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THE STATES

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Adamawa

Security agencies may go after some national leaders of
All Progressives Congress (APC), on allegation of an attempted  bribe offered Adamawa State House of Assembly members in a bid to stall the impeachment move against the impeached governor, Murtala Nyako.
A top government official who spoke to journalists in Abuja on condition of anonymity, said except the leaders of APC desist from pointing fingers at President Goodluck Jonathan of being behind Nyako’s travail, security agencies may go after them to explain their roles in an alleged bribery attempt to the lawmakers to stave off the impeachment.
The top government official told journalists that  both the government and security agencies were in possession of information linking the APC leaders to the alleged criminal act.
According to him, intelligence report indicated that an APC governor from the North and the one from the South, made the inducement offer of N250 million each to the Adamawa State lawmakers to jettison the impeachment move against Nyako.

Benue

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has declared his
intention to contest the Benue North East Senatorial seat in the forthcoming 2015 general election.
Suswam declared his interest in Adikpo, Kwande local government area of the state when he led three paramount rulers of the ‘Sankera political bloc’ to lobby the two paramount rulers of Ushongo and Kwande local government areas where the PDP supposedly zoned the position to, asking that the position be ceded to him.
Addressing the gathering on the purpose of their visit, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezanga Wombo, who spoke on behalf of the Suswam-led delegation, said they were in the palace of the Ter Kwande to intimate them of the governor’s intention to contest the 2015 senatorial election.
Responding to the request, the Ter Kwande, Chief Hilary Ikima, stated that “since none of our subjects had indicated interest to contest the seat and given that Governor Suswam is the first to ask for it we will loan the seat to Sankera.

Borno

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima met with President
Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja last Friday, pleading for assistance to stop the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents.
According to sources, Shettima had a closed door session with the President at night on Friday on the security challenges facing the state. The two leaders locked themselves up for about 45 minutes without any of their aides present.
A source said: “The meeting had to do with the security situation in the state, especially attacks on Damboa and the withdrawal of troops from the area by military authorities. The death toll had made the governor sad, in spite of the huge investment in security apparatchik in the state.
“The military is unhappy that some local collaborators played key roles in the ambush of troops on July 4 which led to the killing of a Lieutenant Colonel in a tank by some suicide bombers. The governor came to beg for more military intervention to save the state. No leader will be happy seeing his people being killed like fowls. And the President reassured the governor that more actions will be taken” the source added.

Ekiti

The Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye,
has assured the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians alike of his readiness to deliver on the presidential mandate of providing critical road infrastructure in the country.
Adeyeye who stated this, shortly after assuming office while receiving the Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, in his office. He reiterated Mr. President’s resolve to deliver on critical road infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.
He thanked the people of Ekiti State for the overwhelming support and votes given to the Governor-elect during the June 21, 2014 governorship election and disclosed that having known the pedigree of the governor-elect, he was sure that Ekiti people would once more, experience unprecedented development, peace and progress.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Ayo Fayose urged the minister to squarely face his mandate while eschewing politics of rancour and favouritism with a view to leveraging on the performance of his national assignment.
The governor-elect also said he was confident on the ability of the Honourable Minister of State to deliver on the dividends of democracy, having known him to be a good team player.

FCT

The National Human Rights Commission has asked a
Federal High Court in Abuja to set aside its order of a stay of execution of the commission’s investigation report which awarded N135 million to relatives and victims of the attack and killing of some squatters in Apo, Abuja.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole had on June 27, 2014, in his ruling on the ex parte application filed by the State Security Services, ordered a stay of execution of the report.
The judge had equally granted leave to the SSS to apply for an order of certiorari to quash the decisions and awards contained in the NHRC’s report on complaint No: C/2013/7908/HQ.
The court also granted leave to the SSS to serve the commission with the originating motion, which is the main suit.

