The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benin

  • Man arraigned for defiling minor in Edo

    A 40-year old man, Johnbull Omoike, has been arraigned before an Egor Magistrate Court for allegedly defiling an eight-year old girl.

    Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Sunday Lucky, told the court that the offence was committed at Uwelu Street in Egor local government area of the state.

    Sergeant Sunday said the offence was punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal a Code.

    Johnbull was said to have committed the offence at the residence of the victim’s father.

    He was however granted bail in the sum of N200,000 or a surety in like sum who must be a level nine civil servant.

    Presiding Magistrate, P.E Akhere, adjourned the case to September 9 for hearing.

  • Photo: Oshiomole, wife visit IDPs in Benin

    Photo: Oshiomole, wife visit IDPs in Benin

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and some of the young displaced persons at the Internally Displaced persons Camp at Uhogua, Benin City, during the Governor's on-the-spot assessment of facilities and the condition of inhabitants of the camp on Wednesday
    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and some of the young displaced persons at the Internally Displaced persons Camp at Uhogua, Benin City, during the Governor’s on-the-spot assessment of facilities and the condition of inhabitants of the camp on Wednesday
    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his wife, Iara, and some of the young displaced persons at the Internally Displaced persons Camp at Uhogua, Benin City, during the Governor's on-the-spot assessment of facilities and the condition of inhabitants of the camp, on Wednesday
    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his wife, Iara, and some of the young displaced persons at the Internally Displaced persons Camp at Uhogua, Benin City, during the Governor’s on-the-spot assessment of facilities and the condition of inhabitants of the camp, on Wednesday
    Mrs Iara Oshiomhole, wife of Edo State Governor and some of the young displaced persons at the Internally Displaced persons Camp at Uhogua, Benin City, during the Governor's on-the-spot assessment of facilities and the condition of inhabitants of the camp on Wednesday
    Mrs Iara Oshiomhole, wife of Edo State Governor and some of the young displaced persons at the Internally Displaced persons Camp at Uhogua, Benin City, during the Governor’s on-the-spot assessment of facilities and the condition of inhabitants of the camp on Wednesday
  • Nigeria, Benin Customs take steps to eradicate smuggling

    Nigeria, Benin Customs take steps to eradicate smuggling

    A crackdown on smuggling is being intensified after the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Customs Service of the Republic of Benin Customs Service, yesterday took delivery of five Nissan Frontier Vehicles donated by the Nigeria Customs Service as logistics support to increase cross border survelliance.

    Receiving the vehicles in Seme, the Director-General, Customs Administration of Benin Republic, Brigadier Charles Sezan, said the donation was one of the major pledges made by the Comptroller-General of NCS, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko to support the Benin Customs in the move to strengthen survelliance of control points to prevent the entry of contraband or prohibited articles.

    Considering the porousity at the borders of both countries, Sezan said Benin is ready to step up surveillance and inspection at the control points to prevent smuggling and that the NCS has demonstrated its readiness for the further crackdown on smuggling by supporting her with logistics vehicles.

    He said both customs administration have national and moral responsibilities to ensure that trans-border traders get the best of support and protection while transacting their businesses and traveling through its operational areas.

    He explained that both countries customs were partnering to operate as what he called ‘sister customs,’ which he believes has to impact on the social and economic lives of the people, including in the area of security, which he noted is creating a challenge that must be dealt with through collaborative efforts.

    NCS Area Conmtroller (CAC), Seme Border Command, Comptroller Ndalati Garb, who represented Dikko at the event, assured that the NCS would do everything within its powers to sustain the existing trade co-operation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin for the mutual benefits of the citizens of both countries.

    He said Nigeria identified inter agency and inter customs rapport between NCS and the Benin Republic Customs and Police as a strategy that will not only facilitate legitimate trade but also enhance regional security.

  • Photo: FRSC’s free medical check for drivers in Benin

    Photo: FRSC’s free medical check for drivers in Benin

    FRSC'S FREE MEDICAL CHECKS AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FOR DRIVERS OF ARTICULATED VEHICLES AND TRUCKS AS PART OF ACTIVITIES TO MARK THE FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC) "OPERATION SCORPION" IN BENIN ON MONDAY
    FRSC’S FREE MEDICAL CHECKS AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FOR DRIVERS OF ARTICULATED VEHICLES AND TRUCKS AS PART OF ACTIVITIES TO MARK THE FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC) “OPERATION SCORPION” IN BENIN ON MONDAY
  • How insurgency affect international peace

    How insurgency affect international peace

    • The Security Council recalls its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security

    The Security Council has reaffirmed Member States’ determination to continue to do all they can to resolve conflict and to deny terrorist groups the ability to put down roots and establish safe havens to address better the growing threat posed by terrorism.

    The Council stresses that terrorism can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of all States and international, regional and sub-regional organizations to counter the terrorist threat.

    According to the council, terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whosoever committed.

    Thus, the council expresses its concern at the continued threat posed to international peace and security by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (also known as “Boko Haram” and hereinafter referred to as such) and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with A1-Qaida, reaffirms its resolve to address all aspects of that threat, and reaffirms that terrorism, including the actions of the Boko Haram terrorist group, cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, or civilization.

