The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Insurgency: Super camps borne out of operational needs, says CDS

    The military high command on Monday defended the convert of super camps in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Abayomi Olonisakin said the concept was borne out of operational necessity.

    The CDS spoke before going into a closed-door session with the leadership of the House of Representatives.

    The House, last Thursday, stepped down a motion by Ifeanyi Momah, titled: “Review of the military strategy of ‘Super Camps’ in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East Zone.”

    The mover of the motion had argued that the concept was not well thought out and that it left thousands of citizens exposed to danger.

    But Olonisakin said the constantly changing vistas of the war against insurgency made the military to adopt the strategy.

    He said: “The super camp concept was borne out of our need to re-strategise to meet changing operational conditions in the Northeast.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: 22,000 Nigerians missing in insurgency

    “In respect to the security situation in the Northeast, especially Borno State, we’re all aware that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, have been contending with insurgency and terrorism for many years now.

    “Indeed, the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast predates the administration of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Despite the challenges we’re facing, we have made appreciable progress. The Armed Forces continue to restrategise to address changing operational situation and practise of the insurgent terrorists

    “We have achieved better intergration of air and land as well as air power as well as greater coordination with other security and intelligence agencies, through regular strategic inputs at the  highest level of command and down to the chain of command.”

    He further said: I want to assure the leadership of the House, that we will continue to do all we can to ensure peace and security in our country in line with our constitutional mandate despite the challenges.

    “As the representatives of the Nigerian people, we recognise the concernn of the House and indeed the National Assembly on this issue.”

    The military top brass however apologised to the House leadership for the inability of the Service chiefs to make last week’s meeting

    “I need to add that as the Chief of Defence Staff,  my inability to be here in person last Friday, was due to an equally urgent interaction at the presidency where the chief of army….

    According to him, their absence was by no means a deliberate act mearnt to disrespect  the institution of the National Assembly..

    He said though they were not able to come, their various chief of operation were present and were capable of answering the questions that would have been put to then.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila , who was at the meeting with relevant committees said the meeting was to find out the state of the war against terrorism and insurgency.

    He also said with the budget due in a week or two, there was the need to find out the needs of the armed forces in the prosecution of the anti-insurgency war

    An attempt to convene the security meering last week was unsuccessful as tje servide chied were absent and sent representatives.

    This made the Speaker very angry and it was subsequently rescheduled for yesterday.

    At the session were the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal  Sadique Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun (Chief of Policy and Plans, Army), represented the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai

    Yusuf Bichi the Director General Deoarrment  of State Security  and the Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration service, Mohammed Babandede were also present. However, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, was represented

  • Sowore’s trial negates progressive ideal, says Sani

    Former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debt, Shehu Sani, on Monday said the charges the Federal Government filed against the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, contradict the philosophy of progressivism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

    Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the Eighth Senate, told The Nation that the country’s democracy was being hampered by what he called the growing culture of intolerance and opposing opinions.

    The Kaduna senator noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s desire to build and leave an anti-corruption legacy should not be cited in the “human rights graveyard”.

    He urged the government to drop the charges of money laundering and treasonable felony it filed against Sowore.

    Sani said: “Sowore’s trial is unnecessary and uncalled for. It would only further stain the human rights record of this administration and diminish and dent the moral standing of our country.

    Read Also: ‘Sowore may assume status of Prisoner of Conscience’

    “There is a climate of fear, intimidation and intolerance in the country and this contradicts the philosophy of progressivism the ruling establishment purports. The nation’s democracy is imperilled by a growing state culture of intolerance of dissent and opposing opinions.

    “The President’s desire to build and leave behind an anti-corruption legacy and tower should not be cited in the human rights graveyard. If the ruling establishment is confident of its moral standing and support base, it should defeat Sowore with superior ideas and not persecute him.”

    “Sowore’s charges amount to electrocution of freedom. The democratic credentials of any elected government are not simply about the legitimacy of its mandate but about the degree of its tolerance to dissent and its compliance with the fundamental principles of freedom.

    “I appeal to the Federal Government to drop the charges it filed against Sowore. Our democracy is becoming inhabitable and inhospitable to its ideal content. When a state equates dissent to disloyalty, it progressively decays under the weight of its courtiers.”

