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  •  Delta to establish rape and domestic violence referral centre

     Delta to establish rape and domestic violence referral centre

    The Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor has said victims of rape and domestic violence of speedy justice.

    He assured that the Violence against Persons Bill before the State House of Assembly would further protect the rights of women and children against abuse and violence.

    Mrakpor made this known yesterday during a courtesy visit by the International Federation of Women Lawyers in Asaba-the Delta State Capital.

    Peter Mrakpor while expressing joy on the impactful presence of FIDA in the State in championing the rights of women and children pledged the administration’s commitment to their cause.

    He said the Ministry of Justice would to grant a fiat to members of FIDA to enable them prosecute offenders.

    Mrakpor informed the female lawyer’s efforts to establish a Rape and Domestic Violence Referral Centre in the State, including a Rehabilitation Centre for victims, and charged them to intensify their public enlightenment campaign efforts in order to create adequate awareness.

     While lamenting that women and children are the most vulnerable in society, the Attorney-General promised to mobilize staff of the Ministry and other top government functionaries to be part of FIDA road walk to create awareness on rape, cultism, drug abuse and all forms of harmful practices and discrimination against women.

    Earlier, the chairperson of Delta FIDA, Mrs. Lauretta Omezi stated that the organization which is non-governmental and non-profit organization has affiliate organization in 73 countries across the globe.

    Mrs. Omezi who solicited for partnership with the Ministry towards the attainment of its selfless services, including a request for the establishment of an Office in the Ministry of Justice for the handling of all FIDA related cases, disclosed that FIDA is a dynamic organization whose membership cut across all strata of society including the bench, academia and the business world.

  • Benue’ll not succumb to any move to repeal law – Ortom

    Benue’ll not succumb to any move to repeal law – Ortom

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom says his government would not succumb to any intimidation or move to repeal the open grazing, prohibition and ranches establishment law.

    Governor Ortom stated this when he visited Three Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camps including Abagena, LGEA Primary School Daudu and United Nations High Commission for refugees ( UNHC ) Shelter.

    He restated his resolve to continue to call on the Federal Government to rise and stop the killings and displacement of Benue people by Fulani herdsmen as such was the lawful thing to do.

    Governor Ortom stated that the federal government with the capacity to stop the killings in the state had allowed People to be playing game with the matter to divert attention by accusing his administration of raising Six Thousand militia men and making inflammatory remarks.

    The Governor directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Cecilia Ojabo to deploy a team of medical personnel to the Abagena IDP camp newly created to provide health services there.

    Governor Ortom also directed that security Personnel be provided at the new Abagena camp housing displaced persons from neighbouring Nasarawa State to ensure adequate security.

    He also called for humanitarian assistance from civil society groups,spirited individuals and the international community,adding that the number of displaced persons and their needs far outweigh resources of the state.

    Earlier, Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr. Emmanuel Shior said the Abagena camp has over Six Thousand most of who were from Nasarawa state, adding that relief materials had equally been deployed there.

  • We will respond to Obasanjo’s Coalition Movement at the right time – Tinubu

    We will respond to Obasanjo’s Coalition Movement at the right time – Tinubu

    ….Obasanjo playing politics with letter to Buhari 

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress ( APC )  and former governor of Lagos State,  Bola Tinubu, yesterday said that the party will respond to the Coalition Movement launched by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the “appropriate time “.

    He accused Obasanjo of playing politics with his open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, where he accused him of (Buhari) of non performance.

    Tinubu who made a stop over in Owerri, the Imo State capital on his way to Anambra State for the burial ceremony of late former Vice President in the company of another APC leader, Chief Bisi Akande, insisted that Obasanjo could have exploited other better ways of communicating his observations about the Buhari’s administration other than open letter if not politically motivated. 

