The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • Ooni gives Obaseki’s govt pass mark

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has endorsed the administration of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki. He urged the governor to remain focused on his quest for sustainable development in the state.

    The monarch, who spoke when he visited the Government House in Benin, said the governor deserved support to continue in his transformative work.

    He said: “I am here to associate myself with you for all the good you are doing, and to let you know that we are watching. You have combined your experiences from the private sector with the public sector to take the state to greater heights. You are one of the greatest financial engineers the country has produced as your success is there for all to see in the private sector.

    “I am sure you are applying the same principles in the public sector because the people need you to put up a good legacy that posterity will always remember you for…”

    Read Also: Obaseki inaugurates 35-man team for Edo’s 30-year devt plan

    Obaseki thanked the Ooni and his entourage for the visit, saying the ruler remained one of the nation’s progressive traditional leaders.

    According to him, there was a symbiotic relationship between the political and traditional institutions.

    Governor Obaseki thanked the monarch for his role in peacekeeping, saying: “You have been a bridge-builder and transverse the length and breadth of this country, getting people to believe in this country.”

    Earlier, Obaseki and the Ooni joined other dignitaries to celebrate the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion’s 85th birthday.

  • Buhari: ‘Victory not unexpected’

    The judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal upholding the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari was expected, the President’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Social Investment Programmes, Ismaeel Ahmed, has said.

    Ahmed, a member of the APC Board of Trustees (BoT) and a Director in the 2019 Buhari Presidential Campaign Council, noted that a genuine electoral mandate was given to President Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in the February 23 poll.

    He said it reflected the mood and political reality in the country.

    Read Also: Buhari, APC women leaders meet in Aso Rock

    The Kano-born politician noted that from onset, it was obvious that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not have any strong point to back its claims.

    “A genuine electoral mandate was given to us in February, which truly reflected the mood and political reality in the country. We didn’t win in any state that we didn’t have a strong wind going into the elections.

    “As a matter of fact, we lost in states that we could have won, if we were to do what PDP was used to doing during elections. We wouldn’t have lost Abuja, or Oyo or Imo or Edo, where we had APC governors and a Federal Government.

    “This was an extremely fair contest with results that reflected the mood of the country at the time and we won squarely, as the courts have affirmed today. No one in this country can contest President Buhari’s appeal and popular support.

    “Many Nigerians do not just love President Buhari because he is loveable, but they cherish the qualities and charisma he brings to the table. He is a man of determination. He has an unassailable public profile that speaks humility and integrity. He is focused and has Nigeria’s interests at heart.”

     

  • Davido officially engages Chioma

    Exactly ten days after their introduction ceremony, music superstar David

    Adeleke best known has Davido Officially proposed to his long term lover, Chioma Rowlands.

    The ‘assurance’ crooner took to his Instagram page to share a photo and video on the wonderful moment to his fans and captioned it: “She said Yes! Big rock, #Assurance2020”.

    It was gathered that the singer took his lover out on a dinner date in a restaurant in London on Thursday September where he made the proposal.

    To confirm the singer’s proposal, the assurance Queen responded to Davido’s post on Instagram.

    “I love you @davidoofficial.  You didn’t even let me wax yet,” she posted

    Read Also: Nine things you should know about Davido’s girlfriend Chioma

    However, Davido already has two daughters, Imade and Hailey from two different ‘baby mamas’.

    There is also speculation that Chioma is pregnant for him.

    Davido officially unveiled his relationship with Chioma in 2018 when he gave her a Porsche car worth about N23million for her 23rd birthday.

    Ever since, the two have become an item to always look out for in the entertainment scene and public sphere.

    Also, Davido featured Chioma on a track in his upcoming album titled ‘A Good Time’ Which will serve as a follow up to ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ which was released in 2012.

    According to the superstar, the new album titled ‘A Good Time’ will be released in October 2019.

