The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Osinbajo, Lawan, others congratulate Osoba at 80

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Monday took turns to congratulate the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, who clocks 80 years next Monday.

    In his separate congratulatory message, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I congratulate our elder statesman, Chief Segun Osoba, who joins the nation’s league of Octogenarians few days from today.”

    At the launch of Osoba’s new book: Battlelines, My Adventures in Journalism And Politics, at Eko Hotel, Lagos, the Edo governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, noted that the autobiography will enrich the body of knowledge.

    Read Also: Osoba, a civilian general at 80, says IBB

    “Chief Osoba stands out as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated and accomplished journalists who rose to the occasion to speak truth to power, at various times in our history as a country.

    “His marks in the journalism profession are indelible, with several generations of mentees who were tutored by the former Ogun State governor,” Obaseki said.

    He added: “I join millions of Nigerians and your friends across the world to salute your new contribution to the body of knowledge and hope that the new generation of journalists, other professionals and young leaders, will draw valuable lessons from your new book.”

    Other dignitaries at the book launch which heralded  Chief Osoba’s 80th birthday celebration, included former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, who chaired the occasion; former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju  Bola Tinubu; and former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who  poured encomiums on the author and veteran journalist.

    Also at the event were the governors of Kano, Ondo and Ogun states, APC chieftains, Chief Bisi Akande; Prince Tony Momoh amongst others.

  • Adamawa holds LG elections in November

    Elections are to be held throughout the 21 local government areas in Adamawa State in November this year to democratically pick officials to head the councils.

    This was disclosed on Monday by the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) in a statement.

    The statement which was signed by the Executive Chairman of the state electoral commission, Isa Shetima, did not specify the date, but merely said, “The exact date will be notified in due course.”

    Giving further detail of the timetable of the elections and what the commission expects from political parties, the statement added, “Registered political parties wishing to field candidates are hereby directed to embark on electioneering campaigns as from July 10, 2019.

    Read Also: Adamawa PDP, others condemn Senator Abbo’s conduct

    “Similarly, primary elections are to be conducted from 31st August to 7th September, 2019; and the names of successful aspirants are to be submitted to the commission on or before 10th October 2019.”

    The state Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, had very early in office sent a bill to the state House of Assembly to legislate transition committees for the 21 LGAs.

    The Assembly, on June 25, passed the bill, and on July 4, the governor inaugurated the transition committees which currently oversee the affairs of the 21 LGAs.

  • Suspected herdsmen attack farmer in Ondo community

    Some Bororo Fulani Herdsmen have reportedly matcheted a local farmer Ahmed Arogurerin in Auga-Akoko, Ondo state for allegedly confronting them over the vandalization of his farm crops by cows.

    The development forced the injured farmer to report the case to the police before he was assisted to a nearby hospital for quick medical attention.

    The Alauga of Auga, Oba Samuel Agunloye who confirmed the incident, noted that many of the herders were fond of destroying farmers crops and not ready to apologize or pay compensation to their victims.

    The monarch said he had refused to involve in such case since his wife was kidnapped for days and captors were referring to such civil settlement, hence they needed to contact law enforcement agencies to intervene.

    Read Also: Tension in Ekiti as suspected herdsmen kill hunter

    The Special Assistant (SA) to Ondo state Governor on Hausa/ Fulani matters Alhaj Umar Bala noted that he would personally wade into the matter for amicable settlement.

    He enthused that the state was presently witnessing peaceful atmosphere due to the efforts of Governor Akeredolu and the Commissioner of Police.

    Alauga commended the State Police Command for patrolling Ise-Auga Akunu road axis that was notorious for incessant kidnappings and robberies in the recent past.

    The monarch also pleaded with the governor to activate the multi-million argic village in Auga-Akoko.

    Oba Agunloye said the project had good intentions to increase food production in the area, regarded as food basket of Ondo state.

  • Obaseki celebrates Omoaka, Malik on elevation as SANs

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Godwin Osemeahon Omoaka and Anthony Aikhunegbe Malik, on their elevation to Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and for distinguishing themselves in the legal profession.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said Godwin Omoaka and Mr Anthony Malik were well deserving of the honour, adding that the recognition reflects positively on the image of Edo people, who are known to place premium on hard work and are dutiful in their chosen career.

