Tag: Nigeria News

  • Planned recall of Kwara legislator will not succeed, says APC

    Planned recall of Kwara legislator will not succeed, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Kwara state has described the recent move to recall a member of the state House of Assembly, Hassan Oyeleke as amateurish.

    Alhaji Oyeleke is representing Eesa/Shaawo/Igodun constituency of Offa, at the state House of Assembly.

    Some politicians from Offa, Offa local government area of the state early this week threatened to initiate the recall of the legislator alleging poor representation.

    Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital Spokesperson of Kwara South APC,  Chief John Ogundiran said “we wish to state that we not only have  in Hassan Oyeleke but also want to submit that he is committed to scaling all heights, fathom all depths and traverse all horizons to ensure the people of his constituency enjoy the deserved dividends of democracy and he cannot and would not be distracted by the actions of a few misguided elements who considered it necessary to devalue an important provision of the constitution.

    Chief Ogundiran added the the legislator “enjoys the confidence and the support of the traditional rulers, religious leaders, party leaders, the youths and the other stakeholders. “

    Said he: “It is therefore irksome that some amateurish politicians have in recent times begun to set dangerous precedents by turning the constitution into a mere book of riddles and jokes, their actions and inactions is tantamount to doing violence to the sanctity of a very far-reaching and sensitive provision of the constitution by seeking to invoke it freely without any assignable reason, sadly they have sort of accorded the mentioned provision of the constitution a ‘beer parlour’ matter status.

    “We deem it important to use this opportunity to call on the lovers of democracy across the nation to find a way of stopping the ugly trend aimed at subjecting the institution of democracy to ridicule. We are of the opinion that members of the public would help in no small measure in getting the dangerous developments discouraged by readily disregarding the ranting of such nature from those who having obviously woken up from the wrong side of the bed would simply resort to toying with the important provision of the constitution.

    “We read with dismay, the purported recall process initiated by some politicians against the lawmaker, copies of the recall petition were also widely circulated in the social media by the proponents  in furtherance of the  execution of the mischievous plot to  subject the personality of the lawmaker to public ridicule.  In parenthesis, it is important to mention here that the recall process was  actually a case of the ‘the hands of Esau and the voice of Jacob’ we had it on good authority that  it was the brainchild of a veteran senatorial candidate who still bellyaches  for being made to record just 9000 votes in Offa and losing to the incumbent in the 2015 election, he has also found a willing ally in a National Assembly member who currently entertains fear of unknown over possible second term in the Federal lower house.”

    He asked “is there any reasonability or tenable reasons for seeking the recall of Hassan Oyeleke?  Nothing could be farther from the truth; we submit with great respect that reasons for such does not in any way exist.    It is an indubitable fact that Hassan Oyeleke has emerged a shining light from the Offa axis, having under his sleeves the records of being the first indigene of the great city of Offa to hold the position of the Majority Leader of the Kwara state House of Assembly and his performance has not in any way fell short of expectations.

    “He has indeed remained a source of pride to the great people of Offa.  The primary duty of a legislator is to make laws and get the interests of the constituents protected through the initiation of bills and motions.”

  • Kaduna investigates disappearance of day-old-baby at hospital

    Kaduna investigates disappearance of day-old-baby at hospital

    Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba, on Wednesday said investigation has commenced on the disappearance of a day-old-baby at Yusuf Dantsoho General Hospital, Kaduna.

    The baby, whose parents were deaf and dumb, was allegedly stolen by a woman hours after delivery on Jan. 10.

    Baba said her ministry was liaising with that of Health to unravel the circumstances that led to the disappearance of the baby.

    “We are working to ensure that the baby is traced and returned to her mother.’’

    “We are appealing to the ministry of health to thoroughly investigate all personnel on duty at the time.

    “We are also involving the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps Child Protection Desk to conduct their investigations on the matter.

    “This not the first this is happening at Yusuf Dantsoho, and this has given us a bad image as a government in the eyes of the public,’’ the commissioner added.

    The mother of the baby, Salamatu Kabir, went through Cesarean section at the hospital and was recuperating when the baby girl was stolen.

    NAN

  • Customs rakes N98b in Lagos

    Customs rakes N98b in Lagos

    The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS ), Port Terminal Multi-service Limited ( PTML ) Command, Apapa, Lagos said it generated N98. 8billion in 2017.

    The amount  was 57.4 percent above the N62.8billion revenue  generated in 2016.

    Its Area Comptroller, Mrs. Adeyanju Aremu said that the excellent performance was attributed to the  ban on the importation of vehicles through land borders.

    Aremu also said that trade compliance traders also made smoothen the operations of the command and urged all stakeholders to follow suit by ensuring compliance to the rules and regulations guiding the cargo clearance at the terminal.

    She explained that while the revenue generation has been on a steady increase since May 2017, consignments are now cleared within 6(six) hours for vehicles and 24 (twenty four) hours for containers as long as proper documentation is entered.

    A breakdown of the command’s the monthly revenue target of N6.3billion was surpassed  command collected a total of N6.785billion in May 2017, as against N4. 792billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2016.

