Nation
THE STATES
The police in Benue State have charged two
members of a suspected syndicate of kidnappers with conspiracy, kidnapping and causing hurt, before a Makurdi Upper Area Court.
The accused, Sunday Ogbole, 24, and Emmanuel Alphonsus, 20-were arraigned on a three-count charge.
According to the prosecutor, Cpl Omaye Ujata, Ogbole a Nigerian, and Alphonsus, a native of Cotonou, Benin Republic, conspired and attempted to kidnap Mrs Ogwa Agada in her house at Ehaji Owukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.
“When the victim raised alarm, the accused persons stabbed her with a knife and took to their heels,’’ Ujata submitted.
Kaduna
A lecturer at the Department of History, Kaduna
State University, Malam Sulaiman Shehu, has called on political parties to always allow internal democracy to prevail in their electoral processes.
Shehu told newsmen in Kaduna that applying internal democracy would make the political parties stronger and more reliable.
The lecturer said democracy within the political parties would always produce the best candidates for the electorate.
According to him, political parties should desist from hand picking candidates because such practice will breed contempt among the electorate.
Kwara
An aspirant to the House of Representatives from
Kwara State, Chief Rex Olawoye, said yesterday that the proposed autonomy for local governments in the country would give them a new lease of life.
Olawoye, a two-time Chairman, Ifelodun Local Government in Kwara, said this on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
“By this autonomy, a new lease of life has come to the local government councils in the country and will make them perform better,” Olawoye added.
He commended the National Assembly for the bold move, saying it would truly make the councils the third arm of government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
Kano
The Presiding Pastor of Shalom Evangelical
Assembly, Sabon-Gari, Kano, Mr Kehinde Babatunde, has expressed optimism that the 2015 elections in Nigeria will be peaceful.
Babatunde told newsmen in Kano that: “The forthcoming general election is going to be the most peaceful election people have ever seen or witnessed in this country.
“Let everybody in the country be calm because the election will be conducted peacefully.’’
Babatunde also expressed hope that the security challenges bedevilling the country would be a thing of the past.
“The country will also witness economic growth and prosperity in the year 2015 and people will have peace.
Lagos
Two students of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos,
who allegedly threatened to kill their lecturer, yesterday appeared before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused – Tayo Ogunyomi, 24, and Kehinde Olaoye, 28, – reside at Yaba and Gbagada areas of Lagos respectively.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, breach of public peace and membership of an unlawful society.
The prosecutor, Inspector, Rita Momah, told the court that the offences were committed on October16 at 9 p.m. on the school campus.
She said the students sent text messages to the phone of their lecturer, one Mrs Abraham Ibe, threatening to kill her.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has
appointed Mr Yakubu Lamai as his new Chief Press Secretary following a minor cabinet reshuffle.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Zainab Ahmed, and made available to newsmen in Lafia yesterday
It said Al-Makura also made minor cabinet reshuffle by reassigning commissioners to oversee some ministries following the sack of eight commissioners last month.
According to the statement, Mr Hussaini Abubakar, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, has been moved to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
Ondo
A teenager, Segun Temi and a man,Tunde Akinagbe –
were yesterday brought before an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for alleged break-in and theft of mobile phone and N20,000.
The accused -Temi, 16, and Akinagbe, 21 -whose addresses and occupations are unknown, are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, felony, burglary and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused had committed the offences on Sept. 19 at about 9.00 a.m. at 19, Kajola St., Ode Aye near Okitipupa.
Orogbemi said the accused broke into the house of one Bolanle Samson and stole a Samsung phone valued at N6, 000 and a wallet containing N20, 000.
He said the accused broke Sections 390(9), 411, 430(1) and 516 Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State 2006.The duo pleaded not guilty.
Osun
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Osun
State says 10 persons died from road accidents in the state in September.
The state Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Muhammad Husaini, disclosed this to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday0.
According to Husaini, 26 crashes involving 126 persons occurred during the month.
He attributed the crashes to speeding, deplorable roads and failure by motorists to comply with road traffic rules and regulations.
He lauded the efforts of the state government for complementing activities of the commission through its road construction and rehabilitation projects.
Oyo
Oyo State Government says it has set aside N125
million to boost cocoa production for the 2014/2015 Planting Season.
General Manager, Cocoa Development Unit, Oyo State, Mr Gabriel Kehinde, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said, “While N110 million is for the commencement of Youth Empowerment Programmes in Cocoa Production, N15 million is for one million cocoa seedlings for free distribution to farmers.
The General Manager said that government distributed 640,000 and 350,000 metric tonnes of free seedlings to farmers in all the 33 Local Government areas of the state in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
Sokoto
The District Head of Gagi, Sokoto South Local
Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sani Umar, said residents of the area have raised N500,000 for enrolment in the community health insurance scheme.
He also said that the people of the area had already opened a dedicated bank account for their monthly donations meant for the execution of the scheme.
Umar told newsmen in Sokoto that the fund would be used for the execution of other self-help development projects across the community, which is located some few kilometres east of Sokoto city.
“We have to take our destiny into our own hands. The three tiers of government are trying their best in terms of the provision of social amenities to the people.
“However, there are so many social needs of the people requiring the attention of the government and its efforts must have to be complemented by Nigerians,” said the monarch.
Nation
NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.
Nation
Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum
A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.
Nation
Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics
The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.
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