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THE STATES

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Mr Markus Gundiri, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Governorship candidate for Adamawa,  Mr. Markus Gundiri, has promised to resuscitate the ailing agro-allied industries in the state, if elected in April. Gundiri, who made the promise in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said he planned to achieve the goal by collaborating with the private sector.

He said the major challenge of such industries had been the lack of sufficient electricity supply.

Gundiri said he would also concentrate on the exploration of the mineral deposits, to enable the state to earn foreign exchange.

He expressed the desire to contest the seat, to enable him to change the lot of the people by addressing poverty and underdevelopment in the state.

Poverty, he said, would assume an alarming proportion if left unaddressed.

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has appealed to politicians in the country to shun sentiments in their campaigns for votes.

Lamido made the appeal at Yankwashi, Jigawa, while inaugurating a new road linking Yankwashi Local Government Area with other parts of the state.

“It is unfortunate that my fellow politicians use religion, tribalism and sectionalism to seek support from people.

“This time around we are no longer going to tolerate this; we are all Nigerians and we belong to one nation, one destiny and one family,’’ the governor said.

He appealed to the people to come out en-masse and vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo.

According to the governor, the Goodluck/Sambo ticket on PDP platform is a good omen for the country.

The Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA),Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Chukwu Onwuamaegbu, has described social interaction with the civil society as necessary for the Nigerian Army to succeed.

Onwuamaegbu made the remark in Kaduna, during the West African Social Activities (WASA)/Physical Military Training, organised by the Nigerian Army depot. The event was held in honour of 65 Regular Recruit Intakes in Zaria, Kaduna State.

He said that social interactions remained vital in fostering unity between the army, their friends, families and the public.

According to him, it promotes peace, unity, understanding and affinity, thereby keeping soldiers’ minds alert.

The Kano State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has begun negotiations with the state government to find ways of improving its health care delivery.

The Chairman of the union, Malam Kabir Ado, who disclosed this to newsmen in Kano, said the decision followed the procurement of medical equipment and drugs for government hospitals in the state.

He said the forum was being attended by the representatives of the health workers in the state and officials of the state government, adding that the outcome of the meeting would determine the union’s next line of action.

On the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for the members of the union, Ado said the body had rejected the offer of 70 per cent implementation by the state government.

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has charged five persons to a Magistrate’s Court in Jega, Kebbi State for allegedly violating the Electoral Act during the nationwide voter registration.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Kabir Ahmed, told newsmen that two of the accused persons engaged in double registration in Gwandu and Birnin Kebbi Local Government Areas. He said the commission registered a total of 1,638,325 voters during the exercise. Ahmed said the exercise was successful, stressing that some of the challenges it encountered were addressed while registration officers were orderly.

The REC said apart from the initial protests by NYSC Assistant Registration Officers who objected to their non engagement for the exercise, no negative incident was recorded.

The Kogi State Government has commenced full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for doctors in its health institutions. Dr Dorcas Onuminya, the state’s Commissioner for Health, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lokoja said payment of the new salary commenced in July last year.

The commissioner said that nurses and other health personnel in the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, had also started enjoying the Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS).

She, however, confirmed that nurses and other health personnel in the state’s Health Management Board and the health ministry were yet to benefit from the new scale because of its high financial implications.

The National President of the Nigerian chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI), Mr Julius Mmejim has called on the Federal Government to train more youths in information technology and agriculture.

He made the call in Ilorin recently at a news conference held to announce the group’s Area ‘A’ National Conference tagged “Garin-Alimi 2011″.

Mmejim said that such youth-training activities would go a long way to address the menace of unemployment and youth restiveness in the country.

He urged the government to empower the youth through various skill acquisition activities, saying that the menace of unemployment had forced many youths to go into crime.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday took to court the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Raymond Omatseye, over alleged illegal transfer of the agency’s funds.

In an 11-count charge brought before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Lagos, the EFCC said that the ex-NIMASA boss illegally transferred 300,000 pounds sterling from the agency’s account.

According to the EFCC, Omatseye allegedly used the money to fund the candidacy of one Mrs Mbanefo as the Secretary-General of International Maritime Organisation.

The EFCC also alleged that Omatseye used his position as the Director-General of NIMASA to award contracts to 10 companies without approval from the NIMASA board.

The companies included Wabil Nigeria Limited, Franxeel Limited, Layol Commercial Services Nigeria Limited, Harmach Integral Services Ltd and Njamu Nig. Ltd.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has admonished Nigerians to remain united to ensure the country’s rapid development.

Obasanjo made the call in Minna recently at the launch of the re-election campaign of Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger.

He expressed dismay that those fuelling disunity in the country were those who had benefitted immensely from Nigeria through sound education and good positions in government.

The former president said that it was regrettable that these Nigerians were now calling for the country’s disunity, using religious and ethnic sentiments.

He advised all the citizens to endeavour to promote Nigeria’s unity, noting that such concerted efforts would engender the country’s development in a pragmatic way.

Obasanjo said he believed that the mistakes of Nigeria’s past leaders could be corrected by the current generation of Nigerians if they supported their leaders in efforts to foster quality governance.

