline as well as provision of other essential developmental amenities.
He said council had resolved to implement programmes that would impact positively on the people, and improve on the work of the previous administration.
Plateau
The Federal Government has pledged to pay the medical bills of persons who sustained injuries during the crisis that rocked some parts of Plateau State.
Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), gave the undertaking in Jos last Saturday when he visited the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, where some of the injured victims were receiving treatment.
Sani-Sidi, who commiserated with the victims, said that the Federal Government had directed that the medical bills of the injured persons should be defrayed.
He also expressed the government’s willingness to support the victims and urged the hospital authorities to submit their bills to the zonal office of NEMA for necessary action.
Sokoto
Senator Abubakar Gada, says he will contest the March 10, 2012 governorship election in Sokoto State.
“I intend to contest the post and this is unequivocal, categorical and unambiguous,’’ he said last Saturday in Sokoto.
Gada said he would contest the election to enable him bring the needed change in the socio-economic development of the state.
He was reacting to a recent statement credited to the National Vice-Chairman of the PDP in charge of the North-West Zone, Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure, while on a working visit to the state.
Zamfara
Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, the Chairman of Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, has directed education secretaries to remove all ghost teachers from their payrolls ahead of planned statewide audit.
Aliyu,who was appointed recently as SUBEB chairman, gave the directives during a meeting with the secretaries in Gusau at the weekend.
He said records had shown that there were scores of ghost teachers in the payrolls of all the 14 local education authorities and that salaries of such teachers were fraudulently paid into the pockets of some individuals.
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