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THE STATES

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Adamawa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has
said that the commission is yet to decide on when to conduct the governorship election in Adamawa state following the recent impeachment of the governor and the resignation of his deputy.
Also, the commission said that it is yet to be formally informed of the impeachment of Muritala Nyako as governor and the resignation of James Ngilari as the deputy governor.
The constitution mandates that a governorship election should be conducted within 90 days of the impeachment of the governor.
The INEC Chairman, Prof.  Attahiru Jega, disclosed this  during a dialogue with Media Professionals in Abuja, where he justified the drafting of military to maintain peace in Ekiti state and advocated that military also be drafted to maintain peace in the August 9 governorship election in Osun state.
Borno
Eleven women have been delivered of babies at the two camps
established by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for people displaced from Damboa as a result of the capture of the town last weekend by the Boko Haram insurgents.
NEMA also revealed on Thursday that it has registered about 10000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the two camps established in Biu town, about 100 kilometres away from Damboa town.
In a statement by the Northeast zonal information officer of the agency, Mallam AbdulKadir Ibrahim, who revealed that the agency had deployed two truckloads of relief materials to Biu to take care of the IDPs, revealed that the ten of the women had normal deliveries at the camps while a lone woman had to be taken to the General Hospital, Biu where she was delivered after a Caesarean Session (CS).
Ibrahim said the newly delivered mothers were apart from the normal relief materials, also given some toys, feeding bottles and baby food for the needs of the newly delivered babies.
Ekiti
Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has criticised the House
of Assembly for passing the bill for creation of 19 additional local governments in the state.
The Assembly on Wednesday approved the creation of 19 additional councils following the adoption of the report of the ad-hoc committee set up to work on the bill seeking the creation of the new councils.
In a statement in Ado-Ekiti by the State Publicity Secretary, Kola Oluwawole, said the action was illegal because there is a suit seeking to stop the LCDAs and also wondered why the Assembly increased the number of the proposed LGs from 18 to 19 when referendum was conducted for 18 LGs.
Oluwawole said, “We are still in court challenging the legality of the Ekiti State Independent  Electoral Commission and the body went ahead to organise an illegal referendum. The Assembly added more illegality to an illegal act by increasing the number of the councils. We are restating the fact that both State Independent Electoral Commission and Assembly are into illegal acts.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government on Thursday said it earmarked N1.8
billion for the construction of senate building and Vice Chancellor’s lodge at the state university, Kafin-Hausa.
The Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Alhaji Babandi Ibrahim, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that the money was approved during the state executive council meeting on Wednesday.
He said N1.6 billion was set aside for the construction of the senate building, while N128 million would be used for the construction of of the vice chancellor’s residence.

Kaduna
A former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party and
Nigeria’s Ambassador-at-Large, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has described the recent bomb blasts in Kaduna State, which killed about 82 innocent Nigerians, as “most barbaric and unholy.”
Tukur, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said it was more painful that the perpetrators of such heinous crime against humanity could carry out such action during the month of Ramadan.
He said no right-thinking person would like to take the lives of innocent people away against the teaching and doctrines of Christianity and Islamic injunctions and  called on those “behind these dangerous acts against humanity” to have a re-think and return to the path of religious and social rectitude.
Tukur said, “The perpetrators of these acts are not thinking of the consequences of their actions against God and humanity. The damage they have done to human race are irreparable and condemnable. The Boko-Haram sect do not belong to any religious organization since every religion in the world clearly condemn murder of fellow human being in any form, shape or ramification.”
Kano
A non governmental organization (NGO), under
the aegis of Health Initiative Forum (HIF), yesterday in Kano, commended Resident Doctors in Kano and Kaduna states who voluntarily went back to work following the bomb blasts that rocked the two ancient cities.
Chairman of the group, Alhaji Bala Danladi, during a chat with reporters, observed the human feeling in the hearts of the doctors that participated in the rescue operations and their leadership in the affected states.
“Despite their perennial disagreement with the Federal Government, these doctors believe that the strike action should not stop them from showing love to Nigerians under such emergency situations. We also believe that Nigerian doctors are not enemies of Nigerians as some elements were trying hard to make us believe,” he stated.
While commending the widely circulated statement of the President of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), Dr Jibril Abdullahi, immediately after the happening of Kaduna blasts, the group urged federal government to make a second thought on her stand on the doctors’ demands.

