The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Police confirm abduction of six family members in Zamfara

    Police confirm abduction of six family members in Zamfara

    Agency Reporter

    The Zamfara State Police Command on Friday  confirmed the abduction of six children of one Alhaji Sani Gyare and one other in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of the state.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Shehu Mohammed, said the command received information on the abduction of seven children, six of whom are children of Alhaji Gyare and the seventh, a female picked from a neighbouring house all in Kadauri Village in Jabaka District of Maru LGA.

    “The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abutu Yaro has deployed a combined team of CTU and Police Mobile Force who are currently on the trail of the suspects.

    “The CP, who said that peace had been restored in the area, vowed to rescue the victims soonest.

    Read Also: 18 arrested over riot in Zamfara

    “He charged the local communities to continue to give useful information to law enforcement agents, especially the Police, in order to bring the criminals to book,” Muhammed said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the suspected hoodlums, in their large numbers, invaded the village in the early hours of yesterday to carry out the act.

    Speaking to newsmen, father of the six victims, said he suspected the abductors came for him but missed him and took away his children instead.

    “I was informed that when they got to the village, they went straight to my house and when they discovered l was not home they went away with my children and the daughter of one of my close friends and neighbour, Alhaji Sani Yellow,” he said.

  • Pfizer study suggests vaccine works against virus variant

    Pfizer study suggests vaccine works against virus variant

    Our Reporter

    New research suggests that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine can protect against a mutation found in two highly contagious variants of the coronavirus that erupted in Britain and South Africa.

    Those variants are causing global concern. They both share a common mutation called N501Y, a slight alteration on one spot of the spike protein that coats the virus. That change is believed to be the reason they can spread so easily.

    Most of the vaccines being rolled out around the world train the body to recognize that spike protein and fight it. Pfizer teamed with researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston for laboratory tests to see if the mutation affected its vaccine’s ability to do so.

    Read Also: 30 minutes COVID-19 test kits for hospitals, says PTF

    They used blood samples from 20 people who received the vaccine, made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, during a large study of the shots. Antibodies from those vaccine recipients successfully fended off the virus in lab dishes, according to the study posted late Thursday on an online site for researchers.

    The study is preliminary and has not yet been reviewed by experts, a key step for medical research.

  • Senator squares up to governor in Ebonyi

    Senator squares up to governor in Ebonyi

    Sentry

    Flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 2019 governorship elections in Ebonyi State, Senator Sunny Ogbuoji, is not about to relinquish control of the ruling party’s structure to new entrant, Governor Dave Umahi, without a fight.

    When supporters of the governor allegedly jubilated over a news item suggesting the readiness of Ogbuoji to dump APC and join another party, the former senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District wasted no time in telling those who cared to listen that he was going nowhere.

    Sentry gathered that the former Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, who has not attended any of the party and government function called by Umahi since the latter joined APC, has vowed not to allow the governor take over the party ‘just like that.’

    Ogbuoji and Umahi contested the 2019 governorship election which the governor won. Supporters of the senator are already announcing his preparedness to seek the number one office again amidst rumours that Umahi has a preferred candidate.

    “Ogbuoji is not leaving the APC for anybody. When nobody saw APC as a worthy political platform in Ebonyi, he moved there and gave the party some bite. Now some new comers are out to grab the structures ahead of 2023. We will not leave the house we built. We are here to stay and Ogbuoji will surely contest the 2023 guber election on the platform of the APC,” a party source stated.

    Already, the Ebonyi State APC Caretaker Chairman, Stanley Okoro-Emegha,is making moves to forestall possible intra-party crisis being between the two camps. He recently visited Ogbuoji at his Edda country home and assured him of the readiness of Umahi to work with all chieftains of the party.

  • Ortom for Senate just a rumour?

    Ortom for Senate just a rumour?

    Sentry

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State may soon erupt in a fierce intra-party squabbles if reports that Governor Samuel Ortom is planning to move to the senate in 2023 turn out to be true.

    Reports of Ortom wanting to supplant incumbent Senator Orker Jev and take over the Benue North West seat after the expiration of his second term are rife and fast spreading. But neither the governor nor his spokespersons have confirmed it.

