The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Soleye, Opaleye contributed to nation building, says Abiodun 

    Soleye, Opaleye contributed to nation building, says Abiodun 

    • Governor visits bereaved families

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has described the former Military Governor of Ondo State, the late Maj.-Gen. Ekundayo Opaleye, as a humble and intelligent officer, who served his country and humanity diligently while alive.

    Prince Abiodun, who spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late General at their Ibara GRA home in Abeokuta, said Ogun State had lost one of its illustrious sons who dedicated his life to nation building and served as a great mentor to the young ones.

    Praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and for God to give those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, the governor said the state government would set up a committee that would liaise with the family to give the late military officer a befitting burial.

    Read Also: Alake tours agencies under Solid Minerals ministry

    Prince Abiodun also described the late former Minister of Finance, Chief Onaolapo Soleye, as a trailblazer, who contributed to nation-building.

    He said this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at Ibara GRA, Abeokuta. The governor noted that Chief Soleye as a Minister of Finance, during the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari, 

    blazed the trail by displaying intellectual capacity that was never witnessed in the ministry.

    In their separate remarks on behalf of their families, the son of General Opaleye, Kunle, appreciated their late father for inculcating sense of humility in his children, while Pastor Lamide Soleye thanked the governor for standing by their families “at these trying times.”

  • Abandoned N500b CCTV project: Senate seeks probe over rising insecurity

    Abandoned N500b CCTV project: Senate seeks probe over rising insecurity

    The Senate yesterday resolved to investigate the abandoned Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras project in the Abuja metropolis.

    The project had been awarded at N500 billion.

    The resolution followed its consideration and adoption of a motion sponsored by Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North) at plenary.

    The contract was said to have been awarded to a private firm during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

    In his lead debate, Nwoko noted that despite a series of security measures already in place, kidnapping and other security challenges had become rampant within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The senator said his Senior Legislative Aide, Chris Agidy, and 18 other persons were abducted two weeks ago from their home in Galadimawa area of Abuja.

    He added that information from security sources on the abduction indicated that 12 of the victims had been killed by their abductors while efforts to rescue the remaining seven were ongoing.

    Nwoko called for a joint security operation comprising the Nigerian Army, the police and the Department State Services (DSS) to rescue the remaining victims.

    He also urged fellow senators to encourage security agencies across the country to install CCTV cameras in Abuja metropolis and other parts of the country.

    In his contribution, Ede Dafinone (PDP, Delta Central), who seconded the motion, said there was an urgent need to stop kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.

    Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) raised the alarm that residents of Lugbe and Kubuwa areas of Abuja could no longer sleep well because of kidnappers.

    He urged security agencies to increase security surveillance patrols within the FCT.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns three for alleged diversion of N97m cocoa beans

    Also, Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) recalled that the project was awarded at N500 billion for the installation of CCTV cameras in the Abuja metropolis.

    The senator said the contract was awarded during his tenure as FCT Minister between December 2008 and March 2010 under the Yar’Adua administration.

    But he neither gave the name of the contractor nor details about the project.

    Aliero supported the Senate’s move to probe the contract.

    After the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the matter to voice vote and majority of the senators supported it.

    Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on the FCT to liaise with the minister’s Office to investigate the abandoned contract.

    He urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to increase surveillance patrols in Abuja to prevent kidnapping and other insecurity challenges.

    The Senate President directed the Clerk of the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze, to communicate the resolution to the appropriate authorities.

  • Alake tours agencies under Solid Minerals ministry

    Alake tours agencies under Solid Minerals ministry

    Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake has begun a tour of agencies under the ministry.

    The visit is aimed at canvassing reforms and adherence to due process in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Tinubu administration.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said the tour kicked off with a visit to the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO).

    Alake lauded the agency’s efforts as the custodian of mineral titles, stressing the need for it to do more in addressing perceived inadequacies.

    MCO’s Director General Obadiah Nkom said the agency digitalised its operations in 2022 migrating to an online platform called Electronic Mining Cadastral System.

    He assured Alake that the management was making efforts to fine-tune the licensing processes and make it more efficient in collaboration with the World Bank-assisted Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver).

    Alake noted that any infractions committed by MCO would affect the ministry’s image, being its major agency that interfaces with the public.

    “The public puts this agency in the prism of the entire ministry. Since I assumed office, 90 per cent of all issues that have come to my table on the entire solid mineral activities have been connected to the MCO; whether complaints, commendations, infractions, or otherwise.

    “The issues around multiplicity or duplicity of licenses and perceived underhand dealings traceable to the agency must be addressed. The perception must change. We will not hesitate to wield the big stick where necessary, If the agency does not reform itself, Dr. Alake asserted,” Alake said.

