The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Appeal Court sacks ex-Ondo APC secretary as Assembly candidate

    Appeal Court sacks ex-Ondo APC secretary as Assembly candidate

    A former secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Sina Alaye, has lost his bid to be the party’s candidate for Akoko Southeast Constituency in the House of Assembly.

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, in a judgment sacked Alaye as the party’s candidate by affirming a judgment of the Akure Division of the Federal High Court.

    Justice Ayobode Lokulo-Sodipe, who presided over a three-man panel, affirmed the order granted by the Federal High Court, directing the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and substitute Suleiman Murtala as the party’s rightful candidate for the constituency.

    Murtala had filed a suit at the Federal High Court seeking a declaration that the APC primary election that produced Alaye and held at the International Cultural Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure on May 27, 2022 was illegal, null and void, for violating Section 84(5)(i) (c) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

    He claimed that he participated in, won and was retuned as winner of the party’s primary for the same constituency duly conducted on May 26, 2022 at Isua-Akoko within that constituency, before the party conducted the subsequent illegal primary election.

    Justice R. M. Aikawa, who delivered the judgment of the Federal High Court on December 2, 2022, granted the reliefs sought by Murtala and ordered APC and INEC to substitute him as the rightful candidate.

    Justice Lokulo-Sodipe held that the appeal lacked merit and consequently awarded costs of N500,000 against APC and Alaye in favour of Murtala.

    Counsel for Murtala, Adebayo Solagbade, described the judgment as thorough, erudite and fundamental in guiding political parties in the conduct of primaries.

    He said he was prepared to work with stakeholders to secure victory at the polls.

  • Nine parties sign peace accord in Ekiti

    Nine parties sign peace accord in Ekiti

    Nine political parties yesterday in Ekiti State signed a peace accord to ensure peaceful conduct of the February 25 and March 11 general election.

    The parties that signed the peace accord are the Accord Party, Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, Action Alliance, African Democratic Congress, Zenith Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressive Party and New Nigerian Peoples Party.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Ayobami Salami said the exercise was to commit the parties in ensuring the general election was violence-free.

    He urged the leadership of the parties to respect and abide by the rules and regulations stipulated by the accord, saying any breach of the accord would attract consequences.

    Salami advised parties, their candidates and supporters to shun actions that could threaten the peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the elections.

    “We are aware that development cannot take place in an environment devoid of peace. No credible and reliable election can be conducted in a violent atmosphere. Hence, the need to hold ourselves accountable as stakeholders for peaceful elections or otherwise.

    “I appeal to parties and candidates to ensure the general election is peaceful in this state. Kindly educate your followers on the need to allow peace reign. Don’t make this election a do-or-die affair,” he said.

    The REC noted that the electoral body was prepared to conduct the elections, as 80 per cent of the logistics needed for the polls had been dispatched to the 16 local governments.

    He said the commission was committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections, adding that INEC would consolidate the successes of the last governorship election in the state in delivering transparent elections that met global practices.

    He assured the parties and the electorate that their votes would count, saying: “Our commitment is to ensure that the choice of the leaders is entirely in the hands of the voters.”

  • ‘87 terrorists killed, 340 surrender in two weeks’

    ‘87 terrorists killed, 340 surrender in two weeks’

    •40 illegal refining sites destroyed, 53 suspects arrested

    Troops on operations in the North-east and North-west have killed 87 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the last two weeks.

    Three hundred and forty terrorists, and their families, comprising 12 males, 133 females and 195 children, have also surrendered to troops in the North-east frontlines.

    Director (Defence Media Operations) Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami stated this yesterday during a bi-weekly media briefing on military operations at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. He said the successes were recorded between January 26 and February 9.

    According to Danmadami, troops rescued 59 civilians and arrested 33 terrorists, while some arms and ammunition were also recovered from terrorists during several operations.

    He added: “Cumulatively, within the period under review, troops in the North-east recovered two GPMG, an AK-47, 13 Dane guns, three AK-47 magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36 hand grenade and 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo.

    “The troops also recovered one belted 18 x 7.62mm x51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, two jack knives, 11 bicycles, one vehicle, one motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, N77,260, and vehicle loaded with food items and other sundry items.”

    Gen. Danmadami said within the weeks under review, troops in the North-west frontlines recovered 12 AK-47 rifles, 16 locally-made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 27 AK-47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, one vehicle, three MTN sim cards, one NIN card, one driver’s license, receipt of cash transfer, 66 cows, 18 sheep and assorted charms.

