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Tag: FCT

  • Atiku wins all voting points at Unit 007 Pyakasa in FCT

    The presidential candidate for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has won in the eight voting points at Unit 007 Pyakas, Lugbe, FCT

    Mr Sadiqu Abdulrazak, the Presiding Officer for the unit, said Abubakar scored 1,205 votes while President Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) got 173 votes.

    Abdulrazak also announced that the Senatorial candidate for PDP got 913 votes while APC got 444 votes.

    For House of Representatives, the candidate for PDP won with 1,102 votes while APC candidate scored a total of 240 votes.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that sorting and counting of votes at polling unit 007 Pyakasa lasted till 4.30 a.m on Sunday.

    Reacting, the SDP agent, Mr Haruna Dauda, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the process, stating that every thing was transparent.

    Mr Joshua Shawula, the PDP agent, also noted that INEC staff were fair and the election at the unit was free and fair. (NAN)

  • Lamorde, Inalegwu, 16 others promoted AIGs

    Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamorde and 17 others have been promoted from the rank of Commissioners of Police (CPS) to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

    The Police Service Commission also promoted 33 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to the rank of Commissioners of Police.

    The Commission, in a statement in Abuja, on Thursday by its spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, said the promotion was one of the decisions of the 4th Plenary meeting of the Commission held in Abuja on the 28th and 29th of January, 2019.

    The new AIGs are: Maurice A. Yusuf; Ibrahim A. Lamorde, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC); Murtala Usman Mani, Wilson A. Inalegwu, a former CP, FCT; Dibal Paul Yakadi, Haruna Huzi, Mshelia, Mohammad A. Mustafa, Hyelashinda Kimo Musa, former CP, FCT, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom Commands, Adeleye Olusola Oyebade, a former Oyo State Command CP;

    Others are Olusola Kamar Subair, Basen Dapiya Gwana, David Oyebanji Folawiyo, Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim, Nkpa N. Inakwu, Chris Okey Ezike until now CP, Abia State; Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, D.M Obembe and Wilson O. Akhiwu.

    Read Also: Police kill suspected robber in Enugu

    The new CPs are: Uche J. Anozie, Nwamhi Felix Yame, Mohammed Abdulmumini Gimba, Musa Adze, Philip Sule Maku, Umaru Haruna Miringa, Usman Sule Gomna, Adamu Usman, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, Ahmed Mohammed Azare, Adamu Saleh Jajeri, Maigana Alahi Sani, Audu Adamu Madaki and Dajuma Mohammed Lawal.

    Others are: Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, John Ogbonnaya Amadi, Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, Mohammed Bagega, Bello Makwashi, Buba Sanusi, Suleiman Balarabe, Rabiu Ladodo, Ndatsu Aliyu Mohammed, Yunusa Edwin Ogwuche, Cyril I. Okoro, Awosola Awotunde, Ayodele Andrew Olatunji, Garuba Danjuma, Bello Sani Dalijan, Imaikop Asuquo Okpongkpong and Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya.

    Others are: Jerome E. Bentem, Idris Nagoyo, Ibrahim A. Gora and Edna Obiageri Ugbebor.

    The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, while charging the newly promoted officers said the nation was looking up to them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the numerous security problems facing the country as we approach the 2019 polls.

    He also said they should reciprocate government’s good intentions by rededicating themselves to the service of the country.

     

     

  • FG flags off 1,000 villages satellite TV project

    The Federal Government on Monday flagged-off the 1,000 Villages Satellite Television (TV) Project in Kpaduma village of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mahammed who inaugurated the project said the project was one of the “Ten Major China-Africa Cooperation Plans” that were announced by President Xi Jinping of China at the 2015 Forum on China-African Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    He explained that the initiative was targetted at 10,000 villages in African countries, with Nigeria having the lion share of 1,000 villages.

    The Minister who commended the Chinese government for making the project a reality, said it would complement efforts by the Buhari administration to democratice access to information and entertainment in the country.

    He said: ” Under the project, each of the 1,000 carefully-chosen villages in Nigeria will receive 2 sets of solar powered projector television systems and 1 set of solar 32-inch digital TV integrated terminal
    system.

    “In addition, 20 recipient families with TV in each village will be provided with 20 sets of direct broadcast satellite terminal system free of charge. It is worth noting that viewers in each village provided with the projector TV system will enjoy 21 satellite channels free of charge, while each of the 20 recipient families will have access to 33 satellite TV channels free of charge for two months.

