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THE STATES

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L-R: An Editor with the FRCN, Alhaji Abdulhamib Mariya, the station Manager, Freedom Radio, Dutse, Adamu Ladan and Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaji Lawal Ado, during a courtesy visit by Nigerian Guild of Editors to Governor Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto on Friday.

L-R: An Editor with the FRCN, Alhaji Abdulhamib Mariya, the station Manager, Freedom Radio, Dutse, Adamu Ladan and Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaji Lawal Ado, during a courtesy visit by Nigerian Guild of Editors to Governor Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto on Friday.

FCT
A Kado Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, yesterday sentenced
two men, Ali Idris and Shamsu Ibrahim, to one month imprisonment each for stealing a generator tank.
The convicts, who both reside at Jabi Motor Park, Abuja, had pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, said the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.
Sadiq, however, gave them an option of N5, 000 fine each.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that a police patrol team from Utako Police Station, Abuja, arrested and brought the accused to the station on July 20 for stealing the generator tank.
Jigawa
Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa on
Tuesday said his administration had taken measures to address the shortage of 4, 500 teachers in primary and secondary schools in the state.
Badaru told members of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals (ANCOPs) who paid him a courtesy visit in Dutse, that he had engaged a consultant to recruit qualified teachers to bridge existing gap.
He also said that the administration would introduce a new technology to enhance teachings and learning in the state.
Badru said that his government would also give enough incentives to teachers to motivate them to deliver quality teaching to students.
He said the government had approved payment of its 2013 counterpart fund to the National Basic Education Commission, to enable it access vital funds for schools expansion and provision of furniture.
Kaduna
Stakeholders in child protection are to embark on massive
awareness campaign as part of efforts to push for the domestication of the Child Rights Acts in Kaduna State, an official has said.
Acting Director, Social Welfare and Child Development, Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Musa,  discused this to newsmen  in Kaduna on Tuesday.
Musa said that several residents of the state were still not aware of the contents of the Acts and the need for its domestication at the state level after the National Assembly did it in 2003.
According to him, the awareness campaign has become necessary to enlighten the public about the contents and gains of the acts following increasing rate of child abuse in the state.
Musa said the enlightenment campaign would be done using media outfits, churches, mosques, community-based organisations and town-hall meetings.
The director said that the stakeholders would also carry out advocacy visits to relevant faith–based institutions, traditional rulers and government bodies, to seek their support.
Kebbi
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kebbi State
yesterday dismissed the petition filed by the PDP governorship candidate, retired Gen. Bello Sarkin-Yaki, challenging the election of Governor Atiku Bagudu.
Bagudu of the APC was returned elected as governor of the state by INEC at the April 2015 general election.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Kazem Alogba, who delivered the verdict in Birnin Kebbi, said the petitioner failed to adhere to the process of filing a petition.
He averred that the petitioner abandoned the petition by filing for a free hearing notice behind time.
Counsel to the petitioner, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, however, objected to the decision of the tribunal, stressing that an appeal would be filed at the Court of Appeal in Sokoto.
Kogi
The Nigerian Association of Hospital and Administrative
Pharmacists, yesterday in Lokoja expressed concern over the poor rating of Nigeria’s health system by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to the association, WHO in its recent report placed Nigeria in the 187 position out of 190 countries in its rating of global health systems.
The association, in a communiqué signed by its National Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Ndah-Ameh, suggested a multifaceted approach involving all health professionals to change the trend.
It said that improvement of health indices in Nigeria remains a collective agenda requiring holistic approach anchored on the triple framework of people, process and structure.
The association reiterated that pharmacists remained an integral and indispensable professional group in the delivery of quality healthcare to patients in Nigeria.
It frowned at the“ irrational use of drugs” in the country which had resulted in avoidable morbidity and mortality.
Kwara
The Zonal Transport Officer (ZTSO), Federal Road Safety Com
mission (FRSC), Ilorin Zonal Headquarters, Mr Godwin Zawua,  has urged religious leaders to allow staff of his commission deliver lectures on road safety in mosques and churches.
Zawua made the request in Ilorin yesterday in his speech at the meeting of the Senate of Catholic Priests of Ilorin Diocese.
He said such enlightenment lectures could help in the effort at reducing carnage on the highways.
He said FRSC was also ready to assist in the training and retraining of students, priests and clergies at seminaries and theology schools.
He thanked the Catholic Priests Dioceses in Ilorin for giving him the opportunity to talk to them on road safety precautions.
Lagos
An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Tues
day ordered the remand in Ikoyi Prisons of an alleged cult-member charged with the murder of Femi Egbekunle and Saliu Maja- during a street-fight.
The accused, Gbenga Shodiya, whose address was not disclosed, is facing a three-count charge bordering on murder and unlawful killing before Magistrate O.O.A. Fowowe-Erusiafe.
Fowowe-Erusiafe ordered that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons for 30 days pending the receipt of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs).
She also directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file to be forwarded to the DPPs for legal advice saying the court lacked the jurisdiction to prosecute murder cases.