    According to the APC leader, who jocularly said that the letter was not written to him, “Obasanjo wrote it about the government. It is a very good awareness on his part and they are both from the same background. I believe that is the doctrine  of Military Officers (retired) because he has unrestricted access to the President, either through the Council of State or by any other means that he need to see the current President privately and he was his junior in the Army.  So I think Obasanjo was playing politics with his public letter that’s all I see. He could have used other means,  he met him in the AU too he has a way of discussing privately but the letter is being responded to by the government”.

    Also responding to the former launching of Obasanjo’s Coalition Movement, in the brief interview with journalists at the Imo State Government House,  Tinubu,  said that it is still too early to respond to the development, 

    He said, “the appropriate time is not now for response on the Coalition Movement but we are in a democracy, we are in a country that is a signatory to the Charter of the United Nation which guarantees free movement, free association and free speech”.

    On the reason for his visit, he stated that, “the governor is a very good friend and the government that is here is our government, the APC government. We are here to pay final  respect to the gentleman and Nationalist, Alex  Ekwueme”.

  • Kenyatta is Kenya’s President, U.S. tells Odinga

    Kenyatta is Kenya’s President, U.S. tells Odinga

    The U.S. Government declared that Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was validly elected as the president of the country in accordance with Kenya’s constitution.

    The U.S. Department of State in a statement said it was gravely concerned by Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga’s self-“inauguration” on Tuesday as Kenya’s ‘People’s President’.

    The statement issued by Ms Heather Nauert, Department Spokesperson, said: “We reject actions that undermine Kenya’s Constitution and the rule of law.

    “Uhuru Kenyatta was elected as President of the Republic of Kenya on Oct. 26, 2017 in a poll that was upheld by Kenya’s Supreme Court.

    “Grievances must be resolved through appropriate legal mechanisms”.

    The U.S. commended the restraint shown by security forces and urge them to continue to refrain from any unnecessary or excessive use of force.

    The U.S. said any arrests and prosecutions must be made in full accordance with the rule of law and demonstrate transparent due process.

    “We urge all Kenyans to reject violence and hatred. Protesters have a right to assemble peacefully, to express their views freely, and to hold opinions without interference.

    “We are also deeply concerned by the Government’s action to shut down, intimidate, and restrict the media.

    “Freedom of expression, including for members of the media, is essential to democracy and is enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution,” the statement read.

    The U.S. urged the Government and all Kenyans to respect freedom of expression and implement court orders calling for the restoration of television broadcasts.

    The U.S. further said: “We again urge Kenyan leaders and citizens to begin a national conversation to build cohesion and address long-standing issues.

    “The U. S. continues to support efforts by religious, business, and civil society leaders to begin this conversation in the near future and calls on everyone to participate in this endeavour.

    “The U. S. stands firmly with the people of Kenya; it is only Kenyans who can find a way to resolve their differences and chart the destiny of this great country”.

    NAN

  • 2019: APC embarks on CVR grassroots sensitisation in Ebonyi

    2019: APC embarks on CVR grassroots sensitisation in Ebonyi

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ), has commenced grassroots sensitisation tour to mobilise the electorate in the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi, to register in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration ( CVR ).

     Mr Eze Nwachukwu, Acting APC Chairman in Ebonyi, led other members of the State Working Committee (SWC) to launch the campaign on Friday in Afikpo, Afikpo North Local Government Area.

     Nwachukwu, who addressed the people, said that the sensitisation was in line with the directive from the national headquarters of APC.

     According to him, the exercise is aimed at mobilising , educating and sensitising eligible grassroots voters on the need to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration.

     He said that as the 2019 general elections draw closer, that it was imperative that rural communities were mobilised to fully participate in the ongoing CVR, stressing that bulk of the voters reside in rural areas.

    “Registration and collection of the voter cards is the only qualification to vote in the elections; any eligible voter without his or her voter card will have no business at the polling booths during election,” Nwachukwu said.

    He said that current reforms in the electoral system would make it difficult to rig elections in 2019, assuring the people that their votes must count in the elections.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has assured Nigerians of commitment to conduct credible elections in 2019.