     In June of 2017, a total of N7. 166billion  generated, recording an increase of 40.2 percent of 2016 revenue generation.

    For July, August and September the command posting a revenue of N8. 647billion, N10. 160billion and N8. 083billion respectively as against N4. 926billion, N6. 284billion  and N5. 712billion collected within the period under review.

    The months of October, November and December, 2017 had the Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) terminal collecting highest revenue ever in the history of the  Command as a total of N10.611billion was recorded in October, N10. 255billion  and N10.318billion  were posted as against  N6. 320billion, N6. 095billion  and N5. 987billion in the corresponding year of 2016.

    The Customs Area Controller also commended the officers and men of the command.

     “I have the best officers in the Nigeria Customs working with me in the command.

    “Inspite of the challenges of bad road, lack of transportation they meet while coming to work, they never gave up.

    Most of them have to trek to the office, yet, they  gave  their best, I must commend them,” she said.

  • INEC seeks NURTW’s collaboration in Ebonyi

    INEC seeks NURTW’s collaboration in Ebonyi

    Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) in Ebonyi, on Wednesday sought  collaboration of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), for easy movement of personnel and electoral materials.

    Prof. Godswill Obioma, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ebonyi, who spoke at a meeting in Abakaliki with NURTW members, said the collaboration was necessary in order to ensure successful elections.

    Obioma, who described NURTW as critical stakeholder, said effective collaboration with the union was needed to ensure successful movement of men and materials.

    According to him, the meeting is convened to map out strategies and actions necessary for effective engagement of members of the union.

    “The INEC in Abuja has directed states to carry out preparatory inventory of what the commission needs for smooth and successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    Read Also: …. Ngige threatens to sue INEC

    “This meeting with the union aimed at boosting our partnership and collaboration is part of the preparatory inventory.

    “The meeting will foster greater cooperation and commitment which will ensure that only those people who are trustworthy and credible will be engaged in the transportation services during the elections.

    “There are 1782 poling units in Ebonyi, and the implication is that not fewer than 1782 sound vehicles will be needed to convey our men and materials to these voting areas.

    “You can see why the union is very important and indeed a critical stakeholder in the electoral process.

    “The commission must count on you to enhance timely and effective distribution of the electoral materials to the various poling units,” Obioma said.

    He said that the commission would engage the officials of the 29 branches of the union operating in Ebonyi in similar interactive meeting.

    The NURTW’s State Chairman, Mr Ewa Oko, who led other officials of the union to the meeting, commended the REC for the timely initiative.

    He said that the meeting would assist both organisations to work out areas of common collaboration and cooperation as well as strengthen grey areas.

    Oko said that the union has been supportive of the commission in previous elections and had always mobilised its members during elections.

    “We are going to cooperate and collaborate with the commission to ensure that 2019 general elections become a huge success in Ebonyi in terms of transportation of materials and men to various polling units.

    “If NURTW says yes; then you know that our yes is our yes. We have assured our support and cooperation to the commission for the success of the elections in Ebonyi and we hold on to it,” Ewa said.

    He said that the union had launched operation ‘show your voter card’ explaining that members who were yet to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were not allowed to attend the union’s meetings.

    “We in NURTW are taking the 2019 elections very seriously. We launched operation show your PVC which makes it compulsory for members to show their voter cards before they are allowed to sit in our meetings.

    “If you don’ t have your voter card we send you out of our meeting ,because you are not a good citizen,” he added.

    The meeting inaugurated a seven – man INEC / NURTW transport joint sub-committee to work out modalities for effective engagement of the transporters.

    NAN

  • PHOTOS: Arrested suspects after a bomb exploded at a bomb factory in Edo

    PHOTOS: Arrested suspects after a bomb exploded at a bomb factory in Edo

    See pictures of explosives and arrested suspects recovered after a bomb exploded at a bomb factory in Edo States.

    Items recovered from the suspects
    Items recovered from the suspects

     

    Items recovered from the suspects
    Items recovered from the suspects

     

    Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo displaying a Rocket Propelled Grenade without the launcher
    Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo displaying a Rocket Propelled Grenade without the launcher
  • Seven children die after eating poisonous sea turtle in Madagascar

    Seven children die after eating poisonous sea turtle in Madagascar

    Seven children died of food poisoning after eating sea turtle, officials in Madagascar said on Wednesday.

    The children, between a few months and 4 years old, were from the same family in the north of the island off the East African coast.

    “Seven children died on Jan.8 and 9, including two infants after breastfeeding whose mothers had eaten the turtle meat,” Said Borohany, a medical inspector, said.

    Sea turtles are a protected species in Madagascar, but people still eat them.

    Between November and March, the animals feed on toxic algae that lines the seabed, and the toxins can be found in their flesh.

    “This kind of case occurs every year at this time,” said Manitra Rakotoarivony, Director of Health Promotion at the Health Ministry.

    “Yet we go down to these areas to explain that locals should not eat this meat,” he added.

  • Kogi gets 21 new permanent secretaries

    Kogi gets 21 new permanent secretaries

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has approved the appointment of 21 new permanent secretaries into the state civil service.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mrs Petra Akinti-Onyegbule said in a statement in Lokoja on Wednesday that the appointments were made in furtherance of the ongoing reform of the state civil service.