    “Thereafter, they can continue to enjoy access to the 33 channels by paying N900 per month, or enjoy limited access without payment.

    “While this project will undoubtedly strengthen the already very cordial China-Nigeria relations, it will also complement the ongoing efforts of the Buhari Administration to democratize access to
    information and entertainment in the country.

    Read Also: Fed Govt mulls two additional satellites

    “As you are all aware, Nigeria is currently implementing its Digital Switch Over (DSO) for television to build what will be Africa’s biggest and most lucrative Free-To-Air Television platform,

    “Since rolling out in Jos, Plateau State, in April 2016, we have extended digital television to the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Kaduna and Enugu States, and we are set to speed up the roll-out pace

    “With access to more than 30 digital channels, with crystal clear pictures and Hi-Fidelity audio, the DSO roll-out brings the benefits of digital television to all households. We call this the democratization of information and entertainment.”

    The Minister noted that the project flag off came at a better period as the nation prepared for a general election,adding that “In just a little over one month, Nigerians will be voting in the 2019 general elections.
    They need access to information now, more than at any other time, to know about the over 70 political parties that will be participating in the elections as well as about their various candidates”.

    The Minister charged the implementing agency (Star Times) for the project to expidite action on the installation of the satellite TV systems in the selected villages across the country ahead of the elections.

    The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian said the implementation of the projects would ensure consolidation on the cordial relationships existing between Nigeria and China, adding the projects would add value to the lives of people living in the benefitting communities.

    He said while new jobs would be created in the villages for the rural dwellers, the rural people would also be informed and entertained by the satellite television systems which had scores of channels at affordable cost.

    In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes, Mr Justin Zhang said: “Some of the work we have done in the villages include installation of 2 solar power projector TVs for the community, 1 32’ digital TV set with solar system, 20 Satellite dish and decoders where they can watch more than 100 international and local channels. The 2 solar powered projector TVs and 32’ digital TV are for public use and free of charge.

    “During the course of this project, we also created jobs. Many Nigerians from various villages have been trained on how to recharge, operate and provide the required maintenance support for all the products installed. We also plan to make some of them dealers as time goes on.

    “For us at StarTimes, it makes us truly happy as a company and a people to be able to work together successfully with both the Chinese and Nigerian government, and to put long lasting smiles on the faces the children and adults that would benefit from the exposure they get from the access to satellite TV.”

  • Resumption: FCT schools record high turnout

    Primary and Secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), that reopened on Monday for the second term, recorded high turnout of students.

    The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent who visited some of the schools, reports that students were seen in their numbers receiving lectures from their teachers.

    At the Government Secondary School (GSS), Garki, the Principal, Mr Haruna Nabayi, told NAN that out of the 980 students in the school, 484 were in school on the first day of resumption.

    “ The school has just resumed its second term academic activities and we are expecting `bumper harvest both in academic and in number.’

    “We have 980 students population, out of this, 484 have resumed and hopefully before the week runs out, all the students will resume. It is an indication that parents know we are serious. ’’

    Also, Mr Haruna Nabayi, Principal, GSS Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, said teachers had resumed work fully and called on students who were yet to resume to do so.

    “We are expecting the students to focus more on their studies as much as the teachers are ready to work, so there is need for them to study day in and day out.’’

    While reacting to the fixing of elections during school calendar, Nabayi said the elections would not disrupt academic activities.

    “Fixing of elections has nothing to do with the school system because the elections are on Saturdays and it will have no effect on schools, ‘’ he said.

    Mr Agbambu Ramah, Head Boy, GSS Tudun Wada, who spoke, called on students yet to return to do so.

    Similarly, Miss Khadijah Muhammad, an SS 3 student of GSS, Tudun Wada, appealed to students to begin the term with zeal and determination.

    NAN also spoke with head teachers of some private schools on the resumption and fixing of elections during the school calendar.

    Mr Seth Mmadufor, Head Teacher, God’s Power Academy, while commending parents for releasing their children for the second term, called on those who travelled to return as soon as possible to enable their children be in school.

    On the elections, Mmadufor called on the Federal Government to consider fixing elections when children were on holidays to avoid disruption of academic activities.

    Read Also: Calabar gets first rain in 2019

    “ Fixing the elections during this period is really going to affect parents and students.

    “Sometimes you hear parents saying they may not come back after the festive period till the general elections are over.

    “ What the government should do in subsequent elections is to carry along education stakeholders, INEC and the rest to fix a convenient date for elections.’’