Nasarawa
The Chairman, Wamba Local Government Council of Nasarawa
State, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu-Wayo, has called for 24 hours security surveillance in the area to check incessant robbery attacks on communities.
Shuaibu-Wayo made the appeal yesterday while briefing newsmen after the joint security and peace meeting of the area in Wamba.
He said that the strategy would curtail the activities of men of the underworld so as to enable the people of the area sleep with their two eyes closed as well as to go about their normal business without fear of attack.
“The aim of this joint security and peace meeting is to brainstorm on ways or how to ensure peace in this local government and the state at large because no nation or society can develop in an atmosphere of rancour, confusion and security challenges.
“The security challenges facing our area, the state and some parts of the country had not only affected our lives negatively but had also affected the socio-economic development of the country negatively.
Niger
A Minna Magistrates’ Court yesterday ordered the remand in
prison custody of a man, Samaila Umar, for allegedly committing rape.
The accused was arraigned in court on a 6-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery, rape, mischief, resisting arrest and causing grievous hurt.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Daniel Ikwoche, told the court that one Isiaku Abubakar reported the matter at the Lapai Divisional Police station on July 21.
Ikwoche said that the complainant alleged that he was on his way to Lapai from Minna, with a girl, when the accused and four others, now at large, attacked him at a point between Takuti and Cheche villages with gun, cutlass and sticks.
He said the complainant further alleged that the suspect had carnal knowledge of the girl, and robbed them of N256, 000 as well as other valuables.
Ogun
A 30-year-old female sales representative, Adeola Salami, was
yesterday arraigned before an Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft of N2.6 million, property of King’s Court Ideal Anchor Ltd.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale, the accused committed the offence on June 20 at King’s Court Anchor Ltd, Ibara in Abeokuta.
He said that the accused, who was an employee of King’s Court Ideal Anchor Ltd., sold an assortment of recharge cards worth N2.6million.
The prosecutor submitted that the offences contravened Sections 383 (2) and 390 (6) of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of fraudulent conversion and theft, was represented by Olokede Obadina.
Oyo
An Iyaganku Senior Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku yes
terday sentenced a scavenger, Saudiq Olatunji,18, to 23 days imprisonment for stealing 56 pieces of casted iron rods from an uncompleted building.
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Patricia Adetuyibi, who handed down the judgment, said Olatunji should serve the term with hard labour.
Adetuyibi said that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to other scavengers who steal in the guise of scavenging.
Olatunji was arraigned before the magistrate on a one-count charge of stealing.
Our correspondent reports that the convict was arraigned on July 22 and had pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Plateau
The police on yesterday arraigned two mechanics, Shuaibu Saleh,
23, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25, in a Jos Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a car.
The accused persons, both of Bauchi Road, Jos, were charged with criminal conspiracy and theft.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Thomas Ahmadu, told the court that one Francis Nimyel of Abbattior Jos, reported the matter at the A Division Police Station on July 29.
Ahmadu said that on the same date, the complainant alighted from his car to see a friend at the Old Bukuru Park, when the accused persons attacked him and made away with his Toyota Camry car valued at N950, 000.
He said that the accused also stole Nimyel’s wallet which contained N20, 000, three ATM cards, driver’s licence and two cell phones valued at N23, 000.
Taraba
Some residents of Jalingo yesterday urged the police to intensify
surveillance against fraudsters operating in Taraba State.
They told newsmen in Jalingo that increase in the activities of the fraudsters was a matter of great concern to the populace.
Alhaji Saidu Abdullahi, who lost N15,000 to two fraudsters on Friday, said they posed as estate agents, collected his money and vanished after promising him a two-bedroom flat.
Another victim, Miss Rifkatu Adda, claimed that she surrendered N9, 000 to a fraudster in Dorawa area of the town after she was hypnotised on Sunday.
The state correspondent of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, Mr Sylvanus Viashami, was however lucky to escape the antics of a fraudsters who called his cell phone.
Our correspondent gathered from victims that the fraudsters mostly operate around Mile Six, Sintali and Duwala market areas of Jalingo.

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Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

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The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

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THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

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The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.
It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.
The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions:  M – Meeting the People  E – Educating the People  D – Discussing with the People  I – Involving the People  A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.
People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.
Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.
Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.
Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.
Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.
The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.
By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.
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RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

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Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

 

Amadi Akujobi

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