The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • APC, PDP trade words over alleged attack on Fayose

    The Ekiti State chapters of the All Progressives Congress and that of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have traded words over the alleged attack on former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    The PDP alleged that that the ruling party was behind the attack on the former governor – an allegation APC swiftly denied.

    The PDP made the allegations in a statement on Sunday by its chairman, Gboyega Oguntuase.

    He alleged that some hoodlums loyal to the party on Friday attacked Fayose in an attempt to kill him.

    Oguntuase said intimidation and harassment of opposition have been the hallmark of APC, saying hiring thug to silent opposition was obviously the next level in advancing violence in a supposed democratic period.

    He said: “Government is transient. To underscore the reality of this statement, the Zik of Africa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, said: ‘No condition is permanent’. The major lesson in the statement is for rulers to beware of what they do. Those who sow wind reap the whirlwind.

    “We must note that a man so consumed and corrupted by power today will by tomorrow become an ordinary man.

    Read Also: Ekiti Assembly summons Fayose, ex-Speaker, others over alleged financial impropriety

    “It is an irony that leaders, who in obedience to a summon by a legislative body, can be ambushed shortly after the visit to be harassed and threatened with dangerous weapons.

    “We don’t deserve it because nobody harassed the opposition under our watch.

    But, the APC Deputy Chairman, Sola Elesin, dismissed the PDP’s allegation, describing it as a spurious and baseless accusation lacking content of validity.

    Elesin said the opposition party is economical with the truth, saying violence is not one of the ideals of the APC.

    The APC vice Chairman countered the opposition party, saying it is a well-known fact that nobody attacked Fayose, but he “only wants to use it to lay a foundation of violence because they thrive in violence”.

    “Nobody attacked him. He went on a surprise visit to the House of Assembly, when he has not been officially invited. It is a blatant lie.

    “He came to the House and was not harassed, but to hear now that he was attacked by APC is an embarrassment to us. It has not happened in the history of progressive governance in the state to harass or intimidate political opponents.

    “We have not done that in the past and we are not ready to do it anytime. If he is saying he has been attacked, it will be tantamount to falsehood.

    “Nobody attacked him and if anybody attacked him, he is on his own. It was done not at the premises of the Assembly. He said he has street credibility, if that is true, would he be harassed at the market place?” he queried.

    The Assembly had at its plenary session last Thursday summoned Fayose to appear before its committee on Public Account over alleged misappropriation of local government funds while in office without fixed date.

    The ex-governor stormed the Assembly on Friday at about1:15 pm less than 24 four hours after the summon and went straight to the office of Speaker Funminiyi Afuye.

    But the speaker told him to go back and await the official invitation letter from the legislative chamber.

    Fayose alleged that he narrowly escaped being attacked after he left the Assembly as some APC thugs in an unmarked black Hilux Jeep trailed and hauled stones at his vehicle.

  • Abiodun expresses worry over scourge of depression

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has expressed worry over the scourge of depression in the society and its tendency to instigate sufferers into doing the unthinkable.

    Abiodun advised people to undergo regular physical fitness as part of prevention and remedy for depression as well as ensuring optimal mental functioning.

    The governor gave the advice at the weekend at his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Abeokuta Sports Club during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the club’s new executive members with Deacon Atilade Bolarinwa as new the President.

    Abiodun, who spoke on the theme of the investiture: “Sound mind in a healthy body”, noted that people cannot be prosperous, if they do not have wholesome health.

    Read Also: Abiodun to reposition public service for effectiveness

    He explained that achieving a healthy living goes beyond medication and diets to include recreation as a vital part of healthy living.

    The governor lauded the club for the honour conferred on him, saying it was an acknowledgement of his modest contribution to the growth and development of humanity.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment towards ensuring an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    Abiodun added that his administration was poised to turn around the economy of the state for the better, which, according to him, would contribute to individual prosperity.

    The club’s president pledged that it would keep contributing to sports development through organising and sponsoring competitions for both young and the old.

  • FUOYE honours Gargiulo, Ajakaye, Abdullahi at convocation

    The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has honoured an octogenearian educationist, Chief Guy Gargiulo; Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye and the Muslim cleric, who saved 262 Christians from being killed by insurgents in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi.

    They were awarded honorary doctorate degrees during the university’s second combined convocation ceremony held at the institution’s hall.

