The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspapers

  • Edo SUBEB apprehends school vandal, reads riot act

    Edo SUBEB apprehends school vandal, reads riot act

    Acting Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Oviawe, has described as condemnable the vandalisation of properties at the Special Needs Schools for the Visually Impaired, Mentally Challenged and Hearing Impaired at Ukhegie, in Benin City.

    In a statement on Thursday, in Benin City, Dr. Oviawe, who disclosed that the suspected vandals have been apprehended,sternly warned that the state government would no longer tolerate the destruction of facilities in public primary schools, noting that perpetrators will be held accountable and prosecuted in the court of law.

    “It was gathered that window fittings and other facilities at the school were undone and carted away on Monday, February 12, by the suspects, whose names could not be released because the Police hasn’t concluded investigations on the matter.

    “A total of six classrooms were affected in the incident with aluminum roofing sheets of one of the classrooms completely damaged. Officials of the school said this was not the first of such incidents at the school,” she said.

    Dr. Oviawe said the incident is not only morally reprehensible but should be frowned at, adding, “The state cannot progress when facilities in primary schools are vandalised. Such acts put the future of children in public schools in jeopardy. These children deserve the right to learn in a conducive environment with adequate facilities.”

    She appealed to communities and other stakeholders to work with government to root out vandals, noting, “Edo people who reside close to public schools should support government’s stance to stamp out the activities of vandals. They are encouraged to report individuals and groups who vandalise public assets in schools to the nearest police post.

    She said efforts are ongoing to retrieve the stolen items from buyers, noting that the arrested suspects are in Police custody. “We intend to use the prosecution of this matter to teach others who are in the habit of vandalising public property lessons,” she said.

  • Edo New Cities: Obaseki seeks input of Architects’ regulatory body

    Edo New Cities: Obaseki seeks input of Architects’ regulatory body

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sought the input of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in the design of masterplans for the new cities billed to be developed across the state.

    Obaseki also made a case for well-planned cities across Nigeria, arguing that “poorly planned cities are unattractive to investors and are most difficult to police.”

    Obaseki said these when members of the National Executive Council of NIA and ARCON, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City.

    The governor said, “Nigeria has for several decades continued to evolve without benefiting from proper planning of its cities. This has contributed to unstructured cities that are difficult to police in the 21st century.”

    He noted that his administration is making efforts to make Edo attractive and safe for investors by developing new cities that are well-planned and would be conducive for investors.

    Obaseki mandated the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Edorodion Erimona and Managing Director (MD), Edo Geographic Information Service, Mr. Frank Evbuomwan to collaborate with members of NIA and ARCON on a workshop to finetune masterplans for the new cities in the state.

    President, ARCON, Mr. Umaru Aliyu, said that they intend to provide solutions to urban chaos and unstructured development in the state, adding, “The present system where only one professional body reviews the works of at least three distinct disciplines is old-fashioned, prone to corruption and not sustainable for the development of the state. As an association, ARCON proposes that the development control function of the government should be situated in an independent agency.”

    According to him, “The proposed Development Control Agency should have three technical departments to cover for the three-main components of built environment, which are Architecture, Engineering and Town Planning.”

    Aliyu commended the governor for his efforts to improve quality of life and the built environment in the state, noting, “The associations are ready to support the state government in promoting sustainable built environment.”

     

     

  • Woman arraigned for pouring step-son hot water

    Woman arraigned for pouring step-son hot water

    An Abuja woman, Khadija Yahaya has been arraigned by National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for pouring hot water on her step-son.

    Yahaya who allegedly dipped the two hands of her two years old step-son Abubakar Yahaya into boiling water was slammed with a two count charge and arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Bwari, Abuja presided over by Justice A. O. Musa.

    In a statement by Adekoye Vincent, for Head, Press and Public Relations Unit NAPTIP, he stated.