    Similarly, Mrs Olabisi Abiina, Proprietress, Eshaddai Academy, called on the government to show increased commitment to the development of education.

  • Abuja three years without bombs and still counting

    I sat in anxiety as the yuletide season approached us. Thoughts ran riots in my head. I played out many scenarios as regards the likelihood of a disruption of the festive season by men of the underworld, as in times past. I refreshed my memory to the bomb blasts the rocked previous years on Christmas day and in churches and recreational centres in the FCT and its environs. I could only but nod my head in absolute disbelief.
    Disbelief you might want to ask. Yes, I meant every bit of the word disbelief because of how time flies and indeed how when there is a will, there would always be a way. I counted three with my fingers (2016, 2017 and 2018) and not a single disruption of the yuletide season in Abuja. Not a single bomb detonated anywhere. There was no uproar amongst merry seekers in recreational spots all around the FCT and its environs. People went about their normal businesses without fear. This is unprecedented.
    I have longed told all that cared to listen that God indeed loves Nigeria. The outcome of the 2015 elections that produced the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed a divine intervention in my opinion. I believe the discerning minds would agree with. It is also not by accident that we have had three consecutive years of peace and tranquillity in the festive season in Abuja. And it is also not luck. Some people somewhere have paid the price, and this brings me to the very essence of this piece.
    In some quarters, some have always questioned the constitutional role of the Nigeria Army in the sustenance of peace in any given society. They have also erroneously believed that the role of the army in Nigeria should and always be confined to the barracks. They haven’t given a thought that the enthronement of internal security and peace falls within the purview of the Nigeria Army. And this much they have strived to achieve from time immemorial. But the last three years have seen a more proactive and robust Nigeria Army in the enthronement of internal security and peace in Nigeria, and Abuja is just a case study.
    If anyone told me some four years ago that there would be such a time where the security architecture in Abuja would be top-notch that people would go about their various business without fear, I would doubt it because of the reign of terror that has accompanied festive periods in the FCT. This fact is corroborated with the way and manner many people relocated from Abuja due to the high level of insecurity. I recall I stumbled on a piece written by a former Abuja resident who had to relocate in the wake on the high level of uncertainty but recently returned to Abuja.
    As mentioned earlier, these things didn’t happen by chance, somewhere and somehow the price was paid just like Jesus Christ paid the price for us sinners on the cross of Calvary. If no one gave credit to President Muhammadu Buhari, I would give him high credit. If no one would also appreciate the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, I and my household would appreciate him. Some might be wondering why I am particular about President Muhammadu Buhari and Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. Some might also be wondering what it was a spectacular thing that they have done to deserve such high praises. But I would say that, and just like I have always said that the solution to the myriads of challenges facing Nigeria is when our political leaders exhibit that political will. And once that is done, there would always be a way.
    And one of such ways that President Muhammadu Buhari has exhibited a political will is in the appointment of the service chiefs, especially that of the Nigeria Army, which has never been so engaged in the enthronement of internal security in the annals of the country as in the past three years. In the past three years, the Nigeria Army has stretched beyond the elastic limit with various operations around the country simultaneously. But yet it didn’t flop. From the ongoing war against Boko Haram terrorist in North East Nigeria to the militant Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) in South East, and others too numerous to mention. The Nigeria Army has stayed true to its constitutional responsibility.
    They have sacrificed their all to keep the country safe and secured. They have decimated the Boko Haram, even at great sacrifice with the number of casualties recorded. While this is unfortunate, it just goes with the terrain in warfare situations. They have also kept other violent groups in check. They have done quite a lot to keep the country safe and secured. And like I mentioned earlier, when there is a will, there would always be a way.
    In my opinion, the best we can do in the very circumstances is to continually remind the troops that they are the real national heroes of Nigeria. And their sacrifices would never be in vain. For every night they patrol and lie in trenches keeping watch over us as we go to sleep, for the long days and months they spend away from their families and loved ones, every tears they shed for Nigeria, the majority of Nigeria and Nigerians would forever appreciate. It is only those that are ignorant that would not see this great work. And it also those that are myopic that would not agree that indeed President Muhammadu Buhari is God sent to rescue Nigeria from the brinks of collapse. If not for anything, let us learn to call a spade and spade in Nigeria. This is just a word of encouragement to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and his soldiers.
    Nwachukwu is president, African Mothers of Virtue.

  • Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, FCT ahead on IGR

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)  yesterday released the Internally Generated Revenue at State level for half year 2018, which tracks the performance of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    During the period under review, the states and FCT generated a total of N579.490 billion, as against N453.833 billion posted in the corresponding period of last year, a growth of 27.7 percent year-on-year. T

    wenty-eight states recorded growth in IGR while eight states, including Abia, Anambra, Benue, Taraba, Kebbi, Kwara, Ebonyi and Enugu, recorded a decline in 2018 half-year. In the first and second quarters of the year, the states generated N280.835 billion and N263.343 billion respectively.

    The revenues generated by the states came mainly from Pay-As-You-Earn Tax (N352.509 billion), Direct Assessment (N26.293 billion), Road Taxes (N11.681 billion), Other Taxes (N84.033 billion) and revenues from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (N104.972 billion).

    A breakdown of the report showed that Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, FCT and Delta were the best five performers during the period under review. Lagos State generated N196.395 billion, up by 16.88 percent from N168.025 billion in first half of 2017, to top the list. In second place is Rivers, with N60.906 billion, an increase of 36.13 percent, from the N44.742 billion recorded last year.

    Ogun State improved by 6.70 percent to N42.519 billion from N39.849 billion in the comparable period of 2017. The FCT generated N35.311 billion during the period, while Delta State posted N29.797 billion, a growth of 17.80 percent from N25.103 billion in 2017.

    In 2017, the states generated N931.23 billion, an increase of 12.03 per cent from 2016. In the second half of 2017, the total revenue generated by states was N432.65 billion, compared to N409.09 billion in first half of the year.

     

  • Nigeria begins campaign to end open defecation

    Nigerian Government on Thursday commenced a National Campaign to end open defecation practice across the country.

    The campaign comes on the heels of a recent report indicting Nigeria as the second worse country in the world after India that still practices Open Defecation.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, at the opening of the National Council of Water Resources, warned that if India exits from the number one position in the middle of 2019, it would be a “national shame”.

    “I was in India recently, the country has been mobilised on the issues of sanitation and open defecation. It is a civil responsibility on all of us.

    “Three years ago, only 40 per cent of Indians were using toilets, now, 95 per cent of Indians are practicing full sanitation practices.

    “They have not only stopped to defecate in the open, they are also re-cycling their waste products; they have transformed within three years.

    Read Also:Cross River LGA attain open defecation free status

    “In the last three years, they have built 80 million toilets; we need this kind of quantum leap in this country.

    “By next year, wherever you go in the world, you will hear that Nigeria is number one in open defecation, and that is a national shame we must not allow to happen”, he said.

    The minister however, revealed that the Federal Government would soon enter into technical cooperation with India to salvage Nigeria’s situation.

    He said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent launch of the National Action Plan was a new beginning for the country to achieving an open defecation-free status.

    He noted that the launch would bring about purposeful collaboration in all activities to achieving access to potable water, sanitation and hygiene for all Nigerians with a renewed commitment towards defecation free nation by 2025.

    “If this is not done, we stand the chance of taking the centre stage of open defecation countries when India would have exited by mid-2019,” he said.

    The Permanent Secretary, FCT Administration, Mr Chinyeaka Ohaa, while welcoming the delegates, noted that the role of access to potable water plays in the nation’s development could not be overemphasised.

    Ohaa said it was important for all tiers of government to accelerate water supply, sanitation and hygiene, as it was a requirement for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

    “There’s the need for an increased investment in the water supply, all hands must be on deck, the time has come for us to work and not to talk.’’

    The  theme of the meeting is ‘Increased Investment for Accelerated Coverage of Water Supply and Sanitation in Nigeria’.

  • Buhari lists conditions for restructuring

    …Why Nigerians in diaspora won’t vote in 2019

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday gave conditions to be fulfilled before the government can go into restructuring of the country.

    He pointed out that there should be proper definition of what Nigerians want before the government can delve into restructuring the country.

    The President also noted that many Nigerians who have been calling for restructuring have been doing so without defining what the restructuring should be.

    Read Also:Jail terms no longer deterrence for illicit financial flow, says Buhari

    Buhari, who spoke during the interactive session with Nigerians living in France, was in the country for the Peace Forum attended by about 70 world leaders in Paris.

    The Nigerian community, which was made up of Nigerian Diaspora Organization (NIDO), All Progressives Congress (APC) members in France, students and friends of Nigeria, asked the President questions ranging from restructuring, security, anti-corruption, education and opportunity for Nigerians in diaspora to vote in 2019 general elections.

    The President said; “There are too many people talking lazily about restructuring in Nigeria. Unfortunately, people are not asking them individually what do they mean by restructuring? What form do they want restructuring to take?