    Gargiulo had mentored many Nigerians and rendered a lot of humanitarian services to the nation.

    A former President of Ajuwa Grammar School Old Students’ Association (AOSA) , Dr. Tunji Abayomi, who represented Gargiulo, said the honouree was unique and believed in the uncommon philosophy of selflessness to build the destinies of the people.

    “This man Garguilo is unique and he has built the destinies of many Nigerians, especially from Akoko region of Ondo State. Many of those he mentored are now distinguished scholars.

    Recently, he sold the property of his father, who was an Italian Air Force officer, to buy a tractor to help Akoko farmers. This man deliberately made himself poor for others to be great.”

    Many old students of Ajuwa Grammar School attended the convention to give support to Dr. Abayomi, who stood in for Chief Gargiulo.

    Read Also: Engage in productive activities- FUOYE VC

    Among them are the AOSA President Mr Funsho Akinseye Treasurer, Olubunmi Dada and Mr. Dele Ogunsemoyin.

    Abdullahi hailed the University for finding him worthy of the honour, saying this would spur him to do more for the nation and humanity.

    The Chairman and the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tunde Samuel, warned that it would be a great disservice to the country for rumour peddlers and militant unionists to de-market the university for primordial gains.

    This, he said, may hamper the glowing future FUOYE has as an institution.

    The university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Kayode Soremekun, said his vision is to transform FUOYE into a model across Africa, as a university, which graduates are of high quality, who can compete anywhere across the globe.

    He said the programmes being offered by the institution are accredited while efforts have been intensified to seek accreditation for Law and Pharmacy Faculties from their respective councils, having been granted the leave to run the two courses by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has assured authorities of the Federal University, Oye -Ekiti, that the campus’ internal roads will soon be tarred by the state government.

    He said it is part of his administration’s commitment to repositioning the institution for improved service delivery.

    Fayemi, who spoke at the university’s convocation in Oye Ekiti, on Saturday, said he had approved the rehabilitation of the campus’ internal roads to ensure that the students study in a conducive and serene academic environment.

    He assured the university of the state government’s commitment to keep partnering the university in the drive to make Ekiti the knowledge zone of Nigeria.

    The governor, who noted that the university was yet to adopt its new name, urged President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the visitor to the university, to ensure that the renaming of the institution after a former governor of the old western state, the late General Adeyinka Adebayo, was given effect.

  • Ukwa West thanks Buhari for appointing Nwogu to NDDC board

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Chief Nwogu Nwogu into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    A statement by Chairman, Elder Uju Nwarie, reads: “The people of Asa land and the entire indigenes of Ukwa West thank President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a grassroot man, a thorough bred Asa son to represent Abia State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “We are happy that the President rewarded loyalty through Nwogu’s appointment. He is an unshakable PMB supporter and little wonder the entire Ukwa West erupted in jubilation once the news of his nomination got to them.”

    Read Also: Women, youth groups back NDDC appointees in C/River

    The chairman warned detractors to stay clear of Ukwa West and stop distracting the President from his next level government.

    According to him, the NDDC was set up to take care of the oil bearing communities of which Ukwa West is one of them.

    He reiterated that nobody can be more in touch with the Asa community than their son, Chief Nwogu. “The people are happy with Nwogu Nwogu and President Buhari for this worthy appointment, ” he added.

  • NAFRC trains soldiers to mould blocks with charcoal

    Soldiers undergoing pre-retirement training at the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) at the weekend displayed blocks and bricks they moulded with charcoal.

    This innovation was among skills exhibited at the centre’s 2019 inter-workshop competition attended by military and security chiefs in Lagos.

    The blocks which are lighter than those made with sand, are said to be health friendly, economical and durable. They are said to have advanced strength to weight ratio and lower coefficient of thermal expansion when compared to normal blocks.

    Already being used in countries like the United Kingdom, these bricks are good sound and heat insulators, thanks to the air voids within them, said NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar-Sadick Liman.

    He explained that they were manufactured using 60 to 65 per cent of unavoidable waste from coal, even as he urged Nigerians to patronise locally made products to boost industrialisation.

    Read Also: Philanthropist renovates Army quarters in Rivers

    According to the Commandant, the need to promote entrepreneurial skills cannot be over-emphasised, noting that the centre has since inception trained over 45,000 soldiers on post-retirement skills.