  • Agony after couple’s triplets

    Years after losing their only child, Mrs Funmilola Abiloye had a set of triplets. One died at birth, but feeding the two survivors is a burden she and her husband Michael think they cannot bear.

    Mrs Abiloye, a housewife and sickle cell patient, and her husband, an artisan, live in Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    She said, “How can I survive this economic predicament, as I and my husband find it difficult to afford two meals a day. I was in state of confusion, when findings revealed that I’m going to deliver triplets. There is no hope of raising the babies, in view of the bad economy. Raising money for the hospital bills is a challenge.

    Chief Medical Director, Zion Hospital, Dr John Adanike said five doctors battled to save Mrs Abiloye and her remaining two babies who were delivered at their facility. One of the babies weighed 1.9kg, the other 1.5kg.

    Mrs Abiloye should follow up her post-natal treatment to guarantee her safety, Adanike said.

  • Unity Bank head office on fire

    Several bank documents and furniture such as tables, chairs and computers were destroyed yesterday morning in a fire that burnt a substantial part of Unity Bank Plc head office on Ahmed Onibudo Street in Victoria Island, Lagos State.

    The Nation learnt that the fire which began from the third floor of the building escalated to the 10th floor.

    The banking hall and vault, which are on the ground floor, were not affected.

    The first and second floors were also not affected by the fire. There was no loss of life and nobody was injured.

    The fire was said to have started  after the bank staff had resumed duties for the day. It was learnt that by noon the fire had been put out.

    It was gathered that the documents in the building escalated the fire. It was also learnt that it was the first time the building would be engulfed in fire since it was built about three years ago.

    The Nation learnt that the cause of the fire was not known but officials of the Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, among others combined efforts to put it out.

    An eyewitness, who identified himself as Tunji Ajao, said he was on the road when he saw fire coming from the third floor of the building.

    Read Also: Fire in the house: Oil, war and Iran

    “The fire was much; all the bank staff and customers ran out for safety. There were major damages inside the building than can be seen from outside. Several documents were destroyed, it was the huge volume of documents on the third floor that the fire started from and it spread to the 10th floor, though from outside it seems as if only three floors that were affected.”

    A passerby, who identified herself as Toyin, said the bank has fire extinguishers but the fire still spread.

    She said the fire must have spread because everyone ran for safety and no one probably knows how to use the fire extinguishers.

    The bank on its Twitter page, revealed that no life was lost in the infemo and expressed its gratitude to agencies and volunteers who came to its rescue.

    “We are grateful to all the agencies and volunteers that supported in bringing the incident under control. Further developments regarding the incident will be communicated as it unfolds.

    “We regret to inform the public that there was a fire incident on one of the floors of our Head Office building early this (yesterday) morning. The cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained but the fire service intervened and brought the situation under control.”

    The bank has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSC) of the incident.

    While the extent of damage is being assessed, we are happy to note that there was no casualty or loss of life as a result of the incident. From current observations, however, the Banking Hall and other strategic business areas were not affected.”

    A statement by Unity Bank Plc Company Secretary Mohammed Shehu, via its twitter handle reads; “Unity Bank Plc wishes to inform The Nigerian Stock Exchange (The Exchange), its esteemed stakeholders and the general public that there was a fire incident on one of the floors of our Head Office building early this (yesterday) morning. The fire, which started from the third floor of the building occupied by a tenant, has been fully extinguished. Preliminary investigations show that the damage is localized to this floor.

    “Consistent with our Business Continuity Framework, critical staff have been relocated to approve offsite locations and our operations are not in any way affected. Consequently customers have unfettered access to their accounts through our electronic channels and branches.

    “While detailed investigation and damage assessment exercise are on0going by federal and state fire service departments, the Bank wishes to extend its appreciation to Total Nigeria Plc, the Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Eko Hotel and Tours, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Union Bank Plc for their prompt response. We also thank our good neughbours and the FMDQ Securities Exchange, Churchgate, ALLCO Insurance and others too numerous to mention. We thank our esteemed customers for their understanding and hereby restate our commitment to providing them safe secure and prompt services.”

