Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

April 28, 2017

Adamawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Adamawa State has arrested a suspected Boko Haram member, Amos Hassan.
Briefing newsmen last Wednesday in Yola, the State Commandant of the corps, Mr Aliyu Musa told newsmen that Hassan was arrested last Tuesday at the Federal Housing Estate in Bajabure area of Yola.
“He was arrested by our surveillance team and had made confessional statement that he had killed about 10 people since he joined the group,” Musa said.
He said that the suspect who had signs of healing bullet wounds was from Sambisa forest.
Responding to questions from newsmen, the 25-year-old Hassan said he came from Azare in Bauchi State.
The suspect said he was from Sambisa forest.

FCT
The Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Abu Shafiul Huq, said last Tuesday in Abuja that counter insurgency operation required more than the military approach.
Huq, who was in Nigeria on a five-day visit, shared the experience of his country at a presentation titled, “Counter Insurgency Operation: The Bangladesh Experience,’’ at the National Defence College (NDC).
He said apart from the military approach, political approach, as well as engagement of the people were also necessary tools to successfully counter insurgency.
Huq said those approaches were used to successfully counter insurgency in his country in the late 70s after it gained independence in 1971.
The Bangladesh’s army chief identified socio-economic, political and religious factors as some of the root causes of insurgency.

Kaduna
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says it is working hard to ensure that no eligible voter in the country disen defranchised during the 2019 general elections.
Resident Electoral Commissioner [REC] in Kaduna State,Alhaji Abdullahi Kaugama, gave the assurance last Tuesday in Kaduna while interacting with political parties and other election stakeholders on Continuous Voter Registration.
The REC said that the nationwide continuous voters registration was meant to capture all eligible voters ahead of the 2019 polls.
According to him, the exercise will be flagged-off in the state at Hunkuyi, Kudan Local Government, yesterday and would subsequently commence in all INEC offices in the 23 local government areas of the state.
The exercise was for eligible residents of the state who did not register to vote in 2015 and those who attained the age of 18 years after the last general elections.

Kano
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two suspected drug traffickers who posed as police officers in Nasarawa area of Kano metropolis.
Kano State Commandant of NDLEA, Alhaji Hamza Umar, told newsmen in Kano last Tuesday that the suspects were arrested in a brand new escort vehicle with police colour, siren, pilot plate number and in possession of two police caps.
According to him, the suspects were arrested blaring the siren and pretending to be police officers while conveying 715 kilograms of Indian Hemp to Yobe.
Umar said “during investigation by our officers, we discovered that the suspects were from Edo State, while their destination was Gashua in Yobe State.
“The two suspects who were arrested along with 715 kilograms of Indian Hemp disclosed to us that they normally convey such exhibits once a month”.

Kwara
The Chairman, Baruten Local Council of Kwara State, Mallam Musa Buge, last Tuesday berated the Federal Government for neglecting the mining sector of the economy for too long.
Buge, in a telephone interview with newsmen, said that the government had lost much revenues for its failure to explore the abundant mineral deposits in the country.
The council chief decried high rate of illegal mining operations in its boundary with the Republic of Benin.
According to him, Kaura village in the area has been a haven of high illegal mining operations.

Lagos
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, last Tuesday presented Certificates of Commendation to the families of four policemen killed by militants in Ikorodu.
Owoseni also presented similar letters to the families of four policemen injured in Ikorodu by militants.
The commissioner presented undisclosed amount of money to the policemen for their gallantry, commitment and show of loyalty to their father’s land.
The dead officers include Insp. Godwin Iroagbalachi, Insp. Francis Pemi, Sgt. Mamuda Dembo and Sgt Idor Ekoro.
The injured officers are CSP Ejiofor Obiora, DPO of Owutu division that led other officers to the rescue mission, Sgt Orumoh Awhalawibue, Sgt Olatunji Gbadebo and Sgt Alexendrer Ugbadu, who was discharged from LUTH on Tuesday.
The Tide reports that four policemen, an Army Captain and a civilian were killed by militants on April 9, at about 2.30am, at Isawo area of Ikorodu, after responding to a distress call.
Owoseni said that the police recognized the efforts and supreme price the officers paid so that some people could obtain their freedom.

Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police command says it has arrested 113 persons suspected to have committed various offences in the past one month.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Kennedy Idirisu, said last Monday in Lafia that the offences ranged from armed robbery, murder, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
Idirisu said that arms and ammunition, including four AK 49 and three AK 47 riffles, as well as 178 rounds of 7.65mm live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.
Other items recovered from the bandits included 500 rustled cows, 13 motorcycles and N8.9 million fake currency.
Idirisu attributed the feat to the operational strategies adopted by the command as well as the cooperation with other security agencies and community stakeholders.

Niger
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said last Tuesday that the Continuous Voters Registration beginning nationwide on April 27, would run till few months to the 2019 general elections.
The INEC’s Secretary in Niger State, Alhaji Aliyu Bungudu, made the disclosure at a one-day forum for election stakeholders held in Minna.
He said that the registration exercise was to ensure that no eligible voter was denied the right to elect leaders of their choice.
Bungudu assured the stakeholders that INEC would not shirk its responsibility in that regard, and urged them to mobilise the people to get registered.
“The voter registration exercise will continue at the local government levels when it commences, till few months to the conduct of 2019 general elections.
Ogun

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun State last Tuesday held a stakeholders’ forum to sensitize the residents on the voters registration exercise scheduled to commence nationwide on Thursday yesterday.’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Mr Kayode Oladimeji, said at the forum in Abeokuta that the exercise would hold in all the 20 local government areas in the state.
He said that the exercise, which would hold between 9a.m and 3 p.m on working days, would last “till a few days to the 2019 general elections”.
Oladimeji said distribution of already printed permanent voter cards would be carried out simultaneously during the period.

Osun
The Police in Osun State last Tuesday arrested four members of a suspected five-man kidnapping gang after engaging them in a gunfire in Erin-Osun in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
Presenting one of the suspects to newsmen in Osogbo, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Folasade Odoro, said the suspects were arrested while on their way for a kidnapping operation last Tuesday.
Odoro said the police had been on the trail of the gang for a while before luck ran out of the hoodlums, as four out of the five members of the group were arrested by the police, while one of them escaped with gunshot wounds.
She said the kidnappers had been terrorising the people of the state.

Oyo
The Oyo State House Assembly has called on heads of public schools in the state to ensure safety of the institutions’ properties, warning that any student caught in acts of vandalism would be brought to book.
The warning followed a motion entitled, “Need to Stop the Gross Abuse of Public Properties in Oyo State,’’ presented during plenary last Tuesday.
The motion presented by the member representing Atiba State Constituency, Mr Genga Oyekola, was seconded by Mrs Wunmi Oladeji (LP-Ogbomoso North).
Oyekola, while presenting the motion, said the misuse of public properties had led to wastage of scarce resources and hindered socio-economic development.

Plateau
The Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA), an NGO, has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to speedily pass into law the “Not Too Young to Rrun” Bill.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Pwakim Jacob, made the call in an interview with newsmen last Tuesday in Jos.
The “Not Too Young To Run” Bill, which seeks to give room for younger people to run for any elective position in the country, had passed second reading at the NASS.
According to Jacob, if given the chance to lead, the youth will drive the economic and political fortunes of Nigeria to the greatest height.

Nation

MOSIEND URGE NDDC TO EMBARK ON WATER PROJECTS IN BUGUMA …TASK RSG TO REVAMP BUGUMA FISH FARM

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state

The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city

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 Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent

Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status

He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”

Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity

There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city

He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional

“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”

Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area

Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives

The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area

“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”

On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water

She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community

On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community

CHINEDU WOSU

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

5 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state

The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.

Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.

According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.

“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.

Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”

The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”

He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.

“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”

The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.

“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”

He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.

“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.

Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.

He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.

Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.

Nation

RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”

Published

5 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.

He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.

“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,

He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.

Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).

He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.