    He said: “Our workshops are capable of designing and producing a wide array of customised products. In order to achieve our training objectives, the centre has 39 workshops grouped into 10 main training wings. The training wings include Agro-Allied, Property Development/Maintenance, Equipment Insulation, Fashion Facility/Designing, Creative Arts and Music and Bodycare.

    “Others are management, automobile, fabrication, nutrition and dietetics wings. The centre conducts its bi-annual exhibition exercise at the end of every course of training. At such events, the trainees’ exhibit different products from their individual workshops.

    “It is gladdening to note that every product and material at our exhibitions are the products of our trainees themselves.”

    At the event were the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Maj.-Gen Olu Irefin, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command AVM Abdul-Ganiyu Olabisi and other senior officers.

  • ‘Carnival Calabar will foster ethnic, religious tolerance’

    The Carnival Calabar will foster ethnic and religious tolerance through art, Cross River State Carnival Commission Chairman Gabe Onah has said.

    He noted that the carnival’s theme, “Humanity”, would be explored using the elements of theatre.

    The chairman said the bands would be interpreting the theme through drama, costume, make up, magic, acrobatics and dance choreography.

    Read Also: Ayade unveils 2019 Carnival Calabar theme

    Onah said: “Since the coming of Governor Ben Ayade, carnival themes have been of contemporary relevance and global in appeal. He believes that artificial barriers are all created by humanity, and so urges that the intellectual content of the carnival should be beyond dance where it must pass a strong message that would make the world a better place.

    “Hence, for carnival 2019, in interpreting the theme ‘Humanity’ as the guiding philosophy, the different bands will depict the human compassionate spirit of good over evil and the need for tolerance among the people of the world; Muslims and Christians; the rich and the poor; the strong and the weak, using all the elements of theatre (drama, costume, make up, magic, acrobatics and dance choreography).”

    The chairman reiterated the commission’s mandate to “espouse lucrative opportunities in a creative economy to change lives through the huge job opportunities… prior to and after the Carnival Calabar. “The carnival planning is deliberately followed in a sustainable manner to achieve the MDG and New partnerships for African Development (NEPAD) frameworks…” he added.

  • Airport closure: Ethiopian Airlines moves flight to Port Harcourt

    Ethiopian Airlines has said it will move flights from Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, which is under repairs, to Port Harcourt tomorrow.

    The Federal Government closed the Enugu Airport to rehabilitate its runway.

    Ethiopian Airline’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mesfin Tasew said flights into Port Harcourt would run till November 23 when repairs are completed at the Enugu airport.

    Read Also: We have not suspended flights operations, says Med-View Airlines

    He said the airline decided to use Port Harcourt to ensure its passengers in Southeast are served.

    “We have planned to shift the Enugu flight to Port Harcourt and we will start operations tomorrow. We will continue operating here until the Enugu airport is ready.

    “Nigeria is the only African country where Ethiopian Airlines has opened four destinations. This demonstrates strengthened bilateral relations between Ethiopian and Nigeria. We will make every effort to provide excellent service in Nigeria as well as across the continent to help our customers access our global network.”A

  • Kogi polls: Audu seeks fresh primary

    One of the aspirants for Kogi State governorship primary, Prince Yahaya Audu, has called for the cancellation of the results of the shadow election conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The primary election was won by Governor Yahaya Bello.

    He called for the conduct of a fresh, free and fair primaries by the party.

    Audu alleged that there was no proper accreditation before the beginning of voting.

    Read Also: Tinubu predicts victory for APC in Kogi, Bayelsa

    He also said the election was conducted without the agents of most of the aspirants, who participated in the primary.

    The aspirant said: “Owing to the above irregularities and several others, I hereby reject in totality the outcome of the primary and wish to call on the national working committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cancel the result and conduct a fresh, free and fair primary.

    “I also want to use this opportunity to thank my teeming supports and urge them to remain calm and law-abiding as we await the response of the NWC and leaders of our great party.

    “We will wait for the response of the NWC and the party leaders. We will make up our minds after their response.

    “We will consult and continue to consult, wait and see how the party and leaders of the party NWC handles this this issue.”