    She said that the permanent secretaries were selected after going through rigorous and painstaking processes, including written and oral examinations.

    According to her, three old permanent secretaries were retained, bringing to 24 the number of permanent secretaries in the state civil service.

    The chief press secretary said the appointments were based on merit, and were fairly and equitably distributed across the 21 local governments in the state.

    Read Also: Sacking spree in Kogi

    She quoted Bello as assuring the people that appointment under his administration will continue to reflect the core values of justice, equity and fairness to all, irrespective of differences in tribe and religion.

    Akinti-Onyegbule said that the governor had charged the new permanent secretaries to discharge their duties with the interest of the state at heart at all times without fear or favour.

    The new permanent secretaries are Mr Musa Yahaya Omoyi , Mr Odei Adinoyi Johnson ,Dr. Eje Celestine Ukubile, Mr Negudu Arome Steve , Mr Akpama Paul Sylvanus, Mr Akowe Abimaje Awana, Mr Usman Dan Victor, Mrs Alfa Ruth Alolo, Mr Igata Boniface Ugwoke, Mr Mohammed Seria Oyenihi and Mr Shehu Abdullahi.

    Others are Mr Momoh Abdulkadir Angulu,Mr Alonge Ayo Daniel, Mr Okeme Jibril Abdullahi, Mr Stephen Ojo Peter, Mrs Odiyo Hannah Onyinoyi, Mr Jimoh Adinoyi Mohammed, Mr Idenyi Emmanuel Samson, Mr Idakwoje Labaran Idris, Mr Ikuborue Olutoyin Davies and Mr Aina Eric Dele.

    The retained permanent secretaries are Mr Mahmoud Kassim, Hajia Memunat Audu and Mr J.F. Kolawole.

    NAN

  • Communities raise alarm over cracks in Kaduna dam

    Communities raise alarm over cracks in Kaduna dam

    Six communities around Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State have called on the state government to quickly repair the damaged walls of the dam to avert imminent disaster.

    The communities in a statement said the walls of the dam had developed cracks after a thunder hit the site in October 2017.

    The statement signed by Malam Usman Jikan-Mudi, said thousands of communities living in the area now live in perpetual fear that the dam may burst at any time.

    “If you look at the place where the thunder struck, you will see clearly that water is coming out, some grasses are growing up from the cracked wall and once it is not tackled we are scared of what will follow.’’

    He listed the villages as, Gobirawa, Ruhogi, Barkonu, Cikaji, Unguwar Yamman Likoro and Girkawa.

    “There are thousands of people that are residing with their families in those villages, we are really afraid of what will happen when the dam breaks.

    “We are worried about the situation and are living in fear; we are scared of what will happen to everyone in this area.’’

    “Kangimi dam is the largest dam in the state and has many links to many  rivers and is the source of water for the state.’’

    Jikan-Mudi said the communities had written series of letters to the state Ministry of Water Resources and the Water Board without response.

    “It seems as if they don’t care about the lives of the people that are residing around the dam.

    “The volume of water in the dam is very high presently and it is advisable for the authorities concerned to start gradual release of the water.

    “We are begging the state government to come to our rescue.’’

    Also, the ward head of Gobirawa, Malam Umaru Gobirawa, said: “We are living in a critical situation and that is why we are calling on NEMA, SEMA, the Red Cross, and other humanitarian agencies, to intervene before we are washed away.

    “They should compel government to take quick action before it is too late.’’

    Responding, Alhaji Sa’idu Adamu, Councillor on Information and Communication Strategy to Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i, assured that the state government would respond swiftly to avert the impending disaster.

    “The governor will be intimated on the situation and I assure the communities that government is going to look into the situation and tackle it swiftly before any damage is done.’’

    NAN

  • Buhari, Senate leadership meet in Aso Rock 

    Buhari, Senate leadership meet in Aso Rock 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday night met with the leadership of the Nigerian Senate at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki led the delegation.

    Speaking at the end of the meeting, Saraki said that they were at the Villa to brief the President on the decisions and resolutions of the Senate regarding the Benue crisis.

    Asked what the President’s response was,  Saraki said that the President received the team and it’s briefs very well.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang commended the Senate for robust debate on the crisis devoid of sentiments.

  • Buhari not violating 1999 Constitution, Presidency tells CAN

    Buhari not violating 1999 Constitution, Presidency tells CAN

    The Presidency on Tuesday denied allegation that President Muhammadu Buhari has been violating the 1999 Constitution.

    The Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, made the remark while reacting to press conference by the General Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN ), Dr. Musa Asake.

    Shehu said “Our attention has been drawn to reports of a press conference by General Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Dr. Musa Asake in which he passed a judgement on the constitutionality of certain actions of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    “Unfortunately, he could not cite any valid cases of constitutional violations. President Muhammadu government poses no threat to the country’s democracy and Constitution.

    “There are no cases of any violation of our sacred constitution and there will be none under this President.

    The respected religious leader should stick to his religious duties and leave politics for politicians.” he stated.

    Read Also: Buhari wrecking economy with fuel scarcity – PDP