The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Police raid Enugu varsity campus, arrest suspected cultists

    Police raid Enugu varsity campus, arrest suspected cultists

    Operatives of the anti-cult Squad of the Enugu State Police command have reportedly arrested scores of suspected cultists from the main campus of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

    The Nation learnt the suspects, numbering about 50, who were mainly students of the institution, were involved in cult-related activities when the police apprehended them.

    The public relations officer of the institution, Ikechukwu Ezeanioma, confirmed the development but said he did not know the number of students taken by the police.

    He however said the vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, was already interfacing with the police to ascertain the veracity of the reports.

    He said: “There were some arrests in ESUT yesterday(Friday). But they are some suspected cultists. I don’t know the actual number but it is not up that magnitude.

    “The Vice Chancellor is already interfacing with the police on the matter to ascertain the veracity of the whole report”.

    However reports quoting the President of the ESUT Students Union Government (SUG), Donatus Okolieuwa, claimed that no fewer than 50 innocent students of the university were arrested by the police.

    Okolieuwa, described the arrest as a clamp down on students, saying that it was quite detestable and condemnable.

    Asked how the incident took place, the SUG President narrated: “While I was in a students meeting in Enugu, a student called and told me that around 5pm/6pm armed men invaded the school cafeteria with 2 Hillux vans and a sienna bus, and released a gun shot in the air.

    “Due to the manner in which they arrived, and owing to the stories of unknown gunmen in the society and the shooting in the air, the students who were in front of the cafeteria chilling with drinks at that evening hour started running away for their safety.

    “On the process, the armed men started running after the students, surrounded them all, then entered the cafeteria and arrested everybody inside the cafeteria, including those who were playing snookers, games, female students who came to the cafeteria to charge their phones and other electronic gadgets, the staff and manager of the cafeteria and members of our university security.

    “On hearing this, I called our school CSO to ascertain if he is aware of such incident in the school, he said no, that he was not aware, and that he would get to the scene with his men immediately.

    Read Also: Police kill four sit-at-home enforcers in Enugu

    “On getting there with his men, he noticed that the armed men were members of the Anti-Cult Squad, Enugu. It was there the school CSO, who they tried to intimidate was able to identify and pointed out two of the arrested persons who were members of the school security operatives, and the two people were released.

    “They humiliated our students including the female ones who they later released after seizing their phones and power banks. Then they moved away with every other male student there.

    “I contacted the Vice-Chancellor and the DSS officers in charge of students, both the one in Agbani and that of Enugu. They were not aware of such arrest, but they have swung into action for the release of the students, they assured me”.

    Enugu Police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe (DSP) only said it was not possible for the police to have arrested 50 students in one fell swoop.

    He promised to get back to give official response but was yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

  • Innoson withdraws scholarship to Mmesoma after forgery scandal

    Innoson withdraws scholarship to Mmesoma after forgery scandal

    Innoson Group has withdrawn the scholarship awarded to Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme after the Anambra committee of inquiry revealed that she faked her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result.

    The Nation reports eight-member panel set up by Anambra Governor Charles Soludo to investigate the controversies surrounding the results, had exposed the candidate. 

    Headed by Prof. Nkemdili Nnonyelu, the committee confirmed Ms. Mmesoma forged the score. 

    In a statement issued on Saturday, The head of corporate communications, Cornel Osigwe, said the company made the “difficult decision” to withdraw the scholarship “in response to the confirmed findings”.

    The statement which reads in part said: “This conclusion is deeply disappointing and stands in direct contravention of the values we hold dear at Innoson Vehicles, particularly those that underscore our scholarship program.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Innoson withdraws Mmesoma’s scholarship

    “In line with these principles and response to the confirmed findings, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme.

    “This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.

    “We acknowledge that this development is regrettable, and it has undoubtedly caused dismay among those who stood by Miss Joy, including her school principal and other well-meaning supporters.

    “However, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of our scholarship program and the values it represents.”