  • Council chair to cultists: stop or go to jail

    The Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Dr Ahmed Apatira yesterday warned members of cult groups to desist from the act or face the wrath of the law.

    Apatira spoke in the wake of a fracas between members of Aiye and Eiye cult groups at the weekend.

    10 suspected members of the groups were arrested.

    The council boss urged youths in the area to shun any overture from members of cult groups.

    He said, “My advice to them is to desist from the devilish act, or be arrested. Anyone caught will be prosecuted and eventually jailed. So, instead of wasting your youth life and end up behind bars, why don’t you engage in something meaningful? We will not condone criminal activities in this council.”

    Apatira urged the youth to take advantage of various vocational training going on in the council.

    “Our vision is to create something out of nothing by using the power of imagination and creativity. The process of innovation will lead to wealth creation through those acquired skills. Those that have graduated are creating jobs for others. We want our youths to channel their energies to doing something meaningful. This is the time to give their lives proper direction. Whatever skill they learn will be useful to them forever,” he said.

  • Accountant admits stealing N38m

    A 38-year-old woman Funmilayo Oyelaja on Monday admitted diverting N38 million that National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) paid by the federal government to a Health Management Organisation (HMO) Clearline for onward distribution to some hospitals.

    Oyelaja who worked in the company for 10 years, said she was moved to accounts unit in 2014 and that it was from that time she got involved in the fraud.

    She claimed she diverted more money but personally received N38million which she transferred to her account, those of her son and sisters instead of the real hospitals.

    It was gathered that the suspect fled the country to Ghana in 2017 immediately the alleged fraud was discovered but eventually turned herself in at the weekend following the arrest of her live-in lover Tunde Ogunseye, who returned to the country to bury his late mother.

    According to the woman, she stole the money with the consent of two of her bosses, who she claimed notified her partner that the deal had been exposed and that they should live Nigeria immediately.

    “I was handling accounts. I worked with Clearline for 10 years. It was while I was working that I diverted NHIS money paid to Clearline. My bosses knew about it. It is what they do there. The company steals money from NHIS and my boss is aware of it.

    “We are supposed to pay hospitals and return those of hospitals we cannot trace or identify. But instead of refunding them, Clearline we move them to another account to make it look like the money has been paid.

    “I was on leave when someone called my husband that we should leave the country immediately because the company was aware we took money. They wanted us to run away so that we would not mention the names of others involved.

    “I do not know the exact person that called but I am sure it is from the company. The company said I stole N60m but I only took N38million and the company owed more than N60million. I started to work with account in 2014.

    “I used my share of the money to buy a house and other properties which the company has seized. They also took the remaining money. They have taken everything. The company is accusing only me but I am not the only one involved.

    “I have been in Ghana since 2017. My husband was the one who helped us to flee the country. I had to come back to surrender when they arrested him,” she said.

    Ogunseye confirmed it was one of his lover’s bosses who called and told him to take her out of the country immediately. He said they already had valid visas before the lid was blown, adding that his offence was assisting his woman to flee the country.

    Read Also: Seven dismissed soldiers held for robbery

    He said they have managed to stay away since then until his mother died last week and he had to come home for the burial at Ifako, Ogba where he was arrested.

    Commending the police for arresting the woman, General Manager Clearlines Mrs. Ijeoma Ayam said they would ensure others she mentioned as her accomplices were arrested and investigated.

    She however dismissed her claims that the company was involved in diverting NHIS funds describing it as “the story of a drowning man.”

    She said: “The truth of the matter is that for almost two years now, she has been on the run and were just caught over the weekend. So, now that she is saying that she is not the only one, the others are still there and would be apprehended and questioned.

    “She can claim anything. That’s how a dying man operate. A drowning man would clutch at anything but the truth of the matter is that the NHIS has all the information of remittances that are made every year to them for hospitals that have closed down or hospitals that cannot be located.

    “The money is remitted back to the NHIS so the records are there. What they are involved in is pure fraud. It has nothing to do with money remittance or no remittance. She worked in the account department and so for everyone they all have their own different portfolios.

