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Tag: Nigerian news

  • NDLEA arrests suspected drug baron in Nasarawa

    NDLEA arrests suspected drug baron in Nasarawa

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ) in Nasarawa State has arrested a suspected drug baron who was caught  with 108 cartons of  tramadol.

    Mr Sumaila Ethan, the state Commander of the agency, told  newsmen in Lafia on Friday that the seized drug weighed  2,873 kilogrammes.

    He said the suspect was arrested with the drug at a warehouse in Masaka, Karu Local Government Area of the state, on December 7 after being tracked for almost two months.

    The commander explained that tramadol is an opiate drug similar to heroin in its addictive nature.

    Read also: NDLEA arrests 86 persons in Gombe

    He expressed regrets that the drug had  become the most abused psychoactive substance, especially among youths in the state.

    “The youths, unaware of its destructive effects, have made it a drug of choice for euphoric pleasure.

    “Hardly can you search  a commercial motorcyclist, tricycle operator or  driver  and not recover some tablets of high dose, abused and banned tramadol,” Ethan said.

    The NDLEA official  said that with the large seizure, a significant percentage of  the drug  would be out of circulation during the Yuletide in the state.

    He also noted that crime rate would drop in the state as drug abuse had been identified as a major contributory factor in the perpetration of crimes.

    Ethan  admonished the youths  to steer clear of drugs and other psychotropic substances to enable them to live meaningful He said the suspect would be taken to court as soon as investigation was concluded on the matter.

    The suspect, however, declined comments when approached by newsmen, insisting his lawyer must be present for him to speak on the incident.

    NAN

  • Edo Assembly passes 2018 N150.09 bn budget

    Edo Assembly passes 2018 N150.09 bn budget

    The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday passed the state’s N150.09 billion budget for 2018 with an increase of about N3.433billion.

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki had on November 29 presented a budget proposal of N146.6 billion, made up of N66.7 billion recurrent and N79.8 billion capital expenditures to the House for consideration.

    The House increased the proposal by about N3.433 billion.

    Considering the bill clause by clause, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Project Monitoring, Mr Damian Lawani (APC-Etsako Central), said the proposal, christened “Budget of Growth’’, was designed to ensure completion of ongoing projects in the state.

    The house also raised the capital expenditure from N79.8 billion to N82.53 billion, while the recurrent was raised from N66.7 billion to N67.55 billion.

    The House, after considering the amendments, passed the bill into law.

    The speaker, Kabiru Adjoto, directed that clean copies of the document should be sent to the governor for his assent.

    NAN

  • Auchi Poly confirms sack of former Deputy Rector for misconduct

    Auchi Poly confirms sack of former Deputy Rector for misconduct

    The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, in Edo, has dismissed a former Deputy Rector, Mr Femi Balogun, with several other senior members of staff undergoing various management sanctions.

    Investigation showed that Balogun’s dismissal followed council’s review of several allegations of gross misconduct against him, for which he was subsequently found culpable.

    Balogun’s residence at the senior staff quarters is devoid of any human activity as he may have vacated the premises, in compliance with council’s directive for him to handover, with immediate effect, all polytechnic property in his possession to the institution’s management.

    Former registrar of the institution, Mrs Margaret Ashepelokhai, is also undergoing a three-month suspension for gross misconduct, while a former Dean of Applied Sciences, Mr Abdulkareem Adamu Obomekhe’s job is also being threatened.

    Obomekhe is currently serving a three-month suspension and may face outright dismissal, subject to the governing council’s ratification.

    He has also since handed over to Mr Kadiri, as Dean of Applied Sciences, as directed by management.

    Further investigations revealed that no fewer than 10 academic staff were being tried by the institution’s senior staff disciplinary committee (SSDC) for various administrative infractions ranging from blocking to sexual harassment.

    A management staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the story, saying “ it is true that the former registrar is now undergoing a three-month suspension after she was previously sent on a compulsory three-month leave.

    “For Obomekhe, several administrative panels found him culpable of the allegations against him.

