The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Rivers crisis: court reverses suspension of pro-Fubara Rep

    Rivers crisis: court reverses suspension of pro-Fubara Rep

    The  Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has reversed the suspension placed on Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives loyal to the state Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, by his ward leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The PDP in Ngor, Ward 1 in Andoni Local Government Area, had suspended Abiante, the lawmaker, accusing him of creating a faction in the party.

    The resolution suspending Abiante was signed by the PDP Caretaker Committee Ward Chairman in Andoni LGA, Dike Bara and CTC Ward Secretary, Dokubo Jackson, and 12 other executive members.

    But the court on Friday made orders of interim injunction voiding his suspension following a suit he filed challenging the punitive measure.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Court reverses suspension of pro-Fubara Rep

    Abiante listed Bara, Jackson, Smith Green, Nte Obieaia as first set of defendants and Owoukagakemi Lawrence as well as Stephen Jumbo as the second set of defendants.

    Making the orders, the Presiding Judge, Justice G.O. Ollor, restrained the defendants and their agents from tampering with the membership of Abiante or doing anything that will deprive him of his rights as a full member of PDP Ward 1, Ngor Town.

    The judge also restrained the defendants and their agents from preventing Abiante from participating in all the activities of the PDP in all the wards, local government, federal Constituency, Senatorial District and the state.

  • Edo gov reassures 22 communities of adequate security

    Edo gov reassures 22 communities of adequate security

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reassured residents of over 22 communities in Inikorogha, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state of adequate security to engender peace and progress.

    He gave the reassurance yesterday, while addressing members of the communities at the Government House, Benin, when they staged a peaceful protest over plans to withdraw the security agencies maintaining peace in the area.

    Obaseki said: “I have been informed about your peculiar case. When I heard that the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja has instructed that the security be withdrawn from your communities, I mandated that a letter be written to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

    Read Also: NSITF pledges to help Tinubu achieve agenda on social investment

    “First, I am the Chief Security Officer of this state. Constitutionally, I have the responsibility to secure you, and I will therefore communicate with the IGP. They cannot remove security men from your communities, without first letting me know. I heard that it is the resolution of the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives does not govern Edo State.

    “We know what they are trying to achieve. They are not happy that we have stopped the illegal logging in your communities, which they are making money from. So they have gone to Abuja to try to bribe them to withdraw security, so that they can come into your communities and continue to cause deforestation. As long as I am your governor, I will not allow it. Please, just be peaceful and wait for further communication from me.”

  • Fubara empowers 3066 SMEs with N4bn soft loan

    Fubara empowers 3066 SMEs with N4bn soft loan

    Rivers  State Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, has formally launched the N4bn loan scheme to  create wealth and stimulate business activities in the state.

    The launching, which took place at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt on Friday was the beginning of disbursement of Rivers State Government/Bank of Industry (BOI) Limited N4bn loan scheme for nano, small and medium-scale businesses in the state.

    Fubara said the lack of access to credit had continued to aggravate financial exclusion and choked the prospects for individuals to realise their economic aspirations for a better life.

    But he said with the scheme, which is a partnership between Rivers State Government and BOI, a surest path had been secured to achieve entrepreneurial success and an enabler of economic prosperity in the state.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Court reverses suspension of pro-Fubara Rep

    Fubara said: “Today, we are all here to witness the formal launch and distribution of cheques to 3,066 micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises and 100 companies in the state from all 23 local government areas, including businesses owned by non-indigenes valued at over N3.6billion only.

    “We are satisfied with today’s outing and professionalism, believing even more strongly that the potential outcome will be greater to both BOI and the government and good people of Rivers State.”

    Fubara recalled that during his electioneering campaigns he promised to support entrepreneurial development and the growth of businesses through access to credit in the form of soft loans.

    “We can only keep imagining the economic value that the over 3,000 MSMEs would add to the positive economic dynamics of Rivers State and the local government areas in terms of gross domestic product, increased tax returns, employment creation, income distribution and production of goods and services.”

