The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Court orders Abaribe, others to produce Kanu

    Court orders Abaribe, others to produce Kanu

    The Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday ordered Senator Eyninnaya Abaribe, and two others standing as guarantors for the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ), Nnamdi Kanu, to explain his whereabouts.

    It can be recalled that Nnamdi Kanu was granted bail by Justice Binta Nyako on April 24, 2017. However, Kanu did not show up for his trial which was billed to commence on Tuesday.

    However, Kanu’s co-defendants appeared in court.

    Out of the three sureties to Kanu, only Abaribe was present in court with his lawyer. Immanuel Shalum Okabenmabu and Tochukwu Uchendu were not only absent, but did not have legal representations.

    Mr. Ogechi Ogunna, who is the counsel to Abaribe said ‎his client had filed a motion seeking to be discharged as Kanu’s surety.

    The court stressed that Abaribe’s motion to be discharged as Kanu’s surety could not be heard until Nnamdi Kanu appeared in court.

    Justice Nyako presented Abaribe with three (3) options:

    1. Abaribe is to produce Nnamdi Kanu in court before he can apply to be discharged as a surety.
    2. He should be ready to forfeit his N100m bail bond.
    3. Lastly, he should request to be given time to produce the defendant in court.

    In response, Abaribe’s lawyer said that his client was in no position to do any of the above stated conditions.

    He however opted for the third option, which is to be given time to produce the defendant in court, after the judge insisted that his client must opt for one of the options.

    The trial was adjourned till November 20.

  • Court grants Lawan’s application for transfer of case

    Court grants Lawan’s application for transfer of case

    Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court, Jabi on Tuesday granted the application of Farouk Lawan seeking transfer of his case from Justice Angela Otaluka of FCT Lugbe High Court.

    The judge will now hear the case in his court from 24 October.

    Halilu said that the administration of criminal justice must be followed in the interest of justice, adding that the transfer of cases from one court to the other remains the administrative powers of the Chief Judge.

    Lawan’s lawyer had petitioned the Chief Judge of FCT, Ishaq Bello, alleging bias and lack of confidence in Otaluka’s court.

    He argued that the Chief Judge of the FCT has the prerogative to reassign cases, based on Section 168 of the Administration of Criminal Justice.

    Justice Halilu however said that the chief Judge did not need to consult anyone to take any action. He thus dismissed the counter-application by the prosecutor, for lack of merit and authority.

    He said that the administration of criminal justice system has to do with the liberty of the citizens.

    “This matter has been transfered back and forth and this is not good for the image of the bar and the bench, though the prosecutor has the right to appeal against the judgment.

    “The court has no interest in this case other than to ensure that justice must not only be done but it must be seen to have been done,” he said.

    Mr Jude Odi, the prosecuting counsel, said that he would require time and a specific instruction from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to go ahead with the matter based on the court ruling.

    He asked for time to brief the office of the AGF. He said the ruling has made it necessary to consult his principal.

    He said he could not proceed with the case because he was not prepared to do so.

    Mr Sekup Zumka, Counsel to the defendant said that there was no legal basis for the court to defer an arraignment to a latter day, adding that the court could proceed after its ruling.

    According to him, taking the plea of the defendant does not signify a miscarriage of justice; there must be significant ground for adjournment.

    “I hereby urge the court to dismiss the application of the prosecuting counsel and proceed on arraignment.

    Justice Halilu however granted the prayer of the prosecuting counsel and adjourned arraignment till Oct 24.

    Lawan is facing prosecution for receiving $600,000 bribe, from oil mogul, Femi Otedola during a probe by the House of Representatives of the scandalous oil subsidy regime during the Jonathan era.

    Mr. Otedola’s companies, Zenon and Synopsis, allegedly paid  Mr Lawan bribes to get their names off the indictment roll of the House.

    NAN

  • Kaduna Assembly sets deadline for 2018 Budget defence

    Kaduna Assembly sets deadline for 2018 Budget defence

    The Kaduna State House of Assembly on Tuesday set Nov. 14 deadline for Ministries, Departments and Agencies to defend their 2018 budget proposals.

    Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i had on Oct. 13, submitted a budget of N216.5 billion to the assembly for approval.