    “National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arraigned the controversial 30 year-old housewife, Khadija Yahaya for allegedly dipping two hands of a 2-year old boy, Abubakar Yahaya into boiling water thereby causing him serious harm. The victim is her step son.

    “The accused was slammed with a two – count charge and arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Bwari, Abuja presided over by Justice A. O. Musa.

    “It would be recalled that NAPTIP had arrested the woman said to be the second wife of the husband, Mr. Yahaya following a tip off from concerned Nigerians.

    “The charges read “That you Khadijat Yahaya (F) 30 years old of Block industry, opposite ECWA Church, Chukuku, Kuje Area Council , Abuja on or about the 12th of December, 2017, at Block Industry Opposite ECWA Church, Chukuku, Kuje Area Council, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Hounourable Court, used harmful liquid to wit boiling water (Hot) water on Abubakar Yahaya ‘m’ 2 years old of Block Industry, Opposite ECWA Church, Chukuku, Kuje Area Council Abuja by dipping his two hands and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 21 (1) of the Violence Against Persons Act 2015”

    “That you Khadijat Yahaya (F) 30 years old, of Block Industry, Opposite ECWA Church, Chukuku, Kuje Area Council, Abuja, on or about 12thDecember, 2017, at Block Industry, Opposite ECWA Church, Chukuku, Kuje Area Council, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willful inflicted physical injury on Abubakar Yahaya ‘m’ 2 years old of Block Industry, Opposite ECWA Church, Chukuku, Kuje Area Council, Abuja by dipping his two hands inside boiling water which caused full thickness burn on his two hands and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1) of the Violence Against Persons Act 2015”

    “The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently granted bail in surety of N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira).”

  • Sokoto: Police arrest notorious robbery suspects, illicit drug sellers

    Sokoto: Police arrest notorious robbery suspects, illicit drug sellers

    The Sokoto state police command on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of three of a gang of six suspected notorious armed robbers terrorising people and residents in and around Bodinga in Sokoto state.

    Similarly, the command said it recovered from the gang among others; 2 locally made pistols, 1 AK47 rifle with two live cartridges, matchet, sticks, 1 hintch bar and knife.

    Those arrested include: Ali Abubakar (22), Ahmed Abubakar (27) and Nafi’u Umar (24) while those at large are: Kirwa, Abubakar and Jammo.

    Parading the suspects while briefing newsmen, the Command’s PPRO, ASP Cordelia Nweke said the gang which has been terrorising the area in the last five years led by Ahmed Abubakar said to be from Kwara were arrested on February 8, 2018 after storming the premises of one Alhaji Bello of Saketa village and robbed him of unspecified huge amount of money.

    “Nafi’u Umar is their pointer who leaks information to the gang for operations in Saketa village. He received N1.2m as his share of the loot.

    “Ahmed Abubakar who was roaming the town of Tureta with deep cut in his right hand  was intercepted by our men on patrol and could not give reasonable explanation when questioning and was suspected to be an armed robber.

    Similarly, the command’s spokesperson confirmed the arrest of four of a gang of six robbers in a separate raid on Februray 9, 2018 and recovered a dane gun from them.

    According to her, they attacked and demanded N3 million from their victim, Alhaji Abubakar Umaru of Kuringa village in Yabo local government of Sokoto state.

    “They also stole his Kasea motocycle valued at N250, 000 and raped his wife. Already three suspects are in custody and have confessed to the crime

    She continued: “Abubakar Muhammad, Ali Usman a.k.a Ja’o, Aliyu Abubakar and Kiruwa Shuaibu were arrested while two others; Abubakar and Jamo who are said to be from Kebbi state are still at large.”

    Also in a separate operation, the command said it arrested two persons; Emmanuel Joseph of Tamaje area and Ikwejulious Chido of Old airport area in Sokoto in possesion of 15 cartons and 18 rolls of illicit substances totalling 461 bottles suspected to be Codeine.

    However, the police image maker said during the course of investigation the suspects took the police to Sahara area where a search was conducted in a shop and the items were discovered in cartons and rolls.

