Nation
Abuja
The Bill for an Act to amend Police Act, 2014, to provide for enlistment requirement and welfare, align punishments with realities, 2017 scaled second reading at the Senate last Tuesday.
The Bill, sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC-Lagos) scaled first reading on June 15.
Leading debate on the bill, Tinubu said the Nigeria Police Force was the agency of government tasked with the maintenance of peace, law and order within the country’s border.
She said that the Nigeria Police Act empowered the agency to preserve law and order among others, adding that the importance of its role could not be over-emphasised.
She, therefore, argued that there was the need to strengthen such important institution.
Borno
The Police Command in Borno State last Wednesday confirmed that 19 people were killed in the latest deadly Boko Haram attacks in Maiduguri in Nigeria’s troubled North East.
The attacks, which occurred last Tuesday, claimed the lives of 12 Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members and seven civilians, according to the Borno State Commissioner of Police Borno, Mr Damian Chukwu.
Our source reports that no fewer than 860 CJTF members have lost their lives to the insurgency in Borno since 2014.
Chukwu told reporters in Maiduguri on Wednesday that at least 23 people sustained injuries in the latest attacks.
The commissioner, who had since visited the scenes of the attacks, said that four female suicide bombers attacked Moloi, Judumeri and Polo-Sabongari areas of Maiduguri.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command says it has arrested six persons for allegedly selling unregistered SIM cards in the state.
The command’s spokesman, Mr Adamu Abdullahi, made this known to journalists in Dutse last Wednesday.
Abdullahi said five out of the suspects were arrested on Hakimi Street and at New Market, Dutse, while an other was held at Hadejia Town.
He said the corps confiscated over 5,000 assorted SIM cards during the raid.
The NSCDC spokesman assured the public that the corps would continue to stop the illegal sale and use of such SIM cards, stressing that illegal sale of SIM cards posed serious threat to national security.
He appealed to Nigerians to stop using unregistered SIM cards.
Kaduna
The General Manager, Freedom Radio, Kaduna, Malam Adamu Ladan, has urged journalists to always equip themselves with more knowledge for effective discharge of their roles to the society.
Ladan gave the advice in a paper he presented at a 2- day workshop organised by Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said journalists must remain disciplined, non-partisan and professional while discharging their duties.
The general manager, particularly said journalists must have the professional competence to hold elected leaders to account.
Earlier, Chairman, Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Mr Nuhu Shadalafiya said journalists must avoid misrepresentation of facts.
Katsina
A political group, Aminu Masari Restoration Awareness Forum, says measures taken by the Katsina State Government have restored sanity and accountability in the state public service.
Daura Zone Coordinator of the forum, Malam Sani Salele, said problems of truancy and laxity recorded in the past have been addressed.
According to him, `Gov Aminu Masari-led administration has restored dignity, probity, confidence and accountability in the service through various incentives introduced in the past two years.
“Now there is the feeling of job security among the civil servants and freedom of expression as the government is amenable to promoting democratic ideals,” Salele said in an interview with newsmen in Daura last Wednesday.
Kogi
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has appealed to members of the state University Academic Staff Union to call off their strike and resume work.
Bello, who visited the university at Ayagba last Tuesday, pledged to pay all the salary arrears of lecturers and non-academic staff of the institution this month.
He said that the payment would cover those on contract and study leave, as well as those employed in 2015.
The governor, however, said those who took the government to court would not benefit from the payment.
Lagos
A retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Mr Israel Ajao, last Tuesday appealed to members of the public to stop killing suspected members of the badoo cult group terrorising Ikorodu, Lagos.
Chairman, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Ajao made the appeal during a security town hall meeting organised by the corps for communities in and around Ikorodu.
He described the killing of suspected badoo members by a mob as uncivilised.
According to reports, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transporters, traders, the youth, military, paramilitary and private security organisation’s attended the meeting.
Nasarawa
The management of Breeze 99.9 FM, Lafia, has dragged the Nasarawa State Government to court over the demolition of the private radio station.
In the suit filed at High Court 4, Lafia, the station is demanding N1.5 billion as compensation for damage it suffered following the demolition of the structures housing the outfit, and the communication equipment inside them.
According to Counsel to Breeze FM, Mr Ocha Ulegede, the station is also praying the court to declare the action of the state government “illegal, unconstitutional, high-handed and vindictive”.
“We are asking for public apology and monetary damages totalLing more than of N1.5 billion.
Niger
Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger S last Tuesday met with former Niger governors, ministers and political leaders over the security situation in the state.
The meeting, held behind closed doors at the state house in Minna, also discussed other crucial issues affecting the state.
Retired Col. Yohanna Madaki, former military governor of Kastina State, who briefed newsmen after the meeting, listed issues discussed to include security challenges, Internally Generated Revenue and infrastructure.
“The meeting also agreed to set up a six-man committee to play an advisory role toward moving the state forward.
Ogun
A 35-year-old man, Fatai Adeboye, who allegedly stole a blackberry phone valued at N60,000 at a bus stop, was last Wednesday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State. Adeboye, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of stealing.
Police Prosecutor, Chudu Gbesi told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 5 at 2.00 p.m. at Ijoko near Ota.
Gbesi said the accused robbed the complainant, Hannah Akinwande, of a Blackberry phone valued at N60, 000 at a bus stop in Ijoko.
“But the accused was caught and handed over to the police,’’ he said.
The offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun.
Ondo
Two men, Samuel Akande (39) and Adewale Oluwatayo (24), were last Wednesday arraigned in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for allegedly stabbing one Akorede Akintade with a knife.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused, on May 30, around 12:30 p.m. at Bako Club in Okitipupa, had a mild misunderstanding with Akintade, when the incident happened.
He said that the accused, who drank to stupor, unlawfully assaulted Akintade by beating him, before using the knife, with which he caused serious harm and severe injuries to him.
Orogbemi added that the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 355 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The accused, of no fixed addresses and occupation, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge levelled against them.
Plateau
An NGO, Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA), has decried the rising spate of drug abuse and addiction among youths in the country.
The Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Jacob Pwakim, said this in an interview with newsmen last Wednesday in Jos.
According to him, consumption of illicit substances by youths poses a serious challenge to the growth and development of the Nigerian society.
He explained that over 60 per cent of Nigerian youths consumed various forms of illicit drugs, a development he said had made them irresponsible to themselves and the society.
‘’We will look for credible hands that will give us purposeful leadership in the nearest future and we won’t find any.”
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