    The budget provides N85.4 billion for recurrent expenditure and N131.1 billion for capital projects.

    The assembly, at its sitting presided by the Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Shagali, referred the bill to its Committee on Appropriation and Implementation, to work on the budget and report back on Nov. 14.

    Earlier, members had spoken on the budget, with some describing the document as comprehensive.

    Kasim Iliyasawa, member representing Zaria constituency said the huge provision for capital projects was unprecedented in the history of the state.

    Isaac Zankhai, representing Kauru/Chawai constituency, noted that the government had been good in preparing budgets, but always failed in releasing funds to effectively finance the budget.

    He urged the assembly to expedite action on the passage of the budget.

    Nuhu Shadalafiya, the member representing Kagarko, said the assembly should encourage the government to boost internal revenue generation.

    “We should encourage them when they come for budget defence to ensure that they put in the mechanisms to  realize the money needed to finance the budget.

    “It is not just putting the figure but working hard to actualize it; I know we can do it,” Shadalafiya said.

    NAN

  • Over 500 residents benefit from NYSC free medical services

    Over 500 residents benefit from NYSC free medical services

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has provided free medical services to over 500 residents of Akun Development Area of Nasarawa State, the state Coordinator, Mrs. Zainab Isah, has said.

    Isah said this on Tuesday in an interview in Akun.

    The state coordinator said that the Scheme Health Initiative Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme was designed to assist poor Nigerians, especially those at the rural areas unable to cater for their medical treatment.

    She said that the programme would also strengthen national unity and integrity in improve the health conditions of the people of the state, especially rural dwellers.

    “As you can see, the drugs will be given to the community free of charge, medical services free of charge and everything we are do to in the community is free of charge.

    “The programme will benefit rural dwellers because it takes healthcare delivery to their door steps.”

    Isah added that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, hence the need for the programme.

    The state coordinator commended the Federal Government for funding the programme and called for its sustenance.

    Also speaking, the Head of the Medical Team in the state, Dr. Bello Mohammed, explained that the free medical outreach was part of the Community Development Service to their host state.

    Responding, Sunday Anzaku, one of the beneficiaries, commended the NYSC for the gesture and called for its sustenance.

    He said that the gesture would go a long way toward improving their health and standard of living of the rural dwellers.

     The free medical services involved testing, counselling, consultancy services and drug administration, among others.

    NAN

  • STOP domestic violence against women

    STOP domestic violence against women

    In recent times, Nigeria has experienced a growing and disturbing trend of domestic violence against women.

    In simple terms, domestic violence can be described as the misuse of power by one adult in a relationship to control another. It is also the establishment of fear in a relationship through violence and other forms of abuse.

    This violence can take the form of physical assault, psychological, social and financial abuse; it could also be in the form of sexual assault.

    Research reveals that there is a preponderance of domestic violence cases especially in underdeveloped countries. This is shallow and bestial mentality of abusing the rights of women have been a major concern to the international community.

    Women are at the receiving end of the major cases of abuse in Nigeria. Amongst all the forms of abuse, physical and sexual abuse seems to top the chart in our dear country.

    According to World Health Organisation ( WHO ), there is an alarming population of women who had or are experiencing physical or sexual violence or both by an intimate partner. This shows how much women are being abused in a relationship by their male counterparts.

    In a patriarchal society like ours, domestic abuses and sufferings are sometimes tolerated and pandered as being part of the things to expect in a marriage.

    Truth be told, women are vulnerable, soft, fragile and in most cases not as strong as the man (physically); this puts them in a position to be exploited.

    Husbands who batter their wives are obviously sick and should either get a temporary or permanent accommodation in a psychiatric centre. They sometimes feel that they are exercising their manly rights, maintaining good order in the family and punishing their wives…phew! Such an overrated sense of masculinity!

    Domestic violence does not only cause physical injuries but also leaves its victim(s) with imprints of enduring emotional torture.  Although physical injuries can be seen and maybe treated, however, the extent of emotional wounds can only be imagined.

    Recently, the rate of depression and tendencies for suicide has been on the increase among youths and teenagers, especially of the female gender. Domestic abuse affects them academically, physically, psychologically and emotionally.

