The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • Buhari signs three bills into law

    They included the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (Amendment) Act, 2019, Defence Intelligence Agency Civilian Pensions Board (Establishment) Act, 2019 and National Biosafety Management Agency (`Amendment) Act, 2019.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, said that the three bills were passed by the 8th National Assembly.

    He said that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (Amendment) (No. 2) Act further amends the 2010 Act by increasing the powers of the Commission in enforcement of recovery of debt from persons owing legacy banks or seizure of property subject of loan obligation.

    “In particular, it empowers AMCON to:1. place any bank account or any other account comparable to a bank account of a debtor of an eligible financial institution under surveillance,

    “2. obtain access to any computer system component, electronic or mechanical device of any debtor with a view to establishing the location of funds belonging to the debtor, and

    “3. obtain information in respect of any private account together with all bank financial and commercial records of any debtor of any eligible financial institution, banking secrecy, and the protection of customer confidentiality is not a ground for the denial of the power of the Corporation under this section.’’

    The new law, he said, makes it mandatory for AMCON to, despite the convention of confidentiality of banking, business and contracting relations to:‘’…furnish the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a list of recalcitrant debtors and then impose an obligation to seek clearance on the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies when the Federal Government, any Ministry, Department or Agency proposes to contract with, or pay, debtors on the list furnished by the Corporation.’’

    “It further provides that: (1) all money standing to the credits of the Corporation in any bank account is deemed to be in the custody and control of the Corporation.

    “(2) where any proceeding is pending in any court of competent jurisdiction by or any the Corporation, the grant of any interim, interlocutory or preservative order of attachment against the Corporation’s funds in any bank is prohibited.’’

    “(3) the Corporation may require any eligible financial institution from which it has acquired an eligible bank asset or any director, manager or officer of such eligible financial institution to furnish information and produce documents, books, accounts and records in relation to any eligible bank asset acquired by the Corporation from such eligible financial institution or in relation to the borrower or other obligator connected with such eligible bank asset.

    READ ALSO: I’ll be more party conscious, Buhari promises APC

    The Act, he said, also stated that upon dissolution of the Corporation: “(a) all unresolved eligible bank assets then held by the Corporation shall be transferred by the liquidator or joint liquidator to such government agency, or for valuable consideration, to a third party asset management company or other entity specified by the Central Bank of Nigeria;

    “(b) all then existing staff shall be re-deployed to and absorbed into the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.”

    He said the Act provided for ‘’a part-time Chairman who shall be a Deputy Governor in the Central Bank of Nigeria to be nominated by the Central Bank of Nigeria.’’

    On the second Act, Defence Intelligence Agency Civilian Pensions Board (Establishment) Act, 2019, he said the Act establishes an Agency charged with the responsibility for administering pension scheme for civilian personnel of the Agency.

    He said it covers pension on voluntary retirement and benefit if death occurs in course of duty as well as pension if in normal course of retirement.

    For the third Act, ​National Biosafety Management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, he said that it amended the National Biosafety Management Agency Act No. 20, 2015 to enlarge the scope of application of the act by including the emerging aspects of modern biotechnology and biosecurity in Nigeria with a view to preventing any adverse effect to human health and environment.

    The Amendment, he said, empowers the Agency to put in place measures to ensure Bio-Security.

    He noted that the three Acts have come into effect as laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Suspects who ‘specialise in sending fake bank alerts’ nabbed

    Anambra State Police Command has apprehended two suspected fraudsters, who allegedly specialise in sending fake bank alerts to traders after buying goods from them.

    The suspects were arrested by the operatives attached to the Command Monitoring Unit (CMU) following intelligence report.

    Police spokesman Haruna Mohammed confirmed this to reporters in Awka on Tuesday. He gave the names of the suspects as Eko Charles, 25, and Rabiu Idris, 24.

    Mohammed said: “The suspects specialise in defrauding innocent traders by generating fake bank payment alerts.

    “They went to the shop of Godwin Chukwu of 59, Zik Avenue, Awka on July 31 to buy TV sets, fraudulently generated and sent fake SMS alert for the payment of N200,000 to his phone and he released two 43 inch TV sets, oblivious of their trick.

    Read Also: Oyo SUBEB warns public against fake job racketeers

    “On August 1, at about 1pm, the suspects did the same thing and collected four TV sets and other items all valued at N230,000.