  • BREAKING: Mmesoma’s father pleads with Nigerians, JAMB to pardon daughter

    BREAKING: Mmesoma’s father pleads with Nigerians, JAMB to pardon daughter

    Mr. Romanus Ejikeme, the father of Mmesoma Ejikeme, the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate who falsified her result, has tendered an unreserved apology to JAMB and Nigerians. 

    The Nation reports eight-member panel set up by Anambra Governor Charles Soludo to investigate the controversies surrounding the results, had exposed the candidate. 

    JAMB barred Mmesoma from taking its exam for the next three years.

    Romanus admitted that he didn’t know where his daughter registered for the examination but he gave her the money for the registration. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Innoson withdraws Mmesoma’s scholarship

    Mmesoma’s father had insisted that her daughter did not forge her results saying that she was a hardworking and studious student who did not joke with her studies. 

    “But I gave her the money for the registration, and I can vouch for her that she cannot forge any result,” Ejikeme had said then. 

    Backtracking, Mmesoma’s father said: “As I said earlier, my daughter didn’t open up to me on time, she didn’t. Then I realised the mistake she did, I warned and pleaded her not to dent her image. 

    “I’m still apologising to Nigerians and JAMB to pardon her”. 

  • Gunmen kill two, raze down market in Imo

    Gunmen kill two, raze down market in Imo

    Gunmen have razed a popular market in Orie Amaraku in Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The gunmen, who stormed the market on Friday night, shot sporadically to scarce away people before setting the market ablaze.

    According to eye witnesses the hoodlums also burnt several vehicles and tricycles with some parked vehicles allegedly burnt by some enforcers of sit at home order.

    A woman, who sustained wound on her left leg, said: “The boys came with guns and were shooting in the air warning everybody not to come to the market on Saturday which a day the market day.”

    Another passerby said several Keke tricycles were set on fire with many of the operators weeping. 

    They also destroyed tables and structures in the market. Even the soldiers stationed at  near the market were said to have disappeared.

    Read Also: Plateau: Gunmen on rampage, kill five, raze houses, injure many

    According to report the gunmen attacked the area around 12 noon on Saturday while enforcing sit-at-home.

    An eyewitness said the gunmen stormed the area in a Sienna bus and started shooting sporadically in the air, causing people to scamper for safety.

    He said the tricyclist was hit by stray bullet. “They shot the Keke rider and another man. I was at my shop when the gunshots where heard everywhere, two people were shot dead.”

    As of the time of filing this report, Imo police spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, was yet to react to the incidents.

  • JUST IN: Innoson withdraws Mmesoma’s scholarship

    JUST IN: Innoson withdraws Mmesoma’s scholarship

    Innoson Group has withdrawn the scholarship awarded to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme who forged her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result.

    The Head of Corporate Communications & Affairs, Cornel Osigwe in a statement on Saturday said the decision followed clarification from JAMB, dialogue with the student and findings from committee set up by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    The group described Mmesoma’s action as deeply disappointing and contravention of its values, particularly its scholarship programme, stressing that the action was a testament to the company’s unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.

    Appreciating the public, JAMB, Anambra State Governor’s committee, and those who shown understanding and support during the challenging situation, Innoson pledged its commitment to fostering educational excellence in Nigeria.

    The statement reads in part: “In recent days, we have been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of one of our scholarship recipients, Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme. 

    Read Also: Innoson declares stance on N3m scholarship to Anambra JAMB candidate

    “It was reported initially that Miss Joy scored exceptionally high on the exam, a feat that led to her being awarded a scholarship by our company.

    “However, subsequent reports of discrepancies in her UTME score led us to seek clarification from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and to allow her to voice her stance, we engaged in direct dialogue with Miss Joy.

    “Further to this, a committee set up by the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, carried out a thorough independent investigation into this matter.

    “The findings from this rigorous investigation have now confirmed that Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme did manipulate her UTME results. 

    “This conclusion is deeply disappointing and stands in direct contravention of the values we hold dear at Innoson Vehicles, particularly those that underscore our scholarship program.

    “In line with these principles and response to the confirmed findings, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme. This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.

    “We acknowledge that this development is regrettable, and it has undoubtedly caused dismay among those who stood by Miss Joy, including her school principal and other well-meaning supporters. 

