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  • Over 40 feared dead after Liberia tanker crash

    Over 40 feared dead after Liberia tanker crash

    More than 40 people were feared dead when a tanker truck exploded after crashing in central Liberia, the country’s chief medical officer told local media.

    The tanker carrying gasoline crashed and tipped into a ditch along a road in Totota, about 130 kilometres (80 miles) from the capital Monrovia on Wednesday.

    Dr Francis Kateh told local broadcaster Super Bongese TV it was difficult to determine the number of victims because some had been reduced to ashes but he estimated that more than 40 people were killed in the incident.

    “We have our team going from home to home to check those that are missing,” he told AFP.

    Police earlier put the death toll at 15 and said at least 30 people were injured as locals gathered at the scene.

    Read Also: Cheering news from Liberia

    “There were lots of people that got burned,” said Prince B. Mulbah, deputy inspector general for the Liberia National Police.

    Another police officer, Malvin Sackor, said that after the crash, some locals had begun to take the leaking gas when the tanker exploded, killing some and wounding others.

    He said that the police were still gathering the total number of injured and killed.

    An eyewitness from Totota, Aaron Massaquoi, told AFP that “people climbed all on top of the truck taking the gas, while some of them had irons hitting the tanker for it to burst for them to get gas.”

    “People were all around the truck and the driver of the truck told them that the gas that was spilling they could take that,” Massaquoi said.

    “He told them not to climb on top of the tanker and that they should stop hitting the tanker…. but some people were even using screwdrivers to put holes on the tank.”

  • Tunji-Ojo honoured for transforming ministry

    Tunji-Ojo honoured for transforming ministry

    A media outfit, Triangle News International, has honoured Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his contributions to the ministry since he assumed office.

    The news outlet said it celebrated the minister for his remarkable leadership and transformative impact since taking over the ministry.

    It noted that Tunji-Ojo’s swift clearance of an extensive backlog of over 200,000 passports within a short period not only streamlined administrative processes but also exemplified his dedication to efficiency.

    Triangle News International also lauded the minister’s efforts which led to the decongestion of correctional centres by swiftly settling fines exceeding N585 million, promoting a more equitable and efficient justice system.

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo’s N23m, bags of rice for Ondo APC members

    In a statement, the news platform said: “His tenure has been defined by a series of ground-breaking initiatives and significant achievements that have not only revolutionised the Ministry of Interior but have also garnered widespread acclaim from Nigerians at home and abroad.

    “Under his stewardship, the ministry witnessed a fundamental upgrade in emergency response capabilities with the commissioning of modern fire-fighting trucks. Embracing technological advancements, Tunji-Ojo introduced innovations to digitalise and streamline the passport enrollment process, marking a crucial step towards modernisation.

    “His initiatives, aimed at international engagement and collaboration with multinational corporations, significantly bolstered internal security, reflecting a vision that transcends borders.

    “Tunji-Ojo’s transformative initiatives, tireless dedication, and visionary leadership have not only reshaped the Ministry of Interior but also positioned him as a beacon of excellence and reform.”

  • Anyim to Fed Govt: rename Reps wing of National Assembly after Na’Abba

    Anyim to Fed Govt: rename Reps wing of National Assembly after Na’Abba

    • Nwuche, Oduyoye mourn ex-Speaker

    A former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim has urged the Federal Government to rename the House of Representatives wing of the National Assembly Complex after the late Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

    Anyim, who is also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said this yesterday in a tribute to the late Na’Abba.

    The ex-Senate President described Na’Abba’s death as a national tragedy and a setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

    He noted that the late Speaker’s former colleagues, who were presiding officers of the Fourth National Assembly, had met last week and planned to pool resources together to fly him abroad for further treatment.

    Anyim, who recalled his working relationship and camaraderie with the departed Speaker, said he worked with him to set many of the structures of the legislature, which was just being re-established after 16 years of military rule.

    He said: “On December 19, 2023, the former presiding officers of the National Assembly met and decided that we should all meet the next day at the National Hospital (in Abuja) to review the situation of our former colleague and see how we could all contribute in any way to his speedy recovery.

    “We did convene and decided that as soon as he was stabilised, every plan should be expedited to transfer him abroad for further medical assistance.

    “Sadly, on December 27, 2023, the tragic news of his death broke, leaving little time to seek additional medical assistance. Ghali’s death is a national tragedy and a setback to our democratic progress.