    He noted that Omoaka and Malik have continued to distinguish themselves in the legal profession in Nigeria, noting, “We are proud of their achievements and for what they stand for in the legal profession. They serve as an inspiration to Edo youths, who are encouraged to aspire to such lofty heights.”

    According to him, “The conferment of SAN title on these two illustrious sons of the state further affirms the dexterity, intellect and ingenuity of the Edo spirit, which I believe drove them to attain these feats in their profession. On behalf of the good people of Edo State, I congratulate them for the honour and celebrate them for being good ambassadors of the state.”

    Read Also: Obaseki to probe hospital contracts under Oshiomhole

    Omoaka and Malik are among 38 lawyers who will be sworn in as SANs during the 2019/2020 new legal year of the Supreme Court in September.

    Godwin Omoaka, a graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and member of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), is reputed to be highly skilled in commercial Dispute Resolution including commercial litigation in Oil and Gas Litigation, Arbitration and Conciliation and Shipping/Maritime law.

    Malik, who is a graduate of Law from the University of Ibadan, is former Board Member and Legal Adviser of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Legal Adviser to Joint Tax Board (2008 – 2010). He was also a Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice between 2007 and 2010.

  • Tribunal upholds Wike’s re-election

    The Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in the 2019 general election, Biokpomabo Awara, against Independent National Electoral Commission, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP).

    The Tribunal presided over by Justice K. A. Orjiako dismissed the petition on the ground  that it was deemed abandoned on the ground  of Paragraph 4 of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act.

    According to the Tribunal, the petition was deemed to be technically abandoned because the AAC and its Candidate failed to meet key procedural requirements as to applying for pre-hearing information.

    The three man panel led by Justice K. A Ojiako declared that petition number EPT/RS/GOV/03/2019 was incompetent and therefore,  dismissed it.

    Earlier, the tribunal struck out applications by the AAC Governorship Candidate, seeking that he be separated from all joint applications previously made with the party.

    Recall that the AAC recently adopted Mr Henry Bello to represent it at the tribunal after the former counsel, Tawo Tawo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria withdrew from the matter, with a notice of change of counsel filed the tribunal.

    Read Also: Wike first governor to drive into Opobo

    This application came in after the AAC brought in another counsel to handle its matter at the tribunal.

    The three man panel led by Justice K. A Ojiako, after going through  arguments in the Awara, AAC suit against Governor  Wike  ruled that all applications filed by the 1st Petitioner (Tawo Tawo, former AAC counsel) are struck out.

    Ojiako noted that the application by the petitioner ( counsel for Awara; Mustafa Ibrahim) has been found to be an abuse of court process.

    The panel also struck out the application filed  by the petitioner for pre-hearing of the matter.

    The dismissal of the AAC Governorship Petition against  the re-election of Governor Wike by the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal is not new under the present dispensation,  as the Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal also dismissed Petitions One and Two against the election of Lagos State Governor on similar ground.

  • DPR shuts 17 illegal LPG outlets in Ibadan

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Ibadan said on Monday that it closed down 17 illegal LPG skid in Ibadan and issued warning to nine filling plants in the second quarter of 2019.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Oluyemi Olaonipekun, the Operations Controller of Ibadan Field Office of DPR, disclosed this in Ibadan on Monday while speaking with newsmen.

    Olaonipekun said the DPR carried out its operations effectively in monitoring the operations of Retail Oil Marketers (ROM), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retailers and depot operators.

    He said: “The exercise is continous and we will continue to improve as well as carry out the necessary assignments as stipulated by the regulations and oil guidelines.

    “In the other two areas, LPG and filling stations, we have been able to curtail people selling at forecourt below the required volume being paid for by the motorists and other buyers to a greater extent in Oyo State.

    “To this end, we have not been able to close down any filling station due to unnecessary under-dispensing of the pumps.

    “The only area we had closed down filling station is where they have installed skid without our approval.

    “In the last three months, we have been able to stop illegal installation of LPG skid and closed down 17 illegally installed skid from operating within our area of operations, that is Oyo State.