    He added that all the items that were recovered, terrorists arrested and civilians rescued during have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

    The terrorists that were captured and those who surrendered, including their families, are being profiled for further action.

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe and other subsidiary operations have also, in the last two weeks, destroyed 40 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta. They also arrested 53 suspected oil thieves and other criminals in various operations across the Southsouth.

    Danmadami said the troops, in the conduct of operation Octopus Grip on January 30, destroyed 10 bags and five kegs (25 ltrs) of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil on the Tuomo-Atamasa flow line in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and also recovered a loaded doubled barrel gun.

    “On February 3, the troops destroyed an illegal refining site, seven metal ovens, 12 metal drums, 10 dugout pits, six storage tanks and 47 cellophane bags containing illegally refined products.

    “Cumulatively, within the weeks under review, troops discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refining sites, 136 storage facilities, 66 ovens, 39 wooden boats, one generator, 11 vehicles and two tricycles.

    “Additionally, troops recovered 222,000 litres of suspected crude oil, 83,000 litres of illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene while 53 suspected economic saboteurs were arrested.

    “All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further

  • One dies in Kara Bridge multiple accident

    One dies in Kara Bridge multiple accident

    One person died in yesterday’s multiple accident on the Kara bridge outward Lagos. Two persons were rescued by men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

    A statement by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Taofiq Adebayo, said the accident, which happened about 7am, involved a fully loaded containerised truck with five other private vehicles.

    A male hawker died instantly, he said. Adebayo added that the body and persons rescued were handed over to the medical team on ground.

    According to him, preliminary investigation showed that the truck had a brake failure and crushed a fully-loaded 18-seater commercial bus and four other vehicles.

    Head of LASTMA (Zebra) at Ojodu-Berger, Mabunmi Abisola, who led the rescue team, said the affected vehicles were immediately removed from the bridge to ease traffic. Abisola added that emergency responders at the accident scene included the police, Trace Officials and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

  • Three killed, houses set ablaze in Benue ‘cult’ clash

    Three killed, houses set ablaze in Benue ‘cult’ clash

    Three persons reportedly died in a cult clash in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    Three houses and a small mosque were also burnt. Makurdi is divided into north and south.

    The Nation gathered that trouble started in the Katungu area of north bank on Wednesday night when rival cult groups started fighting, and two water hawkers died.

    The following day, youths were said to have mobilised and waged war on the cult groups. “Houses of suspecting cult members were set ablaze in the melee while property worth millions destroyed,” a resident, Mallam Adamu, who fled the troubled area, said.

    A community leader, Alhaji Musa Plato, who confirmed the incident, said the Commissioner of Police Wale Abass and his team have restored normalcy in the area.

    He said: “The Commissioner of Police and his team have addressed community members and vowed to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to face the law.”

    Police spokesperson Kate Anene was yet to confirm as at last night.

  • Man remanded for defiling 11-year-old daughter

    Man remanded for defiling 11-year-old daughter

    A Family Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday remanded Kareem Sarafa (32) in a correctional centre for allegedly defiling his 11-year-old daughter.

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) charged Sarafa with defilement.

    Chief Magistrate P. O. Adetuyibi, who did not take Sarafa’s plea for want of jurisdiction, ordered he should be remanded at the Abolongo Correctional facility pending legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    She thereafter adjourned the matter till April 27 for mention.

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Afe Olurotomi, told the court that Sarafa, in December 2022, defiled his daughter. Olurotimi said the act happened at Ile-Ejo Idi-Osun, Papa area, Ibadan, where the man lived with his family.

    According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Section 34 (1) and punishable under Section 34 (2) of the Oyo State Child Rights Law, 2006.

  • Court rejects police bid to withdraw murder charge

    Court rejects police bid to withdraw murder charge

    A Magistrate’s Court sitting on Lagos Island has rejected a request by the police to withdraw a murder charge against Kazeem Jinadu and two others over the death of Muda Balogun.

    Magistrate K. K. Awoyinka instead ordered the police to duplicate the case file and resend a copy to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

    The police arraigned Jinadu, Maaru Amisu and Oluwatobi Ajao Tunmise before the court on a six-count charge of murder, an offence punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

    The defendants and others now at large were accused of conspiring to commit murder on September 28, 2022, in the Iyana-Iba Area of Ojo.