  • Hijrah: AbdulRazaq warns against prejudice, hatred

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday urged Nigerians to shun prejudice and hatred for one another in the name of religion or other differences.

    He advised the citizens to support the oppressed people of the world.

    AbdulRazaq said in a speech at a rally commemorating the 1441 Islamic New Year (Hijrah) in Ilorin, the state capital, that one major lesson from the travails of the early Muslims and the support they got from their Christian neighbours was that “our common humanity triumphs hatred and prejudice”.

    The governor was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Yusuf Manjo at the event attended by Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and several other dignitaries.

    The governor said the prophet’s migration offered a lot of lessons for the Muslims, non-Muslims and the international community at large.

    “It showed how we can join hands to assist the oppressed and the persecuted for the sake of humanity. I believe these are key lessons for every Nigerian at this critical phase of our country,” AbdulRazaq said at the event organised by the Kwara State chapter of the Hijrah Ummatul Islamiyyah.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq launches Malaria-Free-Kwara campaign

    “The Hijrah remains an evergreen and historic moment for the Muslim community. That development forms a critical part of human civilisation because the various phases of Hijrah, especially the conduct of the prophet and his lieutenants, exposed us to the global best practices of dealing with oppression and persecution.”

    AbdulRazaq said the 2019 election represented a sort of Hijrah for the people of Kwara as it marked a paradigm shift in their political history, adding, however, that the development meant that things must be done differently to achieve different results.

    He added: “But just like the Hijrah presented the early Muslims with the opportunity to establish a government based on the principle of justice and fairness, I believe our victory in the 2019 polls offered us the opportunity to prove to the naysayers that we are different from the people we criticised so much.

    “This is the time to show everyone that we haven’t been criticising people of yesterday simply because we didn’t have access to the privileges the public office offered them. We must prove to everyone that our anger was in the interest of the people. I believe this is the spirit of Hijrah. And I am ready to lead in this regard. I will not abuse my office. I will not mismanage public resources. And my actions shall be in the best interest of the people.

    “I, therefore, call on every Kwaran to also imbibe the spirit of Hijrah as we face the arduous task of rebuilding our state. Everything that contributed to the pitiable state of our state must be left in the past. We must, in the spirit of Hijrah, embrace prudence and selflessness for the greater good of Kwara.”

  • Oyetola sympathises with flood victims

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has appealed to the Federal Government to assist the state in combating flood disaster.

    He made the appeal on Sunday when he braved the odds of the torrential rain to inspect the flooded areas in Osogbo, the state capital, with a promise to find immediate solution to the disaster.

    Some communities in the state were ravaged by flood following the downpour that ran through Thursday to the whole of Friday, Saturday and parts of Sunday.

    The governor, after due consultation with experts, promised that the government would bring dredging machines to immediately clear the flooded sites  and create necessary expansion to allow for free flow of water.

    He described the challenge of flooding as enormous, saying the Federal Government’s support was needed in finding a lasting solution to the disaster.

    The governor added that the state government had earlier requested for support from the Federal Government through the office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, adding that the government had promised to support the state in that regard.

    Read Also: NEMA provides relief materials to Daura flood victims

    Sympathising with the affected residents, he also urged them to stay away temporarily from the flood-prone areas.

    Oyetola warned the residents against bad practices of dumping refuse in the canals and river.

    He said the act has been found to be partly responsible for flooding since the blockage arising from the bad habit would prevent water from flowing freely to the appropriate destination.

    The governor said the state environmental task force would be deployed immediately to start monitoring the state to prevent residents from dumping their refuse in the canals and rivers.

    “We are deploying dredging machines to the affected areas to cushion the effect and with that, we can’t have such occurrence again.

    “Though the issue of flood control is not about dredging alone, it entails the need for the people to imbibe the sanitary culture of disposing wastes properly.

    “If one looks at the topography of this place, it appears sloppy, and what that means is that it is easy for water to flow to our state from neighbouring states. That is why we have the river overflowing its bank.

    “Our approach to flood control is to ensure that no part of the state is being ravaged by flood incidence and as a matter of fact, we are on the verge of giving succour to the victims of the flooded areas.

    “With this visit, we have seen that there is a need to reconstruct some of the bridges by raising and expanding them to avert similar incidence.

    “I have consulted with the relevant agencies as regards this incidence, and I have been assured of a permanent solution,” the governor said.