    “However, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of our scholarship program and the values it represents.

    “Innoson Vehicles remains steadfast in its mission to support deserving students, invest in the future of our education sector, and uphold the highest ethical standards. 

    “We have always been deeply committed to advancing educational excellence and upholding academic integrity through our scholarship program. 

    “We believe in rewarding exceptional students who display not just academic prowess but also embody the values of honesty, transparency, and respect for the processes that govern our educational system.

    “We extend our appreciation to the public, JAMB, the Anambra State Governor’s committee, and all those who have shown understanding and support during this challenging situation. We remain committed to fostering educational excellence in Nigeria

  • De Gea confirms departure from Man Utd

    De Gea confirms departure from Man Utd

    Spanish keeper David de Gea says he is leaving Manchester United this summer, saying “it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge”.

    The 32-year-old was a free agent as his contract at the Old Trafford club had come to an end last month.

    De Gea has been at United for 12 years and played in 545 games.

    “I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters,” he wrote in a social media post.

    De Gea started his career at Atletico Madrid, but joined United for £18.9ml in 2011.

    He added: “I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club.

    Read Also: Remarkable Onana tipped to better De Gea

    “I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.

    “It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together.

    “Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.

    “Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.”

    BBC

  • Innoson withdraws N3 million scholarship awarded to Mmesoma

    Innoson withdraws N3 million scholarship awarded to Mmesoma

    The management of Innoson Automobile Company, has withdrawn the N3 million scholarship awarded to Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme over her involvement in Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) result manipulation.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Cornel Osigwe, Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Group, and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Onitsha.

    According to him, in recent days, we have been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of one of our scholarship recipients, Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme.

    “It was reported initially that Miss Joy scored exceptionally high on the exam, a feat that led to her being awarded a scholarship by our company.

    “However, subsequent reports of discrepancies in her UTME score led us to seek clarification from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and to allow her to voice her stance, we engaged in direct dialogue with Miss Joy.

    “Further to this, a committee set up by Gov. Charles Soludo, carried out a thorough independent investigation into this matter,” he said.

    Read Also: Innoson declares stance on N3m scholarship to Anambra JAMB candidate

    Osigwe noted that the findings from the rigorous investigation have now confirmed that Miss Mmesoma did manipulate her UTME results.

    “This conclusion is deeply disappointing and stands in direct contravention of the values we hold dear at Innoson Vehicles, particularly those that underscore our scholarship program.

    “In line with these principles and response to the confirmed findings, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme.

    “This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition,” he said.

    He acknowledged that the development was regrettable, and it has undoubtedly caused dismay among those who stood by Miss Mmesoma.

    He assured that Innoson Vehicles remained steadfast in its mission to support deserving students, invest in the future of the education sector, and upheld the highest ethical standards.

    (NAN)

  • Nasarawa Assembly crisis: NNPP stakeholder urges Sule intervention

    Nasarawa Assembly crisis: NNPP stakeholder urges Sule intervention

    Kabir Wakili, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) senatorial candidate for Nasarawa West in the last National Assembly election, has urged Gov. Abdullahi Sule to intervene in the lingering crisis in the State House of Assembly.

    He made the call while addressing newsmen on issues on concern in the House on Saturday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on June 8, the leadership crisis rocking the state assembly took another dimension with the emergence of two factions, each with their separate speaker – Ibrahim Balarabe and Daniel Ogazi.

    In addition to this, 13 factional members during plenary passed a resolution suspending 10 members of the other faction.

    Wakili expressed worry over the crisis, saying that it was undemocratic for the House of Assembly to have two factional speakers.

    Wakili said: “Members of the state house of assembly were elected but Nasarawa state is the only state that its legislators cannot sit and legislate.

    Read Also: APC: why 10 members of Nasarawa Assembly can’t receive salaries

    “This is quite unfortunate. We are calling on the government of the state to hasten effort to do something possible to salvage the crisis in the interest of the people of the state.

    “The government should quickly address the issue and give legislators the freehand to do their legislative duties”, he said.

