The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • CSOs oppose Buhari’s four REC nominees to INEC

    CSOs oppose Buhari’s four REC nominees to INEC

    Nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) yesterday opposed four nominees by President Muhammadu Buhari as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC).

    The civil societies which are working to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process called on Buhari to withdraw their nominations into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    According to them, the nominees failed the constitutional test of non-partisanship and integrity.

    They also urged the Senate to reject the nominees because they “fell short of the threshold of non-partisanship and impeccable character.”

    The CSOs included: Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society, The Albino Foundation, Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Partners for Electoral Reform and Inclusive Friends Association.

    On July 26, 2022, the Senate announced Buhari’s appointment of 19 RECs following the expiration of the tenure of the outgone RECs in nineteen states.

    Of the 19 nominated RECs, 14 were new appointments, while five were reappointed.

    The new nominees included Pauline Onyeka Ugochi (Imo); Muhammad Lawal Bashir (Sokoto); Prof. Ayobami Salami (Oyo); Zango Abdu (Katsina); Queen Elizabeth Agwu (Ebonyi); Agundu Tersoo (Benue), Yomere Oritsemlebi (Delta); Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim, (Kaduna); Dr. Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Uchenna Sylvia (Enugu) and Ahmed Garki (FCT); Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Prof. Uzochukwu Chijioke, (Anambra); and Mohammed Nura (Yobe).

    Read Also:2023: Cooperate with INEC for credible polls, ex-REC urges political parties

    The reappointed nominees included Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa); Obo Effanga (Cross River); Umar Ibrahim (Taraba); Agboke Olaleke (Ogun); and Prof. Samuel Egwu (Kogi).

    Speaking on behalf of the group, a Board Member of Yiaga Africa, Ezenwa Nwagwu disclosed that investigation and analysis by the civil societies showed that some of the nominees put forward by President Buhari failed the constitutional test of non-partisanship and unquestionable integrity.

    According to him, evidence abounds that some of the nominees are partisan, politically aligned, or previously indicted for corruption.

    His words: “To mention a few, Prof. Muhammad Lawal Bashir from Sokoto was a Governorship aspirant under the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections cycle. Mrs. Sylvia Uchenna Agu, the nominee for Enugu State, is believed to be the younger sister of the APC Deputy National Chairman, Southeast.

    Citing Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which prohibited the appointment of any person who is a member of a political party as a member of INEC, Nwagu said: “We contend that the appointment of these individuals as RECs will significantly undermine the neutrality and impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and it will increase mistrust in INEC and Nigeria’s electoral process.

    “By the combined effect of Section 156 (1)(a) and Third Schedule, Part 1, Item F, paragraph 14 (1), these individuals are constitutionally prohibited from any appointment as members of INEC.

    “It will be against the sacred spirit of the Constitution to accept their nomination. Given their antecedent and close affinity with political parties, it is improbable that they will remain neutral and objective if successfully screened as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC).”

  • COVID-19: Over 41.9 million Nigerians vaccinated, says FG

    COVID-19: Over 41.9 million Nigerians vaccinated, says FG

    The Federal Government has said that over 41.9 million Nigerians have been reached with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while over 29.6 million are fully vaccinated.

    It however urged states to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination, as only about 38 per cent of eligible Nigerians have been reached, which is a far cry from the vaccination target of 70 per cent in order to attain herd immunity by the end of the year

    In related events, Nasarawa and Ebonyi have received the Federal Government’s Award as the best performing states in COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunisation respectively.

    Furthermore, Kano and Yobe states bagged the awards of most improved performance in COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunization respectively.

    In terms of COVID-19 vaccination in the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West zones; Nasarawa (100 per cent), Gombe (30 per cent), Jigawa (97 per cent), Abia (14 per cent), Cross River (13 per cent) and Ogun (28 per cent) are the best performing states respectively.