    “The victim went to the bank to withdraw the money, but was told that no payment was made into his account.

    “The same syndicate on another day placed an order for a 95-inch TV, a deep freezer and a Sumec Fireman generator, with a promise to send an alert.

    “But detectives, acting on a tip-off, hid near the shop and arrested the main suspect, Eko Charles, who came to collect the items.

    “Four 32 inch TV sets earlier collected under false pretence from the complainant were recovered from Rabiu Idris.”

    He said the case was still under investigation, after which the suspects would be arraigned.

  • Gunmen hijack N9m from Niger Chief Accountant

    Gunmen on Monday morning attacked the Chief Accountant from the office of the Niger state Head of Service, Idris Abdullahi and carted away over N9.5 million he had with him.

    The Chief Accountant was said to have been returning from the bank at about 10.30 am where he went to withdraw the money.

    It was learnt the money was meant for the overhead expenses of the office of the Head of Service.

    This incident is coming barely two weeks after gunmen waylaid an official of the Niger state Judicial Service Commission and collected over N1.5 million meant for expenses of the commission.

    An eyewitness told The Nation the gunmen blocked the car of the Chief Accountant when he got to the gate of the Secretariat, started shooting sporadically and removed the money from the vehicle before zooming off.

    The shooting caused pandemonium as everyone, including the security and vigilantes in the Secretariat, started running for their lives.

    Eyewitness further said that the gunmen drove their car towards the Custom office along the western bypass where they abadoned it, hijacked another vehicle and drove off.

    Efforts to get the Office of the Head of Service to comment on the incident proved abortive as everyone clam up when the incident was mentioned.

    READ ALSO: Gunmen hijack commercial bus in Rivers 

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abubakar Muhammad, described the incident as unfortunate adding that the Police is on the trail of the gunmen.

    He said that it was because of information given to all police to be on alert and lookout for the vehicle used in commiting the crime that made the gunmen abadon the car and hijack another car.

    “We have dispatched the information to all our units in the command to be on alert .We are on top of the situation.”

    The PPRO cautioned members of the public particularly government officials to desist from moving large sums of money about advising that they should use the electronic banking options.

    “There is a kind of vulnerability in moving such large amount of money about. We are advising members of the public and government officials to desist from moving large amounts of money particularly during this period.

    “We are encouraging them to use the electronic banking options in doing this. We should not make ourselves vulnerable by moving such large amount of money.”

  • US warns of ‘another 9/11’ after alleged death of Bin Laden’s son

    US intelligence agencies are bracing themselves for possible retaliation from al-Qaeda after the alleged death of Osama bin Laden’s son.

    The Mirror cited unnamed security sources as saying;“There is a strong will still out there for another 9/11 so the bin Laden nightmare is far from over – even though it is likely the founder’s only possible terrorist heir has been killed,” one of the sources claimed, referring to

    The source described Hamza as inexperienced “operationally” but added that he was as “irresistible” as “a scion of the most famous terror mastermind the world has known”.

    The world’s number one terrorist hoped that his son would someday “take up the challenge of leading al-Qaeda so he could not be allowed by the West to rally support for a new and more dangerous al-Qaeda”, the source claimed.

    The remarks come after NBC News cited three US officials as saying in late July that Hamza bin Laden is dead.

    Officials did not elaborate on where or when Hamza died or whether the US played any role in his death.

    READ ALSO: Trump discusses further cooperation with Britain in call with Johnson

    Hamza, who earlier urged al-Qaeda followers to attack the US for killing his father, was regarded as the likely successor to the terrorist group’s chief Ayman al-Zawahiri.

    The US State Department, in turn, offered a reward of $1 million for information on the whereabouts of bin Laden’s son.

    Osama bin Laden was killed on 2 May 2011 in Abbottabad, Pakistan during a US Navy SEAL special operation following a 10-year manhunt. It was initiated as part of a response to the terrorist attacks in the US on 11 September 2001 that claimed the lives of about 3,000 people.

    (www.newsnow.co.uk)

  • Police threaten politicians over covered number plates

    Anambra State police commissioner, Mr John Abang, has threatened politicians, government officials and others who cover their vehicle number plates to desist from it or get arrested and prosecuted.