    “He was found to have absconded from his duty post at the Kaduna Polytechnic, where he was being tried for a sexual harassment-related case and got employed here in 1999.

    “He was found to have simultaneously received three months salary from his former school and also here at the Auchi polytechnic, sometime in 1999.

    “He is presently on suspension, while management awaits council’s ratification of further recommendations,” the staff said

    Auchi Polytechnic Public Relations Officer, Mr Mustapher Oshiobugie, who confirmed the development.

    He said “yes, I am aware that the governing council of the institution has sanctioned some members of staff for alleged misconduct’’.

    The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Mr Justin Momodu, while also confirming the sanction, said that the union was on the same page with management in its desire to rid the institution of undesirable elements.

    “We are on the same page with management on its anti-corruption and cleansing agenda. The union would not condone any form of indiscipline among its members.

    “But we will also pursue and defend with our collective might, any perceived case of intimidation by management on any member.

    “The cases of the dismissed former ASUP chairman and union members are good examples.

    The union did not relent until they were recently recalled and their entitlements paid to them.

    “On this, the union is with management on its cleansing exercise. We are also watching carefully to ensure that due processes is followed,”  he said.

    NAN

  • Lalong presents N145.4 bn budget for 2018

    Lalong presents N145.4 bn budget for 2018

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has presented the 2018 Appropriation Bill of over N145.4 billion to the state House of Assembly for approval.

    The governor presented the bill tagged “Budget of Rescue and Consolidation” to the house on Thursday in Jos.

    According to him, “the budget seeks to consolidate on the gains and achievements of the administration since inception of the rescue mission in 2015’’.

    Lalong said the budget was made up of N69.6 billion capital and N75.8 billion recurrent expenditure.

    “The budget has a total size of N145. 4 billion; N75. 8 billion which represents 52.13 per cent of the budget is for recurrent expenditure while N69.6 billion, representing 48.87 per cent is for capital expenditure.

    “As part of our rescue mission, we shall continue to accord priority to the welfare of civil servants through timely promotions and payment of salaries and allowances, pension and gratuities of our retirees and the release of running cost for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    “Mr Speaker, with your timely scrutiny and passage of this budget, the confidence to consolidate on what we have started will be further strengthened,” he said,

    The Speaker, Mr Peter Azi, assured that the house would expeditiously process, scrutinise and pass the appropriation bill.

    Azi said that the 8th Assembly in the state had put in place stringent mechanism that would checkmate loopholes and mismanagement of budgets my MDAs.

    “It is our collective resolve as members of the house in line with the administration’s determination for effective service delivery to the people, to expeditiously pass this budget into law.”

    NAN

  • Navy rescue four Chinese men from kidnappers

    Navy rescue four Chinese men from kidnappers

    The Nigerian Navy in Lagos on Thursday said they rescued four Chinese men from kidnappers around Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Sylvanus Abbah, told journalists in Lagos that the four victims were abducted on board a fishing trawler within the Lagos waters on December 14.

    According to him, operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT rescued the abducted Chinese nationals from a militant camp in the riverine area of Ondo State.

    He said that after the abduction, the kidnappers took their victims in a speed boat to Igbokoda, Ondo State the same day.

    “Naval operatives attached to Forward Operations Base (FOB) who sighted the kidnappers as they were entering Igbokoda gave them a hot pursuit.

    “The kidnappers opened fire on the naval gunboat.

    “There was a fierce gun battle between the suspects and the naval men and the hoodlums abandoned their boats and fled on foot through the creeks,” he said.

    Abbah said that the naval men went after the suspects who later abandoned the four Chinese men and fled.

    “Presently efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspects.

    “The Chinese sustained bullet wounds during the gun battle and they have been treated and are in stable condition,” he said.

    Read also: Navy uncovers hotel where fuel is siphoned in Lagos

    Meanwhile, the Acting Chinese Consul General in Nigeria, Mr Guan Zhonggi, who paid a thank you visit to the FOC, commended the navy for its prompt intervention.

