Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

July 25, 2012

Adamawa

Adamawa House of Assembly on Monday passed a vote of confidence on its Speaker, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri.

The vote of confidence followed speculations of an impeachment move against the speaker who assumed office eight months ago.

Mrs Wilbina Jackson (PDP-Guyuk) moved the motion during the plenary session presided over by the Speaker. The motion was seconded by Mr Alloysious Babadoke (PDP-Leko/Koma).

Jackson, who lauded the leadership quality of the speaker, said that under his leadership, the house had remained vibrant, adding that everybody was carried along.

She listed the passage of 17 bills and 32 resolutions by the house within the past eight months as some of the positive developments recorded under Fintiri’s able leadership.

In his remarks after the motion was passed in a voice vote, the speaker thanked his colleagues for their support and assured them of the commitment of the leadership of the house to work for the progress of the state.

Bauchi

Security at the NYSC orientation camp at Wailo Village of Bauchi was beefed up on Monday during the closing ceremony of orientation training for Batch ‘B’ 2013 NYSC members posted to the state.

Some of the security men were seen lying in the bush, prepared to handle any unforeseen happening.

After the ceremony, the NYSC members were advised to collect their posting letters immediately and leave the camp.

In his speech at closing ceremony, Gov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Sagir Saleh, reiterated an earlier directive to stakeholders to ensure the safety of corps members.

He also called on the corps members to relate freely with their host communities, throwing them a challenge to learn some local languages before the end of the service year.

The Director of NYSC in the state, Mr Nuhu Kwaghe, appealed to those benefiting from the services of the corps members to provide enabling environment for optimal output.

Benue

The Director General, Benue Planning Commission Mrs Dorcas Ukpe, says the commission will assist the state government to tackle unemployment through entrepreneurship.

Ukpe who said this on Monday when she paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Prof. Daniel Uza, noted that the commission would collaborate with the university in the area of entrepreneurship.

The director general stated that the collaboration would be targeted at reorganising the Benue Investment Farm to create job opportunities for the teeming youth in the state.

She stated that the partnership would also assist the state to reduce unemployment to the barest minimum.

The vice chancellor commended the DG for the initiative, saying it was an important move that would ensure the development of new jobs for the people.

Jigawa

The Jigawa Commissioner for Health, Dr Tafida Abubakar, has ordered directors and other medical professionals in the state’s Ministry of Health to offer voluntary medical services at public hospitals in the state.

According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Inuwa Tahir, in Dutse on Monday, the measure would address the shortage of medical professionals in the state.

“All personnel with clinical affiliation, including directors, doctors, nurses and other professionals, outside the facilities are to report to any clinic of their choice to provide supervisory and clinical services.

“This will not only boost the morale of staff in the hospitals but also reduce the perennial shortage of staff. “The State Government have allocated over 12 per cent of its budget to the health sector, yet the services have not improved to the satisfaction of the populace,” he added.

Kaduna

A Kaduna Upper Customary Court on Monday struck out a divorce case between Rebecca Folorunsho and Gabriel Folorunsho for failure of the parties to appear before it.

The Presiding Judge, Mr Adamu Musa, said the court had no choice but to strike out the case, which was scheduled for hearing on Monday.

Adamu said neither the parties nor their counsel gave any written or verbal reason for their failure to appear before the court.

Rebecca of 25 Barnawa High-cost, Kaduna, had on June 2, filed a suit seeking the dissolution of her three-year-old marriage to Gabriel, over the respondent’s alleged failure to assume his responsibilities.

In another development, the court granted a request by the counsel to the State Commissioner of Police (CP), for an extension in the matter between the CP and one Hamisu Usman.

Katsina

A Chieftain of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Katsina State, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa, has accused the state government of obtaining $74 million (about N4.44 billion) foreign loan.

Inuwa made the accusation on Monday while addressing party members at a campaign rally for bye-election into Dutsi constituency in the state assembly.

He said, “We members of the CPC in the state are disturbed over the foreign loan of S74 million which the state government had collected for the construction of 350 housing units in Abuja. “Disturbed because the state has never been indebted for a kobo either internally or externally since its creation in 1987.”

