Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

Borno
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zannah
Mustapha, has commended the efforts of security agencies to end insurgency in the country.
Mustapha made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
He expressed optimism that the insurgency would end soon “going by the successes recorded by the military in its bid to flush out the insurgents”.
Mustapha said last week’s attack on Biu by the insurgents was a sign of desperation, noting that they had failed in previous attempts to gain entry into the town, hence the use of suicide bomb attack.
He commended youth vigilantes, local hunters and members of the community for keeping vigil against the insurgents especially in Biu.
“The military has been working in concert with vigilantes and other groups in safeguarding lives and properties in Biu.
“As it is now, it is very difficult for the insurgents to carry out attacks easily, so they have resorted to using female suicide bombers,” he said.

FCT

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
has advised politicians to invest their time and resources in positive strategies of winning elections rather than buying Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from prospective voters.
The Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity, INEC, Mr. Nick Dazang, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja following a claim that politicians were buying cards and collecting their numbers.
Dazang said it was also advisable for politicians to use their time well in other endeavours that would help the political processes instead  collecting Voter Identification Number (VIN) of registered voters.
He said buying people’s PVCs would be of no help as the cards could not be used by another person other than the original owners.
“Politicians should encourage those who have not collected to go and collect their PVCs.
“I don’t know of any implication of collecting people’s VIN numbers; they are just wasting their times,” he said.

Kebbi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
National Commissioner, Hajia Amina Zakari,  has reiterated the commission’s determination to announce the presidential and governorship elections within 48 hours after voting.
She stated this in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi, during a public sensitisation and practical demonstration of accreditation and election processes.
Zakari said that the demonstration was to enable the commission to make amendments in areas of difficulty.
According to her, the demonstration will also enable electoral officers to be familiar with the process of accreditation and smooth election.
She appealed to registered voters to ensure they were in queue on time for accreditation, assuring them that collation of votes would be done properly after voting.

Kogi

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has
again explained that the rationing of power in Lokoja and other areas of its coverage was necessitated by low volume energy available for distribution.
The Manager, Public Relations of AEDC, Mr Ahmed Shekarau, said this while fielding questions from newsmen in Lokoja.
Shekarau said that it was not the wish of the company to ration power supply in its coverage area but was being forced to do so.
“The AEDC is being allocated 11.5 per cent of total energy available daily for distribution to customers nationwide.
“This volume, which reaches 450 mega watts even at peak generation periods, is insufficient to meet the demands of the company’s customers in FCT, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States.
“The AEDC is, however, optimising its load-shedding to address part of the problem in the short term.

Lagos

A lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal
Constituency in Oyo State, Olayemi Busari, said that he donated four 500 KVA transformers to communities in his constituency on February 14.
Busari, an Accord Party (AP) member, told newsmen in Lagos that the projects were part of the promises he made to the people during his electioneering campaigns.
He said that the benefiting communities were Aba Otun Area Ward 8 and Oke- Imole in the Olunloyo area of the Ona-Ara Local Government Area.
Others were the Amosun Community Ward 7 and Ogunkola Avenue, Hope area, Alakia, Old Ife road in the Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Busari said that he donated the transformers on Valentine’s Day, to show his love for his people, and urged them to reciprocate the love by supporting his candidacy in the March 28 elections.

Nasarawa

A nutritionist at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia,
Nasarawa State Mrs. Julie John, has advised mothers to give proper diet to their babies to avoid malnutrition.
John gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
According to her, after six months of exclusive breast feeding, mothers are expected to start introducing highly nutritious foods to their babies so as to avert malnutrition.
“From birth to six months, we encourage mothers to go on exclusive breast feeding.
“Where the problem starts is the six months that the mother is supposed to introduce other feeds to her baby. That is when most of the time we have problems of malnutrition,’’ she said.

Ogun

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said that it was
collaborating with Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) to reduce gridlocks in Sango-Ota and its environs.
The Sango-Ota Unit Commander of the FRSC, Mr Olonisaye Olufemi, disclosed this to newsmen in Ota.
He noted that heavy traffic gridlocks were being experienced at the Toll-gate, Ojuore, Sango-Ota under bridge, especially on Sundays when worshippers going to Living Faith Church, Ota, drove against the traffic.
“The worshippers contributed immensely to gridlocks between 5.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. by increasing vehicle movement to the areas,” Olufemi said.
On his part, the Zonal Commander of TRACE, Mr Adekunle Ajibade, said that it would deploy manpower to those trouble areas to assist FRSC staff to decongest traffic jams.
Ajibade said that it would also bring a tow truck that would be used to clear obstruction by vehicles, especially commercial buses.
Osun

Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori,
has ordered the closure of Government Technical College, Osogbo, and Osogbo High School, indefinitely over disturbances by the students.
Our correspondent reports that some students of Government Technical College, Osogbo and Osogbo High School embarked on a protest recently.
This is contained in a statement signed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Mr Lawrence Oyeniran, .
The statement said that the closure was to curtail any further disturbances in the schools.
It advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to stay away from acts capable of causing public disturbance.

Oyo

Oyo State Coordinator, National Agency for Food
and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr. Benjamin Haruna, said that the agency had sanctioned more than 1,000 offenders in the state.
Haruna disclosed this to newsmen in Ibadan at a send-forth organised for him by the staff and stakeholders of NAFDAC in the state.
According to him, the offences ranged from series of unregistered products, sales of outright fake products, parallel importation and unsatisfactory factory productions.
Haruna said that the agency would not relent in its effort to combat unwholesome and fake products.

Yobe

The National Council of Women Society (NCWS) has
urged women in Yobe to aspire for more elective positions to ensure that their voice was heard in the democratic process.
The state President of the society, Hajiya Halima Joda, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
“I want to use this medium to call on all women in Yobe State to mobilise both rural and urban women to take active participation in the political process.
“Considering our numerical strength if we properly harness our potential, we can aspire for more elective positions and win,’’ Joda said.
Joda said that active participation of women in politics would eliminate all forms of marginalisation and intimidation against women seeking elective positions in the state.
The president said that when women hold elective positions it would enable them to mainstream gender issues in government policies.
She noted that women were underrepresented in the state despite their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change, and their right to participate equally in democratic governance.

L-R: Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina  State and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, at the turbaning of Governor Muhtar Yero of Kaduna State as Dallatun Zazzau in Zaria, Kaduna State recently.

L-R: Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, at the turbaning of Governor Muhtar Yero of Kaduna State as Dallatun Zazzau in Zaria, Kaduna State recently.

Continue Reading

Nation

NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

Published

on

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.

He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.

Continue Reading

Nation

Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

Published

on

A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.

Continue Reading

Nation

Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

Published

on

The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.

Continue Reading

Trending