    Sentry, however, learnt that some chieftains of the ruling party are gradually coming out to openly support the ‘Ortom for Senate’ agenda. “When you start seeing some categories of politicians propagating an agenda, you can easily say whether it will remain a rumour or assume a life of its own soon,” the source said.

    Also, Senator Jev has been forced to speak out on the matter, sending signals that there may be more to the stories making the rounds in Benue North West. Responding to a question on the rumoured interest of the governor in his seat, Jev said he and Ortom had resolved not to allow anything to sour the relationship they had built over time. A smart response you will say. Well, it is left to be seen if a contest between the two buddies in 2023 will sour their relationship or not.

  • We’ll end insurgency war this year – Buhari

    We’ll end insurgency war this year – Buhari

    By Okodili Ndidi, Abuja 

    From President Muhamamadu Buhari came on Friday, a vow to end the Boko Haram insurgency once and for all this year.

    But he called for prayers from Nigerians for the military to accomplish the task.

    The President, who spoke during the Juma’at prayer for the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the National Mosque, said: “This is a year of action and we will finish what we are doing.”

    Buhari, who was represented by Defence Minister Magashi Salihi added: “What is happening in this country will soon be over. This year, we will finish what we are doing.

    “Pray for us that we succeed.”

    He said the contributions of the nation’s fallen heroes would always be remembered for the supreme price they paid to protect the territorial integrity of the country.

    He said the country would always remember them, and the day as a historical day to the nation.

    “It is not possible for Nigerians, especially the Armed Forces, to forget them in any situation we found ourselves in life and as a country,” he said.

    Read Also: Bishop lashes Buhari govt again

    “The sacrifices they have made will always be remembered. And as you can all see, the special prayer is the religious aspect of it, and one of the many activities lined up to honour and remember them.

    “On the 15th we are going to lay the wreath. We will also pray for them for eternal rest.”

    Buhari encouraged the living ones among the gallant officers to continue with their courageous tendencies in ensuring that the country remained an indivisible corporate entity for the peaceful co-existence of all.

    Buhari also noted that the country started the celebration a long time ago by launching the emblem.

    “So, we have lengthy activities lined up to honour them which normally terminate on Jan. 15th of every year”.

    He promised to prioritise the welfare, comfort and anything that the families of the fallen heroes require, adding that the country would continue to do that for those they left behind.

    The Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Dr. Mohammed Kabiru Adams, prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes.

    He also prayed for an end to insurgency, banditry and other social vices plaguing the country.

    Adam commiserated with the family of the fallen heroes, praying to the almighty Allah to forgive their shortcoming and grant them paradise.

    The Chief Imam also commended the gallant military officers for their quest to make sure that the country remained one indivisible entity.

    “They protect the territorial integrity of the country internally and externally. They make sure that peace reigns supreme in the country.

    “Therefore, we pray for Allah to reward them abundantly, guide them aright in discharging their responsibilities,” he said.

  • Tragedy as woman dies in concubine’s matrimonial home in Imo 

    Tragedy as woman dies in concubine’s matrimonial home in Imo 

    Our Reporter

     

    TRAGEDY struck on Thursday in Owerri, the Imo State capital as an unidentified lady reportedly died in the matrimonial home of her concubine.

    The incident which occurred at MCC Road area of the state capital caused panic in the area.

    A source who preferred anonymity told journalists that the man brought her mistress to his matrimonial home after taking his wife and children to the village for the new year celebration.

    The source said: “The man took his family to the village, came back and took his mistress to a function. They attended a function together before going to his house. “

    “The mistress died later in the man’s house in the midnight.

    “The man has been arrested with the corpse evacuated.”

    The police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident.

    He said that investigation had commenced, with the view of revealing the cause of the death.

  • COVID-19, NIN, etc.: leadership desperately needed

    COVID-19, NIN, etc.: leadership desperately needed

    Undertow

     

    IT is an understatement to suggest that Nigerian leaders are unprepared for high office. For over 10 years, they have battled insurgency ineptly and are no nearer knocking the crisis into a cocked hat than they were at the beginning when, with unsteady gaits and tentative steps, they tried to dismantle the religious indoctrination erected by Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf. In the middle of the insurgency, they have even adopted the harebrained idea of rehabilitating and, as they put it unconvincingly and scornfully, deradicalising Boko Haram militants, despite the poor attention given to beleaguered fighting troops, internally displaced persons, and those widowed by the unending war. The counterinsurgency operations of the government exemplify a total misplacement of priorities, thus giving an indication of the poverty of leadership disabling the country. There are of course other disconcerting emblems of the poor leadership undermining the peace, stability and development of the country. Set below are a few of such emblems, all pointing to the urgent need for the enthronement of sound national leadership.

