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  • Ikpeme takes charge as new UCTH CMD

    Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme has formally resumed as the new Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Calabar, Cross River State.

    In a release signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs Department, UCTH, Dr Rosemary Effiong, made available to The Nation on Wednesday, Ikpeme who resumed in line with his appointment letter signed by the Minister for Health, is an orthopedic surgeon and was the head of orthopedic department in the hospital before his merit based appointment.

    According to the statement in addition to his professional calling in the medical field, he brings to the job, his experiences and qualifications in management practices and human resources management.

    “He comes with a clear-cut vision and mission statement which is being communicated to staff in order to quickly restore and reposition the UCTH as a reliable first choice reference hospital within its catchment area,” the statement read.

    Read Also: Cross River NYSC seeks renovation of camp facilities

    Upon resumption of duties, Prof. Ikpeme was conducted round the various departments and offices in the hospital by senior management staff and heads of Departments.

    In his interaction with staff, the new CMD called for cooperation and unity of purpose to achieve deliverables such as staff re-orientation, retraining, restoration of efficient utility services such as water supply, power supply, security and environmental sanitation.

    His words, “We can achieve these deliverables, early enough with the much needed cooperation. Our primary duty of efficient medical and healthcare services is top in the priority list. As such we will have to restore good healthcare practices and functional systems, departments and facilities, while striving for better and modern-age infrastructural facilities. A good image we must have and maintain. Public complain and feedback channels will serve their purposes.

    “Come with me on this journey. It will be tasking but exciting. There may yet be obstacles but we will overcome them. Above all, He who called us has already equipped us. Together, we will raise our battle cry: UCTH 2019: Rebuild, restore, reboot.”

  • ‘Lack of trust among Nigerians responsible for border closure during elections’

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday said that lack of trust among Nigerians was the main reason for the closure of the nation’s borders during elections.

    Mr Osareti Imahiyereobo, INEC’s Head of Voters Education and Publicity in Plateau, made the disclosure in his goodwill message during a Town Hall Meeting organised by Search For Common Ground, a Non-Governmental Organisation.

    “The closure of all our borders has greatly affected the economic growth of the nation as all businesses are also always on standstill till after elections.

    “This very action is mainly due to the lack of trust among us Nigerians and which is not good for us as a nation given its negative effects on our economy because businesses are always closed down.

    “In some other nations like Zambia, borders and business premises are left open while some sensitive materials like ballot papers are always sent out to voters week before elections and their elections were not affected in any way.

    Read Also: PDP wins Rivers supplementary elections

    ” But that kind of trust and understanding can’t happen here because we as Nigerians do not trust ourselves, ’’ he said.

    The INEC official also called on residents of Plateau to accept in good faith whatever may be the outcome at be Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the state.

    “There is need for us to support those who have been elected to represent us at whatever level and capacity so that we can enjoy the dividends of democracy, ’’ he said.

    Earlier, Mrs Niri Goyit, the Project Coordinator for Search for Common Ground, had said that the purpose for the town hall meeting was to give room for stakeholders to assess the general elections.

    “We are so happy that the civil society groups, including journalists, collaborated with us on the education and sensitisation of voters and politicians on the need for peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections, ’’  she said.

    Goyit said that the town hall meeting was aimed at sifting the views of the stakeholders on the conducts of politicians, voters, security operatives and INEC so as to come out with a communique that would help chart a new course conduct of elections in Nigeria.

     

    NAN

     

  • North Central caucus rejects Gbajabiamila’s endorsement by APC

    The North Central Caucus of the House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected the endorsement of Majority Leader of Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the incoming 9th National Assembly.

    Gbajabiamila was endorsed by the party at a meeting hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday night.

    A member John Dyegh (Benue) said the North Central caucus was not satisfied with the decision.

    He said the North Central caucus has asked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reconsider the decision and zone the seat to the North Central.

    It would be recalled that Chike Oakford (Imo) also declared his intention to run for the Speaker’s office on Tuesday shortly before the Presidential dinner, saying that the Southeast deserved the Speaker’s position for the 9th House of Representatives.

    Okafor said the party must look beyond numbers but more on fairness and equity.

    Dyegh told reporters the loyalty of the North Central caucus to the party, went ahead to  declare his intention to vie for the position of the 9th Speaker of the House.