    He said that the four Chinese men regained their freedom because of the swift action of the naval men.

    NAN

  • NYSC: 20 members get service extension

    NYSC: 20 members get service extension

    The National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ), in Nasarawa State, says 20 corps members are to have an extension of service due to alleged misconduct during the service year.

    The state Coordinator, 2017 Batch B Stream 11, Mrs Zainab Isah, disclosed this on Thursday at the passing out parade in Lafia Local Government Area.

    She said the affected corps members committed various offences bordering on misconduct during the service year.

    Isah said the punishment meted out was based on the gravity of their offences according to the by-law of the scheme.

    “We have 20 corps members that have disciplinary cases.

    “Some of them missed one allowance or the other because they were not around.

    “Some traveled without permission or they traveled with permission but extended their stay without informing the officers,’’ she said.

    Read also: NYSC promises justice in killing of member 

    She also explained that the allowances they missed would be given to them during their extension of service.

    According to her, some got two weeks extension, some three weeks, while others got longer due to the gravity of their offences.

    It depends on the misconduct and what the NYSC by-law stipulates as punishment,” she said.

    Isah explained that the decision to extend the service year of erring corps members was the recommendation of the State NYSC Disciplinary Committee which will serve as a deterrent to others.

    According to her, 1,957 corps members successfully completed their service year and have been issued certificates.

    She commended the corps members for their patriotism and perseverance during the year.

    She, however, advised them to be self-reliant and employers of labour rather than wait for white collar jobs.

    “You should go ahead with what we taught you in camp, just continue with those training and I am sure those training will see you (through) in no distant time,” she said.

    She thanked the state government for its support to the scheme and urged for its sustenance especially in the area of engagement of corps members with significant positive impact in the area of their primary assignments.

    According to her, five corps members distinguished themselves based on the contributions they made in their places of assignments.

    “They did exceptionally well but we are yet to submit the list to the state government because the NYSC governing board is yet to hold a meeting on it,”she said.

    NAN

  • Harry and Meghan release engagement pictures

    Harry and Meghan release engagement pictures

    Britain’s Prince Harry and his American fiancée Meghan Markle have released a series of portraits by New York-based fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski to mark their engagement.

    Lubomirski, a former assistant to Mario Testino, famed for his photos of Harry’s mother Princess Diana, took the pictures this week at the royal retreat of Frogmore House, near Windsor Castle, west of London, where the couple are due to marry on May 19.

    Read also: Harry and Meghan to wed May 19 

    “I cannot help but smile when I look at the photos that we took of them, such was their happiness together,” Lubomirski said.

    Queen Elizabeth’s 33-year-old grandson, Harry, fifth-in-line to the throne, and Markle, 36, who stars in the U.S. TV legal drama “Suits”, announced their engagement last month.

    NAN

  • NSCDC deploys 2,000 personnel ahead of Christmas

    NSCDC deploys 2,000 personnel ahead of Christmas

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) on Thursday deployed more than 2,000 personnel in Enugu State to ensure safety of lives and property of residents during the yuletide season.

    The Corps Commandant in the state, Mr Steve Amoga, told newsmen in Enugu.

    He said that the command had also deployed 10 vehicles for 24-hour operations by the officers and men in uniform and plain-cloth.

    The NSCDC boss said that the command had deployed its rapid response squad in strategic locations in the state to protect sites with critical public infrastructure.

    “They are also deployed to places where large number of people gather such as worship centres, markets and shopping malls in Enugu,’’ he said.

    Read also: NSCDC trains 380 officers on criminal prosecution

    According to Amoga, the massive deployment is to ensure that the residents of the state have a well-secured environment during and after the festive period.

    “We are also ensuring that we take pro-active steps to have our plain-cloths and uniform officers and men to nip any act of criminality and terrorism in the bud,’’ he said.

    He explained that every operative had been placed on red alert in order to ensure quick response to any incident in the state, saying that the special operation would last up to the third week of January, 2018.

    The NSCDC boss, however, advised residents to be mindful of the activities of the security personnel and report any suspicious object, movement and persons.

