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THE STATES

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Adamawa
The election of a new governor for Adamawa State will
hold October 11, 2014, nearly three months after Governor Murtala Nyako was removed by state lawmakers, the state Residential Electoral Commissioner, Kasim Gaidam, has announced.
Nyako was impeached alongside his deputy on July 15 after a prolonged battle with members of the State House of Assembly over allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
The governor was found guilty of all 16 charges leveled against him by the lawmakers, and his removal paved way for the speaker of the state assembly, Umaru Fintiri, to take over as acting governor.
Under the Nigerian Constitution, a new governor or president must be elected within 90 days in the event of an impeachment of a former holder of the office.

Borno
The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Idrissa Timta, who
was abducted last week Tuesday after his town was attacked and captured by Boko Haram insurgents, has appeared in public after escaping from the insurgents’ den.
The Emir who was held hostage in Mandara Mountains of Gwoza hills by the insurgents with some of unspecified number of his subjects, was said to have escaped captivity Sunday night due to heavy rainfall which allowed for relaxed watch from their abductors in the hills.
According to military sources in Maiduguri, the Emir and one of his district heads also held captive were able to escape with others to Madagali in Adamawa state.
The source further disclosed that the emir will be taking a trip to Yola where he will board a flight to Abuja. In Abuja, he will be expected to undergo medical checkup before taking him to an undisclosed location for safety.
It would be recalled that the emir was enthroned about three months ago when his father, Alhaji Idrissa Shehu Timta, his predecessor was killed by insurgents in a highway multiple attacks at Kwajaffa, in Adamawa state.

Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court on Monday dissolved the
26-year-old marriage between Yakubu Kasali, 50, and the wife, Florence.
The court’s President, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, had earlier slated judgment for June 30 after hearing from both parties in May. Florence, 43, sought divorce over alleged frequent fighting and lack of care for her and their children.
She said they always fought each time she demanded for school fees and welfare allowance for the children from her husband.
She claimed her husband was taking care of her and the children before he suddenly stopped doing so.
The mother of six also said that she was living in her husband’s family house, when he suddenly instructed his family to send her out of the house, alleging that she was witch.
The respondent denied the allegation, saying he had never beaten the wife since he married her.
Kasali explained that he had been taking care of the children by providing them money and food from his farm.
He denied sending the wife away, saying she was the one that decided to pack out of the family house.
Kasali alleged that she was deceived by a man who promised to marry her.
Dissolving the marriage, the President of the court, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, held that it had broken down irretrievably.

FCT
The Department of State Service (DSS), yesterday, appealed
to politicians to desist from the habit of dragging security forces into political matters.
DSS disclosed that it was being hunted by political parties for rejecting the N14 million bribe that was offered its officials in Osun State, during the gubernatorial election that took place last Saturday. The spokesperson of the Department of State Service (DSS), Marilyn Ogar, who stated this during the routine security briefing at the National Briefing Centre, in Abuja said the service could not be induced with money.
Ogar said, “The director that was in charge of election duty for the DSS was asked to come and collect N4 million for himself and N10 million for the men, because the money was declined, that is the offence that the DSS has committed.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Commissioner for Health, Dr Tafida Abubakar,
said on Monday that the state government had successfully controlled the spread of gastroenteritis disease in Hadejia community.
Hadejia town had recorded outbreak of gastro-enteritis two weeks ago, resulting in the death of seven people, while 306 others were treated.
However, Tafida told newsmen that those affected by the epidemic, had been treated and discharged from the General Hospital, Hadejia.
He said that apart from providing free treatment to those affected, government had directed the Waste Management Authority to clear garbage in the town, thereby checking the spread of the disease .
The commissioner said that the state government had also set up a technical committee to investigate the cause of the outbreak, with a view to averting its occurrence in future.
“The epidemic was recorded only in Hadejia town and we have recorded significant achievement in the effort towards total control of the disease.

Kwara
Kwara state government has announced the immediate
closure of a private hospital in Ilorin over a suspected Ebola Virus contaminations even as the government urged residents in the state not to panic noting that though the case was a global case, but that Kwara state is safe.
The Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Public Health,Professor Sunday Popoola,in company of his counterpart from the Secondary Health,Dr Ibrahim Gambari said this at a press conference in the government house, Ilorin.
Professor Popoola told journalists that a seven month old baby girl brought to a private hospital in Ilorin was suspected to have the Ebola virus adding that the victim had been isolated and quarantined in Sobi Specialist hospital.
He explained that the suspected baby girl came into the state with her mother as visitors from Ibadan Oyo state, adding that upon their entry into the state in August the child was taken to the private hospital on malaria case.