    While calling on the public to always be on the alert and report suspicious persons on their midst,  the police spokesperson said Sokoto command of the force will continue to make it difficult for crime and criminals to find as hiding place for their nefarious activities.

    “We will continue to be proactively decisive in our operations in the fight towards crime prevention and control,” She said.

     

  • Deposed Uromi monarch urges subjects to ignore PDP

    Deposed Uromi monarch urges subjects to ignore PDP

    Deposed monarch of Uromi in Esan North East local government area, HRH Anselm Aidenojie , has urged his subjects to ignore the call by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for them not to vote for the party that deposed their king.

    The deposed monarch who urged his subjects to vote for any political party of their choice distanced himself from the PDP’s comment.

    State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, had told the people of Uromi that it was wrong for them to continue to support the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) that deposed their king.

    Chief Orbih cautioned Governor Godwin Obaseki to stop playing politics with the traditional institution of Uromi.

    But the deposed monarch in a press statement he personally signed and issued to journalists in Benin City said he is not a member of any political party.

    He expressed optimism that Governor Godwin Obaseki will revisit the incident that led to his deposal.

    According to him, “l wish to use this medium to state that I was neither privy nor a party to the said statements. I hereby dissociate myself from the said statements and to state in unequivocal terms, that I am neither a member of the said political party nor partisan.

    “I urge the electorate at Uromi to disregard the said statements and vote for the party of their choice.

    “I am confident that the State Governor given his progressive nature, in his time will revisit the unfortunate incident that led to my deposal. I promise my unalloyed support and loyalty to Edo State Government.”

  • Obaseki commends speaker, Edo Assembly on e-governance

    Obaseki commends speaker, Edo Assembly on e-governance

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) led by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto for the foresight in adopting technological solutions at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex, to improve legislative proceedings.

    Obaseki gave the commendation while inspecting the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities at the Assembly complex in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The governor, who was accompanied by some members of the State Executive Council, said “This administration will continue to provide support to drive the adoption of technological innovation to enhance governance, which include legislative proceedings at the State Assembly Complex.”

    According to him, “We are pleased with what we see, and the improvement made so far by the present leaders and members of the State Assembly. By adopting technology to digitise its legislative proceedings, the assembly has cast its name in gold, as this will stand as a legacy which will be remembered in future. This development will enhance quality legislation at the Assembly.”

    In his remarks, Speaker, EDHA, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, said, “The decision to adopt new communication technologies in the Assembly became necessary to promote quality legislation and ensure the legislative process becomes fully digitalised. This will assist us embrace the use of modern technologies in our proceedings, as it befits any legislative assembly in carrying out its duties in the 21st century.”

    Adjoto noted, “Our intention to adopt new technologies is to achieve full digitalisation of the Assembly Complex as the use of modern technologies are also extended to the hallowed chamber of the Assembly Complex to allow for recording of the proceedings of the house. This will ensure effective legislation in the future.”

    He added that this became necessary because it will encourage each member of EDHA to contribute to the legislative process, noting, “When members are aware that proceedings of the house are recorded, everyone will be encouraged to make contributions to the legislative process. We will also create a website to provide members of the house easy access to important documents which can be easily retrieved and worked on.”

  • LG polls: Obaseki assures of peaceful polls

    LG polls: Obaseki assures of peaceful polls

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed plans of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to commence campaigns for the forthcoming Local Government polls.

    Obaseki disclosed this in a chat with journalists after meeting with the party’s state working committee and the candidates in the forthcoming local council polls.

    According to the governor, “Our meeting was to ensure that the forthcoming polls are conducted peacefully. We cannot jeopardise the relative peace enjoyed in the state.”

    He added that the APC’s candidates in the polls are popular among their people and are acceptable to the party, noting, “We strongly believe that the candidates will be elected by the people, as the party strategises to win all elective positions at the polls.

