Nation
THE STATES
Victims of flood disaster and insurgency in Bauchi State
presently have cause to smile and temporarily forget their pains and distress. The Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation recently came to their aid after it flagged off the distribution of relief materials to victims of flood, insurgency and communal clashes in the state.
The beneficiaries who hail from 10 Northern states of Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, Gombe, Nasarawa, Plateau and Yobe profusely expressed appreciation to the committee for the timely intervention in cushioning their hardship through the donation of relief materials such as rice, soaps, wrappers, blankets, noodles, salts, palm oil amongst other items.
Shortly after the flag off of the ceremony, the Chairman of the committee, Dr Sani Abubakar Lugga, led a delegation of the committee members on a courtesy visit to Governor Isa Yuguda, at the Government House in Bauchi.
He said the committee decided to extend its humanitarian gesture not only to victims of flood disaster, but also those of insurgency, communal clashes and cattle rustlers adding that the committee went beyond the scope of its mandate to purchase food and non-food items worth N750m to cushion the losses of victims of insurgency and communal clashes in the 10 states.
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State last Monday as
sured non-indigenes living in the state that their rights as Nigerian citizens would be protected.
Lamido who gave the assurance when he received the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi, who paid him Sallah homage in Dutse explained that all non- indigenes living in the state were there as a matter of ‘right’ not ‘privilege,’ hence would not be discriminated against.
The governor said that Nigerians were free to live wherever they chose without any undue harassment by any individual or government, stating that those asking Nigerians to register in their own country were sending a wrong signal that was not healthy for the unity of the country.
Earlier in his remarks, the Emir of Dutse, Sunusi, had thanked the governor for transforming the state in the past seven years of his administration. He said that both indigenes and non-indigenes had been living peacefully in the state, promising that efforts would be made to sustain the status-quo.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido, has urged Mus
lims in the state to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and sacrifice.
The emir who made the call last Sunday while addressing Muslims after the Eid-El-Fitr prayer at the Kofar Mata ground in Kano, appealed to them to emulate Prophet Muhammed’s life, stressing that the one month fasting should be seen as a period of cleansing and atonement.
“After the Ramadan, we should be more determined to live in the path of Allah as true believers. We should also continue to emulate the exemplary attributes of Islam which are love, tolerance and peaceful co-existence”, he said.
The monarch also called on the people to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress of the state and the country.
Earlier in his sermon, Sanusi, who led the prayer, stressed the need for Muslims to fear God and continue to use all the lessons of the Ramadan to foster unity in the state and country.
Kwara
Former Kwara State Governor, Senator Bukola Saraki, urged
Nigerians yesterday to pray for the peace and stability of the country ahead of next year’s general elections. Dr Saraki made the call in his Eid-el-Fitri message to Nigerians.
Saraki, the senator representing Kwara Central, said: “Ahead of 2015, I want to use this annual occasion to implore Nigerians not to give up in the quest for a better nation. Let’s not give in for a leadership based on sympathy and the monetary value we stand to gain but on the ground of competence and a strong will to take Nigeria to a greater height.
“Let’s ensure we stay very united and indivisible by religious, ethnic, moral or political lines, because unity is a strong weapon for a better nation. Even as I urge Islamic leaders – from the Emirs to Sheiks and Imams – to further emphasise the core themes of Islam to their followers after Ramadan. I also urge us to let our fervent prayers for Nigeria exceed Ramadan season. Let’s continue to pray for peace, restoration and stability in Nigeria, particularly as 2015 is approaching.
“The holy month of Ramadan affords us the golden opportunity of renewal in thoughts and deeds towards our creator and humanity by prioritising core themes of Islam, which include peace, boundless love for one another, sincerity, holiness and respect for humanity.
“Importantly, the aforementioned themes should not end with the month of Ramadan. They should be effortlessly demonstrated after Ramadan to ameliorate Nigeria’s plight and make her into a better society where her current challenges of insecurity, disrespect for rule of law, corruption among others will become things of the past.”
Lagos
History will be made in Lagos State next month when
Justice Funmilayo Atilade succeeds her sister Justice Ayotunde Pillips as the new Chief Judge. Justice Phillips bowed out last Saturday on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65. Justice Phillips and Justice Atilade are daughters of the late Justice James Williams, who was a judge in Lagos.