    “This fraud was discovered when she was on leave. What she used to do was to put the names of the hospital but with her account number or that of her son or relative. In a situation where you are dealing with over 2,000 hospitals, your major concern is to ensure all the names are listed and then you approve the amount stated.

    “Each time the hospitals called while she was around, she would tell them the company was working on paying them. If a particular company disturbed her so much, she would move money from another and pay them to avoid raiding suspicious.

    “So, when another person handled her account and a hospital called to raise issue, the books were checked and we discovered that the company has been paid. When we asked them to send their account number, we realised it was different from the number on the approved list.”

    Parading the suspects yesterday, Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu said investigation was ongoing and they would be prosecuted at the end.

  • Two arraigned for ‘killing’ politician in Imo

    The police in Imo State on Monday arraigned two suspects over the alleged murder of a frontline politician in the state, Hon. Agorua Christopher Eme Eji at Egwe village in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.

    Arraigning the suspects, Chimezie Unachukwu, 32, and Onyeamachi Solomon, 27, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Imo State, the prosecutor,Sergeant Timothy Eke, alleged that on March 11, 2019 at Egwe village in Oguta LGA, the suspects conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit murder thereby committing an offence punishable under section  324 of the criminal code cap 30 vol.11, laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963 as applicable in Imo State.

    According to police prosecutor, in count 2, the suspects were accused of unlawfully killing the deceased by firing loaded guns severally at him and thereby committing an offence punishable under section 319 (1) of the criminal code, cap 30 vol. 11 laws of the Eastern Nigeria 1963 as applicable in Imo State.

    Read Also: Man jailed for robbing policeman

    The accused persons in count 3, on the same day at Egwe village, while armed with guns and other offensive weapons did rob one Agorua Ifeyinwa Ursula of one Nokia phone, one Samsung phone, a laptop computer values yet to be determined and thereby committing an offence punishable under section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special provisions) acts cap.R11 laws of the Federal of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Imo State.

    The presiding Magistrate, Naomi J Achinulo, however ordered the remand of the suspects in prison custody and referred the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP.

    The case was then adjourned for further hearing on October 31, 2019.

  • ‘Why I pardoned my attackers’

    The recuperating Alara of Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Aderemi Adefehinti, who was chased out of the palace a few days ago following an attack on him and his wife by some youths, has said he would not seek police investigation of the matter.

    The royal father,who returned to the palace at the weekend after his medical treatment, said though police were invited during the mayhem, they were asked to keep their distance and made no arrest.

    Oba Adefehinti said, “We have decided to keep the peace by not asking for police investigation into the matter, we are very conscious of the fact that the miscreants are still our children.

    “We therefore do not want to confine anyone into detention as a result of the crisis. However, I wish to appeal to the concerned youths to caution themselves against the repeat of such mayhem.”

    The monarch, who ascended the throne in 1998, pointed out that they were all witnesses to the peace, development and progress in the university’ community to date, stressing that they would not allow any devilish act to distrupt them.

    The traditional ruler said, “I have been serving Ilara-mokin since leaving university in 1968 and I will continue to seek its greatness.

    He disclosed that he had to go to a private hospital in Akure to treat himself and his wife(Olori) who according to him,was bleeding profusely on her forehead after being hit by the stone.

    Oba Adefehinti said he returned to his community a few days ago after medical treatment,while his wife was still being treated of head injuries she sustained from the attack.

    He assured that she would be discharged soon from the hospital.

    Some youths in the community last week laid siege on the monarch’s palace, accusing him of refusing to partake in this year’s new yam festival. The youths accused him of shirking his royal responsibility following his alleged ‘born-again’ stance.

    However,Oba Adefehinti while speaking with reporters in his palace, said the ‘Ijesu festival’ was the most important annual celebration to the sons and daughters in the community but the changes in celebrating it became inevitable for obvious reasons.

    The monarch said he had several meetings with his chiefs, youths and other leaders of the community earlier this year on the possible changes in the programme of event especially because of his age.

    The traditional ruler sued for peace in the community to facilitate progress.

  • Four ‘negligent’ doctors risk losing licence

    Four Asaba-based doctors risk having their licenses withdrawn by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for alleged gross misconduct and negligence of professional ethics.