    The court was awaiting the DPP report when the police prosecutor, Stephen Molo, brought a February 2 letter, from the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, requesting a withdrawal of the case.

    Molo relied on Section 73 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State to ask for the discontinuation of the case.

    But the complainant’s counsel, Mubashir Oshodi, urged the Magistrate to disregard the application. He argued that it was a bid to obstruct justice.

    Magistrate Awoyinka held that the letter was not a sufficient basis to quash the charges. She said neither the court nor the Inspector-General had the power to dismiss or withdraw the charge at this stage.

    The magistrate adjourned until February 13 for consideration of the DPP’s expected report.

  • One killed in Ebonyi communal clash

    One killed in Ebonyi communal clash

    One person was kileld and about four persons abducted in fresh crisis between Oso-Edda, Amasiri and Nde Ndukwe communities in Ebonyi State.

    The abducted persons were later freed, but properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the crisis.

    Oso-Edda is in Afikpo South Local Government Area, while Amasiri and Nde Ndukwe are in Afikpo North. The three have a long history of boundary dispute which had always been managed and curtailed.

    Sources said the crisis started when people of Nde Ndukwe and Amasiri invaded farm settlements in Oso-Edda, destroying houses, farm produce and property in sight. The invasion started on Monday and lasted till Wednesday when security agencies stepped in to restore normalcy.

    It was also learnt that one Chima Orji of Idima Autonomous Community in Afikpo South was killed and beheaded. The head was allegedly taken away and was yet to be found as at last night.

    Worst hit is Okporojo village in Oso-Edda, which was allegedly reduced to rubbles.

    Chairman of Afikpo South Chima Ekumankama confirmed the incident in a statement. He described the situation as pathetic and painful, and called on the Edda clan to remain law abiding.

    He said the situation has been brought under control by security agencies.

    Chairman of Afikpo South Uche Ibiam confirmed the release of the abducted persons. He said his administration is working with security agencies to contain the situation and prevent a recurrence.

    Police spokesperson Chris Anyanwu said he was awaiting reports from policemen in the area before commenting on the incident.

    “Once I get the authenticated information about what is going on there, I will react,” he said.

  • Ugwuanyi hailed for empowering 1,700 women, youths, people with disabilities

    Ugwuanyi hailed for empowering 1,700 women, youths, people with disabilities

    Stakeholders, technocrats, international players and beneficiaries have paid glowing tributes to Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi  administration’s vision for  keying into the World Bank-assisted programme-  Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project.

    Enugu is the only Southeast state that is participating in the programme.

    The project is aimed at achieving  food sufficiency. It also improves the livelihood of the masses especially, the women, youths and people with disabilities (PWDs) in the rural communities of the state.

    The stakeholders spoke  in their separate goodwill messages in solidarity with Governor Ugwuanyi during the kick off of the  implementation in Enugu, Rev. Fr. Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Igwe, the founding Director of Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (OON), the Special Adviser to the Governor and Focal Person, World Bank/Development Partner Projects, Uche Fidelis Nnadi, the acting State Coordinator, APPEALS project, Enugu State, Mrs. Ihuoma Eze, beneficiaries, among others, lauded the governor for the successes the programme has recorded in impacting positively the lives of women, youths and people with disabilities in the rural areas.

    They said that Enugu State’s effective participation in the APPEAL project is a testimony to the governor’s commitment to the wellbeing of the people and the fulfillment of his four-point agenda anchored on wealth creation and employment generation.

    The stakeholders disclosed that this is the first time in the history of Nigeria where a project is targeted at the lives of people with disabilities, stressing that such an initiative is worthy of commendation.

    While Prof. Ike said he joined many others from far and near to congratulate Ugwuanyi for the great support he gives the APPEALS project supported by the World Bank in touching the lives of many young people and the PWDs in the state, Prof. Igwe (UNN) and Prof. Ezeilo (WACOL) also hailed the governor and the good people of the state for the huge and excellent initiative.

    Hon. Nnaji hinted that “this is the first time in the history of Nigeria where a project is targeted at touching the lives of people with disabilities, saying: “So it is a salutary development in Nigeria that we are now allowing people with disabilities to benefit; they are part and parcel of us. They are our brothers and sisters, including our wives.  And this is the first programme that is targeted at them.”