    Read Also: Senate vows to sack, jail NNPCL GCEO Kyari, others

    At the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), its Director General, Dr. Abdulrasak Garba, told the minister that the agency had been pivotal to the generation of geosciences information for the development of the mining sector.

    He also said the NGSA was in charge of the production of geological, geophysical, and geochemical maps of Nigeria, amongst other functions.

    Responding, Alake said: “I must say you are doing a good job by generating a lot of relevant data that is critical for informed decisions by decision makers, entrepreneurs in all fields.

    “I have gone through the literature submitted during my initial briefing and I can see at a glance the functions that you do. I am quite glad that you have been living up to the billing and performing quite effectively. But there is always room for improvement.”

    At the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), Alake told the Registrar, Prof. Zacheus Opafunsho, and his management team that they were like a quasi-academic institute for accrediting and certifying mining professionals in the country.

  • How Piracy Untells Our Stories, by MultiChoice

    How Piracy Untells Our Stories, by MultiChoice

    Africa’s leading entertainment company, MultiChoice, has hosted an anti-piracy roundtable, tagged: Piracy Untells Our Stories.

    The company said it organised the roundtable to foster collaboration among key stakeholders, develop strategies and proffer solutions in the ongoing battle against content theft and how it impacts industries, as well as the loss of revenue and jobs it has caused.

    The event, which held yesterday in Lagos, evoked in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and the formulation of effective countermeasures to combat piracy in the digital age.

    Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, Dr. Busola Tejumola, stressed the need to host such an event for exchanging knowledge, encouraging collaboration between industry players, discussing and developing initiatives to raise public awareness about the consequences of piracy and the importance of supporting legitimate content as piracy is a shared problem.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns three for alleged diversion of N97m cocoa beans

    President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Victor Okhai, noted that proper communication is key in the fight against piracy.

    Lawyer and intellectual property expert, Obafemi Agaba, noted that understanding the danger of piracy is a key strategy in the fight against the menace.

    Other members of the panel included Charles Amudipe (Deputy Director, Operations, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Lagos); and Chinenye Nworah (Producer of Slum King).

  • Chief Judge reshuffles Federal High Court judges

    Chief Judge reshuffles Federal High Court judges

    • FHC to begin Christmas vacation December 18

    The Chief Judge (CJ) of Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, yesterday released new postings of judges to various divisions across the country.

    In a statement in Abuja by the court’s Assistant Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Oby-Christopher, the CJ directed the affected judges to report at their duty stations before the date of resumption, after Christmas vacation.

    The statement reads: “Sequel to the appointment of 23 new judges, the Honorable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has released a new posting of the court’s judges to various divisions across the country.

    “The Chief Judge directed the affected judges to report at their duty stations before the date of resumption from the Christmas vacation, being January 8, 2023.

    “His lordship wishes his fellow lordships a wonderful vacation in advance.

    “Below is the list of judges and their new postings: Abuja: Justice J. T. Tsoho (Chief Judge), Justice G. K. Olotu, Justice B. F. M. Nyako, Justice R. N. Ofili-Ajumogobia, Justice A. R. Mohammed, Justice I. E. Ekwo, Justice D. U. Okorowo, Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik, Justice James Kolawale Omotosho, Justice Emeka Nwite, Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, Justice Mobolaji Olubukola Olajuwon, and Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha.

    Umuahia – Abia: Justice Sunday Onu and Justice Musa Kakaki. Yenagoa — Bayelsa: Justice Isa Hamma Adama Dashen and Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim. Benin – Edo: Justice S. M. Shuaibu and Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor. Birnin – Kebbi-Kebbi: Justice Emmanuel Gakko. Kaduna:  Justice R.m. Aikawa and Justice Hawau Buhari. Kano: Justice A. M. Liman, Justice M. N. Yunusa, and Justice S. A. Amobeda.  Lagos: Justice J. T. Tsoho (Chief Judge), Justice A. O. Faji, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, Justice C. J. Aneke, Justice Yellim S. Bogoro, Justice Daniel Emeka Osiagor, Justice Akintayo Aluko, Justice Peter Odo Lifu, Justice Abimbola O. Awogboro, Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac, Justice Ogundare Kehinde Olayiwola, Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala, and Justice Ogazi Friday Nkemakonam, Ilorin – Kwara: Justice Evelyn Nmasinulo Anyadike and Justice Ariwoola Olukayode Jnr. Akure – Ondo: Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke and Justice Owoeye Alexander Oluseyi.

    Read Also: Senate vows to sack, jail NNPCL GCEO Kyari, others

    Ibadan – Oyo: Justice Uche N. Agomoh and Justice Ekerete Udofot Akpan. Abeokuta – Ogun: Justice A. A. Okeke and Justice Adefunmilola Adekemi Demi-Ajayi. Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti: Justice B. O. Kuewumi and Justice B. O. Quadri.

