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Bomb Blasts British Govt Pledges To Support FG

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The British Government has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government in bringing the October 1 bombers in Abuja to justice.

The British Minister for Africa and the United Nations, Mr Henry Bellingham,, gave the pledge during a presentation on Nigeria by the All Parties Parliamentary Group (APPG) at the London Parliament.

The Tide correspondent who covered the event, quotes Bellingham as saying that the British Government would also cooperate with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism in any form.

“We will support the Nigerian Government to bring to justice the bombers of October1. We know what it is like, to be on the receiving end of terror attack,” he said.

The minister explained that Britain believed strongly in values and was passionate about human rights, pointing out that the intention was not to lecture any country on human rights, rather “we will work as friends”.

He said further that the people would be included as part of the ongoing review of bilateral agreements between the two countries.

Bellingham said Britain intended to intensify its bilateral relations with Nigeria and expressed delight at the volume of trade between the two countries.

He, however, noted that trade was a two-way phenomenon and for it to prosper and succeed, relations must be bright.

Bellingham suggested that the Federal Government should utilise its nationals in the Diaspora to boost the trade relations.

He commended Nigeria on its achievements so far, noting that the two countries had always been on the same pace on several issues at the UN Security Council.

The minister also applauded Nigeria for its contribution to global peace, especially in countries such as Somalia, Zimbabwe and Sudan.

He expressed hope that Nigeria, being the largest democracy in Africa, would set an example by conducting free and fair elections in 2011.

Earlier, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Dozie Nwanna (OON), had given assurance that the Abuja bombings would not affect the electoral processes.

He reiterated government’s commitment to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections next year.

To achieve this, he said all tiers of government must collaborate, institutions strengthened and opposing views tolerated.

Nwanna noted that the country had survived a civil war and a series of military interventions, hence the resolve by Nigerians “never again to go down the unfortunate path”.

He said that though critics had expressed the view that the country should have achieved more in the past 50 years with its abundant human and natural resources, “development goes with several factors, including discipline and ideological orientation”.

The envoy explained further that the country’s overdependence on oil had led to the non-sustenance of previous economic development, especially in the agricultural sector.

“Nigeria’s economy experienced an economic boom in the 1960s and 70s but by the 80s, the country experienced economic problems which stemmed largely from two main factors.

“Firstly, the oil boom of the 1970s and early 80s brought an early financial windfall for the country.

“Secondly, it brought about an unjustified neglect of the agricultural sector which was then the strongest and most viable sector of the economy,” he said.

Nwanna, however, said that the present administration was willing to attain and sustain a high rate of economic growth.

On the country’s foreign policy, the high commissioner reiterated government’s commitment to national interest, regional stability, global peace and security.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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