Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Bala Ngilari of Adamawa State has denied hold
ing members of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and House of Assembly Electoral Committee hostage.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Director of Public Affairs, Mr Phineas Elisha, in Yola recently.
“The attention of Adamawa Governor, Bala Ngilari, has been drawn to an alleged petition to PDP National Chairman, by the Chairman, House of Assembly Electoral Committee for Adamawa, Amb. Tim Ihemadu.
“In the petition, Ihemadu said that his committee was detained in the Adamawa Presidential Lodge and forced to sign the result of the said primary elections.’’
The statement explained that the governor decided to move members of the committee from Muna Hotel where they initially lodged to the Presidential Lodge for purely security reasons.
The statement said that the governor’s action was in line with normal party practice and being a good host to the party’s August visitors.
Borno
Goernor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has expressed
shock and pain over the death of Hajiya Sa’adatu Fawu, a journalist with Voice of America covering Borno.
A statement issued by the Media Assistant to the Governor, Isa Gusau, said Shettima was deeply touched by Fawu’s demise.
“It is not just a loss of an outstanding journalist but also the loss of a good sister and a good ambassador of Borno State.
“I came in contact with Fawu about six years ago when I was Commissioner for Health in Borno State. She was covering health issues for the Voice of America.
“Fawu was always very passionate about the health and well-being of citizens of Borno.
“She showed concern at every point over any health challenge, whether an outbreak or existing issue that affected the wellbeing of Borno citizens especially women and children.
“She was always passionate about the functionality of the health sector in Borno.
“She regularly reported matters that arose from her interactions with members of the public directly to my office whether as commissioner for health in those days or as a governor in recent times.
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has said he
had not stepped down for Sen. Barnabas Gemade for the Benue North-East senatorial election in 2015.
Suswam, who stated this in Makurdi after obtaining his national identity card, added that he was going to the senate for qualitative representation.
Our correspondent reports that the governor’s remark followed rumours making the round in the state that either the governor or Gemade might have stepped down for the other.
“I am not aware of any of us stepping down from the race. As we speak, I am preparing to meet with the delegates against the December 7 senatorial primaries’’, he said.
On the national identity card, the governor called on Nigerians to register and collect the card, describing it as the most important card every Nigerian must have.
FCT
Senate President David Mark has called on Nigerians to
turn to God in prayers to tackle the nation’s security, political and economic problems.
Mark made the appeal while addressing members of the Youth Prayer Network of Nigeria (YPNN), in his residence in Abuja recently.
Mark said God would heal the land “if we turn to Him to solve the myriad of crises facing the nation.
“What the country is passing through at the moment is a test of our faith. We must be steadfast in our prayers so that God will save Nigeria.
“What we need now as a nation is sincerity of purpose; sincerity on the part of everybody – the government and the people.
“With prayers, our country will see the end of this insurgency and God will totally heal our land”, he said.
Katsina
A Malumfashi Senior Magistrates’ Court in Katsina State on
Wednesday sentenced a student, Ibrahim Nalami to three months imprisonment for causing grievous hurt to his step mother.
The Magistrate Mannir Shehu, who sentenced the convict, did not give him an option of fine.
Shehu ordered the convict to pay N90,000 medical expenses of the step mother or serve another six months imprisonment in default of the payment.
He said the sentence would serve as deterrent to others.
Nalami, 30, of Police compound in Malumfashi, arraigned on one-count charge, used machete to inflict injuries on his step mother on 13 different places.
Prosecutor Joseph George said the offence contravened Section 245 of the Penal Code.
When the case was first mentioned on October 2, 2014, George told the court that the incident occurred on September 29, 2014 and was reported to the police by Nalami Bara’u, the convict’s father.
Kebbi
The National Association of Persons with Disability, Kebbi State
chapter, on Wednesday called for special welfare packages and political appointments for its members.
Chairman of the association, Malam Abu Sifiyanu, made the call in an interview with in Birnin Kebbi.