    In his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Industry (BOI) Limited, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, represented by the Executive Director of Corporate Services and Commercial, Mr. Usen Effiong, said they were particularly interested in ensuring that the collaboration was realised in steering socio-economic growth, creating jobs, checking social vices and growing the IGR of Rivers State.

  • Mass housing priority in Bayelsa, says Diri

    Mass housing priority in Bayelsa, says Diri

    •Approves land for Fed Govt project

    Bayelsa  State Governor Douye Diri has said affordable housing for people of the state will be accorded top priority in his second term.

    Diri stated this on Friday when the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, and the management team paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

    The governor, who expressed his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the federal government to attract more development in the housing sector, approved the provision of land for the FHA to actualise President Bola Tinubu’s housing vision for people of the state.

    Read Also: Diri says mass housing a priority in Bayelsa

    He said: “In our first term, we focused more on infrastructure development to open up the state. We saw road construction as our number one priority. But, this time around, we are prioritising housing for our people. Our focal person in the sector will liaise with you to ensure that President Bola Tinubu’s dream of providing housing for Nigerians is realised.

    “We will acquire land and make it available to the FHA free of charge. We will collaborate with you so that we can build a new Bayelsa.”

    While commending Ojo and his team for consulting with state governments on the federal government housing project, Diri urged other federal appointees to also take into consideration the peculiarities of states and regions in the country in fashioning national policies. “I commend you for coming to consult with us. Most officers of government stay back in Abuja and make decisions, some of which are inimical to the states. This should be the standard of every official.”

    In his remarks, the FHA Managing Director, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, said the visit was to solicit partnership with the state government in delivering the president’s mandate for the housing sector.

  • Omosehin resumes as NAICOM new Commissioner

    Omosehin resumes as NAICOM new Commissioner

    The newly appointed Commissioner for Insurance/CEO Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, yesterday, arrived at the NAICOM’s Headquarters, Abuja for his assumption of duty.

    According to the commission, he was welcomed by Senior Members of Staff.

    Following his arrival, Omosehin had an interactive session with the entire management and staff of the Commission.

    In his opening remark, he stated that the executive management would set a new tone for the Nigerian Insurance Sector.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Appeal Court grants EFCC’s Exparte Motion for stay of proceedings, fixes May 20 for hearing

    In a positive light, Omosehin said he is optimistic about achieving a more vibrant insurance sector.

    He noted that the Federal Government intends to achieve a $1trillion economy by 2026, with the Insurance Sector expected to play a critical role and contribute to its achievement.

    His predecessor Mr. Olorundare Sunday Thomas who was in attendance to officially hand over to the new Commissioner, thanked the staff for their support while in office.

  • FG extends Nigeria- Diaspora $10billion fund expression of interest

    FG extends Nigeria- Diaspora $10billion fund expression of interest

    The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka Anite, has disclosed that the deadline for the submission of an Expression of Interest for the Nigeria- Diaspora fund has been extended.

    The minister, yesterday, disclosed this on her social media page, stating that the new submission deadline is May 13/ 2024, stating that this extension is intended to accommodate stakeholders who require more time to prepare their applications in accordance with the guidelines provided for the $10billion Nigeria- Diaspora fund.

    According to the statement, “The EOI is open to fund managers interested in the development and establishment of a multi-sectoral, multilateral private sector-led investment fund.

    Read Also: AFRIMA hosting rights: African Union writes Nigeria, South Africa

    “We encourage prospective applicants to use this additional time to finalise their submission that meets the outlined criteria, ensuring comprehensive and competitive proposals”.

    The minister in the statement directed that for more inquiries, interested individuals should contact the Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment during weekdays and working Nigeria hours.

  • Family members storm Abuja hospital to protest patient’s death 

    Family members storm Abuja hospital to protest patient’s death 

    “My brother is 37 years old. Did you know how long he has been struggling? He is my parents’ only son. We can’t sleep.  This incident could have been avoided but no, you guys chose to take his life.”

    Another family member, Sarah Ameachi, who was part of the protest, narrated her own bitter experience.

