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  • Eight division, Nigerian Army takes off in Sokoto

    Eight division, Nigerian Army takes off in Sokoto

    The newly-established 8 Division of Nigerian Army, Sokoto, has taken off with the assumption of duty of its pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC), Brig.-Gen. Olabanji Samuel,

    Gen. Samuel disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal at the Government House in Sokoto  on Wednesday.

    He said necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure the smooth take off of the new division.

    He said the bulk of the men and officers of the division  had  now been mobilised to ensure its proper take off .

    “As you may recall, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Burutai, announced the establishment of this division when he visited Sokoto earlier this year.

    “I am to inform you that we have taken off and we solicit the support and cooperation of the people and State Governments under our jurisdiction,” the new GOC said.

    Gov.Tambuwal assured the Army authorities of  his government’s total support so as to enable the new division to achieve its set  objectives.

    “We welcome you with open hearts; to us, the military are our friends and we will give you all the necessary support to achieve success.

    “We owe you that much having given everything you have to protect us at all times and we will do everything we can to make your stay comfortable.

    “As for the new GOC, we assure you that Sokoto is your home, as we cherish our position of being the most peaceful state in the federation, and your arrival will make us strengthen that position,” the governor said.

    NAN

  • Court docks man for stealing properties

    Court docks man for stealing properties

    A 35-year-old man, Moses Pam, was on Wednesday arraigned at the Asaba Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing property worth N109, 000.

    Pam was said to have stolen two generator batteries, valued at N60, 000, two gallons of generator oil, valued at N40, 000 and two gallons of diesel valued at N9, 000, all belonging to one Ekenechukwu Okorie.

    The Police Prosecutor, Mrs Ndidi Ahamefuna, told court that the accused committed the offence on Sept. 3, this year at Awka Road, Asaba.

    She said that the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C21 Vol. 1 Laws of Delta state of Nigeria, 2006.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Akanume Okonkwo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N120, 000 with a surety in like sum.

    She ordered that the surety should provide evidence of employment and must own a landed property.

    Okonkwo also ordered that the surety must provide two passport photographs and must also reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

    She adjourned the case until Oct. 25 for hearing.

    NAN

  • NEMA hands over relief materials to flood victims in Enugu

    NEMA hands over relief materials to flood victims in Enugu

    The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ) on Wednesday handed over relief materials to the Enugu State Government for flood disaster victims in eight affected local government areas of the state.

    Handing over the items in Enugu, the Director-General of NEMA, Mr Mustapha Maihaja, said the materials were presented following on-the-spot assessment carried out in the affected communities.

    Maihaja said that the materials were approved as humanitarian relief assistance by the Federal Government to the affected persons.

    Mrs Nkechi Eneh, the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Emergency Management Agency, represented by her special assistant, Mr Austin Ajuluchukwu, thanked the federal government for seeing to the welfare of the flood victims in the state.

    Eneh promised that the agency would ensure that the materials got to the victims of the disaster.

    She listed the affected councils to include Uzo-Uwani, Igboeze North and South, Igboetiti, Enugu East and North, Udi and Eziagu.

    The relief materials donated are: 1000 pieces of blanket; 180 pieces of ceiling board; 120 pieces of mattresses; 1000 pieces of mosquito nets and 200 gallons each of vegetable and palm oil.

    Other items are: 161 cartons of bathing soap; 500 bags of garri and 300 pieces of  women and children’s wears  each.

    Others are: 100 bags of sugar; 200 pieces of men’s wears; 1000 pieces of Guinea Brocade materials and 50 bags of three-inch nails.

    NAN

  • Monkey Pox cases increase to 74 in 11 states – FG

    Monkey Pox cases increase to 74 in 11 states – FG

    The Monkey pox virus outbreak has spread to 11 states with 74 suspected cases recorded, Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole has said.

    Adewole made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    President Muhammadu Buhari chaired the meeting held at the State House Council Chamber, Abuja.

    The Federal Government, on Oct. 11 confirmed that 33 suspected cases of the virus were recorded in seven states.

    Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although less severe.

    Smallpox was eradicated in 1980. However, monkeypox still occurs sporadically in some parts of Africa.

    The minister, who updated the Council on developments in respect of the outbreak, listed the affected States as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa and Rivers as well as the FCT.

    “The Council also received an update on the state of the public health of the nation. We informed the council about the latest development in respect of the Monkey Pox virus outbreak. So far as of today, there are 74 suspected cases in 11 states of the country.