INEC in Ondo State says it registered about 1.55 million eligible voters during the recently-concluded voter registration.

The INEC administrative secretary in the state, Dr Samson Awujoola, told newsmen in Akure that the electoral body was able to overcome the initial hiccups.

He said Akure North local government had the highest number of voters with about 251,468 people registered.

He said Akoko South East local government recorded the lowest eligible voters with 26, 875 people.

Awujoola further said that the all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state supported the corps members and relevant security agencies to ensure success.

Education stakeholders have advised the Osun State Government to be cautious over its plan to return some public schools to their original owners.

The stakeholders gave the advice in a communiqué, issued at the end of the two-day Osun Education Summit, held in Osogbo from February 7 to Feb. 8.

Members of the Summit Committee, Mrs Modupe Ajayi-Gbagbo, Mrs Kemi Adesina and Mr Semiu Okanlawon signed the communiqué.

The conference said the return of schools to their original owners in Osun was a very sensitive issue that needed serious deliberation and consultation before action could be taken.

The 18-point communiqué also stated that education policies should be devoid of political considerations, while appointments, recruitment and execution of projects in the education sector should be based on merit.

It also urged the state government to give the deserved priority to education to rescue it from crisis.

Automobile spare parts dealers at the Delimi market in Jos have announced their relocation to Jos-North shopping complex in the wake of the reccurrent crisis in the state.

Mr Anselem Ebosie, Chairman, Jos-North Automobile Spare Parts Association (JASPA), told newsmen in Jos that the relocation was necessitated by incessant attacks at their former base.

He said: “The crisis at Delimi has led to the loss of so many lives. The market is on the street, and we were always victims of the riots. That made it difficult for us to operate.

“The recent killing of many of our members around the market was the last straw.”

Ebosie said the traders would not return to Delimi, but listed challenges facing them at the new market to include the absence of toilet facilities and the lack of adequate security.

He appealed to Jos North Local Government authorities and managers of the market to provide the facilities to ensure a more conducive atmosphere for business.

Former Chairman of Isa Local Government Area  in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf, has expressed optimism that the people will massively vote for Governor Aliyu Wamakko during the April polls.

“Sokoto people are not clamouring for any political change because we are comfortable with the manifesto of the PDP-led administration under Wamakko,” he said.

Yusuf told newsmen in Isa that the “people-oriented programmes” embarked upon by the administration had reformed the state for optimal goals.

He said the government’s creation of jobs for over 70,000 youths and women through the skill acquisition programmes had enhanced socio-economic and political development of the state.

“What we fail to achieve in eight years was made possible by Wamakko administration in less than four years.”

He called on the electorate to vote for all PDP candidates in the April polls, to ensure continuity.

“Any person that offers you money, collect it but make sure you cast your votes for Wamakko in April,” he said.

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MOSIEND Hails Benibo Anabraba Appointment As Rivers SSG

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The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Eastern Zone, has applauded the appointment of Hon. Benibo Anabraba as Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) by His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara,

The Socio Cultural Organisation described the appointment as a masterstroke of leadership and wisdom.

MOSIEND in a statement by the Acting Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Gibson, and the Assistant Secretary, MOSIEND Eastern Zone, Dr. Tams Longjohn hailed the appointment as a reflection of Governor Fubara’s Eagle-eyed discernment, belief in merit, and unwavering commitment to building a peaceful and people-centered administration anchored on excellence and integrity.

“Hon. Anabraba is a statesman in every sense, an accomplished lawyer, a tested grassroots politician, and a man of Peace whose record of service stands tall,”

The statement noted that “from his days as a grassroots politician to his election as a legislator, his tenure as Minority Leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his service as a Commissioner, Hon. Anabraba has remained a model of maturity, courage, and dedication to the Rivers project.”

MOSIEND expressed confidence that Hon. Anabraba will bring his trademark calmness, intellect, and wealth of experience to bear in his new role, assuring that the people of Rivers State will feel the positive impact of his leadership.

The group commended Governor Fubara for his strategic and inspiring commitment to peace, stating that the appointment once again demonstrates the administration’s preference for competence, loyalty, and results over political convenience.

“We are proud of this choice,” MOSIEND affirmed. “It signals continuity, stability, and a renewed focus on people-oriented governance.”

The organization congratulated Hon. Benibo Anabraba and prayed for divine guidance, good health, and strength as he takes on this vital assignment in service to Rivers State.

Chinedu Wosu

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HYPREP Remains Steadfast In Adhering To International Standards—Zabbey …As Regulators, Asset Owners Hail Project

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The Project Coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, has said that the Project remains steadfast in adhering to international standards, processes and protocols, contending that it would continue to engage all stakeholders transparently to achieve set goals and targets.

This is even as regulatory stakeholders, regulators and asset owners have expressed satisfaction with the work so far being carried out by the Project in Ogoniland, commending it for sustaining the momentum of the ongoing cleanup project.