    On his part, Chairman, Edo State Chapter, APC, Barr. Anslem Ojezua, said, “As the party prepares for the local government polls, Governor Godwin Obaseki is making effort to change the narrative with local government administration in the state. This is because of the reputation of the local government administrators used to be the least trusted by the people.”

    According to Ojezua, “The leadership of the APC in the state is confident that its candidates will be returned at the March 3 polls because of the performance of the governor in the past one year in office.”

    He added that the meeting between the governor and the party’s candidates in the polls was to align their vision at the councils with the governor’s roadmap for the state.

    “At the meeting, the governor expressed his concern about local governments being a critical level of government and made his intention known to candidates, especially to ensure that the candidates are on the same page with his vision to transform the state,” Ojezua said.

     

  • Unemployed man remanded for robbing bishop of $500

    Unemployed man remanded for robbing bishop of $500

    A Lagos High Court in Igbosere Wednesday remanded an unemployed man, Soliu Adeniran, who allegedly robbed a cleric of $500 at gun point.

    Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile made the order following Adeniran’s arraignment for conspiracy and armed robbery by the Lagos State Government.

    Justice Okikiolu-Ighile remanded Adeniran in prison custody and adjourned till May 7 for trial.

    Earlier, prosecuting Counsel J. A. Koku and S. O. Fashola said the defendant and his accomplices, who are at large, committed the alleged offences at about 5:45pm on February 17, 2014 at the Festac Extension area of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area (LGA).

    They accused Adeniran and his gang of accosting the cleric, Bishop Ray Bakeh, on the street and dispossessing him of his phones, wristwatch and wallet containing $500 cash.

    According to the prosecutors, the offences contravened sections 295 and 295(2)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

    Adeniran pleaded not guilty.

  • Lent: Buhari urges Christians to Pray for Nigeria’s unity, progress

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday felicitated with Christians in Nigeria on the solemn occasion of the commencement of this year’s Lenten season.

    As they join their counterparts worldwide to emulate the worthy example of Jesus Christ who fasted 40 days at the beginning of His earthly ministry, the President urged Christian brothers and sisters to pray fervently for the country’s unity and progress.

    He believed that Nigeria’s existence as one united country is a divine arrangement and nothing should be done to put it asunder.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, enjoined all Nigerians to intensify love, brotherliness and concern for the less privileged members of their communities in order to strengthen the bond of togetherness.

    As Christians begin the period of increased prayers, piety, sacrifice and selfless services, the President wished them and all Nigerians well.

  • Malabu Oil scam: Court adjourns case until April 23

    Malabu Oil scam: Court adjourns case until April 23

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday adjourned all three suit relating to the alleged Malabu Oil I.1 million US dollars until April 23.

    In one of the suits, the prosecution had filed an oral application seeking a leave to file a written motion to withdraw charges against some of the defendants.

    In the other second leg of the suit, four out of the 10 defendants had filed notices of preliminary objections on the charges leveled against them.

    The judge, Justice John Tsoho, who eventually consolidated the motions, held that the court required quality time to peruse through the issues raised in order to deliver a water tight ruling on them.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that hearing of the third leg of the suit, with five defendants, was also stalled due to absence of some of the parties.

    The judge, however, ordered the prosecution to again serve the defendants, who were not in court, with the fresh hearing notice.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 3, 2017, filed a three-count charge against two multinational oil firms, Shell and ENI, for their roles in the alleged Malabu Oil scam.

    The EFCC also in December, 2017 filed related charges against two former Nigerian ministers, Mohammed Adoke, and Dan Etete, and others, after concluding investigations on the 2011 controversial‎ sale of OPL 245.

    The alleged fraud committed by the ex-Nigerian officials and officials of the oil firms, has also led to investigations and charges in Italy.

    The EFCC had also secured a court order, ensuring the return of the OPL 245 to the Nigerian government, pending the determination of the court cases against the defendants.

    NAN recalls that all the defendants had denied any wrong doing.

    NAN