The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Council seals 332 medicine stores in Jigawa

    The Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) has closed down no fewer than 332 medicine stores in Jigawa State for operating below the legal standard, among other reasons.

    Five pharmacy stores were also shut.

    PCN Director, Inspection and Monitoring Mrs. Anthonia Aruwa told reporters in Dutse, the state capital, “A total 332 patent medicine stores are closed after finding them operating below the specified lawful standard”.

    Speaking further, Mrs. Anthonia Aruwa said, “The council in a working visit to the state undertook enforcement activities across the state and 462 premises were visited comprising 450 patent medicine stores and 12 pharmacies.”

    Read Also: Five ships for Navy southwest exercise

    She said operators of some of the stores sealed were dispensing medicine with the supervision of pharmacists, adding that some patent store handlers could neither read nor write in English language, a situation she said portends great danger to any patient patronising such shops.

    Aruwa maintained that amongst the closed stores were those that were operating far beyond the scope approved for them by selling highly ethical products with no capacity to handle such medicines.

    She advised the general public to always ask for the registration status of facilitis where they access their medicines by requesting for the current licences issued by the pharmacists council of Nigeria in order to avoid falling into the hands of quacks,” she stated.

  • Five ships for Navy southwest exercise

    The Western Command of the Nigerian Navy (NN) on Sunday flagged off its second biannual sea exercise to sustain anti-crime patrols of the maritime environment.

    Six capital ships and 11 boats would take part in the three-day exercise codenamed ‘Ategun Alafiia’, a Yoruba phrase for calm wind, aimed at eliminating all bottlenecks to economic prosperity within the command’s area of responsibility (AOR).

    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Oladele Daji, said the exercise prepares the command for the Chief of Naval Staff’s (CNS) sea inspection coming up towards the end of the year.

    Daji said some of the participating vessels were deployed to sea on Sunday when the exercise was activated.

    He said the sea exercise would help the command assess its capabilities, operational readiness and the level of its officers’ training at shore and sea.

    Flagging off the exercise onboard board Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) UNITY, Daji said, “During this exercise we will be giving very robust support from the sea to Operation Swift Response so that the operation will have an added bite from the sea through the vessels that will be participating.

    Read Also: Enugu gets 82 new Special Marshals

    “Recall that Operation Swift Response has been ordered to continue for another 30 days. We have dedicated patrol vessels towards that exercise but in this Ategun Alafia we will be able to give added bite to ensure that the criminals do not take advantage of any loopholes through the maritime area to sabotage the economy.

    “We want to see them (personnel) to be highly professional. We want to know if they are able to practicalise at sea the trainings they have imbibed at shore and see where there are gaps so we can communicate same to the training establishment to make sure that such gaps are blocked.”

    The Nation reports that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) among others will partake in the exercise.

    Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) Commodore Elkanah Jaiyeola said the intent of the general exercise was to conduct various deterrence and protective measures against current and impending security challenges in the maritime domain, adding that scheme of maneuvers will be conducted in three phases- preparatory, education and termination.

  • Enugu gets 82 new Special Marshals

    The Enugu command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has inaugurated 82 Special Marshals as part of the initiatives to boost the performance of the corps in the state.

    Speaking at the inauguration and kitting of the special marshals, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi urged them to be disciplined and educate motorists on the benefits of obeying traffic rules and regulations.

    Ugwuanyi, represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Chief Uwakwe Azikiwe, also urged them to discharge their voluntary assignment with dignity and human face.

    He said, “I must congratulate you for passing the rigours of the training and bringing yourself out to serve your community and humanity.

    “Involving people in government programmes helps to drive the ideals and mandates of such programmes closer and buyable by the people and I hope you will sell all the positive attributes FRSC stands for to our people”.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Ogbonnaya Kalu, charged them to strengthen FRSC activities at every level they found themselves.

    Read Also: Man robs ex-employer

    Kalu hoped that FRSC activities would become more visible on the roads and primary and secondary schools in the state through the activities of the new special marshals.

    “You must discharge your duties with human face, humility, courteousness and fairness to all. “As special marshals, insurance covers you as you discharge this national duty,” he said.

    Also, the state Coordinator of Special Marshals, Chief Lawrence Ologun, said that the group comprised specialists and intellectuals, who came forward to spend their time, money and commitment to help and serve humanity.

    “Their participation in our patrols and traffic controls for the past two weeks proved that they are all ready and able to discharge their duty perfectly and in accordance with FRSC corporate goals, rules and objectives.