Zabbey, who gave the indication during the third quarter meeting of HYPREP with regulators and asset owners in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said as an interventionist and community-based project, HYPREP would continue to engage all stakeholders transparently, as it addresses challenges that may arise during project implementation.

To this end, he noted that the continuous support and constructive feedback of regulators and asset owners remains vital in helping the project coordination office overcome challenges and sustain the momentum of progress.

Zabbey said the quarterly meeting with regulators and asset owners serves dual purpose of providing a platform for the Project to share updates on the status of the cleanup project, highlighting areas where further support is required; and allowing “regulators and asset owners to provide constructive feedback that would help our collective approach.”

According to him, the meeting is ultimately designed to catalyse deeper collaboration and synergy between HYPREP and its regulatory stakeholders.

While appreciating and recognising the invaluable roles of the regulators and asset owners in the project’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control(QA/QC) framework, the Project Coordinator said their consistent oversight, technical input, and commitment to upholding standards have remained essential to the integrity of the Ogoni cleanup efforts.

He noted with a sense of satisfaction that Quality Assurance and Quality Control are being given increased attention at all levels of the cleanup project, and solicited for the continuous support of the regulators and asset owners.

“QA/QC considerations are a key part of HYPREP’s policy framework, from the Governing Council decisions to field-level work,” he said, emphasising that this focus ensures that HYPREP’s interventions and activities are executed professionally, safely, and in compliance with national regulatory standards and global best practices, guaranteeing value for money.

“As we continue to consolidate the gains made so far, I want to reassure you that HYPREP remains steadfast in adhering to international standards, processes and protocols”, he said.

Zabbey announced that considerable progress is being recorded across various thematic areas of the cleanup project, including remediation of hydrocarbon-impacted sites; mangrove restoration; provision of potable water; public health interventions; the Ogoni power project; and the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration; among others.

He said these coordinated interventions are gradually restoring confidence in the cleanup effort and bringing renewed hope to Ogoniland.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the performance status of the cleanup project by HYPREP’s Evaluation and Monitoring Unit, which put the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration at 92.5 percent completion, among other legacy projects.

In their response, the regulators and asset owners were unanimous that HYPREP has recorded remarkable improvement so far in the cleanup efforts, and solicited for more support of the project.

Environmental Resource Manager of the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development(CEHRD), Mr Meshack Uyi commended the Project Coordinator and his team for the remarkable improvement recorded so far in the area of environmental remediation and mangrove restoration, describing the Ogoni cleanup as one of the most robust in Africa.

He applauded HYPREP for its human capacity building initiative, saying, building the capacity of Ogoni people and training them to become mangrove vanguards are boosting their economic wellbeing.

Uyi said what is going on in Ogoniland is a learning process for the Niger Delta, saying, “those who think that nothing is happening in Ogoniland, they should come closer and see that a lot is indeed going on, and this can impact on Nigeria, the Niger Delta and Africa.”

He called on people all over the world to come on board to support HYPREP to achieve far greater milestones.

Also, the representative of the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mrs Doris Wilcox Balafoma commended the Project for doing very well, working and collaborating with its partners, saying, “We are always with them in the field.”

She scored HYPREP 90 percent for its cleanup efforts, insisting, however, that the abandonment of some ongoing water facilities in some Ogoni communities is due to cost variations.

For the Executive Director of the Society for Women And Youth Affairs(SWAYA), Dr Stella Amaine, HYPREP has recorded a great improvement in the area of women inclusion and livelihood restoration.

She, however, noted that she looks forward to the realisation of the 45 percent empowerment quota for women as promised by the Project Coordinator.

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Union Petitions EFCC, ICPC Over Tax Fraud Allegations Against Daewoo, Saipem

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The National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), a recognized trade union, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Minister of Labour and Productivity to urgently investigate alleged tax deduction fraud by the management of Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited.

The union, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), through its law firm, Everlaw Associates, Abuja office, raised an alarm about “unwholesome events” at the Nigerian LNG Limited Train 7 project site in Bonny, Rivers State.

The petition, signed by O. Marx Ikongbeh, Esq., the Principal of Everlaw Associates, and supported by a five-point affidavit deposed by NAPO President Mr. Harold Benstowe, alleges that the management of Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited has been making unusual deductions from workers’ salaries for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) purposes.

According to the workers, despite the deductions, the taxes have not been remitted to the Rivers State Inland Revenue Service (RIRS) to their credit. When the workers approached RIRS to process their tax clearance certificates, they discovered that the taxes had not been remitted.

The workers further alleged that the management of Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited misappropriated the deducted PAYE taxes, running into billions of Naira, for three years, to the detriment of both the federal and state governments.

The union urged the anti-graft agencies to investigate the management of NLNG Limited, Daewoo E&C Ltd and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, and their subcontractors, to bring the perpetrators of this tax fraud to justice.

However, in a press statement, the management of Daewoo E&C Limited claimed that the tax matter had been completely resolved, stressing the company’s commitment to transparency, due process, and sound corporate governance, adding that the company remains dedicated to maintaining a compliant trust worthy and proactive working environment as it continues the successful delivery of the NLNG Train 7 project.

 

Akujobi Amadi

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