    Children who fall victim of domestic violence may develop serious emotional, behavioural, or academic problems. They are more likely to use violence in response to threats; they attempt suicide, abuse drugs, prone to committing crimes etc. Eventually, if they are not helped, they might turn out to be abusers in the future.

    Women are not just another item in the kitchen or the “other room”. They have as much right to education and ambition as much as their male counterparts.  The common labeling and tagging of the girl-child as a weaker vessel must be eschewed for us as a people to make significant progress.

    Around the world, women have begun to awaking to their full potentials. We now see women presidents and heads of parastatals and organisations.

  • Plateau set for peaceful LG polls

    Plateau set for peaceful LG polls

    Gov. Mr Simon Lalong of Plateau signed the act establishing Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission on Aug. 9, indicating further empowerment of the commission to regulate local government elections.

    The signing of the act to law also gives the commission the impetus to set the ball rolling for the conduct of the next local government polls in the state on Feb. 17, 2018.

    The commission began with a familiarisation visit to the 17 local government areas of the state, meeting with the traditional rulers and other stakeholders and intimating them of its plans to conduct free, fair and peaceful polls.

    Also to ensure free, fair and credible council polls in the state, the Plateau State Coalition on Electoral Reform and Good Governance recently, engaged the commission, security agencies, political parties and some key stakeholders in a town hall meeting in Jos.

    The town hall meeting was supported by Community Action for Popular Participation Actionaid Nigeria, Ukaid and BBC Media Action.

    In a keynote address at the meeting, the Senior Adviser, Search for Common Ground in Nigeria, Mr Chom Bagu, stated reasons why the commission must conduct local government elections that would be acceptable to the majority of the people.

    According to him, credible and acceptable polls would further consolidate the peace being enjoyed in the state.

    “It is also important to ensure that the poll is not only free and fair, but it should be credible and acceptable by a majority of the citizens.

    “Democratic process must be adhered to so that the people can attest and accept the outcome of the elections.

    “We have gone through turbulent times in the state; now we are enjoying relative peace. So we will not want a situation whereby the local government elections will draw us backwards.

    “We advise that the commission to improve on its past efforts and ensure that the elections are conducted in a manner that will consolidate on the existing peace in the state,’’ he said.

    Bagu further advised the electoral umpire to be transparent and show a high degree of credibility while conducting the council polls.

    Also speaking at the event, a public affairs commentator, Mr Steve Aloko, said the onus lay on the police to ensure free, fair, credible and acceptable local government elections in Plateau.

    He noted that the police reserved the duty to ensure the forthcoming local government polls in the state were conducted in an environment devoid of electoral frauds.

    “The onus lies on the police and other security agencies to ensure peaceful atmosphere is provided for free, fair and credible local government elections in Plateau.

    “As an institution, it reserves the right and powers to prevent people from committing electoral crime before, during and after elections.

    “We rely solely on them to ensure hoodlums and desperate politicians do not hijack the electoral process, but to provide an environment where every citizen can exercise their civic rights,’’ he advised.

    Aloko further urged the police to discharge their duties devoid of fears or favours, and called on the public to support and cooperate with them.

    He also charged the police to give serious considerations to improving rural policing before, during and after elections.

    “The bulk of the issues that mars free and free elections in Nigeria emanates from the rural areas, and it is a serious challenge,’’ he observed.

    He said the police should work towards confidence-building as most populace had, over the years, lost confidence in the police.

    He also called on government to adequately mobilise the police with all that would be needed in the discharge of their duties to minimise the risk of compromise.

    In his view, the Policy and Governance Advisor, Actionaid Nigeria, Mr Kenneth Okoineme, urged political parties to entrench internal party democracy to ensure peaceful and acceptable local government polls.

    According to him, the forthcoming local government polls would only be free, fair and credible when parties adhere and ensure inclusiveness.

    “We all know that political parties play key role in deepening and shaping our polity, but the most important thing is the issue of parties adhering to the principle of internal democracy.

    “There is also the need for parties to ensure an all-inclusive system that accommodates and engages all of its members; a situation where people should be the centre of its decision.