    “Today, my associate, my friend and my brother, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, is no more. I lost a friend, the nation lost a patriot, and his family lost a loving and caring father. But God receives in heaven an honest and compassionate soul.”

    Read Also: Rename Reps wing of NASS Complex after Na’Abba, Anyim tells FG

    Also, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari has commiserated with the family, government and people of Kano State on the death of Ghali Na’Abba.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Yari described Na’Abba’s death as an irreparable national loss.

    “I am saddened by the news of the death of Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba, the fourth Speaker of Nigerian House of Representatives.

    “I offer my prayers and deeply commiserate with the immediate family of Na’Abba, the government, the people of Kano State and his political associates over this irreparable national loss,” said Yari.

    Also, a former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche and Alliance for Democracy (AD) Whip Babatunde Oduyoye have expressed shock over the death of Na’Abba and former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Both politicians died on Wednesday.

    In separate statements, the former federal lawmakers extolled Na’Aabba’s virtues as a great lawmaker and democrat.

  • APC to launch e-registration, institute of progressive studies in 2024 — Ganduje

    APC to launch e-registration, institute of progressive studies in 2024 — Ganduje

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said it has perfected plans to launch its electronic registration to expand its reach as well as develop a reliable database.

    The national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, who disclosed this to journalists on Thursday, December 28, in Lagos after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) met with President Bola Tinubu, also revealed plans by the party to establish a National Institute of Progressive Studies.

    Ganduje said the NWC was in Lagos for two reasons; to felicitate with the President for the Christmas/New Year festivities and to commiserate with him over the deaths of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and former Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

    Asked what Nigerians should expect from the ruling APC in the new year, the party Chairman said both the party and the government will do more for Nigerians in the new year.

    Read Also: Ganduje mourns ex-Reps Speaker Na’Abba

    “Nigerians should expect more from the government of the federation and the APC as an institution. You have seen how we have started forging ahead in order to increase the coverage of the party in terms of having more states for the party, more members of National Assembly, state assemblies, and we are continuing to do that. 

    “I believe we have some innovations for the party, because now we’re introducing e-registration of our own political party, where our members will be electronically registered so that we have a database that we can rely upon, that we can plan that we can be able to expand the party. 

    “Also, we have in our programme for the establishment of National Institute of Progressive Studies, so that we enlighten our members, even members of the public in Nigeria, on the doctrine of democracy, on the issues of internal democracy, issue of avoiding hate speeches, and also issues of abiding by the rules of the law pertaining to election and other processes. 

    “So, you can see that this institution will work with the government in terms of coming up with appropriate policies that are conducive for democracy”, he said.

  • We will sell cement for N3,500 per bag starting January – BUA

    We will sell cement for N3,500 per bag starting January – BUA

    The chairman of the BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul-Samad Rabiu, has declared that the company will stick to its pledge to sell cement at N3,500 starting from January 2024.

    He made this statement on Thursday, December 28, in Lagos while speaking with State House Correspondents following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

    He promised that the business will also make the product available at a reasonably price for consumers.

    “You know the price that we have set will be N3,500 per bag. You know x factory of course plus VAT and then delivered to customers depending on the region.

    “As you know, the factory that we have; one is in Edo, the other one is in Sokoto state. So for example, if you want us to deliver cement to you from Sokoto say to Lagos from Adamawa or to Maiduguri, the distance is quite far.

    “So dependent on the distance and dependent on the location. You know the price changes but we intend to keep that promise,” he said.

    Read Also: BUA group to build 700 tons per day mini LNG

    Rabiu added that the cement company’s Sokoto location, scheduled for opening in January 2024, is anticipated to significantly broaden the market throughout the nation.

    “And as we all know, the volumes that we will be having will be about six million tonnes per annum combined. And we expect those volumes to have an impact.

    “Though we’re having some issues here and there, but these are issues that I believe we can address and we are addressing them.”

    In addition to expressing his happiness with the President’s Christmas and New Year celebrations, Rabiu remarked that his visit was enjoyable.

    “It is always quite good to see them when they are relaxed and you know, I am pleased to say that his excellency looked very relaxed, well rested and also in good spirits,” BUA chief said

  • UPDATED: Tinubu hosts Super Falcons’ star, Oshoala, salutes excellence of Nigerian women

    UPDATED: Tinubu hosts Super Falcons’ star, Oshoala, salutes excellence of Nigerian women

    President Bola Tinubu has lauded the achievements of Nigerian women on the global stage, saying they are changing the narrative by showing excellence, ingenuity and resilience in all fields.