    This was contained in a statement on Saturday in Awka, by the command which was made available to reporters through the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Haruna Mohammed.

    The command declared that such act was not only unlawful, but constituted security threats to the public.

    Besides, the command said those doing such a thing were using it to perpetrate various forms of crimes in the state.

    Read Also: Police bans use of tinted glasses, cover plate number

    According to the statement, “Information at the disposal of the Anambra State Police Command revealed that unauthorised persons in the State are using unmarked or vehicles with covered plate numbers to perpetrate crimes in the state in order to avoid being detected by the law enforcement agencies”

    “Such acts are not only unlawful but also constitute serious security threats to the public which if left unchecked could jeopardise  the efforts of the police  towards promoting safety and security in the state which the law enforcement agencies are working assiduously to sustain.”

    “In view of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police CP John B, Abang, has ordered with immediate effect the arrest and prosecution of persons using unmarked and masked vehicle plate numbers without authorisation.

    “Consequently, the CP also warns that any security personnel found escorting their principal with an unmarked vehicle or those with covered vehicle number plates will be arrested and dealt with accordingly” the command said.

  • 23-yr-old electrocuted while cutting tree

    Residents of Enugwu-Agidi community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra state have been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of a 23-year old man identified as Nduka.

    The deceased was reportedly electrocuted when he climbed a breadfruit tree to cut its branches directly under electric high tension wire in the area.

    The deceased who hailed from Iruobieri village of the community was reportedly hired to cut the tree.

    “The man was hired to cut down branches of the tree because of the repeated warning from officers of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC who claimed the tree was obstructing free flow of electric current,” a source said.

    Read Also: Pregnant woman burnt to death, eight others injured in Ibadan auto crash

    President General of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union (EBU), Chidi Okoye described the incident as regrettable, blaming it on carelessness of the deceased.

    He said, “The leadership of the union has been warning the villagers not to engage in any responsibility meant for EEDC because of the inherent dangers.

    “The man failed to consult the electricity committee chairman who could have informed the EEDC of his intention.

    “He just lost his life out of sheer carelessness. The sad incident is a lesson to everybody in the community.

    “I believe that nobody will be foolish enough to attempt such act without involving the EEDC.”

    Okoye however cautioned youths in the area not to take laws into their hands, insisting, “there is no need for civil unrest in the community as a result of the death.”

  • Anambra to build hostels for colleges

    The Anambra State government plans to build over 700-capacity hostels in all technical schools across the state, it was learnt on Sunday

    Commissioner for Basic Education Prof. Kate Omenugha spoke at the weekend during a retreat organised for stakeholders in the education sector in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area.

    She said the government envisioned an education that will make students practically relevant after graduation.

    Omenugha canvassed for improved funding to ensure inclusive education for all children.

    Governor Willie Obiano, who opened the retreat, described education as a critical enabler in the life of individuals and the society.

    Read Also: ‘No gun cache in Anambra’

    Obiano, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, said the retreat was to get stakeholders acquainted with the education policy of his administration.

    “The government is passionate about investing in education to ensure the proper application of technical education in promoting development,” he said.

    The governor urged education administrators to deploy robust strategies in transforming the sector.

    A former Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Prof. Uche Amasigo, called for sustained efforts to arrest the girl-child dropout in some councils.

  • 34 corps members rescind relocation from Anambra

    No fewer than 34 Batch B corps members undergoing orientation course in Anambra have rescinded their earlier decision to relocate from the state.

    Mr Kehinde Aremu, Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) made the disclosure during the Cultural Carnival organised for them at the temporary Orientation Camp yesterday.

    Aremu said the activities on camp especially the knowledge of culture and ways of major ethnic nationalities in Nigeria had made them to appreciate the beauty of cultural interaction as well as relaxed some of the prejudices they haboured from their homes.

    The coordinator said about 300 applications to relocate to other states were received.

    “In the last four days, 34 corps members who applied to relocate from Anambra have withdrawn such application saying that they want to stay back and serve Nigeria in the state as well as learn more about the Anambra spirit.

    Read Also: Lobbying for relocation risky, NYSC warns corps members

    “We have graciously granted their request and I can assure them that they will be glad for the decision they made.