    “So sentiment, personal interest and things that may breed conflicts and disagreements within the parties must be kept aside to ensure peaceful polls in the state,’’ he said.

    Okoineme also urged parties to desist from hate campaigns and canvass for votes, using matured and more civilised ways.

    He cautioned candidates against campaigns that could truncate the existing fragile peace being enjoyed in the state.

    “You have very important role to play in ensuring that the relative peace being enjoyed in the state is sustained, and if possible consolidated.

    “Personal sentiments within your parties must be jettisoned and the interest of the majority should always take the day.

    “That way, we will have not only free and fair, but also a peaceful and acceptable local government election in Plateau,’’ he said.

    Okoineme also charged the party leaders to create rooms for youths to contest elections on the platforms of their (leaders) parties.

    He said the council poll was coming at the time when Nigerians were yearning for the younger generation to take up leadership roles and the parties ought to support their aspirations.

    Beside this, Mr Nelson Ananza, Acting Director, Community Action for Popular Participation, said the meeting was aimed at engaging critical stakeholders with a view to improving the electoral process through active citizen participation.

    Ananza expressed optimism that the resolutions reached at the end of the meeting would further add value to the electoral process and ensure credible council polls in Plateau.

    Considering the importance of an electoral commission to credible elections, Mr Fabian Ntung, Chairman, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, promised to conduct free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

    He, nonetheless, appealed to concerned political stakeholders to abide by the laid down rules and regulations during the electioneering to deliver a peaceful and acceptable polls.

    NAN

  • Kogi refutes monkey pox infection vaccination rumour

    Kogi refutes monkey pox infection vaccination rumour

    The Kogi Government has described as false, rumours that some unidentified men are infecting children with monkey pox virus in schools in the guise of vaccination.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu, in a statement by his media aide, Mr Audu Haruna, on Tuesday in Lokoja, said that government had investigated the claim and found that it was untrue.

    According to him, “the rumour is baseless and unfounded, as it is similar to the rumour that gripped Abia, Enugu and Imo a few days back.’’

    “The only parts of Kogi where we have an ongoing vaccination exercise is in Yagba West, which will soon be extended to two contiguous wards in Yagba East Local Government Area.

    “This vaccination, which will last for 10 days, started on Oct. 14.

    “Recalled that two cases of yellow fever were detected in Yagba West Local Government which prompted this reactive vaccination.

    “So far, no case of reaction to the vaccines has been reported as the residents of Yagba West are cooperating with designated officers.

    “Vaccines are meant to prevent child killer diseases and as such we will continue to carry out routine immunisation and immunisation plus days.

    “This is the only known way to prevent vaccine sensitive diseases and as such we seek the cooperation of Kogi indigenes to help in refuting this rumour and ensure that immunisations continue to record the usual success,” he said.

    The commissioner noted that a lot of resources had already been committed to the vaccination and as such people should endeavour not to waste the opportunity.

    He restated that the administration of Gov. Yahaya Bello would continue to do everything possible to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of the people.

  • We don’t owe Union Bank – Ontario

    We don’t owe Union Bank – Ontario

    The management of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited has denied any fraudulent sale of refined petroleum products, as alleged by Union Bank Plc in what the company described as a “hurriedly” procured ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ).

    The company spoke on Monday in the matter of a commercial transaction between her and the bank which dates back to 2014.

    Speaking through its counsel, Ben Udoh, Ontario acknowledged that it did approached Union Bank Plc for a facility to import and market petroleum products in 2014.

    “Indeed, we approached Union Bank in 2014 for an $11 million facility. A letter of Credit (LC ) was issued same year but was amended to $9.9 million in May 2015. The said sum ($9.9)was paid to the supplier, Petrocam Trading Limited.

    “Contrary to impressions created by Union Bank, there was no case of fraudulent diversion and conversion of proceeds as alleged. We would like to confirm on good authority that the products were duly imported and sold in the open market,” Mr Udoh said.

    He added, “Total proceeds from the transaction was N1.9billion, and in line with our offer letter and best practice, same amount was provided for. The management of Union Bank was subsequently advised to bid for appropriate foreign exchange to discharge the LC.