It was learnt that Justice Atilade may be sworn in before the new legal year 2014, which begins on September 2, to mark her first major official assignment and outing. Justice Atilade will become the 15th Chief Judge of Lagos State and the fifth woman to occupy the post.
Justice Atilade was born in London on September 24, 1952. She attended Ladi-Lak Institute in Yaba, Lagos Mainland; Anglican Girls Grammar School, Surulere, 1965 and 1969 and Queens College, 1970 and 1971. She proceeded to the University of Lagos in 1972 and graduated in 1975 with a Law degree. She passed out of the Nigerian Law School in 1976.
Justice Atilade was State Counsel, Federal Ministry of Justice between 1977 and 1979; Principal Legal Officer, Nigerian Ports Authority 1979 to 1981; and a Senior Magistrate Grade 1, 1981 to 1996. She was appointed a judge on July 19, 1996.
She became the Head Judge in June 2012, also occupied by her sister, Justice Phillips before her elevation as the chief judge. She is a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), International Bar Association (IBA) and Ikoyi Club 1938.
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Nasarawa
Associates of Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa
State, have, said the governor has put together a seven-man team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to defend him at the investigative panel set up by the state’s Chief Judge, Umaru Dikko, to probe allegations of fraud and gross misconduct against him.
Speaking with newsmen on the development, Professor Gyewadu noted that Al-Makura’s travails are as a result of bad leadership, even as he insisted that the impeachment process was a right step in the right direction. “The law makers are the true representatives of the people and whatever they do is in the collective interest of all and sundry,” he said.
Before the panel on Al-Makura was set up last Friday, the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Affairs, Abdulhamid Kwara, who addressed a press conference in Lafia last Tuesday, said the governor was putting everything together to appear before the panel at the appropriate time to exonerate himself. The panel is scheduled to commence sitting on Wednesday after the Eid-e-Fitri celebrations.
In the wake of the impeachment process against his friend, a former deputy governor of the state and professor of Law, Onje Gyewadu, had asked the governor to toe the path of resignation, which he said would be more honourable.
Niger
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
in Niger State, has announced that political parties, civil societies organisations and security agencies in the state have agreed that the commission should conduct the bye-election for Niger East senatorial district on Saturday, August 16, 2014.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo, stated this last Friday, during a stakeholders meeting, where the commission proposed the date.
Onucheyo further explained that by law, notice of the election would be made public not later than 14 days to the election, adding that the National Assembly informed the commission of Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta’s death on July 17, 2014.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner said the tenure of the current Assembly expires in June, 2015, saying that “Section 76 of 1999 constitution mandates the commission to conduct bye election to fill this vacant seat, within one month, from date of formal notification”
Ogun
Five persons suspected to be robbers were killed in a
shoot-out by the Police Anti Crime Team attached to Agbado Division of Ogun State, on Saturday.
The police were said to have responded to a distress call from residents of Oluke, Okegbolu and Onireke areas, when the robbers, numbering 12, unleashed terror on them.
One of the suspected robbers was arrested with weapons, while other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds.
Items recovered from the robbers included five locally made guns, 30 live cartridges, 12 expended cartridges, three laptops, a cash sum of N85,000, jewelries, five unregistered motorcycles, cutlasses and charms.
The arrested suspect, 26-year-old Oladeinde Rasheed, is a resident of Ijoko Ota area of the state.
Oyo
Former Oyo State Governor Senator Rashidi Ladoja has
dissociated Accord Party from the purported plan by the state House of Assembly to impeach Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The former governor, who was fielding questions from journalists shortly after observing the Eid-el-Fitri prayer at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque, said the party had instructed its members in the Assembly to distance themselves from any attempt at plunging the state into crisis and chaos.
He noted that there was no reason for the House to wake up suddenly with accusation against the governor over any misconduct towards the end of his administration and challenged the House to publish whatever was the misconduct of the governor for people to see.
The former governor said he had suffered impeachment as a person before and got justice from the Supreme Court and would never support any such plan.
He said, “I cannot understand the basis of anybody in the House of Assembly suddenly waking up to nurse any impeachment ambition against Governor Ajimobi. In any case, Accord is not a party to it. I cannot understand why they will wake up and say there is misconduct. Let them publish it for people to see. But as far as I am concerned, our party is not part of any purported plan to impeach Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
L-R: Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his SSG, Alhaji Ismael Olalekan-Alli, at the Agodi Eid prayer ground during the Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Ibadan last Monday. Photo: NAN
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