Lagos
Two men, who allegedly broke into three apartments and
carted away some valuables worth N 227,000, were on Monday brought before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, 34-year-old Charles Menye and 35-year-old Williams Ufort – are being tried for conspiracy, burglary and theft.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Kalu Umeh, told the court that the accused, who both reside at Satellite Town area of Lagos, broke into some homes and stole property valued at N 227,000.
Umeh said the accused committed the offences on May 8 at Tokumo Ajibade Close, Satellite Town.
According to him, the accused with others still at large raided the apartments of Mr Felix Adebayo, Jimoh Olawale and Mathias Ozofor respectively.
Nasarawa
Governor of Nasarawa State, Umar Tanko Al-Makura
Thursday called for the disarmament of all militia groups in the state and the country at large before the conduct of the 2015 general elections.
Al-Makura also implored the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to be independent as possible as the name suggests, noting that credible elections can only be guaranteed if the body lives up to expectations.
The governor spoke through the secretary to the state government, Zainab Abdulmumin in Lafia, the state capital at the 2014 security summit tagged “Security Uncertainties and Challenges of Elections: The Need for Re-Assessment of Security Strategies” organised by the Nigeria Securities and Civil Defence Corp, Nasarawa state command.
Al-Makura who decried politics of bitterness and rancour advised the electorates to be ready to defend their votes come 2015 pointing out that votes should not be canvassed for based on “deep pockets” but for the credibility of the individual seeking elective position in the land.

Ogun
Ex-Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has
requested the various tiers of governments in the country to empower youths in the country for national development.
He spoke yesterday immediately after a 2-km health walk to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day with the theme: “Youth and Mental Health”, organised by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Youth Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He emphasized the need for the training, empowerment as well as employment of the youths so as to engender national development, noting that “any nation that fails to prioritise the training and employment of its youths should be ready to battle challenges.”
The former president enjoined youths to embrace peace and contribute their quota towards national development.

Sokoto
Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and Aliyu Wamakko
of Sokoto States have called on Nigerians to vote wisely if they want to bid goodbye to poverty, insecurity and bad governance that have characterized development in the country in the last four years.
The duo spoke separately in Rimawa town, Sokoto, Thursday at the inauguration of a modern agricultural skills acquisition centre constructed by Wamakko’s administration.
Wamakko said Nigerians should not only be yearning for change but actualise their commitment through votes.
The governors described current government at the top as weak, inefficient and has failed to deliver in all respects.
According to them, the All Progressives Congress is ready to change the direction of Nigeria and Nigerians to a secure and better nation in the interest of the citizens.
Ameachi said there was need for a total departure from where Nigerians are now, adding that “the only treatment that can cure Nigerians of the Peoples Democratic Party is APC.

L-R: Governor Idris Wada of Kogi, Director General, MDGs, Precious Gbanoil and Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger, at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Governor Idris Wada of Kogi, Director General, MDGs, Precious Gbanoil and Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger, at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

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REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

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The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it has strengthened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance quality control and enforcement frameworks.
Mr Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, the Head of Communications, REAN, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would also involve stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building in Nigeria.
He said the synergy would strengthen quality control and enforcement frameworks, promote policy alignment, and ensure stronger regulation across the renewable energy value chain.
“REAN reaffirms its commitment to standardisation and quality assurance; tighter collaboration with SON is critical to eliminating fake and substandard renewable energy products from the Nigerian market.
“Enforcement and gaps in existing standards have continued to allow inferior products to circulate, undermining consumer confidence and slowing sector growth.”
Lloyd-Dietake said that at high-level discussions, REAN also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory coordination to address emerging challenges in the renewable energy space.
According to him, the issues include inconsistencies in standards, affordability issues linked to certification processes; and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the country.
“The association further raised concerns about delays in product testing and approval, calling for the establishment of more testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the system,’’ he said.
Lloyd-Dietake urged closer collaboration among key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.
He said such team work would ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement against fake renewable energy products in the Nigerian market.
In response, SON acknowledged the important role REAN continued to play in supporting standardisation within Nigeria’s renewable energy industry and reaffirmed its willingness to deepen collaboration with the association.
SON further confirmed that REAN would be actively involved in future standard review processes and upcoming stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards development.
Lloyd-Dietake said REAN affirmed its willingness to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
He said the MoU is aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting quality assurance, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions.
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Self Help Africa programme expands water access for 320,000 Nigerians