Nasarawa
The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State Justice
Suleiman Dikko, last Friday inaugurated a seven-member panel to investigate the allegation of gross misconduct levelled against Governor Umaru Al-Makura by the state assembly.
The state lawmakers had on July 23, passed a resolution directing the Chief Judge to set up the probe panel within seven days in line with the provisions of the constitution.
Inaugurating the panel on Friday in Lafia, Dikko said that setting up of the committee was in line with the state assembly’s request to appoint a seven man panel to investigate the governor.
Those in the panel are MalamYusuf Usman (Chairman); Malam Mohammed Sabo Keana; Rev. Joel Galadima;  Alhaji Abdul Usman; Mr Samuel Chaku; Malam Mohammed Sani Usman and Pastor Daniel Chaga as members.
The chief judge urged the members to discharge their duties in line with Section 188, Sub-section 1-11 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Ondo
The remains of the late Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Bamidele
Aturu, were buried  in his hometown, Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State, last Friday.
Scores of sympathisers, including  human rights activists, legal practitioners, members of the organised labour , were in attendance to witness the burial service.
His corpse was moved into the venue of  the burial programme around 10.25 by the casket bearers and followed by a song rendered by members of the Redeemed Christain  of God (RCCG) who came to honour one of their own. Aturu  was an Assistant Pastor in the church.
The officiating minister, in his sermon, said death is an inevitable end for every human, hence, the need for people to move closer to God
He described Aturu as a dogged fighter and a fearless lawyer who stood for justice and equity,urging the younger ones to emulate his virtues.
Osun
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has gone to
the courts to challenge  the powers of President Goodluck Jonathan to deploy troops to Osun State for the August 9 governorship election.
The party said it was also seeking to oust the power of the Inspector-General of Police Mr. Muhammed Abubakar, to impose a curfew on any part of the state during the election.
In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the actions were aimed at avoiding a repeat of the massive harassment, intimidation and arrest of opposition politicians witnessed during the Ekiti State governorship election, and to prevent any illegal lock down of Osun State, which turned out to be a ploy to pigeon-hole opposition politicians, while allowing PDP members to move around freely during the polls.
The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take concrete actions to ensure that all the candidates in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State are provided with a level playing.

Plateau
The crisis rocking the Plateau State chapter of the
All Progressives Congress deepened last Thursday as some aggrieved members locked out some executives and other stalwarts of the party who were holding a meeting at the secretariat.
The party had been enmeshed in crisis over the outcome of its state congress, especially the chairmanship position, which a former aide of the former Governor, Joshua Dariye, Mr. Latep Dabang won.
The outcome of the exercise was hotly contested by the former interim state chairman, Senator John Shagaya and another member, Amos Gombi, who had earlier petitioned the national secretariat.
However, the new twist occurred following an attempt by the Dabang-led executive to hold a meeting at the party secretariat for the nomination, but was prevented from doing so by some aggrieved members of the party.

Governor Sule Lamido (left) of Jigawa State with the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi, during Sallah in Dutse, yesterday.

Governor Sule Lamido (left) of Jigawa State with the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi, during Sallah in Dutse, yesterday.

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MOSIEND Calls For RSG, NDDC, Stakeholders’ Intervention In Obolo Nation

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The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has decried the neglect of communities in Obolo Nation and others in the Niger Delta Region

MOSIEND also called on the stakeholders to empower the youths in skill acquisition and other meaningful ventures to better their lives

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 Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Amos Zebedee Udu, and Unyeada Clan Chairman Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere monitored by our correspondent

The spokepersons underscores the urgent need for government agencies and development partners to respond decisively to the dire state of basic amenities in the area.

MOSIEND leaders in Obolo Nation lamented the absence of potable water, electricity, access roads, and other functional public infrastructures in the clans

“What is troubling is that these complaints continue to echo without corresponding action from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the oil companies operating in and around the area”.

According to the MOSIEND leaders, the situation has reached a point where community members, particularly youths and women, require deliberate intervention to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.

They also emphasised the need for empowerment programmes, vocational training, and investments in local economies that depend heavily on fishing and trade.

The Clan leaders call for provision of small engine boats for fishermen and the construction of proper market spaces for the communities

Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Udu noted that the community participates fully in electoral processes yet continues to live without clean water or electricity.

He insisted that the clan is not benefiting as they ought to from any MoU with oil companies nor from NDDC projects, raises concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of development planning in the state.

Equally troubling is the account from Unyeada Clan Chairman, Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere, who highlighted the alarming state of Unyeada Primary School, where children are forced to learn on bare floors without desks, chairs, or basic sanitation facilities.

