Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

July 18, 2014

Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State says he
will ensure that Terver Kakih, who leveled allegations of certificate forgery against him is punished to serve as deterrent to others who may contemplate such action.
Reacting to the Supreme Court judgement which dismissed the forgery case brought against him by Terver Kakih, Governor Suswam said he had already instructed his lawyer to institute a legal action against Terver Kakih.
He stated that he would get the court punish Kakih for trying to smear his name, saying petition writing in Tiv had become a recurrent decimal.

Borno
The closure of Maiduguri International Airport may have
started attracting casualties as the elder brother of Governor Kashim Shettima, Alhaji Shettima Mohammed Shettima was involved in a ghastly motor accident during a trip to Kano to join a flight to Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj.
The elder brother of the governor was fortunate to be alive after having multiple fractures but his police orderly attached to him after series of threat from Boko Haram insurgents was not lucky enough as he died from injuries sustained during the accident.
The Maiduguri International Airport, which was closed to commercial flights since February this year after the bombing of the Air Force base in the town by the insurgents, was closed by the Federal Government to all manner of flights on June 27, 2014 for a period of three months due to security concerns.
This has compelled intending pilgrims for this year’s lesser hajj to travel by road to Kano amidst fear over their safety.

Ekiti
The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has appealed
to the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, to assign its case challenging the proposed Local Council Development Areas by the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
In a statement in Ado-Ekiti, last Tuesday, the State Publicity Secretary, Kola Oluwawole, said the delay to assign the case to a judge was frustrating its efforts to stop the plan to create new 18 LCDAs.
It said, “Our case, HAD/75/2014, challenging the illegality that the outgoing governor and his party are perpetrating was filed at the High Court of Justice, Ado-Ekiti Judcial Divison on July 1, 2014 and deposed to by our State Chairman, Mr Makanjuola Ogundipe, on behalf of the party.
“Two weeks after the matter was filed, the Chief Judge refused to assign the matter to any judge to handle, until the national strike by judiciary workers began last Friday. We call on the people of the state and other well-meaning Nigerians to call Fayemi, Ekiti CJ to order. We know what to do. The National Judicial Council is there to call any errant judge to order’, it added.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, said
it was not a crime for him or any other Nigerian to aspire to become the president of Nigeria next year, noting that those occupying political offices today never thought that they would be there some years back.
The governor who made the disclosure aboard Airlines, in its first commercial flight from Dutse to Abuja, explained that he felt fulfilled on completion of the Dutse International Airport under one year, which commenced its first commcial flight yesterday.
While calling on both local and foreign investors to come and invest in the state, the governor promised that the airport would open the state agricultural potential to the outside world.
In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer to the consultant to the government on the construction of the airport, El-Mansur Group, Mr Tunde Oyekola, explained that the timely delivery of the project under a year was as a result of Lamido’s tremendous commitment and determination to build an airport of international standard in a record time.
Katsina
Judiciary workers in Katsina State, under the aegis of
Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), yesterday withdrew their services and ensured that all courts in the state remained under lock and key.
The state chairman of the union, Sa’idu Kakarku, said in a statement posted on the gates of the courts that the indefinite industrial action was due to the directive of its national executive committee.
He said, the strike, which began on July 11, was occasioned by the failure of the state governments to comply with the Federal High Court order of January 13, in respect of the financial autonomy of the judiciary as provided in the constitution.
Kakarku said members of the union would continue to remain at home and wait for further directives from the national body and urged the striking workers to be law-abiding, as JUSUN would continue to function within the ambit of the law.

Lagos
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has
criticised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for holding its rally at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, one of the greening initiatives of the state government which they had continously described as “cosmetic and elitist”.
Fashola, said at the 2014 Tree Planting Campaign, held in Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LDCA), that by their act, the PDP did not only vindicate his government’s greening policy, but had also displayed their inconsistency.
The governor, while expressing satisfaction at the success story of the greening initiative and tree planting exercise, which has provided job opportunities for thousands of youth, recalled that the PDP had criticised the programme and labeled it a waste of tax payers’ money.
He said the tree planting exercise and green programme since inception in 2008, has generated over 75,168 employment opportunities for horticulturists, pruners, gardeners, welders, tanker drivers, security personnel and other artisans.

Nasarawa
The Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji
Musa Ahmed last Monday, directed the Clerk of the House to serve Governor Tanko Al-Makura with notice of impeachment for ‘gross misconduct’.
The development followed a motion of public interest raised by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Mr Yahaya Usman (PDP-Umaisha/Ugya) during plenary in Lafia.
The Chief Whip Mr Mohammed Okpede, (PDP-Doma North) seconded the motion. Usman presented a document signed by 20 of the 24 members of the Assembly which contained the allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The speaker, (PDP-Nasarawa Central), who officially received the impeachment notice, said the House had complied with the provision of the constitution to serve the governor with impeachment notice.
Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command, yesterday said its de
tectives attached to Ewekoro Division had arrested 16 suspected cultists, including students of a polytechnic in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said the detectives acted on an intelligence gathering on the activities of cult groups in the area and bust their initiation.
According to Adejobi, 16 suspects, including eight students of the polytechnic, were arrested.: “Those arrested were Akintunde Paul, Seyi Meshinoye, Fowoshade Gbemisola, Dare Olabode, Oyetayo Bolaji, Akintunde Femi, Ajibola Abiola, Amosun Eniola, Shola Ogunniyi, Fashina Michael, Bello Oyedeji, Adeshola Amore, Ebi Victor, Ogunsola Ibrahim, Babatunde Allyson and Awobajo Babatunde.”
The suspects have been transferred to the Department of Criminal Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta for further interrogation as directed by the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, CP Ikemefuna Okoye.

Osun
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
said it was planning heavy security presence during the August 9 governorship election in Osun State as was the case during a similar election held on June 21 in Ekiti State.
The State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Segun Agbaje, who spoke in Abuja Wednesday, said the decision was informed by the heightening security situation in the state, arising from the unfriendly utterances of the major political players.
The REC said, of the 1,407,222 total registered voters in the state, INEC had distributed permanent voter card (PVC) to 63 per cent, translating to 792,200 of the registered voters. He said 1,250,569 of such PVC were received from the INEC headquarters as at July 11. Agbaje said 19 candidates have been cleared to contest the election as at today. He said no voter would be allowed to cast ballot without PVC. He assured that as against the case in Ekiti, any voter with valid voter’s card will be allowed to vote.

Plateau
No fewer than 11 people have been killed at Zamadede
in the Pil-Gani district of Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims were killed in the early hours of Monday in a fresh violence that had seen Fulani herdsmen and local inhabitants fighting each other.
Among those killed were said to be a 45-year-old mother with her little son and a pregnant woman.
It was learnt that the herdsmen attacked the villagers while they were still asleep and ransacked two communities in the area.

Newly appointed Secretary to Adamawa State Government, Prof. Liman Tukur (right), taking oath of office before the Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru in Yola, last Wednesday.

Nation

MOSIEND URGE NDDC TO EMBARK ON WATER PROJECTS IN BUGUMA …TASK RSG TO REVAMP BUGUMA FISH FARM

Published

20 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state

The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city

This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn alongside Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent

Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status

He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”

Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity

There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city

He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional

“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”

Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area

Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives

The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area

“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”

On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water

She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community

On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community

CHINEDU WOSU

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

5 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state

The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.

Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.

According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.

“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.

Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”

The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”

He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.

“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”

The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.

“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”

He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.

“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.

Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.

He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.

Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.

Nation

RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”

Published

5 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.

He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.

“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,

He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.

Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).

He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.