    Mr Crowther Amaechi, who spoke on behalf of the new special marshals, gave assurance that they would carry out their duty with a sense of responsibility and discipline.

    “We are committed to serve humanity and the state by contributing to ensure the safety of all and uplift the work and mandate of FRSC anywhere we are,” Amaechi said.

  • Man robs ex-employer

    Police have arrested one Ebuka Everest for robbing his former employer Mrs Theresa Nnamdi, in the Mowe area of Ogun State.

    Ebuka allegedly forced her to transfer N40,000 into his account in a pre – dawn attack that also left the woman with a deep gash on her arm when he stabbed her.

    The suspect who invaded the victim’s residence on Association Estate, Mowe, last Saturday around 4.30am, inflicted various degrees of injury on  his ex-employer before carting away some of her belongings.

    The state police public relations officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who made this known in a release, stated that the arrest of the suspect followed a distress call that robbers had invaded the home of Mrs Theresa Nnamdi and held her and other occupants hostage.

    Abimbola, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), stated further that the Divisional Police Officer, Mowe division, Marvis Jayeola, a Superintendent of Police mobilized anti-robbery team to the scene, cordoned off the house and subsequently arrested Ebuka Everest.

    He explained that the suspect had stabbed the woman on her right hand before tying her legs with rope and covered her mouth with cloth which he tore from her bedsheet.

    Read Also: Seven held for ‘kidnapping’ in Adamawa

    “The suspect who worked in the fish farm of his victim before he was sacked due to his shady character first went to the fish farm where he stabbed the farm manager severally before coming to attack the woman in her house, and forced her to transfer the sum of N40,000 to his account.

    “He equally ransacked the woman’s room and made away with her laptop, the sum of N5,000 cash, phones and other valuable before he was arrested by the police with the help of members of the public.

    “The suspect claimed to have worked with the victim for four months and was living with the family throughout that period. He claimed his problem started when he was duped of his four months’ salary by an online scammer who promised to help him travel abroad but ended up collecting his four months salary and blocked him online.

    “In order to recoup the loss, he went to the farm, stole some items, but was caught by the manager who reported him to their boss and got sacked immediately.”

    According to the Police Spokesman, the suspect in annoyance over his sack,   first went to attack the farm manager before coming for the madam.

    Abimbola listed knife, broken bottle,  rope used to tie the victim legs, phones, laptop among others as items he stole in the house.

  • Between Boko and Political Haram- Borno Conundrum

    The situation in North-East Nigeria calls for concern from all well-meaning Nigerians. This is given the wanton of destruction that has occasioned the war against Boko Haram terrorism since 2009. In some quarters it has been speculated that there is more to the activities of Boko Haram in North-East Nigeria than meets the eye.
    The reasons might not be far-fetched. Some people are behind their nefarious activities, and there is also another grouping that benefits from the crisis to smile to the bank. These are called the political haram members, and those behind the Borno Conundrum.
    That the Boko Haram crisis continues to fester is suspicious because all that is required to be done by the relevant authorities have been done. The morale of the military has been boosted. The operational capacity of the fighting troops has been upgraded, and yet we are still somewhat battling with remnants of the terrorist group, mainly operating from the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin Region.
    It must be noted that the Boko Haram terrorists are not spirts and invincible. They live within us and gather as much information that they can get. They also have sympathizers almost everywhere that gives them financial, moral, and logistics support. These sympathizers are in government offices and religious organizations. They are holding top government positions of authorities, and they are also in the organized private sector with access to vast amounts of monies at their disposal. Interestingly, as sad as this might sound, the media is also culpable.
    They give nocturnal support to the Boko Haram fighters. And during the day, they hold press conferences to condemn their activities. So much so that they organize conferences speaking against the activities of Boko Haram. This is the unfortunate situation we have found ourselves as a country in the fight against terrorism.
    The case of Borno state provides that clear example of how the political haram members have aided the Boko Haram terrorist in their pursuit of evil against Nigeria. This is indeed a shame on how and why such is happening in the annals of our country. Most times, I wonder how we descended to the unenviable height. I also wonder how some people can sell their conscience so easily for a plate of porridge-like they are going to live forever.
    I stand to be corrected; what they have failed to remember is the fact that our decisions in life somehow come around to haunt us. For them to think that they would get away with the evil been perpetuated is a mistake because the blood of the innocent would serve justice in the appropriate time.
    Some reading this piece might be wondering what it is I am driving at. The answer is simple. There are some underlying factors responsible for the Boko Haram terrorist activities, and those behind it knows that should the war come to an end, it means the butter on their bread would cease, and as such, everything must be done to ensure that all efforts of the Nigerian government fail.
    In my opinion, this is made possible as a result of the quantum of monies at their disposal, which was ill-gotten. I think this is where the relevant authorities in Nigeria failed to address all the while; instead, they concentrated on Boko Haram members and not realizing that the bigger problem is the activities of the political haram members.
    I recall some time ago in the life of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2012 precisely, the former president stated that Boko Haram members had infiltrated his government. And as usual, he was abused and mocked. Little did we know that he was referring to the political haram members in high places.
    The former president stated that he believed Boko Haram had sympathizers in government, national assembly, and even security agencies. Did we believe him? Now fast forward to 2019 and with a government in place that has demonstrated a strong political will by giving tremendous support to the Armed Forces in all areas necessary, and yet we are still confronted with the same debacle.
    This is the stark reality on the ground as it stands, and my heart goes out to all that have in one way or the other fallen victims to these political haram members. In the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan, “some continue to dip their hands and eat with you, and you won’t even know the person who will point a gun at you or plant a bomb behind your house,”
    I can’t but agree with former President Goodluck Jonathan, hence this piece. This is one reality we must come to terms with especially in Borno state. The Borno conundrum aptly fits into the political haram narrative.  It is indeed a sad tale that a state once known as the home of peace is now a shadow of itself. And to think that these individuals have no qualms with what they are doing makes it all ironic. But guess what? In the fullness of time they shall be exposed in their numbers.
    Ochonu wrote this piece from Bauchi.