    In his welcome address during the kickoff by Governor Ugwuanyi, at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, the APPEALS Project Coordinator in Enugu State, Mrs. Eze said that the Enugu State government through the effective collaboration with the World Bank disbursed N3.4 billion to 1,700 women, youths and people with disabilities resident across the 17 local government areas of the state.

    Mrs. Eze who revealed that each of the beneficiaries got N2milion and have been able to start businesses in agriculture in five value chains (cashew, poultry, rice, aquaculture and cassava) focusing on production, processing and marketing, added that out of the 1,700 beneficiaries, “55.8 percent are women and girls while 5 percent are persons with disabilities and special needs.”

    She said that NYEP which began in Enugu State in August 2019 with a call for Expression of Interest as advertised in national dailies for eligible residents of Enugu State, had a total submission of 29,707 valid applications which were pruned down to 1,700 beneficiaries through a rigorous, competitive and transparent selection process.

    Mrs. Eze explained that the beneficiaries went through a two-week intensive business and technical training at reputable training centres which the state conducted along chosen value chain of poultry, rice, cashew and cassava.

    The coordinator added that “the beneficiaries were further assisted by the project with the development of a fundable and viable Business Investment Plans (BIPs) which have all received clearance from the World Bank and start-up grants for the establishment of the agribusinesses as contained in the cleared business plans all lodged into their respective corporate accounts.

    “It is interesting to note that although an individual enterprise accessed approximately  N2 million each, group enterprises, comprising two-five individuals per group, accessed between N4 million and N10 million.”    

    Pointing out that Enugu is the only state in the South East to participate in the APPEALS project “while having five other participating states namely Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi and Lagos,”Mrs. Eze urged residents of Enugu State and the beneficiaries “to ensure that they fulfill their citizenship obligation by voting into office credible men and women who will continue with the trajectory of development already established by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration.”

    Recall that the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barr. Ndubuisi Mbah when “Development Partners’ Family” in Enugu paid a solidarity/thank you visit to Governor Ugwunayi recently promised to continue with the programmes of the development partners if elected as governor.

    Speaking further, the APPEAL State Coordinator expressed sincere gratitude to Governor Ugwuanyi for ensuring a smooth implementation process of the WYEP in the state “across the various components of the project, thus, touching lives directly and indirectly.”

    Mrs. Eze wished the beneficiaries of the programme in the state success in their various agribusiness enterprises so that they can become employers of labour, adding: “You serve as champions and role models for the teeming women and youths in the society; and you positively transform your own livelihoods for the best in all ramifications.”

    Flagging off the implementation programme, Governor Ugwuanyi represented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, stated that his administration committed itself to the APPEALS project to achieve food sufficiency and empower the people of the state, especially the women, youths and people with disabilities in the rural areas.

    The governor stressed that the APPEALS project  touches on three thematic areas namely; productivity enhancement, growing private investment and institutional alignment, noting that the project is germane to the state government’s four- point agenda of food security, rural development, job creation and good governance.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Mbah commended Governor Ugwuanyi for always having the interest of the people at heart, describing the governor as “a leader who is keen in driving people out of poverty; a man who is the foundation behind APPEALS project in Enugu State.”

    Dr. Mbah promised to sustain the laudable project and urged the beneficiaries to avail themselves the opportunity of enhancing their economic and social development.

    In their separate remarks, the National Project Coordinator, APPEALS, Alhaji Mohammed Sanni Jobdi, represented by the National Women and Youth Livelihood Specialist, APPEALS, Mrs. Heather Ronke Akanni,

  • INEC chair likely to brief Council of State today

    INEC chair likely to brief Council of State today

    INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, may likely brief members of the Council of State today.

    The President Muhammadu Buhari will chair the Council’s virtual meeting.

    The Council members are billed to deliberate on the upcoming elections, which will begin with the presidential poll on February 25.

    Two days ago, the INEC INEC chair hinted of his likely appearance before advisory Council.

    “The briefing for the Council of State is going to take place on Friday the 10th. So basically, it’s about the readiness of the Commission to conduct the elections,” Yakubu told State House reporters after briefing the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday.

    The President is also scheduled to present his proposal for an award of the national honor of Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) to the Executive Vice Chairman of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Haruna.

    Other members of the Council are: vice president as deputy chairman; all living former Nigerian leaders, President of the Senate; Speaker of the House of Representatives; governors and Minister of Justice/Attorney-General of the Federation.