The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • INEC extends voter registration deadline

    INEC extends voter registration deadline

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the June 30 deadline for the ongoing continuous voter registration (CVR) will be extended.

    The Commission did not however state how long the extension will last

    INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made the disclosure on Saturday during the Youth Vote Count concert at the old parade ground, Abuja.

    The awareness campaign was organised by INEC in partnership with European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) and YIAGA Africa.

    The event was designed to mobilise youths across the state for the on-going nationwide CVR exercise.

    Yakubu said contrary to reports, distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the ongoing CVR exercise will begin in October, 2022.

    According to him: “The youth want to know when the registration will end. I want to assure you on behalf of the commission that the registration won’t end on June 30 for as along as we have you people trying to register, we will continue to register you. In the last five days, we have registered over 14000 Nigerians in this place alone. We have about 50 voter registration machines”.

    “Also, by next Monday, we will deploy more machines to register Nigerians. We won’t stop registration until we are satisfy that those who wish to register are given the opportunity to do so.

    “When will your PVCs be ready for collection? PVCs will be ready for collection latest by October this year long before the election. I want to thank you for making the PVC the most popular Identification Card.

    He urged the youths to ensure that they used the PVC for the purpose it is meant for, “not just for opening of bank accounts”..

    Read Also: Voter registration will be extended, says INEC chairman

    Yakubu assured the registrants that their votes count in all elections

    He said:

    “Ekiti governorship poll is good, Osun will be better and 2023 general elections will be the best. Your votes will count. For those who are yet to register, kindly do so to vote”

    Head of the EU delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Samuela Isopi urged youths not to sell their votes, adding that they have the numbers to drive positive change.

    “This is the start of a great change. We can feel the energy. Nigerians are mobilizing and there is this feeling that this time they are ready to be driver of change. You have the Power to drive positive change. Get your PVC and use it. Your votes will count and don’t give up your power. don’t sell your votes because if you sell your votes, you sell your future.

    “Go out and challenge your leaders and stand for your values. This is the way to build democracy, to have a better governance and a better Nigeria. The EU will stand by you and by all Nigerians to make Nigeria democracy stronger,” she said.

  • Group seeks support for anti-drug abuse efforts

    Group seeks support for anti-drug abuse efforts

    The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has urged Nigerians to support efforts meant to curb drug and substance abuse among youths.

    The National Coordinator of POCACOV, CSP Ebere Amaraizu, made the call on Saturday in Enugu while speaking with newsmen on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is celebrated on June 26 annually, to raise awareness and strengthen efforts to check drug and substance abuse.

    Amaraizu said that drug and substance abuse remained an ill-wind that blows no good, adding that all `stakeholders are enjoined to raise the awareness’.

    “We should join hands to ensure that drug and substance abuse ravaging fabrics of the society is addressed.

    “All hands, both stakeholders and policing actors, must have to be on deck to ensure that there is constant awareness and campaign targeted at addressing drug and substance abuse.

    “We have to stop youths who are using drugs and substance as a life coping measures and to overcome life challenges,” he said.

    He said that POCACOV, community policing initiative and public relations tool of the Nigeria Police had been working with stakeholders to galvanise support and partnership to rid the society of drug and substance abuse.

    Read Also:Use cyberspace positively, cleric tells Nigerians

    “POCACOV is using community-based approaches towards reaching millions of Nigeria with the message of ‘Say No to Drug and Substance Abuse’.

    “The effect of drug and substance abuse cannot be over-emphasised. It can cause one to lose concentration, reduction in memory function and lack of control over one’s action, truancy and lunacy.

    “It makes one to lose his or her sense of judgment and have led and induced young minds into involvement in cultism, violent behavior, among other vices”, he said.

    He said there was the need to continually educate young people and stakeholders on the inherent dangers of drug and substance abuse.

    Amaraizu advocated stronger synergy among all anti-drug abuse stakeholders in the ongoing campaign against the menace.

     

    (NAN)

  • Akeredolu greets Sanwo-Olu at 57

    Akeredolu greets Sanwo-Olu at 57

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has congratulated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

    Akeredolu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr  Richard Olatunde on Saturday in Akure, described Sanwo-Olu as a rare gem whose reign in the centre of excellence brought progress and development.