    “The electronic transmission of election results to be adopted in 2019 will make it difficult to rig in 2019, and this will put election riggers out of business.

    “We are here today to appeal to the people of Afikpo North to go to any INEC office nearest to them and register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    “It is your civic right and obligation to vote and you must resist anything that will deny you opportunity to exercise this important civic duty.

    “We again assure you that your votes will count in 2019. “

    Nwachukwu urged party faithful and APC supporters to ensure that they effectively participate in the CVR exercise and other vital electoral processes.

    He advised the electorate against selling their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and urged them to resist politicians who would come to demand their PVCs in exchange for employment, empowerment or to give them bank loans.

    “It is a criminal offence to engage in selling or buying of voter cards and you must report those found to indulge in such illicit transactions.

    “Your voter card is your property and the only right you have as citizens to exercise your voting rights to elect your leaders; selling it means disqualifying yourselves.

    “There is no rule in the civil service that requires your voter card for employment or empowerment and no bank will require you to submit your voter card to give you loan.

    “You must resist any attempt that will make them disenfranchise you and must report such persons to the Police,” Nwachukwu said.

    He said that the party would constitute local government and ward committees in the 13 local government areas of the state that would be charged with the mandate of door-to-door mobilisation of rural communities to come out and register.

    Meanwhile, the chairman has charged APC faithful in the local government to remain supportive of the party and to work hard to ensure that the party emerged victorious in the area in 2019.

    He announced that the party would commence membership registration, and urged members who were yet to formally register with the party to avail themselves of the opportunity.

    “We have over 18,000 registered members of our great party in Afikpo North and we are opening another window of opportunity to enable members who are yet to formally register to do so.

    “It’s only those with our membership registration cards that will be allowed to participate in voting during the party primaries and congresses,” he added.

    NAN

  • Magu: Lawyers differ following court ruling

    Magu: Lawyers differ following court ruling

    Senior lawyers yesterday expressed different views on the status of Ibrahim Magu as Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) following yeaterday’s judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Justice J. T. Tsoho said the senate acted within the law when it screened and rejected Magu’s nomination as EFCC chairman.

    Prof Itse Sagay SAN, Seyi Sowemimo SAN, Festus Keyamo SAN and Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ) Vice President Monday Onyekachi Ubani offered their thoughts pending when they read the full judgment. 

    Sagay said: “I don’t expect that the judgment will have an effect on Ibrahim Magu’s status as Acting EFCC Chairman. I don’t expect that there’s anything externally that is going to affect Magu’s position. 

    “I don’t know whether the judge considered Section 171 of the Constitution which even allows the President to appoint heads of agencies like Magu’s agency without any reference to the Senate. That is already there, so I don’t know what was brought to the court’s attention. When we see the full judgment we will be able to express our opinion. 

    Sowemimo observed, among others, that in the event that the ruling includes a court order removing Magu from office, he would probably seek a stay of execution and launch an appeal.

    Keyamo noted, among others, the law did not prescribe a time limit for Magu to remain in an acting capacity. 

    Keyamo said: The fact that the law has not circumscribed the amount of time or the time period that someone can act as the head of an agency, it would mean therefore that I see no legal problem at all in Ibrahim Magu continuing to act as the Chairman of the EFCC, there is no legal impediment at all.”

    But Ubani advised the Executive to “respect and obey the judgement of the 

    Federal High Court unless they have secured a contrary judgement from the appellate courts.”

  • Herdsmen /farmers violence: NEC to visit affected states for consultations

    Herdsmen /farmers violence: NEC to visit affected states for consultations

    The National Economic Council, NEC, on the Herdsmen /Farmers violence  has constituted a Sub-Committee to visit frontline States involved  in the conflict.

    They are to hold consultations with stakeholders and interested parties on how to end the conflicts.