    “We are not fighting the party, we are not. We shall not, we are only giving the party an opportunity to come back and look at the zoning and look at what we are saying.

    “Taking what the party says hook, line and sinker is not democratic, we are in a democracy. We have right to vie for position, there’s freedom of expression.

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila empowers fish, vegetable farmers

    “We believe in party supremacy.  Yes, the party is supreme.  I sing that, I say it, I believe it, I go by what the party says but this is democracy and I believe we should give the Green chamber an option.”

    According to him, in addition to being the third largest contributor to the 2019 election success of the party, fairness and equity demands the North Central be considered for the position since the region has never produced the Speaker or Deputy Speaker since the return to democracy in 1999.

    He said: “My party the APC in her wisdom zoned the position of Speaker to the South West and even micro-zoned.

    “I am a party man and my loyalty to the APC is 100 percent, however, the North Central zone has not been convinced nor given reasons why their votes should not count and why we should not run and we feel very strongly that there is still room for negotiation because we believe “it is not over until it is over’.

    “We are therefore appealing to the party to have a rethink and rezone the speakership to the North Central for justice and fair play. We pray to God Almighty to touch the hearts of our Leaders to reconsider us favourably.”

    On his candidacy for the post, the lawmaker said the decision to join the race was based on his unyielding faith in a united and prosperous Nigeria.

    Citing sections of the constitution, Dyegh noted: “It will only be fair, if the position of Speaker is given to the North Central, having taken away the seat of Senate President to the North East.

    “It is instructive to note that the North Central has neither produced Speaker nor the Deputy Speaker since 1999.

    “We are saying that reward in politics is based on what you bring to the table and the North Central brought the third highest number of votes in making President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term a reality and enabling the APC to form Federal Government”.

    On his agenda if successful, Dyegh said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be re-organised while the Electoral laws would be reviewed for enduring electoral processes.

     

  • Air Force Special Forces neutralise bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday said its Special Forces team in Zamfara state has neutralized two bandits in Rafi and Doka villages in Gusau local government area.

    Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the team responded to reports of the gathering of high profile bandits in the communities.

    Air Commodore Daramola said “In response to reports that high profile armed bandits were gathering around Rafi and Doka villages of Mada District in Gusau Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, which is under the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the 207 Quick Response Group (207 QRG), a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) Team was dispatched to the area on Wednesday, 16 April 2019, to secure the 2 settlements and thwart the bandits’ plans.

    Read Also: No room for negotiation with bandits – Zamfara CP

    “Upon arrival at the location, the NAF SF Team encountered resistance in the form of heavy gunfire from the bandits.

    “However, the brave SF personnel employed superior tactics to outlast the bandits, who were soon low on ammunition, before engaging and overpowering them.

    “Two bandits were neutralized in the process while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “Since then, the SF Team has been conducting aggressive patrols in the area, especially the fringes of the forest, to forestall any reprisal attack.

    “The NAF, along with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain the operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country.”

  • NDLEA arrests 818, seize 452.4kg of Cannabis in Katsina

    The Katsina State Branch of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Wednesday declared the arrest of 818 drug pushers as well seized 452.41kg of Cannabis Sativa, 26,099 bottles of Cough Syrups with codeine and 10,746 tablets of psychotropic substance during the year 2018

    The State Commander of the NDLEA, Hajia Maryam Gambo Sani who made the disclosure at the Official Commissioning of the Agency’s Rehabilitation and Counseling Center donated by the Katsina State Government, also disclosed that 104 out of the number arrested were convicted to various jail terms while 714 drug users were counseled

    She further maintained that in the first quarter of this year, her agency has so far made seizures of 66.12kg of CS, 15.7kg of psychotropic substances, 38 bottles cough syrup with codine and arrested 182 suspects while counseling 131 others

    The Commander further promised that her agency will put the new rehabilitation center to good use and ensure its maximum use.

