Nation
THE STATES
FCT
Against the backdrop of security reports of plans by some of the political gladiators in the Anambra Governorship tussle to cause mayhem in the February 6, 2010 gubernatorial elections in the state, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo, has summoned all the governorship candidates to force Headquarters Abuja for a meeting.
According to sources, those summoned include PDP gubernatorial candidate Professor Chukwuma Soludo, APGA Candidate Governor Peter Obi, Chief Andy Uba of Labour party, Chief Chris Ngige of Action Congress, Mrs Ekwunife of Progressive People Alliance and others of the ANPP, and other political parties.
Also summoned by IGP for the meeting are the chairman and secretaries of all the prominient political earties in the state – the Assistant Inspector General of Police incharge of the zone (4), the commissioners of police of Anambra State and neighbouring states where security personnel for the elections are likely to be mobilised from, are also expected to be in the meeting.
The Tide gathered that security reports available to the police High Command indicate that arms and ammunition are being stock piled, kidnapping strategies are being put in place and hoodlums are being recruited to cause mayhem.
Benue
Sequel to the termination of a lease agreement it entered with Yelwata Trading Company few weeks back, the Benue State government has ordered the immediate closure of Taraku Oil Mills with all the staff of the firm laid off.
The decision of the state government to close down the plant was conveyed to over 200 staff and management of the organisation by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Mr. Benjamin Vember, at the company’s premises.
Vember said government’s decision to fold up the Mill was prompted by the failure of the agreement it entered with Yelwata Trading Company.
Ekiti
Ekiti State governor, Engr. Segun Oni has said that the government gave financial autonomy to the state judiciary saying that the motive was to strengthen the judicial arm of government and rid it of undue executive interference.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti recently while administering oath of office and allegiance on four newly appointed judges in the State, Engr. Oni said it was always better for each arm of government to be independent of each other, saying such would promote democracy and good governance.
The newly appointed judges that were sworn-in are Mr. Adewale Kayode Fouroure, an Ibadan-based legal practitioner, Mr. Lekan Adekanye Ogunmoye, former Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Olusegun Isaac Ogunyemi, former Registrar, Ekiti State Judiciary and Mr. Adekunla Adegoriola Adeleye.
Ibadan
Former Minister of Petroleum, Professor Tam David West and Head of Department of History, University of Ibadan, Professor Christopher Ogbogho have advised the Federal Government to put its house in order instead of protesting US claim that Nigeria is a terrorist country.
Both dons at different fora, condemned the protest by the FG, saying that US had the right to declare any country that posed a security threat to it, a terrorist country.
Describing the protest as unnecessary and mere waste of time, they said the FG should do something urgent to address the problem.
Professor Ogbogbo said the stance of the US may have been arrived at having considered incessant religious intolerance in the Northern parts of the country.
The FG according to the don, should, as a matter of urgency strive hard to check the internal intermittent religious crises in the northern parts of the nation.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and foremost nationalist leader. Anthony Enahoro are among dignitaries scheduled to attend the commissioning today of the Arafat Mosque in Auchi, Edo State.
Also, a lecture entitled “Basic Facts about Glorious Quran will be delivered by an Islamic scholar and the Chief Imam of Auchi Kingdom, Prof. Zakanya Oseni who is also the Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin.
A statement by Alhaji Gisani Asesuta for the Oteri in council said the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijawude Oluleuse II was expected to chair the occusion.
Kwara
Kwara State government has concluded plans to employ more medical personnel this year in her ongoing efforts to deliver quality medical services to the residents in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ladi Hassan, who disclosed this to newsmen while speaking on the activities of the state government in health sector, added that the action became imperative because the state government last year spent N700 million to renovate all the state-owned hospitals across the state.
The action, according to the commissioner, was to effectively reposition the state health sector as much needed viable alternative to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and other private hospitals in the state.
He noted that medical doctors, nurses and laboratory scientists would be employed by the state government, stressing that those employed would be posted to different parts of the state.
He disclosed that the state government has spent so much in health sector and as such Dr. Bukola Saraki’s administration was committed to improving the standard.
Hassan opined that his visit to various state-owned hospitals in various parts of the state, has given him first hand information on the problems they are facing.
Lagos
There were indications yesterday that the bomb carrier who got injured on December 22, 2009 bomb explosion at Logemo building at Onipany, along Ikorodu road, Lagos, might have been transferred from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), to an undisclosed hospital.
His movement as reliably gathered, was part of security measures put in place by the Lagos State police command to ensure no intruder got to him.
The Tide reliably gathered that on two occasions, some unidentified persons had visited the hospital requesting to see Olayinwola Ahmed. But before nurses at the Intensive Care Unit could reportedly contact plain clothes policemen who were keeping watch over him, the visitors had disappeared.
Although police sources told The Tide that proper investigation into the explosion would commence last week, information gathered revealed that the 27-year-old suspect was not yet in a sound condition to answer questions posed at him. A source told The Tide yesterday that the suspect was not coherent with words yet.
Osun
Osun State election petition tribunal will resume sitting to continue hearing on the petition by the Action Congress (AC) candidate Mr. Bani Adegbosole against the election of Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola in the April 14, 2007 election.
The five-man panel was forced to suspend sitting last October due to the national strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
Before the forced vacation Aregbosola and the AC had invited over 80 witnesses and tendered exhibits in support of their petitions.
The opposition party which had been agitating for continuation of hearing on the petition at alternative venue outside the premises of the Osun State Judiciary during the strike is expected to wind up its case any time from now to pave way for the respondents to open their defence.
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