    The Security Council reiterates its strong condemnation of all the terrorist attacks, abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region.

    The council also recognized that women and girls are particularly targeted by Boko Haram, expresses its deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the peoples and Governments of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

    The Security Council recalls that those responsible for abuses and violations of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable and brought to justice.

    The Security Council takes note of the Communiques of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) of 25 November, 2014 on the threat posed by Boko Haram and the efforts of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) Member States (Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria) and Benin to combat Boko Haram.

    It further takes note of the Letter sent by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) to the United Nations Secretary-General on 6 March 2015, forwarding the Communiques adopted by the AUPSC on 29 January and 3 March 2015, as well as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Strategic Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to fight against Boko Haram.

    The Council, while acknowledging the progress made on the ground following joint regional military efforts in recent months, condemns strongly the continued deadly attacks perpetrated by the Boko Haram terrorist group, particularly against civilians and encourages increased regional cooperation.

    The Security Council encourages all actors involved in the response to support recovery programmes and the provision of the necessary protection measures for civilians, and to pay particular attention to the release and reintegration of children abducted by Boko Haram or formerly associated with this terrorist group.

    It recalls that Boko Haram has been designated as associated with Al-Qaida by the Committee established, pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) and in this regard, expresses its readiness to consider listing individuals, groups, undertakings and entities providing support to Boko Haram, including those who are financing, arming, planning or recruiting for Boko Haram and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida through information and communications technologies including the Internet and social media or through any other means.

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  • Psychiatric Hospital: Bishop petitions Buhari

    Psychiatric Hospital: Bishop petitions Buhari

    A former member of the House of Representatives and ordained clergyman, Bishop Ezekiel Oise Orhevba has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to save the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu – Benin from what he termed: “its present irretrievably Monumental rot.”

    Bishop Orhevba in the petition to President Buhari made available to Nation on Saturday, unless the President intervenes in the affairs of the more than 50 years old Hospital, chances are that “it will experience a total ruin and abandonment.”

    The Bishop whose petition was further supported by a 22- paragraph affidavit to drive home his points, noted that there has been no peace in the hospital for over three years now.

    “There has been steady retrogression of the hospital. The hospital is in total darkness,” he stated.

    He further stated: “You can see the gardeners/landscape attendants using cutlasses to mow the grass instead of the former practice of using mechanical lawn mowers.”

    ” Food for patients is now cooked with firewood instead of gas, thereby leading to massive environment pollution in a Psychiatric Medical facility, where convalescing patients are not supposed to inhale noxious gas.

    “The hospital that has about 250 beds for patients hardly see up to 50 patients now due to the unpleasant and unfriendly condition of the hospital.”

    While alleging that there is a “terrorist gang” involved in transcendental sleaze in the hospital, Bishop Orhevba claimed that since October 2014, the Medical Director, Dr. S. O. Olotu had sacked about eight senior members of staff of the hospital who had never had any query over framed up charges.

    He alleged that the purported sack of the officers concerned was not approved by either the minister or the permanent secretary.

    Bishop Orhevba called on the President to help end the alleged reign of corruption and impunity going on at the Federal Psychiatric Hospital Benin so that the avowed manifesto of change for which President Buhari is globally acclaimed will not be aborted.

    Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the Hospital, Mr. Efe Stawart and the Medical Director, Dr. S.O. Olotu, to comment on the issues raised in the petition were unsuccessful.

  • Benin chief sues police chief for ‘illegal detention’

    A prominent transporter and the Aiyobahan of Benin Kingdom in Edo State, Chief John Osamede Adun, has filed a suit against Police Commissioner Samuel Adegbuyi at a Federal High Court in Benin for alleged illegal detention.

    Adun said he was detained at the Commissioner’s office for 10 hours without justification.

    He is demanding N10 million, being the general and exemplary damages for the alleged infringement on his rights to personal liberty and the right to dignity of human person.

    In the suit filed by his counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, the Benin chief described the action of the police commissioner as unlawful, unconstitutional and a serious infringement on his fundamental right to personal liberty, as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    Adun is asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondent, his agents, servants or privies from further interference with the constitutionally guaranteed rights of his liberty in respect of the issue of banning of levy collection through tickets on the road in Edo State and any other matter whatsoever connected with without probable reasonable and justifiable case.

  • 50 per cent of Beninoise came from Nigeria, says Yayi

    50 per cent of Beninoise came from Nigeria, says Yayi

    President of Benin Republic Boni Yayi said yesterday that 55 per cent of the population of his country came from Nigeria.

    He described Republic of Benin as the 37th state of Nigeria.

    Yayi spoke yesterday after a closed door meeting between him and the President elect, Muhammadu Buhari, at the Defence House, Abuja.

    He explained that Nigeria and Republic of Benin are not only close neigbours, but have cultural and traditional affinity, assuring that “Benin Republic will always be on Nigeria’s side”.

    The Beninoise leader expressed confidence in the ability of Buhari to take up the challenge facing Nigeria and West African sub region, including the problem of Boko Haram, peace enforcement and other issues.