He also decried the failure of the state to mark World Disabled Day for the past 23 years.
“The day had never been marked since the creation of the state. The non-celebration of the day has side-lined our members in the society.
“Our members have been neglected and have no avenue to express our grievances especially over disregard for us in public places.
“In many public buildings, our members do not receive treatment equal to that given to the able-bodied persons, thereby denying us special preference,’’ Sifiyanu said.
He said members needed preferential treatment in public places such as when crossing the roads, parking tricycles in specially designated areas and appointments into political positions.
The chairman commended some members of the public for supporting the association and called for additional support and recognition from leaders.
Oyo
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Wale Babalakin has said that
merit was no longer considered in the appointment of judges in Nigeria.
Babalakin, Chairman of Bi-Courteny Nigeria Limited, who spoke at a seminar organised by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, said it was unfortunate that judges were not appointed on merit.
“The major issue in Nigeria is the abandonment of merit. A system that abandons merit will continue to languish,’’ he said.
He, however, advised lawyers to continue to think on how they could help develop Nigeria positively.
“Lawyers must continue to think positively because that is the greatest asset. But we all know that the system has not encouraged lawyers,’’ he said.
Babalakin, who decried the economic situation in the country, said Nigeria had been running deficit budget in the last three year.
He explained that the dwindling price of petroleum products would no doubt bring more hardship to Nigerians.
Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has appealed to the Nige
rian Medical Association (NMA) to reduce its incessant strikes for the good of Nigerians.
Jang made the appeal when he received the national officials of the NMA in Jos recently.
He said that the strikes of the medical practitioners had led to the death of many Nigerians, saying: “I get worried about the constant strikes by NMA; it worries me when doctors work out of patients.
“You must look at the issue very seriously and devise other ways of addressing your griviances.
“This is because the constant strikes are drawing us back as a developing nation and our people are dying as a result.
“This is not an indictment but an appeal, reduce the strikes it is not good for our citizens who are part of you,’’ he said.
The governor, however, advised the NMA to continue to advise the government to improve facilities in health centres to avoid people travelling out for medical services.
The NMA National President, Dr Kayode Obembe, in his remarks, said they were in the state for national conference of the association which the state got hosting right by merit.
Sokoto
The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ), Sokoto State Council,
has warned its members against biased reporting in the build up to the 2015 general elections.
The Chairman of the Union, Alhaji Labaran Dundaye, gave the warning in Sokoto on Wednesday while commenting on activities ahead of the polls.
Dundaye said members of the union must give equal opportunities to all the registered political parties in the state.
“ We have to give equal opportunities to all the political parties as we must be fair to all.
“ We are here to serve the public diligently and we have to provide equal chances to all the political parties,” he said.
The chairman also said that the council had planned some refresher courses on Objective Reporting for its members.
He said the union had mapped out strategies to monitor the conduct of members in the coverage all activities leading to the elections.
Zamfara
A Gusau Magistrates’ Court in Zamfara on Thursday remanded
three men, Isah Garba, Rabiu Ahmed and Abubakar Muhammad in prison custody, charged with alleged rape, conspiracy and theft.
The accused persons are of Malikawa Village, Gidan Goga in the Maradun Local Government Area.
The Prosecutor, Sergent. Daniel Longwal, told the court that on November 9, one Hashimu Danila of the same address reported the case at the Maradun Police Station.
Longwal said that sometime in October this year, unknown persons entered the complainant’s house at Malikawa Village and stole 23 sheep, valued at N460, 000 and four donkeys valued at N120, 000.
He said that on October 31, the accused persons went back to the complainant’s house and forcefully ordered the complainant’s wife to follow them to a nearby bush where they all raped her.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened sections 93, 283 and 288 of the Penal Code.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the offence.
The Magistrate, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, ordered that the accused persons should be remanded in prison custody.
The case was adjourned to December 24, for mention.
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (left), receiving a souvenier from Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’Ad Abubakar III for attending the Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni 18th regular course re-union in Sokoto, recently.
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