    “We have confirmed three from Bayelsa and 12 of the suspected cases from Bayelsa tested negative; four suspected cases from Lagos tested negative. We are still expecting the results of the other ones.

    “We are also doing test at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Edeh, to really understand the genomics of this virus.

    “Even when they are negative, the laboratory attendant should be able to tell us what exactly they are,’’ he said.

    The minister dismissed the assertion that the military was spreading Monkey Pox virus through vaccination.

    He said that the military was never involved in any vaccination in the country, adding that any vaccination must involve state governments and the Federal Ministry of Health.

    “It is also important to dispel the rumour circulating in the country that the military is vaccinating people and trying to spread Monkey Pox across the country.

    “The military is not involved in any vaccination exercise.

    “And I must educate Nigerians about how vaccination campaigns are done. The Federal Government will take the lead but we do not conduct campaign without working with states.

    “So, there is no way we will do campaign without working with the states,’’ he said.

    The minister announced that his ministry was conducting vaccination in only three states of the federation, namely Borno, Kwara and Kogi.

    He stated that the cholera vaccination was being conducted in Borno while that of Yellow Fever vaccination was being carried out in Kwara and Kogi.

    He stated that the ministry would soon start vaccination against measles while a nationwide vaccination against Yellow Fever would commence before the end of the year.

    Also addressing the correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, the Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, revealed that the Council approved N236 million for the completion of Sabke Irrigation Dam in Katsina State.

    He said the contract for the dam was initially awarded in 1997, re-awarded in 2009 after it was abandoned, but would now be completed by the current administration.

    NAN

  • French Senate to vote on security law as Macron addresses Police

    French Senate to vote on security law as Macron addresses Police

    The French Senate will on Wednesday vote on a controversial security bill proposed by the government to help deal with the threat of terrorism.

    The bill enshrines modified versions of emergency powers into ordinary law.

    It has been criticised by UN human rights experts and France’s rights ombudsman Jacques Toubon.

    President Emmanuel Macron’s government said that the law was needed for a state of emergency to be was imposed in Paris.

    The government said that the state of emergency was as a result of the 2015 attacks that claimed 130 lives, which could be allowed to lapse at the end of the month.

    The draft law incorporates into ordinary law, with some restrictions, emergency powers that allowed the authority to restrict the movements of people suspected of terrorist links and to search properties.

    It also allows authorities to close places of worship where extremist ideas are propagated.

    Security forces are empowered to stop any person and check their identity within 10 km of major international ports and airports.

    UN human rights experts Fionnuala Ni Aolain and Michel Frost in September warned of “vague wording’’ in the draft law and “grave consequences for the integrity of human rights’’.

    Toubon said that the proposed powers would allow the freedom of individuals to be restricted on the basis of suspicions or attitudes rather than as punishment for offences.

    Macron himself would also give a speech to police and military officers on the government’s security policy.

    More than 230 people have been killed since early 2015 in France in a succession of attacks by Islamist extremists.

    NAN

  • Akwa United to reverse Nigeria’s failure in CAF Confederation Cup – Coach

    Akwa United to reverse Nigeria’s failure in CAF Confederation Cup – Coach

    Abdu Maikaba, Coach of Uyo-based Akwa United FC on Wednesday said his team would reverse the disappointing records of Nigerian clubs in the Africa Football Confederation (CAF) Confederation Cup with an excellent performance.

    Maikaba said that the team would work in synergy with other clubs to achieve success.

    He said that working with teams like Enyimba was imperative for greater and better results considering the former’s excellent record in the championship.

    The Akwa United’s coach also said he would not undermine the contributions of clubs with abysmal records so as to come out good for the cup

    “While teams like Enyimba will give us ideas on how to make success, the ones that failed will reveal to us their mistakes so that we can work on them.’’

    Akwa United won the 2017 AITEO Cup by beating Niger Tornadoes 3-2 on penalties in Lagos on Oct. 15.

    They will be representing Nigeria at the 2018 CAF’s Confederation Cup.

    NAN

  • Court docks man over N2.6m fraud

    Court docks man over N2.6m fraud

    For allegedly perpetrating a N2.6million fraud, a 30-year-old man, Tasiu Ibrahim, was on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Ibrahim, whose address was not provided, is being tried for fraud and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, said that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 30 at Gatankowa market, Abule-Egba, Lagos.

    He said that the accused unlawfully obtained N2.6million from one Mr Salisu Abdullahi on the pretext of supplying aluminum and iron scraps.

    Ayorinde said that after the accused collected the money from the complainant, he was nowhere to be found.

    “The accused, after receiving the alert, absconded to an unknown destination.