    “Do they want us to have something like the three regions we used to have? And now we have 36 states and the FCT. What form do they want? They are just talking loosely about restructuring.

    “Let them define it and then we see how we can peacefully do it in the interest of Nigerians.

    “They are just saying they want Nigeria restructured and they don’t have the clue of what the form the restructuring should be.

    “So, anybody who talks to you about restructuring in Nigeria, ask him what he means and the form he wants it to take,” he stated.

    He also gave reasons why Nigerians in diaspora might not vote in the 2019 general elections.

    According to him, it will be very difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put in place structures to accommodate them with just about three months to the 2019 elections.

    Noting that the increasing Nigeria population in the diaspora supports the calls for their participation in electing Nigeria leaders, he said that it might not happen in the 2019 general elections as INEC had been more focused on strengthening and consolidating on its achievements to conduct credible elections within the country.

    But he said that Nigerians in diaspora would definitely participate in future elections.

    Buhari said “We want to secure the Nigeria votes first before we go foreign. We are going to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be more independent and viable ….  so that they can recruit more committed and educated Nigerians to be in charge and use technologies to get the votes from all the constituencies.

    “So, with the way the economy is now, I think with the elections in three months’ time, it will be very difficult for INEC and the government to organize quality survey of those that are outside,” he said.

    Responding to the question on education in Nigeria, the President said that his administration is doing its best to invest more in infrastructures, education and other sectors.

    The Nigerian elites, he said, disappointed Nigeria and the Nigerian masses under the sixteen years administrations of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    According to him, so much waste has gone down the drain from the huge resources earned in during the PDP administrations in the country between 1999 and 2015.

    He said that there was nothing to show for the earnings including the $16 billion said to have been spent on power.

    He urged Nigerian elites, both at home and diaspora, to do more in contributing to the educational sector of the country, expressing surprise that the elites tolerated the fall in standards and structures of educational institutions despite the huge oil earnings.

    He said; “So, really I have seen it all and I was disappointed in the Nigerian elites. What have they done in these sixteen years?”

    “What do we have with our oil production down to half a million and the price per barrel went down to about $30, what could we have done with the infrastructure?

    “You should find out the damage done by the main opposition now to the economy and the integrity of the country.

    “So, we are now trying to improve infrastructures and do more in education and other areas.

    “We are currently reviewing investments in the entire infrastructure of the country like road, rail and power, including investing more in education. We will certainly need to do more in education,’’ he said.

    He added “I am doing my best now to utilize our resources to develop the country. We are already getting results on road, rail and power. My frustration is that some people still have plenty stolen money stashed in Europe, U S and other countries.’’

    According to him, return of stolen assets in some safe heavens will bolster the administration’s current effort of investing more in critical infrastructure that directly impact on the livelihood of Nigerians.

    He said that the war against terrorism will be reinforced with new weapons and hardware for the military

    The challenge of abduction and kidnapping in some parts of the country, he said, will receive more attention with better gathering of intelligence.

    According to him, God and technology in form of card readers and Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) won the Presidential elections for him in 2015 despite not succeeding in three earlier times.

    “We campaigned on three key issues; security, improving the economy, and fighting corruption, and we have not been controverted by anyone that we have not recorded some results,’’ he said.

    Speaking earlier, the Nigerian Ambassador to France, Dr. Modupe Irele, said that the Nigerian community in France had demonstrated high sense of responsibility, dedication and morality.

    According to her, the large number of professionals had been encouraged to also contribute to the country’s development.

    “Nigerians here are law abiding, peaceful and resourceful,’’ she said.

    President Buhari’s commitment to change, she noted, will make Nigeria the envy of other African countries.

    Speaking to journalists at the end of the interactive session, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, said that it was very important for President Buhari to attend the Peace Forum in Paris.

    He said “President Muhammadu Buhari has been preaching for peace, especially when he came on board, he met our country religiously and ethnically divided.

    “I think it is important that he meets with other world leaders to discuss how peace can be promoted among the nations and various people of the world.

    “There is no way you can promote peace where there is massive corruption. Massive corruption deprives people of development, and if there is no development, there won’t be any peace.” he said

    Willy Obiano of Anambra State said that it is important for Nigeria to be emphasizing peace.

    In the education sector, he said that the state has invested a lot of money into the sector in the last four years.

    He said “We revamped 1482 primary and secondary schools. We have sent our teachers to Singapore and Germany for training.