    “When you see any face or group of people that unknown to you lurking around your building and premises, please do report to the NSCDC so that our intelligence officers can come around.

    “Also, if someone comes around you where it is clear that there is enough space for him to pass but he or she decided to squeeze his or her body on you.
    “You must check properly your pockets and belongings to ensure that you have not been robbed.

    “And once you notice any theft raise alarm and call the nearest NSCDC official around especially if you are in a market or shopping mall,’’ he added.

    NAN

  • Borno free of cholera outbreak – Commissioner

    Borno free of cholera outbreak – Commissioner

    The Borno Government on Thursday declared that the state is cholera free sequel to the successful control of an outbreak of the disease.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Haruna Mshelia, made this known at a news conference in Maiduguri.

    He said the state government in collaboration with World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and development partners had effectively controlled the cholera outbreak which was first recorded on August 16.

    “Today, we are more than two weeks without any case reported and this signifies that we have come to the end of this outbreak,’’ Mshelia, who was represented by Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, said.

    “The preparedness of the health cluster to respond to cholera outbreak; effective partner coordination, and swift activation of the emergency operation centre, efficient case management and surveillance were the strong points that helped disrupt transmission and reduce mortality by about one per cent,” he said.

    Read also: Cholera spreads through IDPs camps in Nigeria – UN

    Mshelia disclosed further that over 5,000 cases of the disease were recorded with 61 deaths in the six affected local government areas of the state.

    He listed the affected areas as Jere, Maiduguri, Dikwa, Monguno, Mafa and Guzamala.

    The commissioner attributed the outbreak to the weakening health system due to Boko Haram insurgency and over population at Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camps.

    According to him, the state government has inoculated 950,000 persons against the disease as part of effort to prevent future outbreak.

    Mshelia reiterated the state government commitments to enhance quality healthcare delivery in the state.
    He commended WHO and other organisations for their contributions to the improvement of healthcare services in the state.

    NAN

  • UN is a house of lies – Israeli PM

    UN is a house of lies – Israeli PM

    Israel Prime Minister,  Benjamin Netanyahu, described the United Nations as a “house of lies” ahead of a vote on Thursday on a draft resolution calling on the United States to withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

    “The State of Israel totally rejects this vote, even before (the resolution‘s) approval,” Netanyahu said in a speech at a hospital dedication in the port city of Ashdod.

    The 193-member UN General Assembly will hold a rare emergency special session on Thursday at the request of Arab and Muslim countries to vote on the draft resolution, which the U.S. vetoed on Monday in the 15-member UN Security Council.

    Generating outrage from Palestinians and the Arab and Muslim world, and concern among Washington’s Western allies, President Donald Trump abruptly reversed decades of U.S. policy on December 6 when he recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

    Palestinians have protested daily in the occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip since Trump’s announcement, throwing stones at security forces and burning tires.

    Read also: Netanyahu to attend ECOWAS Summit in Liberia

    Gaza militants have also launched sporadic rocket fire.

    Eight Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire during the demonstrations and dozens wounded, Palestinian health officials said.

    Two militants were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza after a rocket attack.

    Trump threatened on Wednesday to cut off financial aid to countries that vote in favour of the UN draft resolution, and his ambassador to the world body, Nikki Haley said the U.S. “will be taking names”.

    Netanyahu, in his speech, thanked Trump and Haley for “their brave and uncompromising stance”.

    He repeated his prediction that other countries would eventually follow Washington’s lead in pledging to move their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

    “The attitude towards Israel of many countries, on all continents, outside the walls of the UN, is changing and will ultimately permeate into the UN-the house of lies,” he said.

    Most countries regard the status of Jerusalem as a matter to be settled in an eventual Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement, although that process is now stalled.

    Israel considers Jerusalem its eternal and indivisible capital and wants all embassies based there.

    Palestinians want the capital of an independent Palestinian state to be in the city’s eastern sector, which Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War and annexed in a move never recognised internationally.

    Reuters/NAN