    Read Also: DPR seals LPG stations in Lagos

    “To forestall future occurrence during our routine visit and surveillance, we have gathered data of illegal outfits and their gas suppliers.

    ” We believe that if they had not been supplied gas they will not be able to sell or have the products.

    “We now have the data of the licenced legal operators who are supplying the illegal operators.

    “We have thereafter written warning letters to nine major LPG retailer plant owners; if they further supply any unlicensed, unapproved LPG site we will close down their own plants too.

    “The law gives us the power to do that based on the conditions in which they got their licences.

    ”They have some responsibilities and duties to perform and if they fail, we have the power to suspend or revoke their licences.”

    He, however, disclosed that DPR was planning to meet with LPG plant owners and stakeholders.

    The meeting, he said, would seek ways to curb unnecessary supply of products to unlicensed and unapproved sites.

    “We will also go out on a road show to sensitise people on how to safely handle and use LPG.

    “LPG is friendly if it is handled carefully,” he said. (NAN

  • Three policemen detained over stolen two AK 47 rifles

    Three policemen have been detained at the Edo State police headquarters over two stolen fully loaded AK 7 rifles.

    Also, a sales girl, security personnel and manager of the guest house where the guns were stolen have been quizzed and granted bail.

    Names of the policemen were given as Sergeant Uzor Emmanuel, Corporal Micheal Akharamen and Constable Jimoh Aliu.

    The guns were officially assigned to them for duty patrol ad personnel of the state-own security outfit codenamed “Operation Wabaizigan.” but could not return to base to return the guns to the armoury.

    Read Also: Three policemen detained over stolen two AK 47 rifles

    It was gathered that the two junior officers gave their guns to Sergeant Emmanuel who checked into a guest house at Uwasota area, Egor local government area.

    Sources said Sergeant Emmanuel was with a female friend inside the hotel when at about 2am he raised an alarm that two of the three rifles he took into his room had been stolen while he was inside the toilet.

    Owner of the guest house, Mr. Obodo Otuya, who called for full investigation into the incident told newsmen that claims by SGT Emmanuel were questionable.

    He stated that reports from his staff showed that Sgt  Emmanuel checked in with one AK-47 rifle and a lady.

    Edo Police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident adding that investigation is still ongoing.

  • Treat NYSC members as employees, FCT Perm. Sec. urges employers

    Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Chinyeaka Ohaa, has urged employers of labour to treat corps members posted to their organisations as full time employees.

    Ohaa gave the advice on Monday in Abuja, during the closing ceremony of the 2019, batch “B” stream one orientation course.

    The permanent secretary said this had become necessary to get the best out of the corps members.

    His speech was delivered by Mrs Sefia Umar, Acting Chairperson of the NYSC Governing Board.

    “I want to use this opportunity to call on corps employers to accept every corps member posted to their establishment.

    “They should accord them every opportunity to serve their fatherland and regard them as permanent employees if the best is to be drawn from them,’’ he said.

    The permanent secretary advised the corps members to accept their postings in good faith, while assuring them that the FCT was ready to receive and accommodate them.

    Read Also: Niger gov assures corps members of adequate security, welfare

    He advised the corps members to stay out of trouble, while encouraging them to execute personal community development projects in rural areas of the territory.

    “As you are about to move into the next phase of your national service, I implore you to stay out of trouble and be ready to render selfless service to your fatherland.

    “Let me remind you that corps members who distinguish themselves in their service year by executing viable personal community development projects in rural areas will be rewarded,’’ he said.

    Mrs Walida Saddique-Isa, NYSC, FCT Coordinator, urged employers of labour to give responsibilities that would provoke creativity to the corps members.

    She warned against “domestication’’ or “trivialising’’ the scheme by corps employers.

    She advised the corps members to play active roles in the war against corruption and in the fight against fake news and hate speech.

    “I want to appeal to corps employers to assign them schedules that would heighten their reasoning outside the box such that will impact positively and on their creativity.

    “Employers should not trivialise the good gesture of the scheme; the NYSC management takes exception at any attempt to domesticate our ambassadors by any corps employer.