    In terms of routine immunization performance in the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West zones; Benue (63 per cent), Adamawa (63 per cent), Kaduna (59 per cent), Ebonyi (90 per cent), Edo and Lagos are the best performing States.

    Speaking during the award presentation to commemorate this year’s African Vaccination Week, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, added: “We pride in the progress we have made as a country in reaching 41,993,566 eligible persons with COVID-19 vaccines as of today 26th August 2022. About 29,653,312 of these persons are fully vaccinated, while others are either waiting for their due date for the second dose or are on the list of those who are hesitant of taking the second dose. Of course, the struggle continues, and it is a matter of sworn trust that we protect the health of our people.”

    Read Also:Indian vaccine to avert 50, 000 diarrhoea deaths in Nigeria

    In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said: “With the integration of other PHC services with the COVID-19 vaccination, it is clear that our task is not limited to eradicating COVID-19 alone but other vaccine-preventable diseases as well. In line with the integration strategy, parents who go for COVID-19 vaccination are encouraged to go along with their children and have them vaccinated against childhood diseases like yellow fever, polio, pneumonia, measles, Tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Hib, and Meningitis.”

    Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said: “Our traditional and religious leaders, who are our community gatekeepers, were not left out in the struggle. They invested their energy and time in mobilizing the communities for the uptake of vaccines.

    “Our health workers, some of whom we have lost along the way (May the souls of the departed rest in peace), were relentless and moved around the communities, from house to house to ensure that every eligible child receives vaccines and is protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.”

  • Moves to removes Adamawa APC chair stall

    Moves to removes Adamawa APC chair stall

    A process set in motion by some party executives to remove chairman of Adamawa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ibrahim Bilal, has suffered a setback.

    Twelve out of the 36 members of the state executive committee (Exco) had signed a petition calling for the sack of the chairman. But by the weekend, only one of the 12 was said to have remained resolute about the plot.

    The plot to remove Bilal, the process of which was started last week by the aggrieved Exco members who reportedly suspect Bilal’s loyalty, is seen as the fallout of the party’s gubernatorial primary in the State.

    At least one or two of the aspirants who lost out are still hoping that there would be a re-run.

    Pioneer chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu who came next to the winner, Aishatu Ahmed Binani, has gone to court to challenge Binani’s victory and asked for an order for a rerun primary.

    Read Also:Mass defection to APC hits PDP in Cross River Central

    The aggrieved state executives were said to be motivated by the idea to have Bilal out of the way in event of a rerun but it was reliably gathered at the weekend that Bilal has largely waded off his removal plan by getting almost all the ring leaders behind the plot to shelve their plans.

    The ‘one man standing’ among the anti-Bilal plot is believed to be the Organising Secretary, Mustapha Ribadu, a nephew of Nuhu Ribadu.

    Mustapha Ribadu, in response to the development, denied knowledge of it.

    When the move to remove Bilal started last week, those behind it alleged gross misconducts against him.

  • Indian vaccine to avert 50, 000 diarrhoea deaths in Nigeria

    Indian vaccine to avert 50, 000 diarrhoea deaths in Nigeria

    Vaccine maker Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) has introduced in Nigeria its oral rotavirus vaccine, Rotavac, for the immunization of children against life-threatening diarrheic disease.

    The firm said this would save 50,000 children from dying from Rotavirus infection that causes fatalities of children under the age of five every year in the country.

    According to reports, Nigeria accounts for 14 per cent of all childhood rotavirus deaths globally, making it the country with the second-highest number of rotavirus deaths globally.

    It was also claimed that rotavirus infection causes about 50,000 child fatalities under the age of five each year in Nigeria.

    Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Krishna Ella noted that novel vaccines from India are saving lives globally, adding that Rotavac was safe and effective.

    Ella said Rotavac is now available in several countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

    “Rotavirus is one of the leading causes of diarrheal disease and is responsible for over 40 per cent of diarrhoea in children.

    “It accounts for 215,000 of the 525,000 under-five mortality worldwide each year that are attributed to diarrheal diseases, making it the most common cause of severe diarrhoea,” Bharat Biotech said in a statement on Friday.

