Category: Lead

  • Bomb blast kills 51 in Nasarawa

    Bomb blast kills 51 in Nasarawa

    At least 51 the persons have been killed by an airstrike in the Rukubi community, Ekye Development Area of Nasarawa State.

    A bomb was dropped on them by an unidentified helicopter.

    The area, which is in Doma Local Government Area, shares a border with Benue State.

    A mass burial was held in the council.

    Police spokesman, Ramhan Nansel, said  he could not confirm the number of casualties.

    He said the state police command was working with sister agencies to arrest the perpetrators.

    Nansel said: “It is unfortunate that such a thing happened.

    “The police and other security agencies are working round the clock to understand what led to the attack and track down those involved in the act.”

    Governor Abdullahi Sule said he was in touch with his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom, to bring the situation under control.

    He said the incident led to the death of many pastoralists, promising to ensure that those behind the killings are apprehended.

    The governor urged herdsmen to remain calm, saying the state government was liaising with Benue to find a lasting solution to the incessant attacks along the Nasarawa/Benue border.

    He added that security operatives have been deployed to curtail any further breakdown of law and order in the area.

    Sule said: “On behalf of the state government, I want to sympathise with the people across the state over the killings by an unknown bomber.

    “I want to assure them of the state government’s commitment to unravelling the perpetrators to ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”

    Chairman of Doma LGA, Ahmed Sarki-Usman, praised the pastoralists for being calm and allowing the government and security agencies to handle the issue.

    “I assure them that we will get to the root of the matter,” he said.

    The State Chairman, Miyetti Allah Kautal Horai, Ardo Lawal Dano, expressed shock over the bombing that killed his kinsmen.

    He appealed to the federal and state governments to come to their aid to arrest those involved in the act.

    Dano said: “We are law-abiding citizens. We don’t like trouble, so let the government address the situation because we are really pained losing our loved ones.”

  • Bomb blast kills 51 herdsmen, many cows in Nasarawa

    Bomb blast kills 51 herdsmen, many cows in Nasarawa

    About 51 herdsmen have been allegedly killed in an airstrike by an unidentified helicopter in Ekye Development area of Nasarawa State.

    Ekye Development area, Doma local government area of Nasarawa State shares border with Benue state.

    A mass burial was immediately organised in Doma local government area.

    Nasarawa Police spokesman DSP Ramhan Nansel confirmed the development but could not ascertain the actual number of casualties.

    He said the sad incident occured in Rukubi community of Doma LGA on the 24th of January.

    He however said the Police Command was working in collaboration with sister security agencies and the state government to unravel the circumstances that led to the bombing..

    He said: “It is unfortunate that such a thing happened.The police and other security agencies are working round the clock to understand what led to the attack and track down those involved in the act.”

    Governor Abdullahi Sule said he was in touch with his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom with a view to bringing the situation under control.

    He said, the sad incident which led to the death of many Fulani pastoralists, promise to ensure that those behind the killing of the herdsmen are apprehended and made to face the law.

    Doma council Chairman Ahmed Sarki-Usman, who condemned the attack, said: “It must be the activity of some bad elements in the area. The act is capable of causing unrest in the LGA but I particularly want to thank the Fulani people for being calm and allowing the government and security agencies to handle the issue. I assure them that we will get to the roots of the matter.”

    Nasarawa chairman of Miyetti Allah Kautal Horai, Ardo Lawal Dano, told The Nation: “The Fulani people are law-abiding citizens. We don’t like trouble, so let the government address the situation because we are really pained losing our loved ones.”

  • Tinubu at Ogun campaign rally promises to end petrol scarcity

    Tinubu at Ogun campaign rally promises to end petrol scarcity

    The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to end the perennial petrol scarcity in the country if elected president.

    He made the promise while addressing party faithful who thronged the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta for the Ogun State APC presidential rally.

    The APC candidate was led into the waiting arms of the joyous party supporters who had waited several hours, dressed in various party attires and carrying support banners by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    Tinubu praised the party supporters for coming in their large numbers to receive him despite the current fuel scarcity across the country.

    While stating that he would put an end to the fuel crisis, he described the upcoming election as a revolution, urging the party supporters and indigenes of Ogun State to come out in large numbers, the same way they did for the rally, on February 25 to vote APC.

    Speaking to the youth, the APC candidate all promised to ensure that they enjoy quality education not truncated by strikes, while also making jobs available for them once out of school.

    He said: “I guarantee you one thing, there will be student loans, nobody will drop out of university because of school fees; nobody will have to repeat one class for eight years and not graduate, we will make a four-year course four years course.

    “A Tinubu administration will create over 1 million jobs in ICT in the next 24 months. 

    “The fine and skilled graduates of the Ogun Tech Hub will be able to find work as they continue to contribute towards our overall economic well-being.

    Read Also: Tinubu: petrol scarcity, naira redesign complaints plans by fifth columnists to embarrass Buhari, scuttle polls

    “My industrial policy will carry you to the finish line. 

