The Nation Newspaper

Tag: KOGI

  • Flood: UN to work with FG, Kogi on infrastructure

    Flood: UN to work with FG, Kogi on infrastructure

    The United Nations has pledged to partner with the Federal and Kogi State governments to provide resources for the replacement of infrastructure damaged during the 2012 flood disaster.

    The UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordination, Baroness Valerie Amos, made the pledge on Friday in Lokoja during an assessment visits to flood impacted sites.

    She said that there was urgent need to replace damaged infrastructure so as to achieve full recovery.

    Amos said that flooding had become a worldwide phenomenon, blaming the development on climate change which she said was beyond the control of anybody.

    She said the UN would provide technical support for the state, saying that experts will be deployed in the areas of early warning signals, planning and preparedness for emergency situations.

    The UN official, who stated that she was visiting the state under a difficult circumstance, lamented the magnitude of losses suffered by the people during the disaster.

    She said that there was urgent need to evacuate people from flood plains in Lokoja and other parts of the state.

    She said that the UN will join hands with the state to establish camps where people can relocate to temporarily.

    Baroness Amos commended the Federal and Kogi State government for rising to the occasion when the flood struck in 2012.

    She said that government and disaster management agencies should learn from the experience so that the country can recover effectively after each incident.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Baroness Amos also visited the newly constructed water plant in Lokoja.

    She commended the state government for protecting the facility and ensuring supply of water to the people without much difficulty.

    The Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi , who received the visitor said over 400,000 hectares of farmlands, several lives and infrastructural facilities worth billions of naira were washed away.

     

  • Erosion cuts off Anambra–Kogi-Abuja road

    About 25 communities in two local governments in Anambra State may be cut off by erosion.

    The erosion is threatening to cut off the asphalted section of the Anambra –Kogi– Abuja highway, which is being built by the Federal Government.

    The road is the only road used by communities in Anambra West Local Government Area to link Otuocha, Onitsha and other parts of the state.

    The project was progressing, though at a slow pace, until last year when the local government was submerged by flood.

    The contractor, Nigercat Nigeria Limited, left the site for unknown reasons.

    The Nation observed that sequel to the rains this year, erosion started “eating up” parts of the road.

    One bridge at Kilometre 8 has been almost washed off.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Special Duties, Tony Nwabunwanne, said Governor Peter Obi, who visited the site, offered to pay the contractor to correct the defects.

    “But as I speak with you, the contractor has not given him the quotations.

    He said he is waiting for approval from the Ministry of Works before the cost can be given to the governor,” he said.

    Commissioner for Finance Mrs. Ngozika Okoye has called on the Federal Government to intervene before it becomes too late.

    She said: “It is urgent. It is an important road. It will cost more if help comes too late.

    “We are crying now because we are used to letting things get bad then we begin to pay for our negligence.”

    The member representing Anambra West in the House of Assembly, Victor Okoye, pleaded with the federal and state governments to help make the road motorable up to Inoma, the boundary with Kogi State.

    “All the money used here will be a waste, if immediate intervention is not done.

    “As it is now, we cannot access the local government headquarters at Nzam, except by boat through the River Niger.”

     

  • Youths call for release of Kogi lawmaker

    Kogi youths, under the aegis of state branch of the National Youth Council (NYC), yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan and all well-meaning Nigerians to ensure the release of an arrested member of the House of Assembly, Friday Sanni, without further delay.

    The youths, who were protesting the arrest and detention of the lawmaker, told reporters in Lokoja, the state capital, that the arrest was the handiwork of his political detractors, who want to tarnish his image.

    Sanni was allegedly caught last week in Abuja in company of some men who were said to be in possession of some AK 47 riffles.

    Police walkie-talkie was allegedly found in his car.

    His arrest, it was learnt, followed a tip-off.

    The lawmaker has been arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court, which ordered him to be remanded in prison pending today’s hearing of his case.

    But the youths said the arrest and detention of the lawmaker were unjust and politically motivated.

    NYC Chairman Farouk Mazai Suleiman said Sanni was a misunderstood politician, especially among those he called political misfits.

    According to him, the lawmaker was framed up by some Abuja-based politicians who felt threatened by his rising political profile.

    Reeling out Sanni’s achievements in office, Suleiman said the embattled lawmaker has touched the lives of more members of his constituency than all his political enemies.

    The youth leader added that the arrest was a ploy to scuttle his youth empowerment programme.

    The House of Representatives, it was learnt, allegedly ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest Sanni over allegations of murder, thuggery and setting up an illegal security outfit, called Ajana Mopol.

    The House was allegedly acting on a petition by a former Minister of Interior, who alleged that the lawmaker had been declared wanted by the police over those allegations.

    The ex-minister wondered why the police had not arrested the lawmaker, despite the allegations against him.

    But the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Iyang Ekwo, quashed the order.

     

  • High turnout of supporters as APC is launched in Kogi

    An impressive turnout of eager supporters marked the launching of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday in Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State.