     

    N400bn for COVID-19 vaccines:

    The government plans to spend this whopping amount to procure vaccines to tackle this new and frightening plague. However, the proposed budget for the health sector is N632bn in 2021, and N340bn in 2018 to get a comparative picture. The actual release may be smaller. Between 2006 and 2018, capital expenditure proposed for the health sector only reached N60bn in 2013. All other years were considerably smaller. How does any government defend N400bn for vaccines for a disease that has so far killed fewer than 1,500 people and infected less than 90,000? Meanwhile, everyday, some 2,300 under-five-year-old and 145 women of childbearing age die from preventable causes. Neonatal mortality rate is also about 37 per 1000 live births or 250,000 every year. In addition, Malaria killed about 95,000 in Nigeria alone in 2018. These figures have not triggered the same kind of panicky response as COVID-19. Worse, Nigeria takes all its cues from Europe and America to formulate a national response to COVID-19. When the developed countries went for a lockdown, Nigeria heedlessly followed suit but without implementing relevant economic safeguards. Now Europe is rushing vaccines into the market, and Nigeria is waiting for the same vaccines rather than developing its own.

     

    No consideration for Nigeria/ECOWAS vaccine:

    Amidst the flurry of global vaccine developments to combat COVID-19, neither Nigeria nor any other country in West Africa has considered it urgent or needful to fashion their vaccine responses. Last Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Affairs minister, Wang Yi, visited Nigeria, among other things, to market Coronavirus vaccines developed by two Chinese firms, Sinopharm and Sinovac. On behalf of Nigeria, Foreign Affairs minister Geofrey Onyeama has indicated interest in receiving supplies. Perhaps to concretise the anticipated deal, the Chinese have underscored their interest in continuing to support Nigeria’s infrastructural development through various loan deals. Nigeria has announced that the first consignment of vaccines will be coming in January. It is unclear who the manufacturers are, but are probably from either Moderna or Pfizer’s BioNtech. But Regardless of the source, there is no indication whatever that  safeguards have been put in place that take into account African peculiarities which have seen low infection and mortality rates. Worse, indeed far worse, there are no indications that Nigeria ever actively considered developing a vaccine or leading a West African consortium of researchers and pharmaceutical conglomerates to develop a vaccine or vaccines. Nigerian and West African leaders are eternally oriented towards consuming imported products, regardless of whether they are fit for purpose. And for vaccines that are being obviously hurriedly developed all over the world, there is no protection whatsoever for the hapless regional population should anything go wrong.

     

    COVID-19 restrictions and second wave lockdown

    With an infection rate that seems to be doubling, and a mortality rate that appears to be creating panic particularly in elite circles in Nigeria, there are ongoing discussions for stricter restrictions and even the possibility of a second lockdown. Infection in Nigeria has almost reached 100,000 out of a global infection figure of a little less than 90 million; and deaths have climbed to less than 1,500 in Nigeria out of the global total of about 1.9 million. Of course, the Nigerian figures are worrisome, but they are still far less than the global figures. Rather than keep to and encourage firmer restrictions and observance of protocols, Nigerian authorities are in a lather, and are now actively mulling a second lockdown partly because developed countries have already embarked on second lockdowns as a response to the fierce progression of the second wave. Nigeria does not have the competence to embark on a copycat second lockdown, and is even dangerously less capable of policing the restrictions it has enunciated. Not only are the law enforcement agencies badly compromised by corruption and weakened by public attacks during the EndSARS protests, they are also poorly equipped and remunerated. Nigeria is between a rock and a hard place. Should they contemplate a second lockdown, given their inefficient, if not totally inept, response to the first lockdown, they may not be able to control the security fallout certain to follow the panicky measure.