    The trial of the doctors which began yesterday in the MDCN headquarters Abuja, had the following Medical Doctors undergoing trial for alleged gross negligence – Anunobi Chijioke Ralu, Iyiola Akeem Adewale, Okoye Pascal Nnamdi, and Adigba Ese Onodjohyovwe.

    The medical practitioners in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology unit in the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, were charged for gross negligence in managing one Mrs. Rita Uchebuego (now deceased), a pregnant woman under their care.

    The four doctors are facing a one count charge.

    The doctors were investigated by Dr. J. N Hart led Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel.

    Read Also: Doctors charged with harming patient through negligence

    The one count charge read: “That you [name of doctor], registered medical practitioner, practicing as the Registrar and Gynaecology on call on 8th March 2017 or thereabouts at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba Delta State, while managing one Rita Uchebuego (F), now deceased, as a pregnant woman under your care, were grossly negligent in her management when you failed to promptly attend to her as appropriate for the management of her condition, thereby, conducted yourself infamously in a professional respect contrary to Rules 29.4h and 31 of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria, 2008 Edition, and punishable under Section 16 (1) (a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act CAP. M8 LFN 2004 (as amended).”

    Three of the four doctors appeared on Monday before the tribunal Chaired by Chairman of the Council, Prof. Abba Waziri Hassan.

    Although the case is ongoing, revelations from one of the doctors on trial, Adigba Ese Onodjohyovwe, suggests that the deceased – Rita Uchebuego, might have died from reacting to blood being transfused to her.

    According to Adigba, few moments after the administration of the blood, she began to react adversely to it and the medical team had to stop the transfusion.

    The blood was returned back to the laboratory.

    The big question one of the members of the tribunal asked the doctor is why the same blood sample the patient reacted to was re-administered, which might have ultimately led to her death.

    The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is the professional health regulatory agency for the professions of Medicine, Dentistry and Alternative Medicine in Nigeria, with mandate to discipline any erring practitioners whose actions or in-actions fall short of the medical professional ethics.

    The trial continues, according to the panelists

  • Navy holds retreat for medical personnel in Kwara

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) has held the first medical retreat for its heads of medical services.

    The retreat, which took place in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, was organised by the Directorate of Medical Services (DMS) of the navy.

    At the event, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for investing in the medical services of the Navy.

    Vice Admiral Ibas also charged heads of departments and units of the medical services on performance.

    Represented at the occasion by Head, Administration, Policies and Planning of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Bec-Ibe Enwo said as a result of the resources made available by President Buhari’s administration, the Navy has been able to upgrade its medical equipment, train many of its medical personnel and employ 11 consultants for a start with plans to make further employment of them.

    Read Also: Nigerian Navy showcases local ship building ability

    He said the retreat illustrates the commitment to capacity development of medical personnel in the Navy, adding that all the investments made on his watch are aimed at improving the capacity of medical personnel, and providing the right tools as well as the enabling environment to work to improve productivity.

    He said the long-term strategic goal is to emplace a fully functional medical service with the right mix and number of medical personnel capable of delivery safe and efficient health care services to personnel.

    Ibas said,  “It is pertinent to state that a lot is expected of the medical services in the delivery of safe and quality healthcare in the Nigerian Navy.  Improving the quality of care has to be a priority for each medical personnel especially the heads of the medical units. It has been noted that where there are no consequences when heads of units and departments are found wanting, there is usually no impetus to make added effort.

    “Consequently, it would no longer be business as usual.  Going forward, heads of units and departments, many of whom are represented at this retreat, are going to be held responsible when it is evident that their units or departments are not performing despite resources provided.

    “Therefore, you are all enjoined to pull up your sleeves, utilise resources efficiently and improve services in your various units and departments. You are also encouraged to think, be innovative, proffer solutions and make recommendations to the Directorate of Medical Services, even after this retreat, on ways of moving the medical services beyond the 21st Century. A working and vibrant Nigerian Navy

    Medical Services providing safe and quality healthcare services would be of tremendous benefit to us all in the long run,” he stated.