    “Our beauty as a country is in our diversity and that is why NYSC has thought it wise to expose our youths to these cultures; each platoon was assigned a particular culture to study and showcase; I must commend them for executing their tasks so well,” he said.

    Aremu urged the corps members to apply their knowledge of the orientation course and become part of communities they found themselves for their Places of Primary Assignment.

    He also encouraged the corps members to explore the skill area they were thought during the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme for their economic advantage.

    On her part, Mrs Ifeoma Nwafor, Chairman of the Carnival Planning Committee thanked the corps members for their cooperation during the build up to the event.

    Nwafor said that NYSC had created mini Nigeria on camp with so much lesson for the larger society to learn.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) , 10 cultures were showcased with dance and drama competitions.

  • Man sells baby for N150,000 in Anambra

    A 27-year-old man has been arrested by the police for allegedly selling his three-day-old boy in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The suspect, Chukwuma Enemuo, was said to have sold the baby for N150,000 after lying to his wife that the baby died after delivery.

    The Nation gathered that the suspect conspired with one Obi Chidubem to sell the baby, said to be the first issue of the parents.

    The baby was reportedly sold to Mrs Anulika Okafor, a native of Uruokwe village, Ozubulu.

    Read Also: Man arrested for allegedly defiling 11- year-old deaf and dumb

    Police spokesperson Haruna Mohammed, said the three suspects have been arrested while the baby has been recovered.

    He said, “At about 7pm , Police detectives attached to Ozubulu Division arrested Chukwuma Enemuo. The suspect conspired with Chidubem, 45 and sold his three days old boy for N150,000 to Mrs Anulika Okafor, 39.

    “The suspect lied to his wife, Oluchi, 20 that the baby is dead shortly after delivery.”

  • Community protests encroachment on land

    Twelve persons were arrested yesterday in Abba and Ukpo, Prince Arthur Eze’s Community in Anambra State, following a land dispute between the two communities.

    Of the number, three are women.

    The land dispute has lasted 44 years.

    Abba community had planned a peaceful demonstration on the Onitsha/Awka expressway to protest the alleged takeover of their land by Ukpo.

    The Supreme Court, in January, told the communities to return to the High Court to begin the case afresh following missing court documents relating to previous rulings.

    As early as 6am yesterday, hundreds of stern-looking policemen had blocked the expressway and the road leading to Abba, while women were stopped from doing their businesses in the market.

    The teargas canisters that landed inside the Community Secondary School forced pupils to join the protest.

    Vehicular movement was hindered for several hours, forcing motorists to use alternative roads.

    A community leader in Abba, Mr. Obinna Chukwuma, regretted the development, describing it as unfortunate. He added that their decision to embark on a peaceful demonstration was to let the world know what they were passing through over their land.

    He said: “Abba is a peaceful community but it is under siege. We have been living in harmony with our neighbours, but all of a sudden, a money bag from our neighbouring community, Ukpo, decided to take over our land by force.

    “Anybody approaching this community from Awka would see the signpost with the inscription, ‘welcome to Abba’.

    Read Also: Two killed as Adamawa community protests motorcycle ban

    “That is our boundary with Ukpo, and they know it very well. When they built their local government headquarters, they built it on their land. When they built a police station, they built it on their land. They also plan to build a market called Eke Agu Ukpo on their land. So they know where their land is located.

    “But unfortunately, they have come into our own land to mount a banner with the inscription ‘welcome to Ukpo junction, Dunukofia local government. In other words, they erected their sign post in another local government because Abba is in Njikoka council and not Dunukofia.

    “That is why the people are protesting. We don’t have arms, we are not fighting anybody. We just want the world to know what is happening.

    “It is unfortunate that someone who feels he has money is using it to intimidate us. Look at policemen firing teargas on innocent people, and women chased away from the market.

    “Last week, the security operatives blocked our community with 12 hilux vans. Today, there are more than 500 policemen and over 20 hilux vehicles, including anti-bomb vehicles, just to mount a signpost on our land, even when Boko Haram is driving people out of their homes in some parts of the country.

    “We will let the world know what is happening in our community…”

    The protesters called on President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Willie Obiano to intervene in the interest of peace and harmony.

    Police spokesman could not be reached for comments. But a senior officer, who pleaded for anonymity, said the command would not allow anybody or group cause mayhem.