    The governor hailed Sanwo-Olu’s commitment and dedication to the service of the people.

    “His passion for a greater Lagos is alluring. He has dedicated himself to the progress and development of Lagos state a d its resudents. He has shown excellent leadership.

    “Undoubtedly, Jide’s humility and brilliance have combined to make him a quintessential leader of the people. He is a valuable asset to the good people of Lagos state.

    Read Also: Buhari felicitates with Sanwo-Olu at 57

    “Your positive impact on your people has endeared you to their hearts as a servant leader with incurable passion for growth and prosperity.

    “No wonder you are loved by all. You have continued to justify the mandate and love of the people. You are a dependable brother. A committed progressive,” the governor added.

    Akeredolu prayed God to grant the Lagos state governor unending peace and good health, while wishing him a prosperous birthday.

     

    (NAN)

  • Arewa group vows to end inter-ethnic conflicts in Southern Nigeria

    Arewa group vows to end inter-ethnic conflicts in Southern Nigeria

    An NGO, Arewa Initiative for Peaceful
    Coexistence in Southern Nigerian, has pledged to end any conflict
    between northerners and some communities in the South.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisation is made
    up representatives of northern communities from South-South, South-
    East and South –West.

    Speaking at its Annual General Meeting, in Abuja, Its Chairman , Alhaji Musa Saeedu, said a new mediation strategy to avert future conflict had been introduced.

    Saeedu said that the strategy included a coordinated routine contact with
    the state governments, as well as setting up a mediation committee at
    local, state and zonal levels, to discuss with the various ethnic groups.

    According to him, the action is necessary to erase the state of fear and uncertainty of peace among Nigerians, especially in the South-East.”

    He said that the perennial ethnic conflict in South- East would had been averted if it was properly handled by the governors, traditional and religious leaders from the affected states.

    “We must find lasting solutions to this recurring problem by ourselves to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians wherever they reside.

    ”There is no reason for some unidentified people to indulge in killing
    innocent people in their own country, while leaders and institutions watch,” he said.

    Saeedu further said that the association was formed to foster unity among northerners residing in the South, as well as foster peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria.

    “We are also liaising with other groups interested in peace and harmony in Nigeria. We are a registered organization with 5.3 million members across the southern states,’’ he said.

    Saeedu also said that the association had elected new officials to run its affairs for the next five years.

    Alhaji Musa Saeedu was elected Chairman , Dallami Isa ,Vice Chairman,
    Gidado Saddik, Secretary. Muktar Usman, Assistant Secretary and Alhaji
    Shuaibu Mohammed Treasurer I.

    Others are Alhaji Isah Adamu ,Treasurer II, while Ahmed Salisu was
    elected Public Relations Officer.

     

    (NAN)

  • Use cyberspace positively, cleric tells Nigerians

    Use cyberspace positively, cleric tells Nigerians

    Most Rev. David Ajang, Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese has called on Nigerians, especially the youths, to use the cyberspace for positive activities.

    Ajang made the call on Saturday in Lafia in an interview with newsmen shortly after a Mass to mark his one year ordination as the Bishop of Lafia Diocese.

    Ajang said given the challenges and influence of cyberspace, there was the need for it to be dominated with positive contents.

    He said, what is happening in the social media space is like events in normal day-to- day activities where a lot of competitions go on.

    “In normal day’s life, there is competition between the forces of darkness and forces of light which equally occur in the cyberspace.

    “There is a strong need for good people to dominate the space with positive contents in order to defeat the evil forces.

    “People are influenced by what they see or read. People with positive ideas should dominate the space with those ideas that would help build relationships and unite the society”, he said.

    He believes that negative influence from the cyberspace were contributory factors to the upsurge in violent crimes and other anti-social misconducts.

    Read Also: Bishops sue for peace ahead of Osun Gov election

    Ajang urged Nigerians to be patriotic, adding that leaders and followers all have their problems which should be well managed.

    “The problem with some of our leaders is selfishness, because some of them set confusion in the system because they benefit from it.