    President Tinubu spoke on Thursday, December 28, when he, alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, hosted Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons striker and 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, in Lagos.

    The moments with Oshoala was narrated in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

    President Tinubu and the First Lady had congratulated the Barcelona Femeni star on winning the best African female footballer of the year for the sixth time.

    The President and the First Lady commended Oshoala for distinguishing herself in the sport, applauding her significant contributions to women’s football on the continent.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Super Falcon striker, Asisat Oshoala visits Tinubu, First Lady in Lagos

    “Nigerian women will always have a pride of place in the world. What our ladies have achieved in football, our women are achieving in all fields of endeavour around the world, rising to the top and demonstrating the best of the Nigerian character of excellence, tenacity, ingenuity, and resilience,” the President said.

    Cognizant of the feats of star sprinter, Tobi Amusan, and the presence of multiple Nigerian women on the Forbes’ ‘2023 World’s 100 Most Powerful Women,’ List, including media mogul, Ms. Mo Abudu, and Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the President and the First Lady assured Oshoala of the nation’s continued support for her and other Nigerian women striving for excellence in their chosen paths.

    Speaking to journalists after the warm reception, Oshoala said: ”I want to appreciate the President and the First Lady for giving me the opportunity to present the award to them. During the last World Cup, we had a couple of issues, and they intervened and have been very supportive to the girls, even after the competition.”

  • We remain committed to rural development – Shettima

    We remain committed to rural development – Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, December 28, officially opened the 5km Masaka-Luvu Road, saying the project aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for nationwide development.

    Speaking while commissioning the road, Shettima applauded Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule, for his commitment to infrastructure development, even as he praised the state government’s collaboration with the federal government on key projects.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said: “This project is not just about asphalt and concrete, it’s about opening doors to new opportunities for the people of Masaka and beyond.”

    He highlighted the potential for economic growth the new road unlocks, as it is nestled within the Karu local government area which has a strategic significance due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    “Karu is a metropolis on the rise, and this road is a key step towards unlocking its full potential. It will improve access to markets, jobs, and essential services, ultimately boosting the lives of countless residents,” he stated.

    The VP commended Governor Sule for fulfilling a promise made during the commissioning of the 248 Fuller Grand Luvu Housing Unit Estate in 2022.

    “Back then the governor pledged to build a road network for easy access to the community, and today’s ceremony marked the delivery of that promise.

    “This is a testament to Governor Sule’s dedication to the people of Nasarawa. He understands that infrastructure is the backbone of development, and he’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get things done,” Shettima said.

    Shettima assured the community that the federal government would continue partnering with Nasarawa State to ensure further infrastructure development in the area.

    “We will not rest until every Nigerian has access to the infrastructure they need to thrive,” he declared.

    Urging the community to take ownership of the new road, VP Shettima said: “This project is yours. Protect it, maintain it and use it to build a brighter future for yourselves and your children.”

    On his part, Governor Sule expressed deep gratitude to the Vice President for his presence, highlighting the significance of the road project.

    He acknowledged the earlier commissioning of the 248 Housing Unit Estate in the area by the federal government and the subsequent community request for improved access roads.

    “It was for these reasons and in consideration of the growing population that I approved the immediate construction of this 5KM road,” the governor said. 

    Read Also: Plateau killings: Shettima leads Fed Govt’s delegation on condolence visit

    He emphasized the administration’s commitment to prioritising infrastructure development across urban and rural areas, describing it as a “panacea for economic growth and societal development.”

    The commissioning ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the deputy governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanue Akabe; immediate past national chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Senator Ahmed Wadada representing Nasarawa West; member of the House of Representatives representing Nasarawa-Toto federal constituency, Hon Abdulmumin Mohammed Ari, and the member representing Awe-Keana-Doma federal constituency, Hon Abubakar Hassana Laraba.

    Others are member representing Akwanga-Nasarawa Eggon-Wamba federal constituency, Hon Jeremiah Umaru; Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Danladi Jatau; members of the state Executive Council; members of Nasarawa State House of Assembly; Emirs of Keffi, Nasarawa and the Etsu Karu, among others.