    “Efforts made by the complainant to trace and retrieve his money proved unsuccessful until the accused was arrested after eight months of the fraud,” the prosecutor said.

    The offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015  (Revised).

    The section 314 prescribes 15 years jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.

    The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    The Magistrate, Mrs O.J Awope, said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    She adjourned the case until Nov. 11 for mention.

    NAN

  • Benteke hopeful of November return

    Benteke hopeful of November return

    Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke says he is recovering well from a knee ligament injury and confident of returning to first-team action for the English Premier League club in November.

    The Belgium international, Palace’s top scorer last season, sustained the injury in last month’s defeat to league leaders Manchester City.

    He has missed the Eagles’ last two games, including their first win of the campaign against champions Chelsea.

    Read also: Chinese league, better than English league – Asisat Oshoala

    “The rehab is going really well and I‘m feeling really happy with the way my ligament is healing. So, hopefully I can be back in a few weeks,” Benteke told the club’s website (www.cpfc.co.uk).

    The 26-year-old also wants to impress Belgium manager Roberto Martinez with a goal-scoring run at Palace to boost his chances of being called up for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    “Playing in the World Cup is a big motivation, but it’s only going to improve my performances at the club. I really want to help the team and do well this year to make sure I‘m in the squad,” he added.

    Palace are bottom of the table and host ninth-placed Newcastle United on Saturday.

    NAN

  • Ebonyi pledges commitment to welfare of physically challenged persons

    Ebonyi pledges commitment to welfare of physically challenged persons

    The Ebonyi Government has pledged its commitment to the promotion of the welfare and wellbeing of physically challenged persons in the state.

    Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Dave Umahi on Religious Matters and Social Welfare, made the pledge on Wednesday in Abakaliki at an event to mark the World Sight Day (WSD).

    According to him, the state government is committed to alleviating the suffering of physically challenged persons
    as well as protection of their rights.

    Nwali encouraged the visually impaired to be useful to themselves and not to lose hope because of their physical condition.

    “There is ability in every disability, hence you must remain focused in the pursuit of your dreams and do not allow your physical challenges to limit or deter you from actualising your life dreams.

    “As a government, we will do everything within our powers to ensure that we encourage and support you individually and collectively to overcome your difficulties.

    “Again, you must believe in God and in yourselves and determine to succeed in whatever task you set to achieve,’’ Nwali said.

    The governor’s aide who described the visually impaired as special segment of the society, said that government would ensure the protection of their fundamental rights and support them to become economically independent.

    ” We will ensure that your fundamental rights are well protected from any abuse; ensure that you report any abuse of your rights timely to relevant government agencies.

    “Government is also determined to support you to be economically independent in order to contribute to the development of our dear state, “he added.

    Mr Joseph Enyi, the President of the Ebonyi chapter of the Association for the Blind, commended the state government for its good disposition towards the association.

    He said that the group would continue to support the programmes and policies of the present administration.
    The WSD is an annual day of awareness that holds on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.

    World Sight Day 2017 was held on Oct. 12, 2017 globally, with Ebonyi celebrating the event on Wednesday,

    NAN

  • Court adjourns Sule Lamido ’s trial until Nov. 15

    Court adjourns Sule Lamido ’s trial until Nov. 15

    Justice Babatunde Quadri of Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned trial of former Governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido, until Nov. 15.

    Lamido is being prosecuted alongside his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, and two others by  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) on 27-count charge bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.

    At the resumed hearing, counsel to the defendants, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of his appearance in the matter for the first time.

    Agabi said “I am coming here for the first time in this case and I am pleading with the court to give me time to familiarise with the case.

    “I know this is a court of justice and the court is interested in speedy trial but I am pleading for time to get to know about the case.”

    The senior advocate took over from Joe Agi (SAN), who was the defendants counsel.

    The prosecuting counsel, Chile Okoroma, who did not oppose the defence counsel’s plea, told the court that he had assembled his witnesses and they were ready to go on with the trial.

    He said he would not oppose the defendants’ right to adequate defence representation in the interest of justice.

    Consequently, Justice Quadri adjourned the matter until Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 for continuation of trial.

    It would be recalled that Justice Babatunde Quadri had on July 7 dismissed an application by the former governor requesting that the trial be returned to former trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola.

    Justice Ibrahim Auta, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, assigned the case to Justice Quadri when Justice Ademola went on suspension following corruption charge against him and his wife.

    But following judgment exonerating Ademola and wife, Agi requested that the Chief Judge
    return the case to him.

    NAN