    At the meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday,  a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said that it was resolved that the Sub-Committee which has Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State as Chairman would visit Benue, Taraba, Zamfara and Adamawa States in order to understand the different dynamics of the conflict and develop long term workable solutions.

    Other members of the Sub-Committee are the Governors of Plateau, Benue, Taraba, and Adamawa States, while the committee would co-opt relevant experts and technical groups in the discharge of its assignment.

    The meeting at the Presidential Villa was attended by the Governors of Zamfara; Abdul’aziz Yari, Ebonyi; David Umahi, Kaduna; Nasir El-Rufai; Plateau, Simon Lalong, Adamawa; Bindo Umaru Jubrilla and the Deputy Governors of Oyo, and Benue States; Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo & Engr. Benson Abuonu. 

    The Minister for Agriculture & Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh and the Interior Minister, General Abdulrahman Dambazau were also in attendance. 

    At its meeting last month, the National Economic Council decided to constitute a Working Group that will work in accordance with the President’s commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of violence in the clashes between the herdsmen and farmers are brought to book and bring an end to the conflicts.

  • Woman docked for stealing 11 kegs of Palm Oil

    Woman docked for stealing 11 kegs of Palm Oil

    An Ekiti based  woman, Dele Gbadura, on Thursday appeared before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing of eleven kegs of palm oil.

    Police prosecutor, Sgt.Oriyomi Akinwale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 20, 2017 at Taye Fasuba Street, in Odo Ado Quarters, Ado-Ekiti.

    He alleged that the accused, on the said date, unlawfully stole the commodity valued at the rate of N110, 000, property of one Tairu Motunrayo.

    According to him, the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap C 16, Vol.1, Laws of Ekiti State 2012.

    The accused pleaded not guilty while her counsel, Mrs. Adunni Olanipekun prayed the court to grant bail to her client in liberal terms, promising that she would not jump bail.

    Magistrate, Mrs. Modupe Afeniforo consequently granted bail to the accused in the sum of  the N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    She adjourned the case to March 9 for further hearing.

  • IGP warns state govts, CPs against arming militia, vigilante groups

    IGP warns state govts, CPs against arming militia, vigilante groups

    …Maintains killing is due to communal clash

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has warned state governments and Commissioners of Police against equipping militia and vigilante groups with prohibited firearms.

    The Police Chief also directed Commissioners of Police in charge of Commands to monitor the activities of state governments as the country enters into a political era. 

    He disclosed this on Thursday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja during the monthly meeting with Commissioners of Police and other senior officers.

    He said: “Everybody is aware we are entering a tedious and serious period in this country. The political issues are coming up to the fore and I believe as officers, we must gear up in our various locations and responsibilities to ensure that we ensure law and order all over Nigeria. 

    “As police officers, we know our duties. We know some issues that must be considered very seriously because we are coming into a political arena.

    “Commands should be very conversant with arming of militia men or vigilante because before a vigilante group is established by a government, there must be a bylaw which must be passed by the House of Assembly.

    “It is the responsibility of the Commissioners of Police in charge of Commands to study the bylaw and see how it conforms with the constitution and other laws of this country but where through the connivance of some Police officers,  you have a command arming militia men under several leus, I think our officers have to brace up to face these challenges.

    He further said: “No government in this country has the responsibility to approve some prohibited firearms to any Nigerian under any guise.

    “I think it is the responsibility of CPs of Commands to put a close watch to the activities of some of these governments that are arming individuals which is against the laws of this country.

    “All of us are aware of these prohibited firearms, you cannot give approval for any individual to own a pistol or AK47 Rifles. These are prohibited weapons and only the government has the authority to give that approval. 

    “I call on CPs of  various Commands to closely watch the abuse of authority at various levels”,  the IGP said.

    On the killings in Nasarawa and Benue State and the effect of his relocation as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, the IG said the killings have reduced drastically.

    He also maintained that the clashes were communal.