    The party stalwart further decried the payment of June salaries to members of the Balarabe faction while neglecting Ogazi’s faction, saying that reciept of salaries was the fundamental right of all members who were elected into the house.

    “They have been duly elected as members of the house of assembly. It is their entitlement and legitimate right to be paid their salaries.

    “Why would the government pay a faction and leave out the other, that is unconstitutional,” he said.

    He called on stakeholders in the state to put hands on deck to bring about the needed development in the state.

    (NAN)

  • Sit-at-home: Gunmen attack traders, raze vehicles in Imo

    Sit-at-home: Gunmen attack traders, raze vehicles in Imo

    Gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order on Friday night, attacked Amaraku market located at Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state.

    Although, no life was lost in the attack, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the gunmen, suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), set a tricycle and vehicles ablaze.

    Also, the attackers destroyed some goods and properties of petty traders, who are mostly women.

    Eyewitness told NAN that the gunmen also attacked Obolo community in the same Local Government Area.

    Read Also: Plateau: Gunmen on rampage, kill five, raze houses, injure many

    “The gunmen were angry with the traders and transporters for flouting the order.

    “The attackers warned traders to close shop and never to flout the order, warning them not come out on Saturday.

    “They went on to raze part of the market and burnt vehicles.” the source said.

    The source said the gunmen shot indiscriminately into the air which made the traders scamper for safety.

    Efforts to get the reaction of the Imo Police Command proved abortive as the Police spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, neither picked his calls nor replied to text messages sent to him. (NAN)

  • CSOs launch campaign awareness on net zero carbon emission

    CSOs launch campaign awareness on net zero carbon emission

    Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21ST), International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) and Connected Advocacy (CA) have launched an awareness campaign on net-zero carbon emission across Nigeria, calling for more support for Nigeria’s road to low carbon development.

    Speaking at a one-day media training workshop with the theme: “Raising awareness on net zero in Nigeria,” the convener of the workshop, Olumide Idowu of ICCDI, said that the three organizations will be implementing the ‘Raising Awareness on Net Zero in Nigeria namely, the RANZ Nigeria Project.

    Idowu while speaking on behalf of the three organisations said that the main goal of the project is to provide information and tools to communities, media, and CSOs to take action for deep emission reductions in Nigeria.

    Read Also: International financiers tie funding to carbon emissions reduction

    “The word “Net-Zero” is increasingly gaining momentum in the climate space, and it is a term being used to convey the urgency of deep cuts and or greenhouse gas emission reductions leading to zero emissions with the aim of preventing dangerous climate change”.

    He said that the Paris Agreement requires that nations that are parties to the agreement should submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) – an action plan by countries to cut emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change with an update every five years.

    He said that the specific objectives of the project include, raising awareness about emission reductions and climate change mitigation in Nigeria, building the capacity of local communities, media, and CSOs to understand Net Zero and engage with Climate change mitigation.

    On the forthcoming Net -Zero activities in Nigeria, he said there will be community consultations on Net Zero in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and that it would develop Information, Education, and Communication Material (IEC), engage the media, CSOs and policy makers on Net Zero.

    “With the support of development partners, we would be rolling out these activities in collaboration with relevant policymakers and climate institutions in Nigeria within the next six months.

    “We would be working with the Nigerian Climate Change Council and some selected states’ Climate Change Departments across the states and local governments in Nigeria,” he added.

    Earlier, in his presentation, ‘Understanding Net Zero in the Context of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geography University of Lagos, Emmanuel Oladipo, stated that the implementation of NDCs by parties remains the core mitigation commitment to reducing global anthropogenic GHG emissions.

    He said parties are expected to prepare, communicate, and maintain an NDC; provide information necessary for clarity and transparency; communicate a new NDC every five years; and pursue domestic measures with the aim of achieving the objectives of its NDCs.

    Also, Dr. Eugene Itua, CEO Natural Eco Capital in his presentation on ‘Elaboration of Nigeria’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) the role of Media, noted that Nigeria need to steer development in a climate-resilient and low-greenhouse gas emission path for shared socio-economic prosperity.