    Asaba – Delta: Justice F. A. Olubanjo and Justice Agbaje Olufunmilola Adetutu. Awka – Anambra: Justice Nnamdi Dimgba Abakaliki – Ebonyi: Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjuwa and Justice M. T. Segun-Bello. Owerri – Imo: Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo and Justice Wigwe-Oreh Chituru Joy.

    Warri – Delta: Justice I. M. Sani. Port Harcourt — Rivers: Justice P. I. Ajoku, Justice E. A. Obile, Justice Pheobe Msuen Ayua, Justice Stephen Daylop Pam, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed, and Justice Sa’adatu Ibrahim Mark. Calabar — Cross River: Justice I. L. Ojukwu and Justice Rosemary O. Dugbo. Oghoghorie. Uyo — Akwa Ibom: Justice M. A. Onyetenu and Justice Onah Chigozie Sergius Makurdi – Benue: Justice M. S. Abubakar and Justice Egbe Raphael Joshua. Enugu: Justice M. G. Umar and Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo. Maiduguri – Borno: Justice Jude Kanyioh Dagat and Justice Tijjani Garba Ringim.

    Yola – Adamawa: Justice Saleh Kogo Idrissa and Justice Abdulazeez M. Z. Anka. Bauchi: Justice Musa Sulaiman Liman and Justice Aishatu Auta Ibrahim. Katsina: Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud and Justice Hussaini Dadan-Garba. Gusau – Zamfara: Justice Aminu Bappa Aliyu. Jalingo – Taraba: Justice Bala Khalifa-Mohammed Usman. Minna – Niger: Justice Garba Aminu and Justice Muhammad Dan-Ige.  Lafia – Nasarawa: Justice Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi and Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa.

    Lokoja – Kogi: Justice Abdu Dogo and Justice Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi.

    Jos – Plateau: Justice D. V. Agishi and Justice Sharon Tanko Ishaya.

    Osogbo – Osun: Justice N. Ayo-Emmanuel and Justice Mashkur Salisu. Sokoto: Justice Z. B. Abubakar. Gombe: Justice Hillary Ide Osho Oshomo and Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammad. Dutse – Jigawa: Justice Hassan Dikko. Damaturu – Yobe: Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu and Justice Yilwa Hauwa Joseph.

    Also, normal judicial activities will reduce at the Federal High Court as it proceeds on its annual Christmas vacation as from December 18.

    A notice pasted by the Court’s Chief Registrar, Sulaiman Hassan, showed that normal activities are expected to resume on January 8 as the vacation is expected to end on January 5.

    “However, Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt judicial divisions shall remain open to the public only for matters relating to enforcement of fundamental rights; arrest or release of vessels and matters that concern dire national interest.

    “The court shall resume sitting on Monday, January 8, 2024,” the notice said.

  • Appeal Court reaffirms Cross River Governor Otu’s victory

    Appeal Court reaffirms Cross River Governor Otu’s victory

    The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday reaffirmed the election victory of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu in the March 18 poll.

    The Appeal Court dismissed, for lacking in merit, the appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Sandy Onor.

    The Election Petitions Tribunal sitting Calabar, the state capita, had dismissed Onor’s petition on September 26 over the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Out as winner of the election.

    The Appeal Court has reaffirmed the tribunal’s verdict.

    Reacting to the court verdict through his Press Secretary Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor expressed happiness, saying it affirmed the sanctity of the mandate the state’s electorate overwhelmingly gave him.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns three for alleged diversion of N97m cocoa beans

    “This ruling should bring an end to litigation on the outcome of the governorship election. For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship. Come and join my administration so that together we can move our state forward and bring about the dividends of democracy.

    “My administration is fully re-energised to deliver on the People First Mandate, which is on track to repositioning our state for effective and responsive governance. I solicit the support and patience of all Cross River people as we navigate the challenging times towards the Cross River of our dream.

    “Let me reassure all our citizens that we are working round the clock to ensure that we deliver the best governance for our people. It is important also to note that reparations are in top gear for a robust and successful Calabar Festival, while we continue to address other socio-economic and developmental issues,” he said.

  • Why Nigerians must support fallen heroes’ families, by Shettima

    Why Nigerians must support fallen heroes’ families, by Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the need for all Nigerians, including government at all levels, to support the families of the country’s fallen heroes.

    He said the fallen heroes paid the supreme price while fighting to preserve the peace the country currently enjoys and in other parts of the world.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha said the Vice President also restated the commitment of the Bola Tinubu administration to the welfare of the Armed Forces.

    Shettima said the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the fallen heroes was in acknowledging the sacrifices they made for national unity and sustenance of global peace.