    According to him: “To be frank, I relocated to Benue for about eight days and when I came back,  I left the DIG Operations there. I must say that the incidences in Benue State and Nasarawa State have reduced drastically”.

    On the killing in Gboko, he said: “We had an attack on some travellers in Gboko town, in Benue State where seven fulani people were murdered.

    “Seven of them were travelling from Taraba to Kogi State,  they stopped in Gboko and the youths there, seeing that they were fulani, pounced on them, killed and roasted them.

    “We are investigating that issue now. Our monitoring team have been dispatched to Benue and some arrest have been made in that regard.”

    On the clash being a communal clash, the IGP said : “This issue like I said from the beginning, is communal clash. These are clashes occurring between two members of the community and like I stated in both states, as Nigerians,  we should learn to live together and tolerant of each other.

    “I addressed traditional rulers recently in Port Harcourt and I think they have a lot to do to bring peace and harmony within their community.

    “This country needs leaders that can unite the communities not leaders that create divisions and I think it is high time leaders answer their names and be among those that will bring peace and stability all over the country”, he said.

  • 2019: INEC assures EU, Development partners of credible elections 

    2019: INEC assures EU, Development partners of credible elections 

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the European Union (EU) and other development partners of the commission’s readiness to conduct more credible elections in 2019.

    The commission therefore sort the support of international partners INEC welcomes the in the areas of voter education and sensitization; training and capacity-building for Commission staff, officials of political parties and security agencies; the promotion of inclusivity with particular reference to women, youths, persons with disabilities and the internally displaced as well as election conflict mitigation.

    Yakubu spoke Thursday in Abuja at the occasion of the formal launch of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.

    The EU-SDGN support programme, which was conceived under the National Indicative Programme 2014 – 2020 and funded through the 11thEuropean Development Fund (11th EDF) is aimed at consolidating democracy in Nigeria.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu also said that the electoral body will continue to ensure the consolidation of electoral processes as well as the integrity and credibility of electoral outcomes based on the will of the people and the rule of law.

    Assuring EU and other partners, He said, “Once again, let me reassure the EU Delegation to Nigeria that we will spare no effort in improving the credibility of our elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. INEC will continue to welcome international election observation missions. The Commission considers the deployment of such missions as an important means of enhancing public confidence and trust in the electoral process. We have already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 General Elections. We hope that interested international election observation missions can commence early planning for the deployment of observers. The Commission is ready to facilitate the process in accordance with our guidelines. ”

    Speaking on the project, INEC boss said “Today’s project launch is unique. I wish to express our appreciation to the European Union Delegation to Nigeria for the formulation of the SDGN Project and it is my expectation that the implementing partners will continue to work in synergy to deliver the envisaged support to all targeted beneficiaries in order to further strengthen democratic institutions and the electoral process in Nigeria. We are all the more excited because the EU-SDGN Project being launched today is expected to be implemented from 2017-2022 which coincides with the implementation timeframe of our Strategic Plan and Strategic Plan of Action 2017-2021.”

    The strategic areas of intervention in the project, including support to INEC, he said were carefully developed in close consultation and collaboration with all relevant election stakeholders.

    He also hinted that while the basic indicators for the project was derived from the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) report on the 2015 General Elections, several national stakeholders made significant input to its formulation.

    He hailed the project describing it as yet another demonstration of EU’s enduring commitment to the promotion of the rule of law, good governance and democracy in Nigeria.

    Yakubu said, “The EU and other development partners have made notable contributions in supporting INEC to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Commission. For our part, we will continue to cooperate and work with the EU, as well as other development partners and all stakeholders, to ensure the consolidation of our electoral processes as well as the integrity and credibility of electoral outcomes based on the will of the people and the rule of law.

    “The Commission will continue to support our partnership with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) which is saddled with the responsibility of implementing EU support to INEC. We will work with all the implementing partners towards promoting credible elections involving the full participation of all segments of society irrespective of age, gender and disability.”