    “My plan is to deploy all available measures, from tax credits and youth employment incentives to tariffs to affordable loans and investment so that your industrial base is strengthened, broadened and widened.

    “This will produce more wealth and valuable goods, improving the living standards of all Nigerians. 

    “It will also spur such job creation in Ogun that everyone looking for work will be able to find it. 

    “We will seek to cut youth unemployment nationwide by a third.

    “Here, in industrially active Ogun, the decline in the jobless rate will be even more than that. 

    “We shall invest in infrastructure in such a manner that all aspects of your daily lives will be touched. 

    “Roads and public transportation will be augmented, reducing traffic congestion and allowing you to go from home to work or to the market faster, cheaper and safer.”

    He also promised to bring back to life hitherto dead factories in the state through investments in power generation to make the factories more efficient and reduce downtime.

    With its proximity to Lagos, the APC candidate promised to create agricultural and industrial hubs, while working with local farmers to increase the production and exportation of agricultural produce.

    “Rice, corn, plantain cocoa and palm kernels from Ogun will be more actively traded. 

    Moreover, we shall spur investment in the agro-allied businesses to create additional jobs while also generating more income for our local, state and national economies.

    “We will support other drivers of value within the start-up ecosystem, including technology hubs and parks. 

    “Ogun is truly a place of innovation and growth for it is the home of many great local and international factories including Dangote Cement, Nestle, Lafarge Cement, and Procter & Gamble.

    “As we become a nation of producers and not just consumers, Ogun State will play a critical role. 

    “We will support the development of the best that the modern digital and IT-driven sectors have to offer. 

    “We will provide the complementary infrastructure required for growth, including wider internet connectivity. 

    “With innovation, courage and creativity, we will harness modern technology to create jobs and provide goods and services that will unlock greater prosperity. 

    “By harmonising the National Infrastructure Policy with the National Industrial Policy, we will develop key sectors and spur economic growth. 

    “Our goal is to grow our industrial base, encourage industries vital to national development and become a global contender,” added.

    Tinubu again did not fail to recognise the importance of security in economic and social development, promising to make the nation safe and habitable for all.

    He added: “As we work towards achieving overall peace and stability, we will continue to strengthen the economy and renew the confidence in our citizens of a home where they can live and thrive.

    “With regard to security, we will ensure that Ogun continues to be a safe and peaceful state. Our security policy is bold yet wise and pragmatic. 

    “We shall keep trouble from coming to you. We shall pursue terrorists, kidnappers and criminals where they are.”

    Earlier, Governor Abiodun had urged the people to look at the track record of Tinubu, which place him above all other candidates and to give him their votes come February 25.

    He said: “Asiwaju was a senator, so he is knowledgeable in the area of the country’s laws, he became the governor of Lagos State and transformed it into the biggest economy in Africa. 

    “He then brought up successors who have worked on the template he put in place to continue to bring progress in Lagos.

    “This is the man that now wants to replicate the same in Nigeria and bring joy to our faces. None of the other candidates can be compared to him in any way.”

    This was also reiterated by former Ogun State Governor Aremo Segun Osoba who urged the people of the state to make Tinubu replicate all he has achieved in Lagos State.

    The rally had in attendance the vice presidential candidate of the APC, Kashim Shettima; House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife; Kwara State Governor AbdulRahmaan AbdulRazaq and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    Also at the rally were Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat and his wife, Ondo State Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who represented Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, former interim National Chairman of the APC Chief Bisi Akande, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola and former APC National Chairman who is also the Deputy Director-General of the presidential campaign council, Adams Oshiomhole.

    The party leaders who witnessed the rally were APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, National Women Leader Betta Edu and National Youth Leader Dayo Israel.

  • US imposes visa restrictions on Nigerians undermining democracy

    US imposes visa restrictions on Nigerians undermining democracy

    Those undermining democracy in Nigeria will not be issued American visas, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, has said. 

    Blinken, in a statement on Wednesday, said the US took the decision to show its commitment to Nigeria.

    He, however, refused to name the individuals already banned. 

    “We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.

    Read Also: U.S. reopens visa, consular services at Cuban Embassy

    “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria. 

    ” Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy,” he said.

    Blinken added the visa restrictions “are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. 

    ” The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law”. 

  • Tinubu: petrol scarcity, naira redesign complaints plans by fifth columnists to embarrass Buhari, scuttle polls

    Tinubu: petrol scarcity, naira redesign complaints plans by fifth columnists to embarrass Buhari, scuttle polls

    The lingering petrol scarcity and complaints about naira redesign are plans by fifth columnists to embarrass President Muhammadu Buhari and scuttle the forthcoming general elections.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said this on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while addressing thousands of his supporters at a rally.

    He pleaded with his supporters and Nigerians not to be distracted by the scarcity of petrol but to troop out on election day to cast their votes.

    Read Also: Why Ndigbo should vote for Tinubu, by son

    Concerned by the scarcity, President Buhari had set up a 14-man committee, which he chairs, to find a lasting solution to the problem.