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The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people in Kano and Cross River States.
The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday at the WS4H National Results and Learning Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed achievements and lessons from the intervention.
Speaking at the event, Self Help Africa Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme demonstrated that sustainable WASH improvements require strong institutions, effective governance, adequate financing and collaboration.
Aderele said the UK-funded programme was designed to strengthen systems that support sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
According to her, the intervention focused on improving governance, planning, financing, accountability and sector coordination to ensure resilient service delivery.
“More than 320,000 people now have improved or restored access to water services through programme-supported interventions,” she said.
She added that more than 5,520 household toilets were constructed in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, boosting sanitation, public health and efforts to end open defecation.
Aderele said the programme also strengthened public investment in WASH, with Cross River increasing its sector budget by 211 per cent in 2026 and Kano by 169.07 per cent.
She added that dedicated WASH budget lines had been established across 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in both states, strengthening accountability and institutional commitment.
According to her, both states reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies, while key planning documents were developed to guide future investments and service delivery.
She said Cross River also recorded a major legislative milestone through the passage of the Water Law and Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.
Aderele added that lessons from interventions in Yala LGA were already informing expansion efforts in Obubra Local Government Area.
While commending the achievements, she noted that capacity gaps, resource constraints and climate-related pressures remained challenges to sustainable WASH services.
“The sustainability of these gains will depend on continued government leadership, adequate financing, strong partnerships and investment in institutional capacity,” she said.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager of WS4H, Mr Timothy Ibeawuchi, said the intervention focused on strengthening systems needed to sustain gains and attract future investments.
According to him, the programme engages stakeholders in developing strategies that preserve achievements and support long-term service delivery.
“System strengthening work takes time because it addresses the fundamental issues responsible for sustainable and resilient service delivery,” he said.
Ibeawuchi said the programme strengthened policy development, planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems across the WASH sector.
He said two pilot local government areas were supported to develop WASH strategic plans outlining sector goals, targets and activities between 2026 and 2030.
According to him, the plans will guide future interventions and improve service delivery in the affected councils.
Earlier, the representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chidera Chukwu, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s development efforts in spite of the programme nearing completion.
Chukwu commended the Self Help Africa-led consortium for delivering the programme with professionalism and a strong focus on systems strengthening.
He said the consortium contributed greatly to strengthening Nigeria’s WASH sector through policy reforms, improved coordination and enhanced accountability.
“Together, we have advanced key policy and legislative reforms, including open defecation-free laws and strengthened state WASH frameworks,” he said.
According to him, the reforms represent enduring system-level changes that will continue delivering benefits beyond the programme’s lifespan.
In his remarks, Mr Jamilu Habu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the programme’s achievements.
Habu, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the intervention strengthened governance, coordination, evidence-based planning and institutional capacity in the WASH sector.
He described the workshop as an opportunity to review achievements, share lessons and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling successful interventions.
According to him, the programme’s innovations and best practices will guide future policies and investments aimed at expanding access to safe WASH services.
Habu stressed the need for continued collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.
He said stronger partnerships remained essential to achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.
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Lagos Residents Stranded As Floods Cut Off Ajah, Mafoluku Communities

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Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.
The residents, who spoke with Tide source, on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.
Along Mobil Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water.
“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.
According to her, many motorists turned back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.
“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she said.
Rukayat said some youths assisted stranded tricycle operators by pushing their vehicles through flooded sections for a fee.
She said residents had repeatedly alerted authorities to the flooding but little had changed.
“We reported this when the rains started, but apparently nothing has been done about the problem,” she said.
She attributed the flooding to poor drainage and possible blockage of a major canal serving the area.
“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said.
According to her, overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might have obstructed the canal, reducing its capacity to discharge stormwater.
She added that although floodwaters usually receded after a few hours, sections of the road remained waterlogged.
In Mafoluku, residents said several streets, homes and access roads were submerged, leaving many unable to return home after going about their daily activities.
Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said what began as a short trip to buy household items became an hours-long ordeal.
“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street.
“I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the flooding as both dangerous and distressing.
“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.
According to him, only physically fit residents could navigate the floodwaters safely, while many others waited several hours for the water level to subside.
Mr Williams Ekpo, who lives in the Eyinogun area, said the flood extended beyond the roads and entered residential compounds.
“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items.
“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he said.
The residents urged the relevant authorities to investigate the persistent flooding and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent a recurrence during the rainy season.
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