    “The Federal Government is expectant of your resolute and diligent involvement in the fight against corrupt practices, fake news and hate speech,’’ she said.

    She warned the corps members to always adhere to the NYSC dress code and not to alter their uniforms for any reason.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, 2, 800 corps members took part in the ceremonies, which held under torrential rain fall. (NAN)

  • Troops rescue 13 kidnapped farmers, kill one bandit

    Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna under Exercise Harbin Kunama III have rescued 13 farmers kidnapped while working in their farms at the outskirts of Kuyelo community, Birnin Gwari Local Area of Kaduna State.

    The Division also said the troops killed one of the bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

    A statement on Monday in Kaduna by the Deputy Director,  Army Public Relations, Colonel Ezindu Idimah said: “Following distress calls received from good Samaritans indicating the abduction of some farmers while working on their farms at the outskirts of Kuyelo community, in Birnin Gwari Local Area of Kaduna State.

    “A patrol team from 1 Division Nigerian Army stationed at Super Camp Kuyello, on Exercise HARBIN KUNAMA 111, swiftly pursed the bandits/kidnappers and rescued all the 13 kidnapped farmers after a serious exchange of fire with the criminals.”

    Read Also: Troops rescue 13 kidnapped farmers, kill one bandit in Kaduna

    The spokesman however assured soldiers are currently  combing the general area, which  borders Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States.

    He quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Major General Faruk Yahaya as enjoining troops to always be proactive and decisive in dealing with criminals and associated insecurity in their respective areas of responsibilities.

    “He reiterated the resolve and determination of the Division and indeed the Nigerian Army to combating insurgency, banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other emerging security threats in Nigeria.

    “The GOC further urged law abiding citizens to  go about their routine lawful activities without  fear of molestation.

    He also solicited the cooperation of the local communities in area of giving truthful information that would assist troops and other security agencies in the discharge of their duties of defending them from the bandits/criminals.

  • Oyo governor tasks NYSC members on nation building

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged the 2019 Batch B NYSC members to embark on laudable developmental projects that would impact positively on their host communities and the nation.

    The governor made the call on Monday at the closing ceremony of the Batch B orientation course held at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Iseyin.

    Makinde, represented by Mrs Oyebisi Adegoke, the acting Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, said the projects would complement the efforts of government and contribute to the development of the state.

    He also urged the corps members to engage in post – camp training to master their chosen skills and become employers of labour soon.

    “As good ambassadors of the NYSC scheme and your families, keep the flag flying, engage in productive activities, shun acts of truancy, drug abuse and other anti-social behavior,” the governor said.

    Makinde assured them of adequate security, welfare and hospitality by his administration and the people of the state.

    Read Also: Niger gov assures corps members of adequate security, welfare

    “The state is very peaceful and accommodating. As you move into the 33 local government areas, you will find the environment conducive to live and work in.

    ”This government will continue to assist the scheme to achieve its objectives,” he said.

    Earlier, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Eniola Ambekemo, said the three-week stay on camp with over 2,500 corps members was peaceful as the members exhibited excellent behaviour and actively participated in camp activities.

    Ambekemo noted that corps members were equitably posted to the 33 local governments in compliance with the Federal Government’s policy of posting to the four areas of need.

    The areas of need are rural health care, education, rural infrastructure and agriculture.

    She urged the people of the state to ensure that members were warmly received and encouraged to settle down so as to bring out their best while serving their host communities.

    The coordinator also urged the corps members to exhibit good character, be law abiding and embark on developmental projects that would leave their footprints in the sands of time.

    “Be security conscious, respect the cultures of the communities you find yourself, integrate with the people, cleverly stay out of local politics and never embark on unauthorised journeys and night travelling,” she said.

    The coordinator further solicited the support of the state government in the provision of ultra-modern auditorium with 4000 sitting capacity for lectures at the camp.

    Ambekemo also requested for provision of hostel blocks with toilet facilities to conveniently accommodate the large number of corps members deployed to the state.

    She further acknowledged the support of the state government and other stakeholders in the implementation of the NYSC scheme.

    (NAN)