Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi last Tuesday dismissed the appeal filed by the defeated PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Terver Khaki, against Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State.
Khaki dragged the governor to court claiming that the primaries were not properly conducted and alleged that Suswam was not educationally qualified to contest the election.
He alleged that the governor forged his secondary school certificate and described the conduct of the primaries as “a charade and stage managed’’.
The Federal High Court in Makurdi in 2012 gave judgment in favour of the governor, in which Justice Marcel Awokulehin, held that the case was a pre-election matter and a party’s affair.
Ekiti
The police last Tuesday arraigned a 70-year-old man before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl.
The police prosecutor, Cpl. Curtis Enabulele, told the court that the accused committed the offence in January, opposite a palm wine outlet on Ilawe Road in Ado-Ekiti.
Enabulele told the court that the accused unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the girl, causing her grievous harm.
He claimed that the latest incident was the third, after two earlier failed efforts by the accused.
The offence, he added, contravened Section 358 and 359 of the Criminal Code Cap. C 16 Vol.1 Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
Gombe
The Gombe State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has urged its members to register in the ongoing exercise to enable them to access fertiliser allocation.
The chairman of the association, Alhaji Gambo Sarkin-noma, made the call in an interview with newsmen last Tuesday in Gombe.
Sarkin-noma said that the new method was introduced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure fairness in the distribution process.
He said that the registration forms would be distributed at the ward level by facilitators in each ward.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Savings and Loans Ltd., a mortgage finance company, last Tuesday said it had concluded plans to construct 150 low cost houses in Dutse.
Its Managing Director, Alhaji Babangida Umar, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Umar said 100 houses would be constructed at the Mobile base quarters while 50 houses would be sited at strategic locations in the city.
He said the houses would be constructed in one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom categories.
Umar said the project would be executed under the National Housing Fund (NHF), adding that the houses would be sold to civil servants and interested persons on owner-occupier basis.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State House of Assembly last Tuesday amended the 1991 District Court Law empowering it to adjudicate in civil cases.
The speaker, Alhaji Muazu Gangara, said that the amendment of sections 13, 14, 15, 25, 31, 32 and 81 of the law, had empowered the courts to entertain cases with material value of up to N500,000 as against N50,000 previously.
He also said that the amendment made had repealed the District Court (Amendment) Edict of 1994.
Gangara said the law now empowers the Chief Judge of the state to regulate the practice and procedure of the district courts where no specific provisions were made by the subsisting law.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has said that work will soon resume at the N50 billion Zauro Folder irrigation project that was abandoned two years ago.
Alhaji Sunusi Ibrahim, the Director of Water Supply in the state Ministry of Water Resources, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Ibrahim said that the project would be jointly executed by the federal, state and affected local government areas.
According to him, the state government has so far spent N18 billion since the commencement of the project seven years ago.
Kogi
A socio-cultural group, Nigerian Cultural Development Consultants, has urged the Federal Government to accord Lokoja a prominent position in the celebration of the country’s 100 years of nationhood.
The call is contained in a statement by the Chairman of the group, Dr Hinmikalu Paul and Secretary, Dr Jacob Olorunshola, in Lokoja.
It said the call was necessary due to the prominence of the historical and political roles of Lokoja in the emergence of Nigeria.
It said the anniversary, slated for 2014, was worthy of celebration because it would be a period of national rebirth through “self evaluation of our past and the quest for a better future”.
Kwara
An Ilorin Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday remanded in prison custody a member of a vigilante group, Ibrahim Seko, for allegedly killing two persons.
The accused was alleged to have conspired with eight others now at large to shoot Abubakar Ali and Abdullahi Chumo on February 19 during a rift.
According to the charge sheet, the accused persons shot dead the deceased over the allegation that they were armed robbers.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Yakub Emmanuel, told the court that investigation was on-going in order to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Lagos
A 25-year-old unemployed man, Amidu Shittu, who allegedly broke into an apartment and stole three mobile phones, including a blackberry, worth N47, 500, was last Tuesday charged before an Ojokoro Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Shittu, who is of no fixed address, is facing a two count-charge of burglary and theft.
The prosecutor, Insp. Clara Olagbayi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on November 18, 2012 at No. 1 Olorunda St., Ijaye, Lagos at 3:00 a.m.
“Shittu broke into Miss Blessing Chukwu’s apartment, in her absence, and stole a Blackberry phone, as well as Nokia and Techno phones valued at N47, 500,” she said.
Ondo
An Ore Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State last Tuesday sentenced a motor mechanic apprentice, Sheriff Adegoke, 32, to 6 months imprisonment for stealing a Nokia phone and N2,000.
Magistrate Tope Aladejana sentenced the accused to prison— with hard labour— after he pleaded guilty to the one count charge of stealing.
Earlier, the police prosecutor, Insp. Johnson Agboola said the convict committed the offence on February 16, at about 2:00 .p.m. at Ajelanwa St., Ore.
Agboola told the court that Adegoke allegedly stole one white Nokia Asha handset valued at N15,000 and two thousand naira cash, belonging to one Simeon John.
Oyo
A 32-year-old man, Olawale Badru, was last Tuesday arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of fraud and assault.
The prosecutor, Mr Oluseye Akinola, told the court that Badru assaulted one Damilola Adelanwa by stabbing him with a broken bottle on the back and causing him bodily harm.
Akinola said Badru also caused a breach of the peace by unlawfully demanding an illegal fee from a tanker driver, Olalekan Oseni, while discharging kerosene to customers, claiming “ son of the soil’’ status.
The alleged crime was said to have been committed on March 3, 2013 at about 9:00am at Idi- Mango area, Soka, Ibadan.
Plateau
Senator Gyang Pwajok (PDP-Plateau) last Tuesday blamed “external groups’’ for the incessant attacks on rural communities in Plateau.
“The modalities and nature of the attacks indicate that these groups of attackers are largely external to Plateau and the sole aim is the decimation of the people in a bid to destabilise the state,’’ Pwajok said in a statement in Jos.
“Clearly, what they want is to stifle our determination to shun violence, embrace and trust one another so as to live as brothers in peace,’’ he said.
He said that the attacks were “a hallmark of organised and specialised terror with no empathy or regard for human dignity,’’ and advised the residents to quickly realise that they must unite “so as to overcome these trying times’’.
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