Nation
THE STATES
Borno
A Borno-based Pastor, Kallamu Musa-Dikwa, who claimed
that the money given to Pastors by the President Goodluck Jonathan was actually N7billion and not N6billion as alleged by Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has been invited by the Department of State Services, DSS.
Dikwa’s allegation had caused a stir among the Christian clerics, with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Northern State Christian Elders Forum asking him to name the church leaders, who collected the huge bribe.
Musa-Dikwa, who is the Executive Director of the Voice of Northern Christian Movement, told journalists in Kaduna about two weeks ago that the said money was channelled through the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
Musa-Dikwa said the CAN got the said money (N7bn) on January 26, 2015 and disbursed N3m to each State Chairmen of the CAN across the country.
Musa-Dikwa, who was an Associate Pastor with the E. Y. N. Church, Farm Centre, Dikwa Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, under Rev. Emmanuel Kwajihe between 2002 and 2004, said the CAN had started threatening Christians in the state (Borno) that they must re-elect Jonathan in the rescheduled election.
Ekiti
Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has awarded N1.2
billion worth of contract to Carpenters and Furniture Association of Ekiti State.
The association last Monday evening signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state government on the contract.
The Chief of Staff, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, who represented the governor, said the contract was part of the Stomach Infrastructure Programme of Fayose.
Anisulowo appealed to the artisans to make good use of the opportunity.
He said, “I hope you would not disappoint the governor because he has reposed a lot of confidence in you to have given you this project. I pray you will reciprocate his kind gesture by doing a very good job.”
Chairman of the association, Evangelist Micheal Adeyemi (JP), expressed gratitude to the state government on behalf of members.
FCT
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commiserated
with the publisher of the THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena over the demise of his brother in the United States of America last Sunday.
A press statement signed by Atiku Media Office yesterday said that the death of Rotimi Azubuike Obaigbena came as a rude shock.
Atiku described the deceased as “a very hardworking Nigerian who has made an indelible mark in his chosen profession.”
He also prayed for the family and friends of the deceased to have the fortitude to bear the loss.
Gombe
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has
so far achieved ninety per cent distribution of the Permanent Voter Card in Gombe State.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Kassim Geidam, confirmed this in Gombe, the state capital, Gombe said the shifting of the general elections had given both INEC and the electorate an opportunity to be better prepared for the polls.
The REC explained that all challenges associated with the collection of printed cards from Abuja have been surmounted.
He called on those who were yet to collect their PVCs to visit INEC area offices for collection.
Geidam called on husbands to allow their wives to go out and exercise their franchise during the general elections.
“People should actually come out and vote on election day most especially our mothers and sisters, whose husbands would not allow them to go out. You have allowed them register, they have obtained the PVC, on election Day, please allow them to go and cast their votes,” he said.
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has predicted that
the South-west geopolitical zone would not vote for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), because that would place the APC national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, as the leader of the Yoruba race.
“If the Yorubas vote for Buhari because their son is the national leader of the South-west, then it will prove that (Asiwaju) Bola Tinubu is the undisputed leader of the Yorubas. This is because his people have spoken and therefore hearkened to Tinubu’s directives,” he said.
Lamido, who is the North-west Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization, PDPPCO, further noted that religion and ethnicity would play a major role in the March 28 presidential election, owing to the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan is from the south and a Christian while Buhari is a Muslim northerner.
He challenged the presidential candidate of the APC to state how he intends to confront corruption, which is the major plank of his presidential manifesto, when some former governors of the PDP who are now members of the APC are facing corruption charges in the courts.
Kogi
A litre of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol,
now sells between N140 and N160 in some parts of Kogi State.
Also, information from many other local governments in the rural areas of the state indicated that petrol prices now range between N145 and N160 per litre. Our correspondent noticed long queues in two filling stations that sold fuel at Abuja bye pass in Felele, Lokoja.
Other filling stations along the road were closed as they were said to have no petrol for sale. There was also scarcity of the product in Ajaokuta LGA of the state.
Motorists and commuters that spoke to our correspondent said the scarcity and the high cost have unleashed great hardship on them. They called on relevant authorities and bodies to ensure the availability of the product and restoration of the government approved normal rate.
Kwara
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, has appealed to former Senator Gbemisola Saraki to shelve her rumoured bid to dump the PDP for another party.
This is contained in a press statement issued by the state Secretary, Barrister Hassan Razaq made available to journalists in Ilorin last Monday.
Senator Gbemisola Saraki, the only female gubernatorial aspirant who came third in the keenly contested primaries among other 13 male aspirants was alleged to have been ridiculed out of the party because of her growing political profile.
The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the fifty thousand naira allegedly made available for her to mobilise her teaming supporters to the last visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Ilorin which she rejected and therefore stayed away from the event.
Lagos
Over 50 attacks were launched by vandals on the nation’s
crude oil and gas pipelines in the last six months, the Executive Director, Gas and Power, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. David Ige, has said.
Ige, who stated this in Lagos, last week at the 12th Annual Aret Adams Foundation Memorial Lecture, said the government is undeterred by the challenges posed by the activities of the vandals in recent time.
He said the NNPC will continually be in the vanguard of an aggressive campaign to nip vandalism in the bud, with a view to realising the nation’s gas needs and potentials in the country. According to Ige, Nigeria has what it takes to use gas as an engine of economic growth but urged Nigerians to exercise patience for the potential of the sector to come to fruition.
He explained that government is aggressively driving the gas sector to boost local consumption through competitive pricing as well as export of the product outside the shores of the land. The Executive Director said the current growth pattern of the gas sector which has also witnessed a phenomenal reduction in gas flaring in the country, would also add significant value to the power sector.
Osun
The Nigerian Army has pledged not to intimidate or harass
genuine voters during the March 28 and April 11 general elections.
This assurance was given by the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division, Ibadan, Major-General Sanusi Muazu during a courtesy call on the governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo.
in a statement released yesterday by the media aide to the governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon quotes the GOC as saying that, ”the military will not in any way intimidate or harass the electorate during the March and April elections.
Responding, the governor was quoted to have called on the military and other security agencies to guard against allowing themselves to be used to intimidate the electorate or to subvert the will of the people, advising soldiers and other security agents not to obey any instruction or order that will compromise their professionalism during the forth-coming general elections.
Ogun
The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chief
Timothy Ibitoye, has said that 555 Permanent Voter Cards belonging to dead persons have been discovered among the ones brought to the state for registered voters.
Ibitoye said this on Monday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while briefing journalists on the progress made so far by the commission in the distribution of PVCs in the state.
“We had gone to all the local government areas in the state. And we asked our officers to write out the names of those who were yet to collect their PVCs. We were able to get the number from this collation. The community leaders also assisted us in identifying those who have died since the last registration of voters when the lists were pasted,” the REC said.
Ibitoye, who said more people had collected their PVCs, noted that the correct number of registered voters in the state was 1,795,794, as opposed to the incorrect figure of 1,829,534.
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (6th left); President, Governing Council of Institute of Directors, Mrs Eniola Fadayomi (5th left), Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-adefulire (2nd right), Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Folashade Jaji (right) and others, during a courtesy visit by the Governing Council at Government House, Lagos, 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