  • Wounded by Boko Haram, abandoned by army

    With a hand on his head and the other resting on his amputated left leg, Sergeant Kenneth Dibie shook his head as he lamented the fate that has befallen him. He sobbed as he explained the hopelessness he has felt since his leg was cut off on Tuesday with warnings from doctors that he must deposit N800,000 for treatments within a week or risk losing his second leg to an infection that had feasted on his system after sustaining spinal cord and mine injuries in battle against Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State on July 12, 2017.

    At the orthopaedic ward of 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba, Mainland Lagos which has been his abode for over a year, Dibie, a native of Edo State could be heard saying: “I fought Boko Haram. I fought with all my strength, with loyalty and with patriotism. I fought those terrorists as if I was fighting to protect my immediate family. But see where I am, abandoned to my fate in the hospital. I am in pain, I feel defeated and hopeless. I have spent all my savings to treat myself and yet, there is no hope.

    “Where do I get N800,000 to deposit so that I can be treated and my remaining leg saved? I am sad, I am in pain. I have lost appetite and it seems the army does not know I exist or the authorities just don’t care what happens to me.”

    Dibie (94NA/38/1895) said their patrol vehicle ran into a Boko Haram land mine at Burugaga in Borno State on July 12, 2017, which killed all occupants save him.

    “I was deployed to Northeast in 2015 and was there fighting terrorists until this incident happened to me. It was on July 12, 2017 while we were on patrol and preparing for an attack at Burugaga. We walked into ambush. We did not know that the terrorists have laid mines everywhere.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Centre rubbishes Human Rights Watch report, raises three unanswered question

    “The place is a desert and there is no one distinct road. Our vehicle was first and we were nine inside. The vehicle upturned and shattered together with the other soldiers. The debris of the scattered vehicle fell on me and pressed me to the ground.

    “I was under the debris for about five minutes screaming for help. At first, the other patrol vehicles behind did not know someone was underneath until they heard me screaming for help and they lifted the debris. The vehicle was not Mine Resistant. It was a soft skin vehicle,” he said.

    He was rushed to hospital.

    “I was diagnosed of complete traumatic T12 paraplegia, posterior decompression of the thoraco-lumbar Segment T11, T12 and L1 of the spine as well as stabilisation with pedicle screw and rod. I was later referred to National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos on account of proximity to home. But due to financial constraints, I was moved to the 68NARH Yaba where I continued physiotherapy until the session was suspended as a result of bed sores.

    “I have been in this hospital for over a year. My health has degenerated. The doctor said the issue might have affected my kidney. I have spent over N5million since this accident. I have been paying my medical bills myself.

    “I paid about N500,000 for the surgery on Tuesday. It was on Tuesday they cut off this leg and now I have been told to deposit N800,000 for treatment so that the other leg can be saved but I do not have the money.

    “I am desperate. I do not want my  other leg to be cut off. I am appealing to the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), my state Governor Godwin Obaseki and all Nigerians in general to come to my rescue.

    “I sent a letter in November 2018 to the Chief of Administration and the COAS through the Commanding Officer 353 Artillery Regiment,  Commander 35 Artillery Brigade and Commander Corps of Artillery but I have not gotten any response.”

    “I am making a passionate appeal to Nigerians to save me from this situation. I do not have any other hope.”

    Spokesman for the army Sagir Musa, a colonel, denied wounded soldiers were abandoned to their fate by the army, asking our reporter to bring copies of the receipt to his office in Abuja for investigation.

    He said: “Do you believe a soldier in military hospital will pay his medical bills? If you want to do complete investigation, I will urge you to come to my office with the receipts so I will take you to the appropriate office for findings.”

  • I accept to lead Yoruba, says Akintoye

    Second Republic member of the Senate and historian, Prof. Banji Akintoye, on Thursday formally accepted the position of Yoruba leader.

    He promised to work toward unity of all groups and politicians for the unity of Southwest.

    Speaking at Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, during a news conference attended by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain, Dr. Amos Akingba and veteran journalist, Chief Tola Adeniyi, among others, Prof. Akintoye said he would commit himself to continuing as resolutely non-partisan as he has been for decades toward the enhanced progress, prosperity and the right destiny for the Yoruba nation.

    Akintoye was elected as Yoruba leader on August 22 by many Yoruba organisations that met in Ibadan.

    Prof. Akintoye said he was humbled that he was so highly regarded as the new Yoruba leader by those who assembled at the Ibadan meeting, although he was not present and was not party to their meeting.

    Read Also: Stakeholders advised on Yoruba leadership

    “I hereby humbly respond yes to your call, fully and gratefully confident that you all will rise and work dedicatedly and faithfully with me in all efforts to advance the best prospects, the best achievements and the right destiny for Yoruba nation,” he said.

    With his acceptance, the Yoruba now have a leader to succeed Senator Abraham Adesanya, who was the last elected Yoruba leader. Since his demise, the Yoruba have never had a unifying leader.

    The new Yoruba leader faulted the claims in some quarters that Yoruba leader has never emerged through election, noting that the late sage and former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Afenifere leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya, were both elected at different times by people at a specific meeting as Yoruba leaders during their life.

    The Yoruba leader assured all Yoruba at home and in the diaspora that he and those who will work with him will in all things, uphold and showcase the Awolowo legacy as the noblest and proudest modern legacy of the Yoruba nation.

    “We commit ourselves to relating and interacting positively without discrimination with the Yoruba politician, the elected Yoruba public official and professional bureaucrat at every level of government in Nigeria, the governments of all Yoruba states and the governments of our local government areas, all to the end that they will all consciously employ their positions, power and influence for uplifting, uniting, empowering and enriching our Yoruba nation.

    “Our whole perception of the leadership of today’s Yoruba nation shall be that it does not interfere with partisan politics and politicians but that it encourages our whole nation and its leading citizens to strive bravely for excellence, prosperity and power, and towards the true national destiny of our nation,” the Yoruba leader said.

  • Oyetola seeks monarchs’ support on tax payment

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has solicited the support and cooperation of traditional rulers on the need to mobilise their subjects to pay their taxes regularly.

    He said the call was necessary to help the administration actualise its dreams of boosting the revenue profile of the state.

    Governor Oyetola spoke on Thursday during the presentation of Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the newly appointed Olulamokun of Yakooyo, Oba Meschack Oyewole Oyediran, at Yakooyo in Ife-North Local Government.

    Read Also: Osun and continuity: Aregbesola, Oyetola example

    He said the government would remain faithful to its avowed commitment to make life bearable for citizens.

    The governor urged the monarchs to support the lofty policies and programmes of his administration designed to move the state forward.

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, hailed the Oyetola administration for being responsive to the people’s needs.

    He urged the government not to relent in its efforts to take the state to next level of development.

  • Police arrest two students as varsity probes Fayemi’s wife’s attack

    The management of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has constituted a 12-man investigative panel to unravel the cause of the violent protest, leading to an attack on the convoy of wife of Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

    The students on Tuesday staged a violent protest in Oye-Ekiti over incessant power outage in the institution, leading to an attack on Erelu Fayemi while on an empowerment and advocacy tour to engage with women in the local government.

    They were said to have engaged the security operatives detailed with the governor’s wife in a clash, with two persons reportedly killed and several injured. Over a dozen of vehicles were vandalised by the students.

    According to an internal memo signed yesterday by the Director of Administration in the office of the Vice Chancellor, Mr. olatunbosun Odusanya, the panel will be headed by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.

    Read Also: FUOYE killings: God will judge Fayemi’s wife – NANS

    The management led by its VC, Prof. Kayode Soremekum, said the step was part of measures to forestall future occurrence and  sanitise the university system.

    The management, according to the memo, gave the panel two weeks to submit its report.

    The Ekiti Police Command has arrested two students of FUOYE in connection with the attack.

    Addressing reporters in Ado- Ekiti on Thursday, Police Commissioner Mr. Asuquo Amba said two of his men were wounded, while two police vans were burnt during the attack.

    “Two persons have been arrested and one of them has confessed to the commission of the crime.

    “When a crime is committed, we don’t fold our arms and watch. Even a civilian can effect arrest if a crime is committed in front of him and hand the suspects over to the police,” the CP said.

    The police boss condemned the attack on the police while performing their constitutional duties.

    “It is sad that the police are being attacked by criminals, and the civilians whom we are protecting are also attacking our people.

    “We won’t rest until the perpetrators of this dastardly attack are arrested and brought to justice,” Amba said.

    He added that the two rifles stolen from the police during the crisis have been retrieved.

    But the lawmaker representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency, Peter Owolabi, has demanded a thorough and full investigation into the matter by the security agencies.

    Owolabi, who condemned the ugly incident, berated fifth columnists for distorting the story for any intended reasons, saying Ekiti people and Nigerians know that Erelu Fayemi is a human rights activist and a social crusader.

    According to a statement signed yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, “it was neither new nor out of place for citizens, especially students, to express their grievances, but such should be done in a civil manner.

    “But it was rather unfortunate that the hijacked protest by hoodlums cost the students the opportunity to meet the governor’s wife, who is a human rights activist and who could have conveyed their message to appropriate quarters.”

    The lawmaker, however, commiserated with the bereaved families.

    He wished those still receiving treatment a speedy recovery.

  • ‘Deplorable roads will soon become things of past’

    Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured industrialists of his administration’s readiness to fix deplorable roads affecting manufacturers and other road users.

    He stated this at the 40th celebration of Honda’s existence in Nigeria.

    Abiodun said getting in and out of Ota, Agbara and other places had been a bit challenging, adding that intervention was ongoing.

    The governor spoke through his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

    Read Also: Adigbe-Opako bridge ready this week, says Abiodun

    He said his administration would leave no stone unturned to surmount the challenges of road network, stressing that collaborative effort with his counterpart in Lagos State had started, to find a solution.

    “The policies of our administration will enhance and make it easy for companies to practise in the state, especially in the existing industrial areas such as Ota, Agbara and Sagamu. The government is also working with manufacturers to make sure the challenges experienced in the past are solved,” the governor said.

    While congratulating the company for going through turbulent times, he also commended Honda for a good relationship with the host community.

  • Troops neutralise three terrorists in Borno

    Troops have neutralised three Boko Haram terrorists during a clearance operation in Kirawa area of Borno State, the Army said on Thursday.

    Its spokesman, Col Sagir Musa, said no soldier was killed, missing in action or injured during the encounter.

    Col Musa said:”In continuation of the clearance operations to get rid of the remnants of terrorists in line with the newly introduced Super Camp Concept of Operation, troops of Special Response Area Pulka, Operation HALAKA Dodo, Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE, in collaboration with the Civilian  Joint Task Force, have conducted a successful raid operation at Kirawa community in Borno State where crouching terrorists reportedly hibernate.

    “The troops came in contact with terrorists, which led to a serious engagement, forcing the criminals to flee in disarray as a result of superior fire power from the troops.

    “Consequently, three terrorists lost their lives during the operation and unconfirmed number were wounded.

    “A cordon and search mission was conducted in the area and the following items were recovered: six bicyles andsome quantities of food items.

    “Investigation revealed that the eliminated terrorists are members of the terrorists’ logistic cell.

    “No soldier was killed, wounded or missing in action during the encounter.

    “Troops will continue to  deny the terrorists freedom of action. Morale and fighting spirit of the soldiers remain high.”

  • IDPs protest govt’s failure to address insecurity

    Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in a temporary camp at Tegina in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State on Thursday marched on the streets.

    They blocked the Tegina-Minna road, protesting the failure of the government to address insecurity.

    The protesters, mostly women and children, accused the government of handling their situation with levity.

    The demonstration occurred less than 24 hours after youths protested over the same issue.

    The protesters said for the past four days after they were sacked from their homes by bandits, they have been living under harsh condition without attention from the government.

    Read Also: Samsung donates to IDPs

    The IDPs rejected government’s intervention in terms of foodstuffs, which were brought to them by Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) Director-General Alhaji Ibrahim Inga.

    They said they need security to return to their homes and not foodstuffs brought by the government, “which will not satisfy us.”

    In the last one week, armed bandits have attacked four communities in Shiroro and Rafi local governments in renewed onslaughts.

    Over 500 persons have been displaced following the attacks.