  • GWR: Nigerian lady surpasses USA’s Hayden longest marathon crocheting record

    GWR: Nigerian lady surpasses USA’s Hayden longest marathon crocheting record

    Social entrepreneur, Okafor Chidinma Modupe, has surpassed the record of Alessandra Hayden from Washington, USA who holds the longest marathon crocheting.

    In the past few days, many Nigerians via physical and social media platforms, drummed support for Chidinma by cheering her on and also lending virtual support as she put the country on the international radar.

    They equally commended Chidinma for being bold, resilient and determined in making a statement.

    Chidinma who commenced Sunday, December 24th crocheted for over 72 hours to break Guinness World Record (GWR) ending on 27th of December at GOGE Africa, Maryland Lagos. 

    For this crochet-a-thon, the 30-year-old crochetist knitted a wedding gown of her own size.

    Chidinma who hails from Imo state, has ecstatic over this record-breaking feat told The Nation she had made preparations to become a record-holder as this fulfills her lifelong dream. 

    Read Also: I didn’t land in hospital after GWR attempt, OAU student breaks silence

    The over 72 hours crochet-a-thon offered her the opportunity to showcase her crocheting skills, surpassing Hayden’s 34 hours and 7 minutes record.

    Family, friends and well-wishers including arts matriarch and veteran actress, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, OON also visited the crochetist during the crochet-a-thon as a show of solidarity.

    Meanwhile, the GWR team is expected to receive the evidence for its Records Management Team to review before it can confirm the record is official. 

  • Rename Reps wing of NASS Complex after Na’Abba, Anyim tells FG

    Rename Reps wing of NASS Complex after Na’Abba, Anyim tells FG

    The federal government has been asked to honour the memory of a former speaker of the Reps, Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba, by renaming of the House of Representatives wing of the National Assembly Complex after him.

    Former president of the Senate and one-time Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, made the suggestion on Thursday, December 28, in a tribute he penned to mourn Na’Abba, described his death as a national tragedy and a setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

    Senator Anyim revealed in the tribute that former colleagues of Na’Abba, who were presiding officers of the 4th National Assembly, had met just a week before his death and planned to pool resources together to fly him abroad for further medical care.

    Anyim, who recalled his working relationship and camaraderie he shared with the departed Speaker, said he worked with Na’Abba to set many of the structures of the Nigerian legislature, which was just being re-established after a 16 years interregnum, in place.

    Speaking of the attempt by his former colleagues at saving Na’Abba, Anyim said “on December 19, 2023, the former presiding officers of the National Assembly met and decided that we should all meet the next day at the National Hospital to review the situation of our former colleague and see how we can all contribute in any way to his speedy recovery. We did convene and decided that as soon as he was stabilized, every plan should be expedited to transfer him abroad for further medical assistance.

    “Sadly, on the 27th of December, 2023, the tragic news of his death broke, leaving little time to seek additional medical assistance. Hon. Ghali’s death is a national tragedy and a setback to our democratic progress.

    “Today my associate, my friend and my brother, Ghali Umar Na’ abba is no more. I lost a friend, the nation lost a patriot, and his family lost a loving and caring father but God receives in heaven an honest and compassionate soul. 

    “In remembrance of the pioneer work Hon. Ghali accomplished in the House of Representatives, it maybe needful to name the House of Representative Wing of the National Assembly Complex as Hon. Ghali Umar Na’abba’s Wing”, he said.

    Speaking about the working and fraternal relationships he shared with Na’Abba, he said “when Hon. Ghali was selected as the Speaker of the 4th House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to meet him at the 4th National Assembly. Later, I was elected as the 3rd President of the 4th Senate. 

    “To put it mildly, it was extremely difficult for both of us to lead the National Assembly during the period when democracy was restored following a 16-year absence of parliamentary institutions in Nigeria. We soon concluded that to accomplish the task at hand, we would need to collaborate closely.

    “To re-establish all democratic institution by legislation, we needed to redefine the executive and legislative branches relationship and sought to ensure the

    independence of the legislature. Locally, the National Assembly members lacked offices, budgeting procedures, House and Senate rules, and rules governing their remuneration. 

    “At the global level, we had to rejoin and become members of important international parliamentary organizations, such as the African Parliamentary Union (APU), Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and International Parliamentary Union (IPU), among others. 