    Ameachi said she was left in her pool of blood in the labour room without any attention.

    She said: “They left me in the labour room, I was bleeding, nobody cared for me. There were supposed to be three nurses attending to me. Unfortunately, one left me to bleed. After I gave birth, I told them that I was going to report, they told me that I should thank God that I am alive.

    “So after that incident, I went back with my son. Today, it’s my brother’s turn, who they did not touch. They did not even look at him. They referred him to jabi at least they could’ve done something or checked what was wrong with him even if you don’t have the equipment.”

    The protesting family wants the hospital to be shut down within the next 72 hours.

    Mr. Innocent Echi, an in-law to the late Dike, who issued the 72hours ultimatum, said: “What really happened was that on the 25 April my in-law Chiahoziem Dike had an asthmatic attack as at 4am and he was rushed down to the hospital.

    “He stayed opposite star view, meaning that from there to the hospital is one or two minutes drive. So the family and friends took him to the nearest hospital, which is the Federal Staff Hospital.

    “When they brought him, they refused to open the gate. After so much pressure, they opened it and they took him in.

    “The doctors just looked at him and said they couldn’t handle the case and ask them to take him to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi. On reaching there, they told us that he was dead.

    “Our anger is that Federal Staff Hospital could have given him first aid. He wouldn’t have given up.

    “We had them on record when they were talking carelessly. It had me question whether they graduated from medical college and who issued them licences.

    “We are demanding justice for Nigeria so far; not just him. We are asking the Minister of Health and Minister of FCT and Hospital management board to look into it.

    “We intend to write petition to the necessary authorities.  This matter needs to be investigated. We need justice,” Echi said.

    Read Also: AFRIMA hosting rights: African Union writes Nigeria, South Africa

    He added: “We brought him because he couldn’t breathe properly but the hospital failed to attend to him and let our brother die.  They referred us to a far hospital and let him die like that.”

    The Chief Medical Director, Federal Staff Hospital, Gwarimpa, Dr. Adewumi however said he was never aware of the cases mentioned by the protesters, describing the death of Dike as unfortunate.

    He however pleaded with the aggrieved protesters, promising to look into the matter.

    He said: “I am not aware of all these. I understand. I know what you are feeling.

    “This is the first case I am witnessing. I’m going to find out and get the nurses and doctors involved and get justice for you.

    “We are going to investigate. Please calm down. I am sorry for all that has happened. I am going to look into it and all that happened that day.

    “It’s unfortunate it happened. Like I said, we need to demand justice for that. So I need to know what happened.”

  • NSITF pledges to help Tinubu achieve agenda on social investment

    NSITF pledges to help Tinubu achieve agenda on social investment

    The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has said it will contribute towards the actualisation of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda on health, education, social investment, and agriculture.

    The organisation said as a leading social security institution in Africa with over 60 years of experience in the social security sector, it has a huge role and responsibility in realising the key priority areas of the present administration.

    The Managing Director of NSITF, Maureen Allagoa, pledged in Abuja at a workshop on the ‘Role of the fund in actualising the government’s eight priority areas.’

    In a statement by the NSITF General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Nwachukwu Godson Allagoa, the NSITF has already launched an initiative that would improve the lives of Nigerians through enhanced human and capital development.

    Read Also:FG to unveil new mining license rate soon – Alake

    The statement said: “The NSITF as the leading social security institution in Africa with over 60 years experience in the social security sector has a huge role and responsibility in the actualisation of these key priority areas, particularly the key priority area No. 6 that speaks to Social investments to improve the lives of Nigerians and enhance human and capital development.

    “We have commenced a strategic drive into the informal sector of the economy with a view to providing social security services for the employees through our close collaboration with the Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) using their various associations and bodies.”

    “This strategy extends even to associations and umbrella bodies of small and medium scale enterprises in the agricultural sector to improve productivity and boost food production which will invariably enhance food security.”

  • FG to unveil new mining license rate soon – Alake

    FG to unveil new mining license rate soon – Alake

    Plans a foot by the Federal Government to review rates of mining licenses and other sundry fees payable by mining operators in the country.