Gombe

The Nigerian Immigration Service has paraded three
suspects, including two policemen, for allegedly defrauding members of the public through an employment scam.
The two policemen, Bitrus Gata, Asartia Johnson, both of State Police Command and one Oluwatayo Komolafe, were said to have issued out fake letters of employment to their victims, after collecting various amounts from them.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday, said the service was not recruiting, and cautioned the public against falling prey to solicitations from fake Facebook accounts for employment into the immigration service.
Parradang stated that the Presidential Committee on immigration recruitment, was yet to announce the date and modalities for recruitment into the NIS, adding that the right information would be publicised once the committee concluded arrangements.

Kaduna

Former Military Head of State and leader of the opposition
All Progressives Congress (APC), Maj.  Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ( rtd) has warned that the unconstitutional impeachment of governors will plunge the country into anarchy.
Buhari in a statement on Monday in Kaduna maintained that the Nigerian Constitution was being subverted in the desperate quest to impeach governors in the opposition party.
According to him, “the recent induced impeachment and threats of impeachment of Governors in the opposition” was aimed at decapitating  the APC , stressing that it does not augur well for the survival of a fragile nation like Nigeria and its tenderfoot democracy.
He stated   that deploying the institutions of state, some of which are symbols of the country’s unity, “just to kick an out-of-favour state Governor in the stomach can only breed anarchy and lead the nation down the slippery slope to chaos.”

Kwara

Impeachment and threats of impeachment of All Progressives
Congress (APC) governors is suspicious, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Vice-President Isa Aremu has said.  The labour leader said the sanctity of tenure is needed to sustain democracy.
Aremu, who was a member of the National Conference, spoke   in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on the state’s radio programme, The Platform. The labour leader urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to use his office to torment governors in the opposition.
He said: “What is worrisome to me is that of Nasarawa. The impeachment notice was served just at the time the President, who comes from another party, was visiting the state. I mean we should not give it the impression that the President is using his office to torment a governor in an opposition state. I don’t think this is the intention of the President.
“What I am saying is, even the timing alone makes it to be suspicious. The President is an elected President. Currently, he is our President.

Nasarawa

The First  Governor of  Nasarawa  State, Senator Abdullahi
Adamu, foresees a prolonged crisis arising from the plot by some members of the State Assembly to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. He has therefore cautioned them to have a rethink and avoid being conned by fifth columnists who do not wish the state well.
Adamu, in a letter to the Assembly said that given the heterogeneous nature of the state and the recent   sectarian upheavals there, nothing should be done to further rubbish the image of the state.
“Permit me to remind you that we in this young state cannot afford the   luxury that people in states that were created 30, 40 or more years ago would afford. I    therefore wish to appeal to our sense of reason, to reflect and ponder deeply over the ultimate   implications of taking our young state through an unpredictable path,” he said.
“As the popular saying   goes, ‘Discretion is the better part of valour’. While you ponder on these few words of mine, I   also urge all of you to listen to the voices of those who elected you. All of us in high and low   positions of leadership in the state owe it to our people to do all we can to save our dear state   from an ill wind that blows no one any good.  You are advised!” he added.

Oyo

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said his administration
will establish a radio station in Oyo town. Ajimobi spoke at the weekend during his visit to the town.
The governor was received by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. The governor and the Alaafin later proceeded to the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque for the Jumat prayer.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam, Alhaji Mukail Mobolaji, eulogised the governor for his transformation agenda.
Ajimobi said:  ’’Alaafin remains not only the pillar of my success, the paramount ruler’s un-relentless, sincere and rare support for me and my administration has been a source of inspiration and stimulant in governance.’’ Adding that his administration would establish Atiba radio station and rehabilitate the Erelu Water Works.

President Goodluck Jonathan (5th right), Senate President David Mark (4th left)in  a  group photograph with parents and some Chibok Girls during their visit to  the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan (5th right), Senate President David Mark (4th left)in a group photograph with parents and some Chibok Girls during their visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

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World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

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The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.
This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.
The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.
Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.
In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.
“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.
She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.
“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.
She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.
By John Bibor
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Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

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The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.
In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.
He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.
Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.
According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.
Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.
He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.
The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.
He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.
Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.
He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.
“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.
The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.
John Bibor
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Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

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The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

 

Tonye Orabere

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