    The Vice President, who spoke on Tuesday night after he was decorated with the emblem of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, recalled the heroics of Nigerian service personnel in conflict theatres at home, across Africa and beyond.

    Read Also: Senate vows to sack, jail NNPCL GCEO Kyari, others

    He said: “We really need to identify with the families of our fallen heroes – those who made the supreme sacrifice in the enthronement of peace in our country and our world in general, from Congo to Liberia, Sierra Leone and beyond.

    “My heart goes out to the families of those who paid the supreme price. We have the moral burden to support them.”

    The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, said the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering the sacrifices of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces.

    He urged fellow Nigerians to always remember the families of the fallen heroes, especially by contributing resources through the Nigerian Legion for the welfare of their loved ones.

  • APC dissolves Rivers Exco

    APC dissolves Rivers Exco

    • Okocha is caretaker committee chair

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dissolved the executives of all the factions in the Rivers State chapter of the party.

    APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka announced the dissolution last night after a crucial meeting of the party’s highest administrative organ at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    Morka also announced the appointment of a seven-member caretaker committee, led by Chief Tony Okocha, to steer the party’s affairs in the state in the next six months.

    Other members of the committee are: Chibuike Ikenga, Prince Stephen Abolo, Silvester Vidin, Senibo Karibi Dan-Jumbo, and Miss Darling Amadi, while Chief Eric Nwibani is the committee’s Secretary.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns three for alleged diversion of N97m cocoa beans

    Morka, who read the party’s decision signed by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, said the caretaker committee was mandated to conduct a comprehensive and fresh electronic party registration of all party members in the state. 

    The APC spokesman also said the caretaker committee, subject to the directives of the NWC, was entrusted with preparing for the conduct of congresses to elect new executive committees for the party at various levels, from the ward to the state. 

    The caretaker committee will be inaugurated tomorrow at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

  • NYSC warns foreign corps-producing  institutions against fake mobilisation

    NYSC warns foreign corps-producing  institutions against fake mobilisation

    The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, has warned foreign corps-producing institutions against the mobilisation of unqualified graduates for national service. 

    Ahmed said the NYSC would continue to prevent unqualified persons from participating in the national service.

    He said the vetting would be extended to cover countries identified with high vulnerability for producing fake academic and travel documents.

    The director general gave the warning during a meeting of NYSC management with some corps producing institutions in Africa with the theme: Tackling the Emerging Challenges in Mobilisation of Foreign-trained Graduates for Effective National Service, yesterday in Abuja.

    He said: “It is expected that from 2024 Batch ‘A’ service year, collection of a master list of graduates would be extended to schools in Niger Republic, Cameroun, Ghana, and Uganda, which constitutes about 20 per cent of graduates from the African continent.

    Read Also: Senate vows to sack, jail NNPCL GCEO Kyari, others

    “The exercise would be extended to cover countries identified with high vulnerability to faking of academic and travel documents.”

    Ahmed also said the NYSC was doing its best to check the activities of dishonest people, adding that the fight against unwholesome practices in the educational sector must be a collective responsibility.

    NYSC’s Director of Corps Mobilisation, Walida Isa, said the scheme would continue to engage countries operating academic systems which manifest elements of deviance from the global best practices and the scheme’s established mobilisation protocols.

  • There’s hope for better domestic aircraft maintenance, says Abubakar

    There’s hope for better domestic aircraft maintenance, says Abubakar

    Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has said there are better prospects for aircraft maintenance in the country. 

    He noted that with the facility it had on the ground, Caverton could become the hub for aircraft maintenance in Africa.

    The minister praised the management of Caverton Helicopters for their vision and foresight in bringing a sophisticated facility to the country, thereby promoting economic growth and human capital development. 

    Abubakar spoke on the essence of an efficient aircraft maintenance when he toured Caverton Helicopters’ Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Abubakar, who was the second minister to visit Caverton within a month, said he was impressed by the achievements of the company.

    He said: “Our dream in the Ministry of Defence is to produce all the equipment that we need for Defence in Nigeria. Here at Caverton, I have seen proofs of assurance that we can partner to do it.”

    Read Also: Senate vows to sack, jail NNPCL GCEO Kyari, others

    “I assure you that you have what it takes to produce what we need and we will partner.”

    The minister was received by the Chairman Caverton Helicopters, Mallam Bello Gwandu; the Chairman of Caverton Marine, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun; the Chief Executive Officer, Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG), Mr. Olabode Makanjuola; and the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola, as well as other top management workers.

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, said: “While we were on the tour of the facility, my Honourable Minister said to me in Hausa: ‘Seeing is Believing’. He came to Lagos to see what is on the ground, especially at Caverton.”

    Makanjuola described the minister’s visit as special and hinted of the plan to list Caverton Offshore Support Group on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE).