The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Tribunal victory: Opposition parties, CSO’s congratulate Gov. Ganduje

    ‎Some Opposition political parties and civil society organisations, under the aegis of All Parties and Civil Associations Platform (APCAP), have congratulated Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje for emerging victorious at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.‎

    ‎This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Abba Anwar and made available to newsmen on sunday in Kano.
    ‎

    According to the statement, the congratulatory letter was signed by ‎Chief Benjamin Dogo and Bello Kwalla for the amalgamation of opposition parties together with some civil society organisations.

    “What transpired is but a clear victory for democracy as described by our dear President Muhammadu Buhari.‎

    “The defeated gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has every constitutional right to appeal the judgement.

    “Your victory is predicated on clear and objective display of professionalism in the dispensation of justice,” the statement said.‎

    ‎The group also said that the judgement alone was a pointer to Ganduje’s all-embracing attitude towards opposition in the state.

    Read Also: Jubilation as Ganduje floors Abba at tribunal

    According to the group, immediately after the judgement the major concern of Ganduje is to reiterate his stand for safer, healthier and peaceful Kano.‎

    ‎
    ‎The statement also quoted the coordinator of the group as commending APC for display of maturity after the judgement in celebrating the victory.

    “We are assuring Nigerian politicians that with this development that Kano will reach an advance stage in democratic experience and experiment.

    “This is even so because we have realised that there wasn’t any rift caused by the joyful APC supporters,” it added.‎

    They also called on others still on the fence to join hands with the opposition parties that co-authored the congratulatory letter in commending the governor over his victory at the tribunal.

    The group also commended the governor on his resolve to put in place, an all-inclusive administration and promised that they would continue to track his steps purposely to strengthen good governance in the state.

    ‎(NAN)

  • Suicide not answer to challenges — Archbishop

    Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Metropolitan See of Lagos, has warned that suicide is not an answer to problems experienced by individuals in the society.

    Adewale Martins spoke during the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation at Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic church in Ijegun, a suburb of Lagos, on Sunday.

    “Suicide comes more often today in our society because our young people have lost their faith in God.

    ” Suicide is killing, and God has condemned that in his commandments; anyone who does that means condemnation to hell,” he said.

    Addressing the 607 candidates at the confirmation sacrament, he urged them to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and put them in action wherever they go.

    “As you receive the Holy Spirit today, your life should reflect love, peace, gentleness, joy and self control.

    ” Let us strive to be perfect Christians, ready to defend the truth; be loyal to God and passionate with your neighbours,” he said.

    According to him, the Holy Spirit strengthens and burns all forms of evil, but should not be used as an avenger or a messenger for killing or destruction of lives.

    The archbishop urged the entire faithful to learn to always forgive one another, because one with the spirit learns to forgive.

    Read Also: Suicide bomber hits Shi’ite area of Afghanistan, killing seven

    “No matter how many times one offends his neighbour, whenever he comes back, always forgive; that is the expectation from the Holy Spirit as true confirmed Catholics.

    ” You should learn to collaborate with one another because that is the main drive to development; things done with one mind bear good fruit.

    “That is the expectation of the Holy Spirit, when you have it, it would burn away negative desires, all national challenges,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bishop administered the sacrament to 607 candidates and also blessed the new chapel of adoration.

    The candidates were drawn from Saints Joachim and Anne Parish (442), Saints John Parish, Igando (144) and Saints Timothy and Titus Parish, Isheri Osun (21).

    (NAN)

  • Train shutdown: We sympathise with commuters, says NRC boss

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Sunday said it sympathised with train commuters going through pains and difficulties due to the shutdown of daily operations of train services on the existing narrow gauge from Ijoko in Ogun to Ebute Meta-Apapa in Lagos.

    Recall that the NRC suspended the daily operations of train services in the axis on Sept. 30.

    The suspension became necessary to fast track the completion of the new standard gauge, which required shifting of the existing narrow gauge and relaying it to accommodate standard gauge rail line.

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, had on Sept. 23, announced November as deadline for the trial services on the about-to-be- completed Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line.

    The Lagos District Manager of NRC, Mr Jerry Oche, told NAN that the corporation was not unconcerned about the difficulties many commuters were going through since the shutdown, urging them to be patient.

    Oche, who said that the shutdown would last till middle of November, disclosed that NRC management was working with the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to deliver the project as projected.

    “Words cannot express how I feel about what the commuters are going through. Don’t forget, I always say that it is not much about how much we make, but the services we render to the majority of people.

    “We bring succour and alleviate the suffering of thousands of Lagos residents. Now that we have shut down, I know a lot of people are having difficulties.

    “But we are, however, working with the Chinese contractor to see that the project is fixed within the set time. We should achieve what we wanted to achieve within the set time,’’ Oche said.

    He said that the district was also using the period of the shutdown to look inward and fix a lot of things, including the state of coaches and others.

    “We want to see what improvement we can bring in by the time we are resuming. I really want to appeal to our passengers, without them for me, we are not complete.

    “Whether we are moving hundred tonnes of goods or not, it does not matter; I am already missing the interactions we have on daily basis,’’ he said.

    The NRC boss, who noted that MTTS services remained the hope of many of the less privileged commuters, said that the new track, when completed, would also lower the accident rate.

    Read Also: Ferry boss seeks patronage of water transportation

    Oche added: “The Chinese (contractor) has commended the removal of the narrow gauge and the whole idea is for them to shift the old narrow gauge and lay a new one.

    “This is not just about completing the standard gauge, it is also about ensuring that we have a better narrow gauge.

    “The project itself entails the removal of the existing narrow gauge in complete shift to accommodate the standard gauge.

    “We are supposed to have two standard gauges and the narrow gauge beside it. You will notice a new narrow gauge around Agege, Iju and Agbado.

    “All this while, because we were still running train services, the contractor had not been able to work on this axis.

    “Now that the standard gauge itself has got to this axis, what is remaining is for them to work, do this part and then we will meet the minister’s directive of starting the trial of Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail operations.’’

    He said that the standard gauge which had gotten to Iju from Ibadan, needed to get to Apapa, which necessitated the stop of operations on narrow gauge, to lay the standard gauge.

    (NAN)

  • Xenophobia :Ondo presents N100,000 cash to returnees

    Ondo Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the weekend presented cash gift of N100, 000 to South Africa returnees of Ondo State origin.

    This is part of the measures to re-settle them in their various communities.

    Akeredolu, who presented the cash gift in his office while receiving the South African returnees, following xenophobic attack also promised to give necessary support and provide an enabling environment for them to start a new life.

    The governor ,who was represented by his Deputy, Agboola Ajayi, condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa by South Africans.

    He described the unwarranted attacks as barbaric and condemnable which should be discouraged.

    The governor said president Muhammadu Buhari has also visited South Africa to condemn the ugly incident and look at lasting solution to the incident.

    He particularly charged the returnees not to be discouraged by what had happened to them but be ready to start a new life as they returned safely to their fatherland.

    The governor assured them of his administration’s readiness to assist them in settling down in their various communities and ameliorate their present conditions.

    Read Also: Rotimi Akeredolu: Little Resources, Meritorious Feats

    Akeredolu, who informed them that his administration has provided various windows of opportunities including youths and women empowerment, agricultural, entrepreneurship programmes among several others, advised them to avail themselves with any of them to better their lives.

    He also charged the returnees not to be hostile with any foreigners around them so that African countries could be a better place for all.

    The governor equally appreciated the spirited efforts of the management of Air Peace Airline by conveying the returnees free of charge.

    He further thanked his Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Fola Olasehinde-Vincente, in ensuring the success of the programme.

    Olasehinde-Vincente, commended the governor for his kind gesture and support given to the returnees to ensure they settle down peacefully and happily.

    She equally admonished them to strive to integrate properly back to the society and eschew all forms of crimes and criminalities.

    Some of the returnees, including Jenty Edisemi and Sholanke Omolara, who appreciated the state government for the support, explained that their experience in South Africa was very stressful.

    Ends.

  • JUST IN: One shot as Urhobo, Itsekiri youths clash

    A yet -to- be identified man has been reportedly shot in a clash between youths of Okere-Urhobo kingdom and neighbouring Itsekiri extractions, at Okere Market in Warri South council area of Delta state.

    The victim was said to have been admitted at an undisclosed hospital as a result of the incident, which occurred Sunday morning.

    According to reports, youths of both groups shot randomly, forcing traders and buyers to flee the market during the attack.

    It was gathered that hoodlums seized the opportunity to loot the abandoned shops.

    It was also learnt there had been tension in the area since Saturday.

    Read Also: Nigeria loses $14b yearly to farmers, herders clashes, says Fayemi

    An order by the Okere-Urhobo party that all shops be locked in respect of the final rites of passage of their monarch, HRM (Prof.) Oghenero Okumagba, Idama ll, reportedly led to gun battle between them and their Itsekiri counterparts.

    It was learnt that youths of Okere-Urhobo extraction had gone to Obahor, a predominantly Itsekiri area, as well as the market to enforce the order.

    They were reportedly rebuffed by the other party, who stated that commercial shops cannot be shutdown in their domain, as there was no such order compelling people to do so during the burial ceremony of the late Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse II.

    This further culminated into an argument, which resulted in a fight with guns and other weapons.

    The Delta State Police Command confirmed the development.

    Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyinka Adeleke, said: “It is one person that was shot and hospitalised, not six. Another person was shot and hospitalised yesterday (Saturday). They’re fighting because of the burial of the King.”

  • Asset Declaration: Level of compliance, not encouraging, CCB says

    The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), says the level of compliance with the declaration of assets by public office holders in the country is not encouraging at all.

    Prof. Mohammed Isah, Chairman of the bureau, disclosed this when he featured on News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

    According to him, even though there is an improvement from what it used to be in time past, there is need for all public officers to know that they are duty bound to declare their assets.

    “What we met that used to be the level of compliance has now risen to a certain level, the nature of the subject that we are expected to cover is too wide.

    “Under part two of the fifth schedule of the 1999 constitution provides that from the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, members of the National Assembly, members of House of Assembly, Ministers, Commissioners and all Chairmen of all Parastatals and Agencies of Federal and State governments, Military, Police, Immigration, Customs, Prisons, Political Office Holders and all Federal, States and Local Government civil servants all of them are public officers.

    “And, our main predicament is the issue of enlightenment people have little or no knowledge about their obligations or relations to compliance to with the Code of Conduct for public officers.

    “So, the level of compliance is not encouraging at all,’’ he said.

    On the issue of accessing information as declared by public officers, the chairman noted that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act provides that an individual, such as a private person, would be given access to such document.

    Read Also: SERAP gets nod to compel CCB to publish President’s, governors’ asset declarations

    “If anybody wishes to access information as declared by a public officer in the custody of the bureau, the law has laid down conditions precedent for that particular individual as a private person to access that information.

    “The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) is very clear and is very explicit in relation to this.

    “And, paragraph three of the third schedule of the constitution as well as the CCB and CCT Act provides that it is the national assembly that will give out the guidelines for accessing the information that is in custody of the bureau of declarant and those guidelines are still much in place.

    “So, if anybody as a private person or private organisation wants to access asset declaration or information contained in asset declaration of any public officer, those conditions laid down by FOI Act must be fulfilled,” Isah said.

    (NAN)

  • Bandits release another 15 kidnapped victims in Katsina

    Repentant Bandits from Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State in the early hours of Sunday released another batch of 15 kidnapped victims after having spent 45 days in their custody

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari received the victims at the Government House Katsina at about 1 am.

    This brings to about 75 the number of kidnapped victims that have been released by the bandits in the aftermath of the recent dialogue with the State Government

    The 15 victims, including a day -old baby girl that was delivered in the forest few hours before the release of her mother, arrived Government House, famished and malnourished

    They told newsmen that they were kidnapped from Mallamawa village 45days ago.

    Read Also: Kidnappings banditry: IG redeploys Kaduna CP, five others

    According to them since that fateful day nobody knew their whereabouts.

    They applauded the Governor’s dialogue programme which paved the way for their release.

    Fielding questions from newsmen, Masari, who could not hide his joy over the release of these innocent women and children, said the next level of the dialogue program would be disarmament of the repentant bandits which he and Governors of Zamfara and Maradi in Niger Republic were working on.

    Chairman Transition Committee of Jibia Local Government, Alhaji Haruna Musa Mota announced that normalcy has returned to the area since the dialogue initiative undertaken by the government

    Some dignitaries at hand to receive the rescued persons include the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, Chairman Afdin Ventures, Alhali Dahiru Barau Mangal and the State Chairman of the APC, Mallam Shitu S.Shitu

  • Lawmaker donates to pregnant women, nursing mothers

    The member representing Ipokia constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs Sikiratu Ajibola, on Sunday donated baby items and money to pregnant women, nursing mothers and the aged.

    Ajibola, who donated the items and money under her empowerment programme, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the cash were given to pregnant women and the aged while baby items were distributed to nursing mothers.

    The lawmaker, who is a member of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) party and the Assembly Committee Chairman on Women Affairs, explained that it was important to give back to the society and also support the less privileged.

    Read Also: Ogun APM rejects governorship, House of Assembly results

    She pledged to continue to fulfil her electioneering promises by extending the dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of her constituency.

    She commended her people for the confidence reposed in her to represent them in the House of assembly.

    “It is important to give back to the society. This programme is part of my 100 days in office celebration. We also distributed writing materials to primary school pupils to support their parents,” she said.

    She used the occasion to call on Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun to rehabilitate all the bad roads in her Ipokia constituency.

    The lawmaker stated that the poor condition of the roads in her constituency has a negative effect on the economic activities of the local government area.

    (NAN)

  • BBNaija: Tiwa Savage, MI Abaga, Patoranking set to perform at grand finale

    Nigerian afropop singer, Tiwa Savage, hip-hop recording artist MI Abaga and reggae-dancehalls singer Patoranking will perform at the grand finale of the ongoing Big Brother Nigeria (#BBNaija) reality show.

    Holding the tradition of featuring guest performances during the live eviction shows on Sundays, celebrities such as Burna Boy, Teni, Zlatan, DJ Neptune, DJ TTB and Reekado Banks have graced the stage.

    The opening ceremonies, which introduced the original twenty – one housemates to the viewers featured performances from Burna Boy and Teni.
    The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) reports that after 99 days of top-notch peppery entertainment, BBNaija ‘ Pepper Dem’Season 4 will come to an end with performances from an all-star cast mentioned above.

    The Nigerian music stars will be Live on stage at the Finale of the Pepper Dem Season delivering pulsating performances.

    Read Also: BBNaija: MC Oluomo shows support for Mike

    According to the organisers, the grand Finale planed to shake Naija with performances befitting the ‘biggest Show ‘of the year.

    Other acts billed to perform include Imagneto, ZinnyX and Dance Machine Empire, adding that every single artist would bring something explosive to the stage.

    The final show which will hold on Sunday, Oct. 6, will feature the announcement of the winner of the 99 days show, which began on June 30.

    The winner of the 60 million Naira is among the remaining six which are; Mercy , Mike, Frodd, Omashola, Seyi and Diane contestants.
    ( NAN)

  • BBNaija (S4): Ex-housemates join final Saturday night party

    All evicted housemates were surprise guests at the final party of the ongoing BBNaija season four.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final five – Mercy, Mike, Omashola, Seyi and Frodd – were shocked when they saw their former housemates in the party room.

    The party, with two Disc Jockeys and a musical performance, had a snag as evicted housemates could see and hear the finalists but could not make physical contact because of a glass barrier.

    The barrier prevented couples in the house, Mercy and Ike, and Frodd and Esther from touching each other and dancing together as usual.

    Housemates were dressed in outfits from Ochulo and rocked the glitz and glam themed party with Mercy and Mike leading the trail in their sparkly outfits.

    Read Also: Five positives of Big Brother Naija

    NAN reports that viewers took to social media to applaud the show organisers for putting together “the best Saturday night party ever.”

    @Joey_mokene said, “All I saw was Ike and Mercy blowing kisses to each other, thank you Biggie party was lit.”

    @Bulletproof said, “I swear…. the best of all parties. I miss those beautiful faces. I can’t wait For the grand finale today.”

    @Jenjen_lively tweeted, “Biggie you finally killed us yesterday, where else can we see the pepper himself if not Biggie, awwwww, weldone to all the organisers, you guys really killed it.”

    @Enblessed tweeted, “Biggie burst my brain. The party was a bomb. Thank you Biggie.”

    NAN reports that the grand finale will hold on Sunday and only one housemates out of the final five will walk away with N60 million worth of prizes.

    (NAN)