    “On the side of the masses, there problem is sentiment in choice of who leads them Rather than electing people with competence they vote based on sentiment,” the cleric said.

    He used the opportunity to express gratitude to all the priests in the diocese and lay faithful for their support to him since he was ordained their Bishop.

    He promised to do his best to reposition and strengthen the faith of his flock and ensure that Catholic schools in the diocese maintained high education and moral standard.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajang was ordained as the second Bishop of Lafia Catholic Diocese on June 25, 2021 following his appointment by Pope Francis.

     

    (NAN)

  • Voter registration will be extended, says INEC chairman

    Voter registration will be extended, says INEC chairman

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that the ongoing continuous voter registration (CVR) would not end on June 30, 2022 as earlier announced.

    INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this on Saturday during the Youth Vote Count Mega Concert 2.0 organised by the commission in partnership with Yiaga Africa and funded by the European Union at the old parade ground, Abuja.

    Yakubu, who was silent on the duration of the extension, said the commission would decide on the timeframe and communicate the outcome to Nigerians.

    He said: “The second thing is you want to know when will this registration end? Is it going to end on the 30th of June in the next five days? On behalf of INEC, let me assure you, e no go end for 30th June for as long as we have you people trying to register to obtain your Permanent Voter Card (PVC), we will continue to register you and we will continue to make sure that you get your PVC.”

    The INEC chairman said 14, 000 Nigeians were registered in five days at the venue of the concert.

    Mahmood assured that the commission would deploy more machines to register Nigerians.

    He said: “In the place (Old Parade Ground, Abuja), in the last five days – from Monday to Friday; we have registered over 14, 000 Nigeians in this place alone. In this place, we have 50 voter registration machines.

    “Two weeks ago, we deployed more machines to the states; more machines left yesterday (Friday) and more are leaving today (Saturday). By Monday there will be more machines to register Nigerians.

    “We will not stop the registration until we are satisfied that those who wish to register are given the opportunity to do so.”

    Mahmood also said the Permanent Voter Card would be ready for collection from October ahead of next year’s general election.

    He urged Nigerians to ensure that they use the PVC to vote during elections.

    Mahmood said: “When will your PVC be ready for collection? I want to assure you that the PVCs will be ready for collection latest October this year long before the election. All of you will have your PVCs.

    “I want to thank you for making the PVC the most popular Identification Card in Nigeria today. Nothing beats the PVC but when you collect your PVC, don’t use it for other things.

    “The PVCs are for elections not opening of bank accounts. Please use your PVC for elections.”

    While responding to chants of No rigging from the crowd, the INEC chairman said: “For those of you who registered on the INEC Result Viewing Portal, you were seeing the results from the polling units on election day in Ekiti state.

    Read Also:I have no third term agenda – Buhari

    “The Ekiti governorship election was good. Osun is going to be better and 2023 general elections will be the best.

    “Your votes will count. But for those who have not yet registered, kindly do so to vote. We promise you your votes will count.”

    Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms Samuela Isopi, urged Nigerians not to sell their vote.

    Isopi said the EU would stand by Nigerians to make Nigeria’s democracy stronger.

    She said: “This is the start of a great change.

    We can feel the energy. Nigerians are mobilising and the feeling is that this time they are ready to be the driver of change. You have the power to drive positive change. Get your PVC and use it.

    “Your votes will count and make a difference. Don’t give up your power. Don’t sell your votes because if you sell your votes you sell your future.

    “Go out and challenge your leaders and stand for your values. This is the way to build democracy, to have better governance and a better Nigeria.

    “The EU will stand by you and all Nigerians to make Nigeria’s democracy stronger.”

    The show, which kicked off on Monday, June 20 ended on Saturday, with the Mega Music Concert featuring several celebrities.

    Some of the celebrities that turned up for the concert included Innocent Idibia (2Baba); Zlatan; Omawunmi; MI; Falz; Real Warri Pikin; Teni; Broda Shaggi among others.

  • I have no third term agenda – Buhari

    I have no third term agenda – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he has no intention to subvert the Constitution to remain in office beyond May 29, 2023.