    He noted that the citizens elected Buhari to enhance their destiny because of his integrity and experience as a former Head of State.

    Yayi noted that with Buhari as Nigeria’s president, the nation’s economy, which he described as the engine room of the sub region, will be on the path of recovery to impact positively on other countries in West Africa.

    He assured of his country’s cooperation with the incoming government and prayed for Buhari’s success.

    The President-elect expressed appreciation to the government and people of Republic of Benin for identifying with the major problems facing the Nigeria, especially the security challenge in the Northeast caused by the Boko Haram.

    Buhari said Yayi has voluntarily identified himself with efforts by Nigeria to stamp out insurgency in the Northeast.

    Buhari said: “Your Excellency, I very much appreciates your boldness in identifying yourself and your country with Nigeria. It is critical to Nigeria and the neighbourhood is very important.”

    Yayi also yesterday paid glowing tributes to President Goodluck Jonathan for setting an exemplary leadership style in the African continent.

    He gave the commendation after a closed-door meeting with Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Noting that Jonathan played a leadership role in Africa, he noted that Jonathan had mediated in achieving peace in many countries, including Mali and Guinea Bissau.

    According to him, he could not come before now to congratulate the President for presiding over a hitch-free and successful election and for congratulating his challenger before the result was announced, because of the legislative election held in Republic of Benin.

    He said: “I came to congratulate my brother, President Jonathan. He is a very great statesman; he organised the election peacefully in the largest country in sub Saharan Africa.

    “To us, the election was very transparent and peaceful and coming back, he took a wonderful decision by a great statesman by calling his challenger to congratulate him even before the final result was released.

    “Usually, in Africa, it is rare. He gave us very good example of democracy, not only in our sub region and Africa, but also in the whole world.

    He prayed that God should continue to be with Jonathan and his family members in their future endeavours.

  • BREAKING: Two die in SDP, APC clash in Edo

    Two persons have been reportedly killed while six others injured in a clash between the supporters of All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at Imiegba in Estako East Local Government Area.
    Witnesses said there were sporadic shootings which led to the killings.
    It was gathered that trouble started when the SDP Edo North senatorial candidate, Hon Abubakar Momoh was at Imiegba to inaugurate projects when his convoy ran into a campaign rally of the APC canvassing votes for APC candidates.
    Details later……
  • PDP chairman, executives decamp to APC in Edo

    PDP chairman, executives decamp to APC in Edo

    The Chairman and eleven members of the executive council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Monday, decamped to the All Progressives Congress in Ukpato Ward, Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Receiving the PDP decampees at the Government House, the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said the exit of the executives has further reduced and decimated the PDP in the state.

    He said: “your journey is coming at a very strategic period. When the PDP postponed the elections, they wanted to buy time but as they buy time, they are losing people and as they lose people and they are losing more votes.

    “I believe that God has a purpose for touching everybody’s heart who have joined the movement for change because people like you who live in the rural areas know much more than anyone else the pains of poverty, the pains of the failure of the Nigeria State.

    He said, “When we buy you a transformer, there is no light. When light comes, the fees the community is asked to pay is more than the entire income of the community. Other than what the state government is doing in Orhionmwon, there is no federal presence in the community.

    “The Federal Government has spent 52% of our earnings on your behalf over the past 16 years and you cannot show one thing they have done. We haven’t fixed all the problems but we have shown that it is possible to begin to address the problems. This is why in Orhionmwon we are building schools besides the long road that we are doing from Ugoneki to Urhonigbe, also we have done roads in Igbanke and all the adjoining communities. We are currently working on the road in Abudu and several others.

    “We have also done several red roof schools in several communities, an industrial borehole at Iguododo that will supply water to all the environs just to say but a few. We haven’t fixed all the problems but every day we are doing something new, connecting the people through networks of roads from one community to another, supplying transformers even though they may not enjoy it because the federal government has not delivered power and that is why we say unless we fix the head, you will not enjoy the full benefit of it.”

    Governor Oshiomhole however assured the defectors of equal privileges in the party adding that they will not regret their actions and decision to join forces with the All Progressives Congress.

    Earlier, the leader of the defectors and Chairman, Ukpato Ward, Mr. Vincent Awekhor on behalf of other members of the executive applauded the leadership style of the Comrade Governor and his people oriented projects in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    Mr. Awekhor said, “We have watched political activities not only in the state but the federal and have concluded that Nigerians need a change and the change is coming from only one party which is the APC and because we do not want to be left behind, we have decided today to join the moving train that will bring the desired change to Nigeria.

    Other members of the executive who decamped Monday are Isaac Osa, Secretary; Osamwonui Osifo, Assistant Secretary; Adudu Idemudia, Organising Secretary; Kenneth Idemudia Assistant Organising Secretary; Omorodion J, Youth Leader; Efosa Ehigiamusoe, Treaurer; Jimoh Ibizugbe, ex-officio; Osaro Assistant Treasurer; Geoffrey Erabor, ex-officio; Mr. John Asenanya and Mr. Uzoima Nwachukwu.