  • Seven held for ‘kidnapping’ in Adamawa

    The Adamawa State police command has arrested a gang of seven men for threatening to kidnap a man and going ahead to carry out the threat.

    The Spokesman of the Command, DSP Sulaiman Ngurore, gave the details of the incident on Thursday.

    He said, “On the 19th of this month, at about 10.00 hours, one Gloria Godwin, a female resident of Ujanda village in Gombi LGA, reported at the Gombi police station that at 1 midnight, an unknown person called her and threatened to kidnap her son, and dropped a letter written in Hausa language, demanding N5 million or they would go ahead and kidnap her son.”

    Ngurore said that when Mrs Godwin failed to pay, they abducted her son, following which she reported to the police.

    “Immediately she reported this to the police in Gombi, the Gombi DPO mobilised his men who, using intelligence and in collaboration with some volunteer contacts, they moved against the kidnappers.

    Read Also: I don’t know why they keep kidnapping me, Siasia’s mum cries

    “They were able to rescue the son. They also succeeded in arresting seven suspects now reasonably determined to have been the kidnappers.”

    The seven suspects, according to the PPRO, are Abdullahi Musa, Bello Isah, Atiku Abubakar, Yahaya Isa, Mallam Tukur, Kabiru Bawa, and Alhaji Jambi.

    He said one Bello Alhaji, indicated as being a member of the gang, escaped arrest, and is currently being hunted by the police.

    He listed items recovered in the course of investigating the suspects to include one locally made pistol, three counterfeit N1,000 notes, two airtel sim cards, 14 cartridges of single-barrel guns, two bows and arrows, a copy of their treat letter, and two brand new motorcycles.

  • I will protect Igbo investments in Bayelsa- Diri

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the November 16 Governorship election in Bayelsa, Senator Douye Diri, at the weekend promised to protect Igbos investments in the state.

    He gave the assurance during the celebration of the 2019 World Igbo Day at the Yenagoa Boat Club and Oxbow Lake Grand Pavilion.

    The PDP flag bearer, who described Igbos as very enterprising, industrious and a pride to Nigeria, promised to maintain the existing relationship between them and the Restoration Government of Governor Seriake Dickson.

    He further promised to give them higher positions in his government if elected the governor of the state.

    He said: “When we are elected, we will work closely with you. We will ensure that your businesses and investments are more secured and safe.

    “I decided to come here today to identify with you on this big occasion of your annual Igbo Day celebration. I am excited and I also want to express my appreciation to you.

    “You are part of the success story of our state. That is why when we form the next government you will have a bigger role.

    Read Also: Diri: I will preside over government of continuity

    “I know that the present administration earlier appointed one of you as Senior Special Assistant and later Special Adviser.