    The President, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari at a special prayer session to mark the 60th birthday of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila at Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Wuse 2, Abuja expressed commitment to ensuring a free, fair and transparent general election in 2023.

    He insisted that has always been committed to credible elections.

    While describing the Speaker as a patriotic Nigerian who has used his position to serve the country well, the President said Gbajabiamiala has positively changed the public perception of the relationship between the legislature and the executive, while urging the Speaker to remain patriotic to Nigeria like he has always shown.

    “The message from Mr. President is to congratulate you on your 60th birthday. He also wants to urge you to continue to serve the country well. He said the House of Representatives under Gbajabiamila has ensured a good working relationship with the Executive arm against the notion in some quarters that the National Assembly should “be antagonistic to the Executive,” Gambari said.

    He quoted the President as reiterating his belief in the aspiration for a peaceful and a united Nigeria.

    Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu also described the Speaker as a patriotic Nigerian, who uses his position to enhance good governance.

    Tinubu said God has made it possible for Gbajabiamila to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians through the Legislature and prayed God to continue to bless and grant the Speaker long life and wisdom to serve Nigeria better.

    He said: “May God continue to give you good health. May He also answer your prayers. Only God will put us on the right path and continue to guide us through life to overcome the problem of leadership. May God give you good health to work for Nigeria.

    “It is a complex country that you have to navigate through. May Allah in His infinite mercy give us the stability, the peace to govern; the love that we share for one another, the patriotism that will make us proud of our country,” he said.

    In his message on leadership, good governance and tolerance, the Chief Imam of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Mosque, Dr. Musa Olaofe, said Nigeria is difficult to govern due to its nature.

    He said however that with good leadership, there will be good governance, urging Nigerians to be tolerant with one another for meaningful progress.

    Read Also: Bishops sue for peace ahead of Osun Gov election

    While expressing gratitude to the President and others present for their kind words, Speaker Gbajabimila said that he owed his political journey to God through Tinubu, whom he said the Almighty Allah used to uplift him and many others politically and otherwise.

    Gbajabiamila also thanked his mother, Hajiya Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, who raised him in a good manner as well as his wife, Salamatu, who organised the prayer session.

    He said: “Let me first of all start by appreciating the President though the COS. Let me also appreciate my benefactor. Many believe that wherever you find yourself, all power belongs to Allah.

    “But Allah doesn’t come down to give you power. He guides and directs you. In doing so, He directed me to Asiwaju. He did it to me, and not just me, he did it to others too. May the Almighty Allah continue to give you that very uncommon capacity.”

    He expressed appreciation to his colleagues in the House who have been supporting and cooperating with him to discharge his responsibilities as first among equals.

     

  • Abducted former Ekiti Chief Pharmacist freed after N4.5m ransom

    Abducted former Ekiti Chief Pharmacist freed after N4.5m ransom

    Kidnappers of former Chief Pharmacist with Ekiti Ministry of Health, Chief Israel Bamisaye have freed him after collecting N4.5m ransom.

    It was gathered the kidnappers who demanded N10m ransom agreed to collect N4.5m after days of negotiation.

    A family source confirmed to journalists on Saturday the victim paid N4.5m ransom to regain freedom.

    Bamisaye was kidnapped last Thursday by seven gun-wielding men in his farm located between Ero Dam and the Ekiti State farm settlement at Orin Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State

    The source said: “The Pharmacist paid N4.5m ransom. The initial amount was a sum N10m but it was negotiated to that level”.

    Read Also: How we escaped death in Kaduna tea shop explosion, by survivors

    However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, DSP Sunday Abutu, who confirmed his release , said the man was let off the hook around 10pm om Friday.

    Abutu said the abductee was released at Obbo Ayegunle, a border town in Kwara State.

    “He was freed at Obbo Ayegunle in Kwara State. Our men and the local hunters as well as Amotekun operatives were inside the bush searching for him for over 27 hours before he was located.

    “Our people would have to be security conscious. That is the first thing to do to get rid of criminals.

    “They should also give the police and other security agencies good information that we can work with, we can’t do it alone,” Abutu stated.

  • Kaduna youths demand Deputy Gov slot

    Youths in Kaduna State, under the aegis of Save Southern Kaduna Group, have appealed to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Isah Ashiru Kudan to choose his running mate from among the youths.