    The statement noted that data on Rotovac had been published in over 20 international publications, including the phase III results that were published in Lancet in 2014.

    It noted that the project was funded by the Indian government, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Research Council of Norway, UK DFID, and Bharat Biotech.

    “The vaccine, developed by Bharat Biotech under the public-private partnership mode along with the department of biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and 16 other international partners, received World Health Organisation (WHO) pre-qualification in January 2018.

    Read Also:‘How COVID-19 breakthroughs opened possibilities for HIV vaccines’

    “It was developed over three decades and is touted as one of the largest social innovation projects for public health.

    “Top Indian research institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research, Indian Institute of Science (IISC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Translational Health Sciences and Technology Institute (THSTI), Society for Applied Studies (SAS), Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, King Edwards Memorial Hospital (KEM) Pune, Stanford University School of Medicine, US National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Johns Hopkins University and PATH were part of the development process,” the statement added.

  • Ebonyi PDP: Ọnụ approaches Supreme Court, appeals sack

    Ebonyi PDP: Ọnụ approaches Supreme Court, appeals sack

    A former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson, Mr. Silas Ọnụ, has approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal decision sacking him as the party’s Ebonyi State Chairman.
    The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division on August 15, 2022, sacked Onu as Chairman and restored Mr. Tochukwu Okorie as substantive Chairman of the party in the state.

    But in his notice of appeal, Ọnụ prayed the apex court to grant an order allowing his appeal.
    The appellant raised two grounds, the first being an order setting aside the decision of the Court of Appeal.

    The second is a prayer for an order restoring the decision of the trial Court delivered on 13 April 2022 which declared him as the authentic Chairman of the party in the state.
    The applicant and Okorie contested an election for the Chairmanship position on October 16 2021.

    Okorie polled 1,240 votes to defeat Silas Onu, who scored 260 votes in the election.
    Dissatisfied, Onu filed a suit challenging the process and listed the PDP and Okorie as first and second defendants, respectively.
    The Federal High Court in Abuja agreed with him and sacked Okorie as chairman.

    Read Also:Mass defection to APC hits PDP in Cross River Central

    Delivering ruling in the suit on April 13, 2021, Justice Ahmed Mohammed directed the party to issue a certificate of return to Onu, declaring him as the duly elected chairman of PDP, Ebonyi chapter.
    But Tochukwu Okorie appealed the decision.

    The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division on August 15 sacked Onu as Chairman and restored Okorie as substantive Chairman of the party in the state.
    The PDP has become factionalised in the lead-up to the primaries of the party with Mr Onu leading one faction while Okorie leads the other faction.
    As a result, two governorship candidates emerged from the primaries of the party.

    While Mr Ifeanyi Odii emerged as the candidate from the primaries conducted by the Ọnụ faction, Obinna Ọgba, who represents Ebonyi Central in the Senate, emerged as the candidate from the primaries conducted by the Okorie faction.
    Both candidates are presently in court fighting to be declared the authentic candidate of the party for the 2023 governorship election.

  • EPL: Fernandes volley earns Man Utd 1-0 win at Southampton

    EPL: Fernandes volley earns Man Utd 1-0 win at Southampton

    Manchester United ended a dismal sequence of seven straight Premier League away defeats as they secured a narrow win at Southampton.

    United manager Erik ten Hag wanted his side to build on the thrilling victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night and they were able to do so in the face of a spirited Southampton challenge.

    Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the break with a precise side-footed volley to give United the three points they just about deserved.

    The Saints, who will take heart from their performance, survived an almighty goalmouth scramble in the first half when keeper Gavin Bazunu saved from Anthony Elanga and Armel Bella-Kotchap blocked Christian Eriksen’s follow-up.

    United broke through when Fernandes met Diogo Dalot’s cross and as they closed out their second successive win and first league triumph on the road since February, Ten Hag was able to introduce Casemiro, the new £60m acquisition from Real Madrid, as a late substitute.