    “Unfortunately, Union Bank, for reasons best known to them, failed to heed several exchanges for the liquidation of the debt which Ontario diligently dealt with within the 60-day expiration of the facility.”

    Speaking further, he regretted that “Union Bank had unwittingly shot itself on the foot by its failure to register the Form M with Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ), nearly 8 months after, which made it difficult for them to successfully bid for forex to tidy up the transaction.”

    “Finally, we are surprised that the ex parte order which targeted Ontario Oil and Gas Limited was used to seize the assets of The Renoire Logistics which is an independent entity with no similar directors or ownership. Union Bank failed to transparently manage this transaction and should blame itself for allowing the devaluation of the Naira to hurt its interests.

    “We do not owe Union Bank. All proceeds arising from the transaction has been fully redeemed. Any differential is as a result of devaluation of the Naira. Ontario would do everything legal to vacate the ex parte application,” Mr Udoh noted.

  • Zimbabwe bans fruit, vegetable imports as forex deepens

    Zimbabwe bans fruit, vegetable imports as forex deepens

    Zimbabwe has banned imports of fruit and vegetables with immediate effect to preserve scarce foreign exchange, the agriculture minister said on Tuesday.

    The country which dumped its currency for the U.S. dollar in 2009 because it was wrecked by hyperinflation is now running short of dollars as well as quasi-currency “bond note” introduced last year to ease cash shortages.

    Last year Zimbabwe spent more than 80 million dollars on fruit and vegetables, according to national statistics agency Zimstat.

    The produce included tomatoes, onions, carrots, grapes, apples and oranges.

    Agriculture Minister Joseph Made told the Herald newspaper he had been directed by President Robert Mugabe to stop the importation of fruit and vegetables because “they waste much needed foreign currency.”

    “This means that the importation of fruit and vegetables will be stopped immediately.

    “We are finalising on the exact list of foreign-produced fruits that are occupying shelves in shops,” Made said.

    Made declined to comment further when contacted by Media.

    Zimbabwe relies heavily on cheaper imports from neighbouring South Africa, its biggest trading partner, and has over the years struggled to produce enough to meet domestic demand.

    In June, the government also banned maize imports, saying the country produced enough to satisfy domestic demand.

    Made said the ban would allow local farmers to increase output while saving the country foreign currency.

    A majority of banks have stopped giving out cash and when they do, it is in the form of bond coins.

    Most Zimbabweans are keeping U.S. dollars at home while those who want to travel or pay for imports buy currency on the black market.

    The same thing happened during the period of hyperinflation a decade ago.

    NAN

  • Everton must prepare to win ugly, Sigurdsson says

    Everton must prepare to win ugly, Sigurdsson says

    Everton Football Club must be prepared to win anyway possible to lift their spirits and turn their English Premier League season around, Iceland international Gylfi Sigurdsson has said.

    Everton needed a late penalty kick from Wayne Rooney to salvage a 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday and are 16th on the table with eight points.

    Sigurdsson said they were not far away from getting better results with this.

    “Obviously the next game is an important one but, for us at the moment, we just need to win, pretty or ugly,” the midfielder told the club’s website (www.evertonfc.com) ahead of their Europa League game against France’s Lyon on Thursday.

    “We just need to get results and once we do that, the confidence will come back into the team and things will come a little bit easier for us.

    “And I think if we get a couple of results back-to-back, then we’ll hopefully get going. I don’t think we’re too far away.”

    Everton are bottom of Group E after a 3-0 loss to Italian group leaders Atalanta and a 2-2 draw with Cypriot side Apollon Limassol.

    Lyon are a spot above Everton after two draws.

    “It’s a strange group. I think everyone can beat anyone,” Sigurdsson said.

    “There are some good teams in there. You may need at least 10 points to go through and it will be nice to start (building towards) that on Thursday against a tough team.

    “The boys and the staff are determined to work hard to turn this around because we’ve got good players. Personally and with all of the players collectively, we’re just off our best.

    “But they are small margins in football and I don’t think we’re a mile off getting results, and a couple of scruffy wins, 1-0 away or whatever it is, that pumps a little bit of confidence into the team and that’s sometimes what you need.”

    NAN