     

    The NIN frenzy:

    Suddenly, the Nigerian government woke up in December to require its citizens to, in two weeks, link their National Identification Number (NIN) to their phones or else get their SIM cards to be blocked. The directive had earlier been given and ignored in February 2020. Foreigners were expected to update their SIM with their passports. On the surface, the objective is not misplaced. But the problem is that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was simply not ready for the whole circus, having created a ponderous and laborious system of identity card registration. To give a two-week deadline, now extended to February, was not only foolish at a time of pandemic, it was reckless. Like the shutting of land borders, the government simply looked at the benefits of the scheme to the detriment of the huge attendant cost, not minding their own inefficiency. Apart from the dangerous crowding at NIMC registration centres in the age of COVID, the cessation of SIM card registration and all other ancillary businesses have deeply impacted livelihoods. Is there nothing that can be done right in Nigeria? This, by the way, is the third time a national identity card scheme would be implemented. But every time the project miscarries, the people are left holding the short end of the stick.

     

    APC BoT bites the bullet:

    Like everything else about the party and the government it heads, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly proposing to amend its constitution to scrap its Board of Trustees (BoT) and replace it with Elders’ Council. Since it took office in 2015, the party has been unable to inaugurate its BoT. They hope that changing that nomenclature would help them overcome their dithering. They have not considered why their BoT has been difficult to inaugurate, but they seem sure that once their constitution is amended, their hesitations would end. If they succeed, as they hope, and discipline is restored in their party without a corresponding enthronement of justice, why, there is nothing they cannot do henceforth, including going to the moon on a glider. Is it any wonder that of all the reforms they contemplate, and of all the programmes they formulate, justice and fair play have not been among their watchwords? If they can hardly lead themselves, how can they hope to lead the country?

     

    Buhari appeals for divine border policing

    On December 2, 2020, while receiving former vice president Namadi Sambo, President Buhari veered off discussions on the ECOWAS Election Mission to Niger Republic to speak on the lengthy border with that northern neighbor. The context for that switch was not easily apparent, but the switch was made anyway. Said the president: “I come from Daura, few kilometers to Republic of Niger, so I should know a bit about that country. The president is quite decent, and we are regularly in touch. He is sticking to the maximum term prescribed by the constitution of his country. Also, we share more than 1,400 kilometers of border with that country, which can only be effectively supervised by God. I will speak with the president, and offer his country our support. We need to do all we can to help stabilise the Sahel region, which is also in our own interest.” What is not in doubt, given President Buhari’s policies, his projects which are beneficial to or oriented towards Nigeria’s northern neighbor, and his constant references to that country, is that the president is more preoccupied with and sentimental about Niger Republic. Nigerians will have to reconcile themselves to his obsession; there is little they can do to shift the president’s mindset on building roads, railways and refineries to Niger Republic. In such circumstances, it is not surprising that the president cannot give Nigeria the attention and leadership it deserves. Worse, given the miscarriage of some of his administration’s policies and his elementary grasp of religion, it is no wonder that he has left the country’s porous borders for God to police.

     

    • This piece was adapted and enlarged from last week’s Palladium column

  • Obaseki’s UI certificate scandal: Tension in Edo over court judgment

    Obaseki’s UI certificate scandal: Tension in Edo over court judgment

    Bisi OLANIYI, Southsouth Bureau Chief

     

    TENSION is heightening in Edo State among members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other residents of the South-south state, over today’s judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the University of Ibadan’s (UI’s) certificate scandal involving Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP.

    It was observed on Friday in Benin, the Edo state capital, that APC members and the teeming supporters of the governorship candidate of the party (APC) during the September 19 last year’s bloody election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, were expressing optimism that APC would emerge victorious.

    Ize-Iyamu’s supporters insisted that Obaseki would not be able to wriggle out of the alleged forgery and perjury suit, brought against him by the APC and one of its members, William Edobor.

    It was gathered on Friday in Benin that most supporters of Obaseki were restless but confident of winning, in view of the good job done by Edo governor’s legal team, while many supporters of Ize-Iyamu, a senior pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), were optimistic that APC would have favourable judgment.

    The parties on Thursday exchanged their written addresses through e-mails, with the presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Muhammed, reserving judging for today.

    In a related development, the governorship candidate of APC in Edo (Ize-Iyamu), yesterday appealed Wednesday’s judgment of the Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin, which nullified his candidacy and that of his running mate, Mallam Gani Audu, over arrangement of the name of Audu, a current member of Edo House of Assembly.