    Addressing the supporters at Okenne Town Hall, a chieftain of the party, Prof Yusuf Aliyu, hailed them for their large turnout.

    The supporters were from the five local government areas – Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi and Ogori/Magongo – which make up the senatorial district.

    Aliyu said APC is a merger of all progressive parties in Nigeria, adding that the purpose of accepting the party in the state was to take over power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

    The politician promised that the new party will salvage the country from collapse.

    He said APC has a roll-call of tested and trusted national leaders, adding that the party will give Nigerians and the people of Kogi Central a new political direction for a fresh lease of life.

    Also, a prominent politician and former Commissioner for Agriculture in the Ibrahim Idris administration, Sulaiman Enesi Jimoh, assured the people that the new party will work for the progress of Ebira people in the state.

    He also said the APC will close the leadership gap created by the demise of Senator Ahmed Tijjani Ahmed some years ago.

    The former commissioner advised the people to embrace the new party, adding that it is the only platform to promote Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress as well as the state’s.

     

     

     

     

  • Court fixes June 4 for verdict Kogi Rep’s suit

    A Federal High Court in Makurdi, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, has fixed June 4 for judgment in a suit filed by Mr. Daniel Onjeh against Mr. Hassan Saleh, a House of Representatives member representing Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu.

    Onjeh was the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) while Saleh was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2011 National Assembly election.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Saleh the winner of the poll.

    Onjeh challenged the process that led to Saleh’s victory at the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal in Makurdi.

    His petition was struck out on the grounds that the issues he raised for determination were pre-election matters and that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain them.

    Also dissatisfied with the tribunal’s decision, the politician appealed against the judgment at the Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division. The court agreed that another tribunal be constituted to hear the matter on its merit.

    The case was, however, struck out by the newly constituted tribunal on the grounds that the 180-days allocated for the hearing and determination of the case had lapsed.

    Onjeh headed for the Federal High Court, praying the court to hold that he was the winner of the election since his opponent was wrongly sponsored by the PDP.

     

  • Kogi CJ calls for financial autonomy for the judiciary

    The Kogi Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, has called on the executive at state and federal levels to implement Section 127 of the Constitution to ensure financial independence for the Judiciary.

    Ajanah made the call on Friday in Lokoja in his opening address at a seminar organised by the state chapter of Inspectors and Area Court Judges Association (IACJA) for its members.

    He said that if the statutory provisions for financial autonomy of the third arm of government were implemented, that would ensure improved remuneration and better welfare for judicial officers and staff.

    Ajanah disclosed that the state judiciary would soon establish more Area Courts to handle community-related cases and bring justice closer to the people.

    He said that the state judiciary would soon commence the second phase of distribution of laptop computers to judicial officers who were left out during the first phase.

    He advised that typists in the state judiciary should be trained in computer applications and converted to computer operators rather than employ fresh operators to operate office computers.

    Ajanah decried the level of corruption at the lower courts and urged the inspectors and area court judges to maintain zero-tolerance for corruption or be ready to leave the Judiciary.

    Speaking earlier, President of the association, Mr Ben Adejoh, said that corruption in the state judiciary had been at minimal level since the inception of the association in 2008.

    He said that the theme of the seminar, “Towards Enhancing a Better Administration of Justice in Area Court System,” was chosen to ensure that members carried out their duties in line with the code of conduct for judicial officers.

    Adejoh, while commending the leadership style of Justice Ajanah, also decried the level of corruption in the judicial system.

    He said, “our members are being accused of giving out judgement to the highest bidders.”

    He implored the leadership of the state judiciary to accord better attention to the welfare of judges at the lower courts.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Elias Egwu of the Customary Court of Appeal; Mr Joe Abrahams, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice presented papers at the occasion.

    The other presenter was the former Chairman, Okene branch of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Abdullahi Aliyu.’

  • Kogi Fed Cup final shifted

    Kogi Fed Cup final shifted

    The Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) has granted the approval for Kogi 2013 Federation Cup final between Kogi United FC and Lokoja FC to be rescheduled to May 14, 2013 owing to the Local Government Elections held across the State on Saturday the Kogi State Football Association has announced.

    Mr Adama Yahaya, the Chairman of the Kogi State FA confirmed the new date to journalists in a statement on Sunday.

    Mr Adama noted that the earlier date set for the final was not feasible owing to the LGA elections held in the State and the fear that its fallout may not have eased even two days after it was held.

    He also admitted that the challenge in the Association’s plans to have the State’s helmsman, Captain Wada Idris on ground during the grand finale also forced a postponement.

    “We have agreed to play the finals on May 14 against earlier 4th of May, delighted with the consideration of the Nigeria Football Federation for the new choice of date.

    “We are happy the elections were free and fair and will have Kogi State Governor Idris Wada at the Confluence stadium to watch the final, we anticipate organising one of best cup finals in recent time though won’t reveal any detail for now as we expect all and sundry to come and watch,” he confirmed.