    “My government will do more. If it can happen in some states it can happen here. You people are a pride to Nigeria and so you deserve a better deal”.

    Diri stated that his administration would consolidate on the achievements of Governor Dickson and bring about prosperity for a better Bayelsa.

    He enjoined Igbos in Bayelsa to always feel at home, stressing that they were stakeholders in the state and vowing to protect their rights and privileges.

    He said as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives and at the Senate, he championed their cause.

    He added: “I am one of those who don’t see you people as non-indigenes but like I will always say that you are our brothers and sisters from other states. You cannot be a Nigerian and be referred to as non-indigenes it is wrong.

    “So today, I wish to remind you that I am your friend and brother. There is no Igbo speaking state that I have not been to.

    “Even in the National Assembly, most of my friends are Igbo people and we interact freely. That is how it should be.

    “Also take advantage of the social side of our relationship and allow our boys and girls to inter marry. That is how it should be,” he said.

  • Gunmen abduct school proprietor in Delta

    A school proprietor, Mr. Patrick Kogbodi, has been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday morning in Ughelli, Delta state.

    According to sources, Kogbodi was abducted about 8am on his way to church.

    The Nation gathered that the kidnappers intercepted his vehicle and whisked him to an unknown location.

    The victim is the founder of a private school, Kogbodi International School along Taiga Street off the Ughelli/Warri Expressway.

    Delta Commissioner of police, Mr. Adeyinka Adeleke, confirmed the report.

    He said: “We are aware,” of the case.

  • It’s premature for presidency to intervene in Sowore’s case- Adesina

    The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, has said that it is too early for the presidency to weigh in on the prosecution of detained publisher of Sahara Reporter, Omoyele Sowore, by the Department of State Services.

    He spoke during a live political programme Politics Today aired on Channel television.

    The presidential spokesman said that Sowore’s prosecution was still unravelling within the realms of the security and judiciary.

    He said: “It is an issue that is unraveling and I think it is still in the realm of security and judiciary. The DSS has a spokesman in Peter Afunanya. If you ask him this question I m sure he will be able to respond.”

    Read Also: Sowore: Public affairs analyst cautions judiciary against trivializing national interest

    Adesina said that he had not been briefed by President Muhammadu Buhari on the stand of the presidency.

    He said: “As we are now I think it is premature for the presidency to weigh into this matter but when the presidency speaks it should be the final position on this.

    “The President had been away. He came into the country yesterday. I have not been briefed. If he says this is our position on this matter then I can speak on it.

    “Because I have not been briefed I won’t be able to say much but I am sure as a media house if you try to speak with the spokesman of the DSS he may oblige.”

    The presidential spokesman added that only the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami was in the best person to respond to some of the questions posed to him by the anchor.

  • Govt reunites victims of Kaduna ‘Islamic Centre’ with families

    Kaduna State Government on Sunday commenced reuniting the over 300 rescued inmates of the embattled Rigasa ‘Islamic Centre’ with their families.

    But the legal team of the centre said its intention in running the centre was pure.

    The state government had of Saturday taken custody of the over 300 rescued inmates of the centre from the Kaduna State Police Command.

    Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Hafsat Baba, said 140 of the over 300 victims have already been re-united with their families.

    She said the victims, including 77 children and 113 adults, were taken to a secured facility for proper profiling before uniting them with their families.

    According to her: “Initially, after they were rescued, they were brought to Ranchers Bees Stadium where they stayed overnight and given food by the state government.

    “On Friday, they were relocated to the Hajj Camp. And that was when we did the head count to find out and separate the children from the adults. We were able to get 190 on ground.

    “77 of them are children, the youngest being the age of six. There are some that are 7, 8, 9 and 10.

    “We also have adults as old as 30 and even up to 50. We have 113 adults as at Friday.

    “On that same Friday, there were about 15 children that were really sick. We had to take them to the hospital. About three of the adults were on admission where they are being taken care of,” she said.

    She however commended officials of the Nigeria Police, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and media practitioners for the various roles they played in the exercise.

    But the Legal Adviser, of the supposed Rehabilitation Centre, Sani Katu said the Kaduna state government and the police have not done well by raiding the centre.

    The lawyer said the development was a big loss to Kaduna state government, Nigeria and neighboring African nations.

    According to him, the centre which started in 2000 and duly registered with the state, has been a molder of society and should be commended instead.

    He said they will cooperate with security personnel on investigation but the legal team will also give the centre every cover to prove its intentions were pure.