    The group argued that there are “credible and competent” individuals among the youths, who can contribute immensely to the development of the State.

    In a communique by its Director General, Mr. Istifanus Audu the group noted that choosing one of the young ones as a running mate to the PDP candidate will enhance the chances of the party in the 2023 election.

    According to the communique which was issued at the end of an emergency meeting the group”condemn in strongest terms, obvious schemes by the forces behind the independent will of Rt. Hon. Isah Ashiru Kudan to impose a good man whose age is highly not suitable in the preparation for our agenda for the governorship election.

    “It is crystal clear that we have credible and competent individuals within the youth demography to be running mate for the PDP Candidate. Youths who have proven themselves nationally in democratic governance, knowledge and social consciousness. Qualities that have enhanced their ability to hold any suitable political position.

    “However, the ability to utilize these assets effectively to drive PDP chances in the 2023 gubernatorial and Presidential victories is being overlooked.

    “We therefore call on all Southern Kaduna voters and true lovers of democracy, as a sacred obligation, to appeal to Rt.Hon. Isah Ashiru Kudan, our PDP Candidate, while we firmly reiterate our stance on the Principle of Zoning and power balance regarding the issue of an old or young running mate.

    “We state this based on the fact that majority of our voters prefer that someone below the age of 60 years be considered for that supportive office as premised.

    “As representatives of our people from Kaduna South , Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Kachia, Jaba, Zango, Jama’a, Sanga, Kaura, Kauru and Lere with over 1.5 million votes, unequivocally and fundamentally request that our political demography be re-considered for the office of the running mate in preparation for the office of the governor after eight years of your supposed administration of two terms”.

    Read Also: Bishops sue for peace ahead of Osun Gov election

    The group added: “Truth be told, the choice of Dr John Ayuba is indeed a signal that Southern Kaduna voters are considered valuable by the PDP and Rt. Hon. Ashiru Kudan for the victory in 2023. However, all this hope could be jettisoned due to the lack of fairness, equity and justice to the youth.

    “We therefore refuse to allow unhealthy interference divide our unity in Southern Kaduna. Dr. John Ayuba is considered one of our finest elders and also a mentor for many young politicians. It is on this note that we appeal to Rt. Hon. Ashiru Kudan to, by use of diplomatic persuasion and honest disposition, kindly appeal to Dr John Ayuba to voluntarily withdraw or resign his nomination to give room to accommodate someone from our demography.

    “We want Rt. Hon. Isah Ashiru Kudan to know that our resolution to work and support his aspiration will increase without stress or reconsidering another candidate from another alternative political party who might be willing to offer such an opportunity to our demography.

    “In conclusion, we want to reaffirm our total commitment to the PDP as she remains the traditional party of our parents, a better place of negotiation, and a place we can enhance our democratic development”.

  • Man arrested for raping 75- year- old woman in Anambra

    Anambra Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man for raping a 75-year-old woman in Anambra State.

    The incident occured on Friday evening in Nkwelle -Awkuzu in Oyi local government area.

    It was gathered the young man, who was nearly killed by the angry mob, traced the septugenerian to her farm where the dastardly act was carried out.

    Confirming the incident, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, gave the suspect’s name as Sunday Nwadiagba from Eyiba, Ebonyi State.

    Read Also: Bishops sue for peace ahead of Osun Gov election

    He said the suspect allegedly raped a 75-year- old woman living in Nkwelle Awkuzu.

    According to Tochukwu: “Preliminary information reveals that the suspect was caught in the act at the farm on the victim, before the old woman screaming, got the attention of the passer-by and neighbors.

    ” Before his arrest, angry mob had already beaten him to stupor. Meanwhile the victim and the suspect have been taken to hospital for medical attention.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, has reiterated the Campaign against mob action by some members of the public who resort to jungle justice whenever they arrest suspects in respect of any crime.

    “They should endeavour to take such suspect to the nearest Police Station whenever they are apprehended.

    “This would afford the Police the opportunity to conduct appropriate investigation into the nefarious activities of the suspect(s) and bring them to justice in accordance with extant laws.”