Inuwa, a former Secretary to the State Government, said the 350 houses being constructed in Abuja were not the priority of the ordinary people who wanted improved access to potable water, food, education and healthcare.

Kogi

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi said on Saturday that the state government would soon take delivery of modern farming equipment worth over N200 million from China for distribution to farmers.

Wada who disclosed this on Monday in Lokoja while briefing newsmen on the outcome of his trip to China, said that the equipment which comprised potable machines for cultivation and tilling of land, were ordered by the former administration of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.

According to him, the outgone administration had paid for the farming implements with the aim of migrating the farmers from traditional to modern farming methods.

Lagos

Police in Lagos on Monday, arraigned a 32-year-old unemployed man, Bartholomew Mbatuonu, before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing the property of an accident victim, who later died.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that Mbatuonu stole three bags containing various women clothes, shoes and cash totaling N200, 000 belonging to Mrs Georgina Chijioke, who was involved in a bus accident around Maza Maza on the Lagos-Badagry expressway on July 2.

Iberedem said that the accused pretended as if he was helping the accident victims and in the process stole the bags. He said that Mbatuonu, of no fixed address, was facing a one-count charge of stealing.

Mbatuonu pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Chief Magistrate, E.A. Ogundare, granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000, with one surety in like sum.

Niger

The Niger Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Muazu Bawa, has said that the state government spends 95 per cent of its funds monthly on the payment of salaries.

Bawa said at a stakeholders meeting in Minna that the situation was “not good for the development agenda of the state”.

The meeting was convened due to the threat by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to begin strike over the non implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wage.

He said the government would not pay the new minimum wage because monies accruing to it were inadequate to accommodate the new wage bill.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government on Monday said it was committed to operation zero pothole embarked upon by the Ministry of Works to facilitate socio-economic development.

The Commissioner for Works, Mr Gboye Adegbenro, said this in Akure while inspecting some road rehabilitation projects being executed by Ondo State Agency for Road Maintenance and Construction (OSARMCO).

He commended the agency for the achievements recorded in road rehabilitation, saying that the administration of Gov. Olusegun Mimiko came to power with the determination to achieve zero potholes on the roads.

“The state of roads in Ondo state when this administration came on board was deplorable, but everybody can see the difference today as our people express happiness and appreciation,’’ Adegbenro said.

He said that the authorities of OSARMCO were committed in their assignment and had successfully put some roads in good condition.

The commissioner, who inspected the Orita Obele – Ijare Road, the Oke-Obere Mechanic Village road and other roads being rehabilitated in the capital, said the agency was currently working on Oba-Ile Neighbourhood Market Road, Ala Quarters culvert and other access roads.

Osun

The Zone 11 of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Monday invited security operatives to train its senior officers on security consciousness and tips.

The operatives, who were from the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Police, lectured the FRSC officers on national security.

The officers, drawn from Osun, Oyo and Ondo states’ Sector Commands of the commission, were tutored on intelligence gathering, combating crime and other security tips.

The Zone 11 Commanding Officer, Mr Sambo Kinya, while addressing the participants, said the seminar was organised for officers to be abreast with security challenges in the country and plan ahead for any situation.

“The seminar will make us identify related security threats, roles of intelligence in FRSC and at the national level with a view to preventing loss of lives and property,” Kinya said.

He said that the statutory duties of the officers of the commission had attracted attention of some groups, which were becoming threats, and there was the need to be security conscious.

Taraba

A Jalingo High Court on Monday remanded two men, Habu Idi and Muazu Ibrahim in prison custody for allegedly gang-raping a 13 year-old-girl at Zing in the Zing Local Government Area of Taraba.

Although a magistrates’ court had previously granted bail to the accused persons when the case was mentioned for hearing, Justice Yahya Bashir ordered that one of the accused, Ibrahim, should be remanded in prison custody. Ibrahim was in court while Idi was not.

The judge directed the State Counsel, Mr Habu Audu, to liaise with the magistrates’ court to locate Idi.

Audu had earlier told the court that the accused persons committed gang-rape, criminal force and assault which he said, were punishable under section 283 and 265(A) of the Penal Code.

The case was adjourned to October 16.

Nation

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

Published

2 days 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

6 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

6 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.