    Read Also: Judgment likely in Obaseki’s certificate forgery suit this week

    The plaintiff, Kadiri Oshoakpemhe, a member of APC in Edo, who is an ally of PDP’s Obaseki, alleged that Audu gave false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ahead of the September 19, 2020 poll.

    Edo high court, presided over by Justice Helen Courage-Ogbebor, gave the judgment, which was condemned by Ize-Iyamu and most members of APC.

    In a notice of appeal, marked B/358/2020, Ize-Iyamu, a former Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), prayed the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court on the grounds that the suit was statute-barred, an academic exercise, and of no utilitarian value.

    The appellant declared that a pre-election suit would become an academic exercise where the defendants lost the election and failed to challenge the outcome at the election petitions tribunal, praying that the suit be dismissed in its entirety.

     

  • Ugwuanyi preaches peace, inaugurates panel on Oruku crisis

    Ugwuanyi preaches peace, inaugurates panel on Oruku crisis

    Innocent Duru

     

    ENUGU State governor,  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has urged the people of Oruku Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area to stay the course of peace, which his administration has strived to entrench and nurture in the state.

    Ugwuanyi’s peace call followed the recent crisis that erupted in Oruku, which led to the killing of the traditional ruler of the community, late Igwe Emmanuel Chidiebere Mba.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry constituted by his administration to investigate and ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the crisis, Ugwuanyi said that the government and people of the state received the sad news of the incident with a rude shock.

    Members of the newly inaugurated Commission, headed by Justice Harold Eya, are HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, Prof. Den Chris Onah, Barr. Anthony Ogbu, Dr. Mrs. Chinwe Onah, Dr. Godwin Anigbo (Secretary) and Barr. Paschal Okoloagu (Counsel for the Commission).

    The governor  disclosed that the state government in the wake of the crisis swiftly directed deployment of security operatives to Oruku Community to stem the mayhem and forestall further loss of lives and destruction of property.

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi, Diri, Abiodun salute Christians at Christmas

    Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of the people, which is the primary purpose of government as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria, Ugwuanyi acknowledged the efforts of the Chairman of Nkanu East LGA as well as the sincere concern shown by all the traditional rulers in the council area towards the restoration of peace in Oruku.

    The terms of reference of the panel constituted by Gov. Ugwuanyi, pursuant to Section 4(1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap. 24, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, include to ascertain the number of persons killed or injured, identify persons, group or institutions who either by acts or omissions were directly or indirectly involved in, or sponsored the crisis, and investigate any other matter(s) that may come to the knowledge of the Panel in the course of the inquiry, not covered in these terms of reference.

  • We will resist attempts to desecrate IYC, other institutions, says Egbesu

    We will resist attempts to desecrate IYC, other institutions, says Egbesu

    Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt     

     

    IJAW religious organisation, the Sacred Order of Egbesu Brotherhood, has warned against attempts by desperate politicians to rubbish respected Ijaw institutions, especially the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide.

    Rising from their meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, members and leaders of the brotherhood, described the office of the IYC president as consecrated and called on all stakeholders to respect any person occupying the office.

    The leader of Egbesu Brotherhood, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, pledged the organisation’s allegiance to all Ijaw traditional stools and the leader of the IYC, Peter Timothy Igbifa.

    Bodmas said: “We wish to recall the memory of Ijaw youths to the painstaking sacrifices of our fathers during the formative days of the IYC. The IYC is a product of Egbesu and it is a sacred institution to us. The office of the President is a consecrated seat and as Ijaw people we will defend that office with honour.

    “The President of the IYC is the commander-in-chief of all Ijaw youths. Any attempt to disparage, demean, desecrate, usurp or treat that office with total disregard by anyone or group of persons will be met with stiff resistance.

    “We once again remind Ijaw people that the current president is a product of sleepless nights and collective resolve of Ijaw people after years of disunity, and so usurpers will not be tolerated to thwart this efforts”.

    Bodmas called on aggrieved persons to employ internal mechanisms to resolve conflicts in IYC and stop ridiculing the image of the council and trying to publicly demean the office of the council’s president  for their pecuniary gains.

    He said: “The office of the IYC president is sacred. The International Oil Companies (IOCs), the Federal Government and all other institutions should bear in mind that the words of the president of IYC are power. He commands authority and respect. If he commands, Ijaw nation follows. The political leaders, agencies, ministries, must show respect to the president of council.”