    National League side, Kogi United will hope to reclaim the cup for the first time in four years when they face the capital based team and 2011 champions Lokoja FC, who are a division below in the Nationwide League.

    NWL side Lokoja FC defeated defending champions, non-league KABU FC 2:0 to book a place in the final, while NNL side Kogi United FC edged out another non-league side Idah United 1:0 to reach the second successive final.

    The game will be played at the 25,000 seater-capacity Confluence stadium, Lokoja.

  • Local Government elections shift Kogi Fed Cup final lTie now to hold May 14

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have granted approval for Kogi 2013 Federation Cup final between Kogi United FC and Lokoja FC to be rescheduled to May 14, 2013 owing to the Local Government Elections held across the State on Saturday, the Kogi State Football Association has announced.

    Adama Yahaya, the Chairman of the Kogi State FA confirmed the new date to journalists in a statement on Sunday.

    Adama noted that the earlier date set for the final was not feasible owing to the LGA elections held in the state and the fear that its fallout may not have elapsed even two days after it was held.

    He also admitted that the challenge in the Association’s plans to have the state’s helmsman, Captain Wada Idris on ground during the grand finale also forced a postponement.

    “We have agreed to play the finals on May 14 against the earlier date 4th of May, and are delighted with the consideration of the Nigeria Football Federation for the new choice of date.

    “We are happy the elections were free and fair and we will have Kogi State governor Idris Wada at the Confluence Stadium to watch the final; we anticipate organising one of best cup finals in recent times though won’t reveal any detail for now as we expect all and sundry to come and watch,” he confirmed.

    National League side, Kogi United will hope to reclaim the cup for the first time in four years when they face the capital-based team and 2011 champions Lokoja FC, who are a division below in the Nationwide League.

    NWL side Lokoja FC defeated defending champions, non-league KABU FC 2:0 to book a place in the final, while NNL side Kogi United FC edged out another non-league side Idah United 1:0 to reach the second successive final.

    The game will be played at the 25,000 seater-capacity Confluence stadium, Lokoja.

  • BUA to build sugar plantation in Kogi

    BUA Group plans to launch its backward integration scheme in its sugar subsidiary plantation in Kogi State before the end of the year.

    In a statement, the Group Executive Director, Kabiru Rabiu, said cultivation on the land will commence in the last quarter of the year.

    He added that the plantation will assist in boosting the sugar production of the Group and enhance employment, imports open up opportunities for ancillary industries.

    According to him, the plantation is structured to generate its own power during the process of converting molasses to sugar, while provision has been made for gas supply to fire its turbines.

    BUA blenders owns the second largest sugar refinery in Sub-Saharan Africa, located in Lagos with an installed capacity of 720,000 metric tons per annum and is set to inaugurate a second sugar refinery with the same capacity in Ports Harcourt, Rivers State next year. The company also acquired Lafiagi Sugar Company (Lasuco), Kwara State through a privatisation in 2010.

    Rabiu said: “We are pleased with the support of Governor Idris Wada by assisting us toward setting up a sugar plantation in Kogi State.We promise to support the government and people of the state, and be a loyal and productive corporate citizen.

    “The plantation will be a modern state of the art automated plant with the technology deployed from Brazil, widely known as having the best technology in sugar production and refinery.”

    The state Governor Capt. Idris Wada confirmed the allocation of land to BUA for the proposed plantation.

     

  • Senate urges Anambra, Kogi, Enugu senators to resolve boundary dispute

    The Senate yesterday asked senators from Anambra, Kogi and Enugu states to resolve the dispute on the ownership of the oil-rich boundary of the three states.

    The mandate followed a motion by Senator Atai Aidoko (Kogi East) on the communal clash between Echenwo/Odeke in Ibaji Local Government of Kogi State and Enugu-Otu Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government of Anambra State.

    Although the motion was not taken, Senate President David Mark asked senators from the three states to meet and take the matter to the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for resolution.

    Aidoko insisted that the motion should be taken since he merely asked the Senate to urge the Federal Government to create a buffer zone in the affected states, until the crisis of ownership was resolved.

    He added that he wanted the Senate to urge the government to deploy the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) to protect the people.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu told the Senate that when Aidoko informed him about the motion, he advised him to liaise with senators from Anambra State to sponsor a joint motion on the outbreak of hostilities in the oil-rich area.

    Ekweremadu said he was surprised that Aidoko alone brought up the motion.

    Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) said President Goodluck Jonathan invited a delegation from the three states to discuss the matter.

    Eze, who said he was in the delegation, informed that Aidoko was also present at the meeting.

    He said Jonathan asked the delegation to allow the NBC to look into the matter.

    Mark said the senators from the three states should meet to discuss the dispute.

    He added that if there was need for a motion, it should be sponsored by the senators.

    The Senate President explained that there were usually boundary disputes between communities and insisted that if a motion on boundary dispute was allowed in the Senate, it would become a daily occurence.