    United could not afford to slip up at Southampton after the manner in which they overcame Liverpool or they would face charges that they had simply raised their game against their greatest rivals.

    And while it was hardly a vintage performance, this was still a vital win – and Ten Hag will take great satisfaction from a clean sheet and three points.

    Read Also:$1.7 billion spent as EPL clubs continue summer spree

    Fernandes’ moment of quality settled a tight and competitive game in which United had to survive late pressure from the hosts with new defender Lisandro Martinez prominent and keeper David de Gea making a fine save from Joe Aribo’s header.

    The visiting fans demonstrated their delight at the final whistle – while once more noisily chanting their desire for the removal of owners the Glazers – and were also able to get a glimpse of new marquee signing Casemiro when he appeared as a late substitute to shore things up.

    Not a classic, but United and Ten Hag will happily take this as they embark on the slow rebuild from the crisis that threatened to envelop the club after defeat at home to Brighton and that 4-0 debacle at Brentford.

    BBC

  • Bakassi Peninsula: Nigeria, Cameroon to return to ICJ for judgment clarification

    Bakassi Peninsula: Nigeria, Cameroon to return to ICJ for judgment clarification

    Nigeria and Cameroon have agreed to return to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) for clarification of some grey areas in its judgment on the dispute between both countries over the ownership of the Bakassi Peninsula.

    The ICJ, in a judgment on October 10, 2002 upheld Cameroon’s claim to the area.

    At the 24th session of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) held between 25th and 26th August, 2022 in Abuja, it was observed that both countries do not have equal understanding of the ICJ judgement on the course of the boundary on localities of Rhoumski, Pillar 8 and Koja.

    Parties then agreed to table discussions on the matter to the ICJ for clarification of its decision.

    This formed part of the resolutions at the session, as captured in a communique issued by Nigeria.

    Nigeria and Cameroon expressed commitment to work closely to identify and encourage the implementation of trans-border infrastructural projects to enhance the economic cooperation and integration of both countries and the West African sub-region.

    The Mixed Commission recommended that the two parties finalise the agreement on the joint exploitation of the hydrocarbon along the maritime border.

    Both countries commended the sub-commission on Demarcation and the Joint Technical Team for reaching an agreement on the course of the boundary in Mabas village and the project steering committee and the technical monitoring team for successful construction of additional 327 pillars in Alantika mountains, which has been endorsed by Mixed Commission.

    The Nigerian team to the session was led by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his spokesman, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu said in a statement on Saturday.

    Read Also:ICJ orders Moscow to suspend invasion of Ukraine

    Gwandu quoted Malami as expressing Nigeria’s determination to ensure that the limited areas of border disagreement between both countries are resolved amicably.

    “Nigeria is committed to the quick and successful execution of the mandates of the Mixed Commission, ” Malami said, noting that the areas of disagreement had been reduced to just three.

    Malami urged experts working on the issue to “embrace pragmatism in order to reach consensus in all the three areas of disagreement,” hoping that “amicable solutions would be found as soon as possible to enable the work be completed.”

  • Ada Ameh buried 40 days after death

    Ada Ameh buried 40 days after death

    Late Nollywood star actress Ada Ameh was laid to rest on Friday, August 26, 2022, exactly 40 days after her demise.

    The process leading to Ameh’s interment in Ogobia, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, was characterized by wailing, pain, and sorrow in her hometown.

    Ameh, who collapsed and died on July 17 in Warri, Delta State, was popular for her role as Emu Johnson in the popular TV sitcom, The Johnsons.

    On Friday, August 19, colleagues, friends, family members, associates, and well-wishers thronged the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere to pay their last respect to the late actress.

    With most of her colleagues appearing teary-eyed, it was indeed a celebration of the life, times, and legacy of Ameh who made an indelible mark in the motion picture industry.