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake dropped the hint during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the mining industry in his office in Abuja.

    Alake said the review rates became necessary to boost the capacity of the government to effectively reposition the mining sector.

    He maintained that the review became inevitable if the government was to fulfil its obligations of providing an enabling environment for mining operations whilst also raising more revenue for the government.

    He then solicited the support of stakeholders for the impending increase in fees for mining licenses and other sundry fees.

    Read Also:FG to unveil new mining license rate soon – Alake

    “For us to continue to ensure that we secure the mining environment and keep putting in place measures that will ease the operational difficulties and challenges that confront miners, we need to review the rates of mining licenses and other sundry fees. We felt that we can’t just do this without letting you know because invariably, you are the players in the industry,” the Minister stated.

    Shedding light on the recent revocation of dormant mining licenses, the Minister noted that the government followed due process and extant laws guiding the action, emphasising that a 30-day restitution window still exists for operators that were affected.

    It will be recalled that the Minister announced a restitution fee of N10m, N7.5m, N5m and N2.5m for Mining Leases, Small Scale Mining Licenses (SSML), Exploration License (EL) and Quarrying License respectively for revoked dormant licenses including those earlier revoked for default in payment of annual service fees.

    Highlighting efforts to reposition the mining industry, the Minister revealed that aside from ongoing reforms, the federal government is sanitising the mining environment through the newly unveiled mining marshals, which he affirmed has been conducting operations in parts of the country to protect legitimate miners and combat illegal mining.

    The Director-General of the Mining Cadastral Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, who also chaired the fees review committee, stated that the committee recommended new rates that are affordable and will enhance the competitiveness of the fiscal regime of the mining sector in comparison with regional and global standards.

  • Insecurity: FCTA impounds over 20 vehicles

    Insecurity: FCTA impounds over 20 vehicles

    •Explains how unpainted cars can operate in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has impounded over 20 vehicles following the pockets of insecurity in the nation’s capital.   

     The administration also gave explanations on how owners of private cars can use them for taxi services without having to paint such vehicles.

     This contrasts the belief that only owners of painted taxes are legally permitted to ply their trade in the nation’s capital.

     Those interested in using their vehicles for commercial purposes were, however, told to go through laid down procedures.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Appeal Court grants EFCC’s Exparte Motion for stay of proceedings, fixes May 20 for hearing

     Some of the processes include proper registration of private cars with relevant bodies and the acquisition of unique identification and vehicle plate numbers for the vehicles.

     Head of Operations, FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), Deborah Osho said this during a clampdown on illegal taxi operators in Abuja on Friday.

     Osho disclosed that about twenty vehicles were impounded during the operations which took place in Area 3, Apo Interchange under the bridge and the Three Arms Zone, saying the defaulting drivers would face mobile court for prosecution.

     She frowned at indiscriminate motor parks in the city and warned operators to use only designated parking lots to pick up and drop passengers.

     She said: “DRTS has a scheme called e-hailing, under which you have Uber and Bolt, among others.

     “You will have a unique number plate that will be given to you. Your vehicle may not be painted but you are registered with NIMC and DRTS, and there is no way you can be involved in one chance because we and other relevant agencies will have your data.

     “If you want to be a taxi driver, be a driver with painted taxis, and if you want to be an e-hailing driver, go through the processes and get a unique number plate, where you will be seen. You can now not paint your vehicles, but we have all your details, all your data with us, which we can use to trace you in the event of any eventualities.”

     Continuing, she warned: “If you cannot go through that process to become an e-hailing driver, then you choose to do other business.”

     Earlier, the Secretary, Command and Control Unit, FCTA Department of Security Services, Dr. Peter Olumuji reiterated the commitment of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh to securing lives and property in the FCT.

     Olumuji, who noted that security in the FCT has improved tremendously, assured that the government would not relent in its efforts, by not laying down its guards owing to economic hardships but would rather strengthen practices to ensure provision of security in the FCT.