” For a region that hosts oil and gas activities, such conditions are unacceptable and should concern all stakeholders”.

The Unyeada Clan Commended NDDC for the installation of solar lights in the communities, noting that the project is not enough for the entire community as they
appeal for more of the solar project in the area

While the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing construction of roads in the area, and to the local council Chairman for the provision of potable water in some communities, .

“Obolo Nation has shown remarkable restraint and continues to maintain peace, as noted by the MOSIEND Coordinator”.

“The issues highlighted are not demands for luxury,but are basic necessities that every community in the Niger Delta deserves.

“The time for promises has passed; what Obolo communities need now is visible, sustained, and inclusive development.

 

Chinedu Wosu

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Film Festival: Don, Others Urge Govt To Partner RIFF

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Prominent academics and industry players have called on government at all levels to partner with the Rivers State International Film Festival (RIFF) to unlock the hidden potentials of the film industry and market the State to the international community.

The appeal was made at the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the festival, held recently at Ezewali Event Centre in Port Harcourt.

The festival, which featured film screenings, workshops, and discussions, aimed to promote Nigerian culture and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.

A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Femi Shaka; Mr Tobechukwu Daniel: and the Chief Executive Officer of Down Town Cinema, Mrs Nneka Clareth commended the Chief Executive Officer of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo for her efforts in promoting the culture of the Niger Delta and Nigeria through film.

According to Prof Shaka, “They are telling our stories the way nobody else will tell it. It gives them the opportunity to show the world what we have.”

He urged the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and other Governors from the Niger Delta States to support RIFF, describing it as a marketplace where upcoming stars can showcase their talents.

Mr Tobechukwu Daniel, one of the founding fathers of RIFF, expressed satisfaction with the four-day programme, which was jam-packed with activities that had a direct impact on the participants and the industry.

He emphasised the need for government partnership, stating that funding from governments, multinationals, and captains of industries is crucial for the growth of the film industry.

“The international participation in RIFF programmes will boost our economy, as they will watch our cinema, buy our films, and give our youths opportunities to showcase their talent,” Daniel said, advising actors and actresses to focus on professionalism rather than godfatherism.

Mrs Nneka Clareth, who has been in the business for 12 years, noted that lack of funding is a setback to the nation.

“I want the government to support Nollywood in totality, because Nollywood covers visibility, sustainability, culture, tourism, storytelling, and a whole lot,” she said.

The festival, which featured free medical treatment, film production, scriptwriting, and discussions on various topics by professionals, drew participants from different parts of the world.

The organisers commended Kate Ezeigbo and her team for putting together a wonderful event, urging participants to make proper use of the opportunity.

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Hausa Community Lauds Council Boss Over Free Medical Outreach

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The Chairman of Hausa Butchers Association in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Alhaji Hamisu Jika, has commended the Chairman of the local government council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma for organising a successful free medical outreach programme that benefited thousands of people in the area.

The outreach, which was organised by the local government council provided free medical services to thousands of people, including the elderly, women, and children, healing many with different ailments.

Alhaji Jika described Hon Abuba as a visionary leader, who has the welfare of his people at heart, noting that he is a de-tribalised Nigerian citizen who is determined to run an all-inclusive government.

He pledged the total support of the Hausa community to the administration of the council chairman in all its programmes and policies.

According to Alhaji Jika, the Hausa community in Ahoada East is law-abiding and will continue to maintain the existing peace in the area.

“Honestly, I want to tell you that we are peace-loving people and we are solidly behind the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East in all his programmes and policies in the local government,” he said.

The chairman revealed that the Hausas and their hosts, the Ahoada people, have been enjoying a cordial relationship since they started settling in the area, stressing that the council chairman has been a good leader who does not condone evil.

He expressed optimism that Hon Abuba will improve the comfort and wellbeing of the people and transform the council area, noting that the chairman has his people at heart.

He, therefore, called on both indigenes and non-indigenes of the local government to rally round the chairman, as he needs their support to take the local government to another level.

He appealed to the chairman to look into the welfare of Hausa people and help them with soft loans to boost their businesses, noting that some of the Hausas were born and brought up in Ahoada and have married there, and there is understanding and cordiality amongst them in the area.

Alhaji Jika also called on the youths to be law-abiding and stay away from trouble, stressing that where there is no peace, there will not be any meaningful development.

It was gathered that the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma has indeed started well and is working hard to fulfill his electioneering promises, making him a charismatic leader and the man of the people.

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