    The event, organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was anchored by Emmanuel Onyika.

    Eulogising Ameh’s qualities, AGN President Ejezie Emeka Rollas represented by AGN secretary, Abubarkar Sanusi said: “Here was a life that exemplified brilliance, a life that inspired emulation, a life that burned so that others’ path was lit.

    Read Also:‘The Johnsons’ honours late Ada Ameh

    “Ada had a beautiful smile, a great sense of humour, and a gentle demeanor. Many of us found her to be a splendid person of great intellect and big heart.

    “She was living proof of how fine a person can be; a caring heart to her friends and colleagues, devoted to her career and loving to her family.

    “We honour her not only by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss but also by remembering an amazing person Ada was and how she played a unique and special role in our lives.”

  • Three women ‘kill mother of twins, sell babies for N3m’

    Three women ‘kill mother of twins, sell babies for N3m’

    The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned three women for alleged conspiracy, trafficking of newborn twins and subsequent killing of their mother.

    This was contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman Daniel Ndukwe.

    The statement noted that the suspects; Ukorie Cynthia (25), Onyia Pauline (56) and Aroh Ijeoma (39) were remanded in the Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre on Friday.

    The statement added that the trio was arrested by operatives of the command attached to the Central Police Station, Enugu on July 26, 2022 following complaints that the suspects had conspired and sold newborn twins of one 31-year-old Chinenye Odoh.

    The statement noted alleged that the suspects did not stop with the selling of the twins, but also murdered their mother by poisoning her food after she realised that the suspects shortchanged her by giving her an amount lesser than the amount they sold her babies.

    According to the police Ukorie Cynthia accommodated the deceased in her house till she put to bed on 05/07/2022, while Aroh Ijeoma facilitated the sale of the babies by contacting Onyia Pauline, a nurse, who brought a couple that bought the babies upon their birth at the sum of three million naira (N3,000,000.00).

    “Contrary to this sum, Ijeoma informed the deceased and mother of the babies, Chinenye, that the children were sold for two million, three hundred and fifty thousand naira (N2,350,000.00) and thereafter, gave her the sum of one million, eight hundred thousand naira (N1,800,000.00); gave Cynthia and Pauline fifty thousand naira (N50,000.00) each; and kept the remaining proceed to herself.

    Read Also:Fireboy DML: I’m obsessed with leaving a legacy

    “However, when the deceased and mother of the babies eventually found out the exact amount they sold the babies, she demanded for the balance, but was thereafter said to have eaten a suspected poisoned corn given to her by Cynthia, leading to her death”, the statement said.

    According to the statement, the case has been adjourned tilll October 5, 2022 for trial.

  • Modella, Diana, and Sheggz’s ideas shine at 5th wager task

    Modella, Diana, and Sheggz’s ideas shine at 5th wager task

    BBNaija Level Up housemates Modella, Diana, and Sheggz’ ideas shone like bright lights at the fifth wager task.

    With the remaining 21 housemates in the Level Up house now together, Biggie revealed the theme of the fifth wager task as ‘care and kindness.’

    Despite an interesting week, the housemates set their differences aside to create an entertaining task presentation, which entailed creating and launching four skincare products.

    The journey to putting up a fabulous show was not an easy one. The housemates locked horns several times throughout the week. On day 31, Phyna and Sheggz had an argument that stemmed from him not agreeing with her idea for the task.

    Read Also:Adekunle willing to be with Modella

    Diana also had a breakdown where she revealed she felt sad Modella’s brand name was selected for the task even though most housemates know how passionate she feels about the theme.

    On the launch of their products, during their task presentation, the Level Up housemates worked as a team. Diana and Modella’s ideas were merged to showcase girl power, and their product line was named ‘Modi.’

    The male housemates were not left out as Sheggz also got to showcase his unique body butter.

    Other significant Presentation highlights include Giddyfia’s hosting skills, Daniella’s stage presence, and Bryann and Groovy’s catchy brand song.