    *Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Abia PDP Gov candidate dies

    BREAKING: Abia PDP Gov candidate dies

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State Prof. Uche Ikonne is dead.

    Ikonne, who has been sick since November, has been reportedly receiving medical attention outside the State. 

    A statement by his son, Dr Uche- Ikonne Chikezie disclosed he died at the National Hospital, Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday.

    He wrote: “I regret to announce the death of my dear father, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, who died at the National Hospital Abuja today, 25th January 2023 by 4am after a brief illness. 

    Read Also: Abia politician backs Emenike

    “He was recovering after taking proper treatment in the United Kingdom but relapsed a few days ago leading to multiple cardiac arrests for which he didn’t recover from. 

    “Further details and arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are made within the family.”

    The development, The Nation reports, is causing ripples in the State with many party supporters thrown into panic. 

    Abia PDP is yet to make official statement on the death of its governorship candidate. 

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Senate adjourns plenary till February 28

    BREAKING: Senate adjourns plenary till February 28

    The Senate has adjourned plenary till February 28, 2023. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Senate okays ex-IGP Arase as PSC Chair

    The decision was to enable lawmakers partake in electioneering campaigns ahead of the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

    Details Shortly…

  • BREAKING: Senate okays ex-IGP Arase as PSC Chair

    BREAKING: Senate okays ex-IGP Arase as PSC Chair

    The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of a former Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase (rtd) for appointment as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    Read Also: Buhari appoints ex-IGP Arase PSC chairman

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration of the report of screening of the nominee, presented by the Senator Haliru Jika (APC – Bauchi Central)-led Committee on Police Affairs.

    Details Shortly…

  • Why Ndigbo should vote for Tinubu, by son

    Why Ndigbo should vote for Tinubu, by son

    Seyi, son of the All Progressives Congress APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has explained why Ndigbo should vote for his father. 

    He said Tinubu deserves the votes of the South East because he (Seyi) married an Igbo lady, which makes him a part of them. 

    The lawyer spoke in Anambra accompanied by aides of former Governor Willie Obiano. 

    He was conferred with the chieftancy title of (Nwannedinamba) by the traditional ruler of the Mbaukwu kingdom, Igwe Peter Anukwu, in the Awka South Local Government Area. 

    He also visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Awka where he addressed newsmen on his father’s aspiration. 

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Tinubu’s son, Seyi bags chieftaincy title in Anambra

    He said: “Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the experience, tolerance and capacity to change the fortunes of Nigeria for the best.

    “Everyone has acknowledged that his core strength is his vision for peace, progress and economic development.

    “He also has a penchant for discovering, nurturing and empowering talents. Testimonies abound across Nigeria, Igbos, Yorubas, Fulanis, Efiks, Ibibios, Hausas and all the other tribes.”

    “So I am appealing to Ndi-Anambra and the Igbo region at large to vote for my father because I married an Igbo lady.”

    He  was accompanied by former Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to Obiano, Uzuegbunam Okagbue; Anambra APC youth leader, Jideofor Ejimofor among others.

    Anambra NUJ chairman, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, who was represented by his vice, Mrs Ngozi Obileri,  assured Tinubu of the union’s readiness in reporting issues that would sustain the already existing peace and unity and oneness of the country.

    At the palace of the Mbaukwu monarch, Igwe Anugwu, Seyi Tinubu said: ” Your Majesty, We are here to also seek your support and royal blessings, likewise the blessings and support of members of your cabinet, Mbaukwu people and the entire Anambra people”.

    “Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the experience, tolerance and capacity to change the fortunes of Nigeria for the better. 

    “Igbo people are very enterprising. A Tinubu administration will harness the entrepreneurial drive and hardwork ethos of Igbo people for the continued development of Nigeria.

    “My father has shown from his days as the Governor of Lagos state that he is a detribalised Nigerian.

    ” He brought an Igbo man into the Lagos State executive cabinet. He Also empowered several others directly and indirectly. You have seen that Igbo people living in Lagos are thriving. 

    “They will thrive more under a Tinubu Presidency, and also help bring back additional resources home to develop the Southeast.”

    Igwe Anugwu, prayed for good health and long life for all present, and the APC Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

  • BREAKING: Senate honours slain Catholic Priest with a minute silence

    BREAKING: Senate honours slain Catholic Priest with a minute silence

    The Senate on Wednesday observed a minute silence in honour of a slain Catholic Priest in Niger State, Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi.

    Fr Achi was recently burnt to death in Paikoro Local Government Area in Niger State by unknown assailants.

    Read Also: Airstrike kills special hunters in Niger

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration of a motion on the gruesome murder of the priest moved by Senator Sani Musa (APC – Niger East) on the floor during plenary.

    The Senate also condoled with the family of the deceased, the Bishop of Minna Diocese.

    Achi, until his gruesome death, was the Kafin Koro Deanery of the Minna Diocese of Niger State and the Priest in charge of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin Koro.

    Details Shortly…