    Read Also: By-election: LP pegs Senate form at N3.5m, Reps N2m, Assembly N500k

    “In the year 2000, we were at the forefront of the inauguration of the ECOWAS Parliament in Bamako, Mali. My work with Hon. Ghali as leaders of the 4th National Assembly was actually to lay the foundation upon which the subsequent National Assembly could build.

    “I recall with a sense of credit to Hon. Ghali how he worked with me to develop the brief for the scope and design of the new wings of the National Assembly Complex for Julius Berger Nig. Plc, it was nights of no sleep for several months. I remember, with sufficient patriotism, how Ghali and I got together to decide on the Senate’s and the House of Representatives participation ratio in the international parliamentary bodies. 

    “I will always be grateful to Ghali for supporting me during my difficult Senate tenure. I respect Ghali’s courage and convictions, and I acknowledge with due sense of humility his sense of brotherhood and camaraderie. His rare insight and intellect are enviable and admirable”, he said.

    He expressed his condolences to the past and present leadership of the National Assembly, Na’Abba’s immediate family and the entire nation.

  • Court extends order restraining INEC, Rivers Assembly from declaring 27 pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats vacant

    Court extends order restraining INEC, Rivers Assembly from declaring 27 pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats vacant

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has extended its earlier order that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Rivers State House of Assembly from declaring vacant and conducting fresh election to fill the seats of the 27 members of the Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Justice Donatus Okorowo extended the order on Thursday, December 28, upon an application by lawyer to the defecting lawmakers, Steve Adehi (SAN), which was not opposed by Ken Njemanze (SAN) who represented the Rivers House of Assembly.

    Justice Okorowo rejected the objection raised by lawyer to the PDP, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN) and upheld the argument by Adehi that the court, under Order 26, Rule 10 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, has the discretionary power to grant such extension in the interest of justice.

    Justice Okorowo said: “Application for the extension of the lifespan of the ex-parte order pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice is hereby granted.”

    He then adjourned till January 24 for the hearing of pending applications.

    The judge had granted the the earlier orders while ruling on December 15 on a ex-parte motion filed by the 27 lawmakers along with a substantive suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023.

    They are, by the suit querying, among others, the propriety of the threat by five members of the Rivers Assembly to declare their seats vacant and invite INEC to conduct fresh election to fill the seats pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. 

    Listed as defendants in the suit are INEC, the PDP, Rivers State House of Assembly, Clerk of the House, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    At the commencement of proceedings on Thursday, Adehi told the court that he has a motion on notice which is for hearing.

    Adehi noted that in view of the withdrawal of Lukman Fagbemi ,SAN (for the House of Assembly) and a new lawyer replacing him, it may be impossible for the court to proceed.

    He sought an adjournment to also allow him reply to some what the PDP and other defendants filed and served on him.

    Adehi said: “In any case, I ask that the matter be further adjourned to enable us serve the third and fourth defendants (the Assembly and its Clerk) and to also enable us to reply on points of law to the process served on us by the counsel to the second defendant.

    Njemanze, who replaced Fagbemi, said has got the instruction of the third defendant to handle the case on its behalf and that he has, accordingly filed a memorandum of appearance .

    He said he was not yet served with what the PDP filed to enable them respond to same, adding that he equally planned to respond to what the plaintiffs filed.

    On move to resolve the matter politically, Njemanze said: “Without prejudice to the information by my learned friend this morning about a political solution brokered by Mr President, I need to get my client’s reaction to this and then report back to this honourable court.

    “In the circumstance, we pray for an adjournment to enable me file my processes,” he said.

    Ajibade (for the PDP) who is also the party’s National Legal Adviser, told the court that he filed an application, challenging the competence of the suit and the court’s  jurisdiction to hear it.

    Read Also: Pipeline vandals responsible for explosion in Rivers, says NSCDC  

    The PDP lawyer noted that  the plaintiffs have responded to the preliminary objection he filed, but yet to respond to his second application – a motion seeking the court’s order to discharge the interim order.

    He agreed with the application for adjournment by Adehi and Njemanze in view of Fagbemi’s withdrawal from the suit.

    Ajibade said the adjournment will also enable him sort out their processes which had earlier been served on Fagbemi.

    Lawyer to fourth defendant (clerk of the assembly) Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) said his client was not yet served with all that have been filed so far in the case.

    Orbih said said he was not opposed to an adjournment, but will consult with his client to know further steps to take.