    “More importantly, what my administration has done in Anambra State with respect to education is to reach the … end of Anambra State.” he said

    House of Reps member, Nasir Ali Ahmed, representing Nasarawa Federal constituency of Kano State, said that the interactive session was a very successful meeting.

    He hoped that a lot of the Nigerians living in France will come back home to contribute their quota to Nigeria’s development.

    Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, recently nominated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Diaspora Commission, who facilitated the meeting, said that a lot of Nigerians living in France are already doing many things at home for the economy.

    “So, we will continue to engage with them and continue to stress the positivity about our country, Nigeria,” she said

    Stressing that there are some Nigerians in prisons in France, she said that Nigerians are being encouraged to obey the laws of the land wherever they go.

    She also pointed out that the new commission is not a charity organization, but aims to tap into the enormous resources of Nigerians in the diaspora.

  • Dino: Prosecution’s inability to provide witness statement stalls trial

    Failure of the prosecution to provide witness statement on Tuesday in Abuja in an FCT High Court stalled the trial of trial of Dino Melaye, who is charged with alleged false information.

    Maleye, representing Kogi West in the Senate, is being tried on two counts of alleged false information, an offence he has denied.

    At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Melaye’s counsel, Mr Olusegun Jolaawo, objected to a prosecution’s witness, Mr Edward Onoja, taking the stand to testify in the case.

    He accused the prosecutor, Ms Chika Nnanna, of refusing to serve him with the witness statement as required by law.

    Jolaawo told the court that the prosecution did not serve him with the witness statement and argued that the prosecution did not comply with the provisions of Section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

    Read Also: Man gets strokes of cane for stealing packs of Coca-cola

    Jolaawo also argued that the section provides that the defence counsel should be provided with all necessary materials related to case on trial by the prosecuting counsel to enable him adequately prepare his defence.

    He said the court was not a court of record and that the proper procedure was for the prosecuting counsel to have filed an additional proof of evidence with proof of service on all parties, the court and the defendant.

    Nnanna however, regretted the omission and apologised to court..

    “It was not intentional to keep away relevant document from the defence” she apologised.

    She requested an adjournment to enable her properly file the necessary document.

    The Judge, Justice Olasumbo Goodluck, who ordered the prosecution to do the needful, adjourned the case until Dec. 5 and Dec. 13 for definite hearing.

    “In the interim, the prosecution is expected to do the needful;

    “The matter is adjourned until December 5 and December 13 for definite hearing in the expectation that the prosecution files their additional witness statement before the next adjourned date” he ruled.

  • NGO collaborates NDLEA to curb the menace of drug abuse

    The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), says it will collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) FCT command, in the fight against drug abuse.

    The President of the organisation, Dr Hope Abraham disclosed this in an interview with the agency reporter on Friday in Abuja.

    He explained that the collaboration aims to successfully curtail the drug menace in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Abraham said that the collaboration had become necessary due to the rising cases of illegal consumption of prohibited substances, especially among youths.

    “Substance abuse has been on the rise in recent times and the rising case in Abuja has called for concern to the general public.

    “We want to urge the NDLEA to help in the fight against drug abuse by organizing more workshops and sensitization programmes to alert our targeted audience on the menace,” Abraham said.

    He claimed that the organisation had, on its part, embarked on occasional sensitization programmes to the dangers of drug abuse in various schools in and across the country.

    Abraham said that recently it organised a programme in Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba, where dangers of drug abuse were emphasized at length.

    He, however, noted that the responsibility of sensitizing youths to the dangers of illicit drug consumption could not be left to the NGO and the public without the help of the NDLEA.

    Read Also: NDLEA freezes suspected Tramadol importer’s accounts

    “We cannot do this on our own without involving the NDLEA to help in the fight and see to the end of drug abuse in Nigeria,” he said.

    He advised parents to monitor their wards and children to know the kind of company they kept, adding that it would help to reduce the rate of the abuse.

    The president of the organisation also urged public spirited individuals to join hands in the fight, saying, “We must all take on this fight to safeguard our future.”

    He called on the government to provide more facilities for the rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse to aid their reintegration into the society.

    On his part, Mr Peter Adegbe, Public Relations Officer, NDLEA FCT command, said that the agency was willing to collaborate with the NGO and the public in the fight to curb drug abuse.

    “It is a good thing to know that organisations have been working towards a drug free society by sensitizing youths on drugs and its adverse effects.

    “We as an agency are willing to partner to combat drug abuse both in the FCT and in other parts of the country,” he said.

    NAN