    Read Also: NDLEA arraigns suspected drug syndicate

    She said ’’In our tradition of discipline, diligence and prudence, this structure like others will be put to good use. We shall make maximum use of it for effective drug demand reduction as the center has the capacity to train clients in skills acquisition such as soap making, Knitting,Tailoring,Computer Training and handset Repairs’’

    ‘’Today is memorable to us as we close the three months of rehabilitation, counseling of  thirty female clients which was shouldered by her Excellency and the Ministry of Women Affairs’’

    She also assured that the program carried out at the center will be more enhanced with a robust a deliberate after care approach and also pointed out the need for those rehabilitated to  be engaged in further skills acquisition as three months training is insufficient for certain categories of trades

    Also speaking while commissioning the Center valued at N41m, the State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Manir Yakubu, commended the NDLEA for their efforts to free the state from illicit drug consumption and abuse

    He recalled that since the inception of his administration in 2015,the state government have not relented in championing reduction in the activities of illicit drug peddling and consumption in the state, which he described as worrisome and an ugly development

    He said ’’the Counseling and Rehabilitation of 30 female clients by NDLEA in conjunction with the Ministry of women Affairs is a further demonstration of the significance of the center and the need for it to be kept functional’’

     

  • Father forgives rapist in court

    A 30-year old man, Ibrahim Mohammed, has forgiven the man who raped his nine years old daughter.

    The daughter had told the Edo State Family Court that she was raped twice by Abdullahi Bala aged 33.

    Police Prosecutor, Inspector Peter Ogbe, informed the court that Abdullahi had unlawful carnal knowledge with the victim on February 8th and 9th, 2019 at Aduwawa Quarters in Ikpoba-Okha local government area.

    Inspector Ogbe said the offence is punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 48  Vol II Laws of the defunct Bendel State now applicable in Edo State.

    Read Also: Court arraigns man for allegedly defiling minor

    Abdullahi pleaded guilty to the charge.

    Ibrahim told the court he opted to leave vengeance for God.

    Presiding Magistrate, D.I Adamaigbo, cautioned the accused person to stop lying by insisting he did not sleep with the victim.

    Adamaigbo warned Abdullahi to desist from the act as he was lucky that the victim decided not to press charges.

  • Breaking: Supreme Court upholds Fayemi’s election

    The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

    The court, in a unanimous judgment of a five-man panel, held on Wednesday that the appeal by Segun Oni, was statute barred.

    Justice Amiru Sanusi, in the lead judgment, held that the case, being a pre-election one, was not commenced at the trial court, within the required time, as stipulated under the Forth Alteration Act.

    Read Also: Fayemi appoints new Head of Service

    Oni, an ex-Governor of Ekiti State had appealed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the decision of a Federal High Court, to the effect that his (Oni’s) challenge of Fayemi’s eligibility to contest the last governorship election in the state, was without merit.

     

    Details Later

     

  • Man docked over alleged phones theft

    A Magistrates’ Court in Minna on Wednesday docked one Ibrahim Abdullahi for allegedly stealing two Tecno phones.

    The Police charged Abdullahi with theft, contrary to Section 287 of the Penal Code.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Muazu Abdullahi, told the court that the chief security officer of the state’s college of education, arrested and brought the defendant to the station on April 11.

    He said the security chief alleged that the accused entered the three-arm hall of the school and stole two Tecno phones, belonging to one Habib Abdulganiyu.

    Read Also: Man charged with kidnapping

    The defendant was also said to have also stolen three hard drives and two flash drives.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecutor, thereafter, prayed the court for adjournment, to enable the police to complete investigation into the matter.

    In her ruling, Magistrate Safura Mahmud, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 and a surety in like sum.

    Mahmud adjourned the case until April 24 for further mention.

    NAN

  • Court to hear contempt proceedings against Emefiele on June 13

    An FCT High Court in Kubwa has fixed June 13, to hear contempt proceedings against the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to enable the applicant, Godwin Emmanuel respond to a motion on notice served on him.

    Justice Bello Kawu fixed the date after Emmanuel’s counsel, Maxwell Okpara and the CBN Governor’s counsel, Nasir Dangiri, SAN, greed to adjourn the matter for their motions to be heard.

    Okpara had told the court that he was served a motion by Dangiri  on April 16 at close of work adding that he had seven days to respond to it.

    Kawu had earlier read a letter sent by the judgement debtor, Unity Bank asking for the court to stand down the proceeding in the interest of justice to enable them conclude their processes to bring to the court to represent her interest in the matter.

    Read Also: My tenure ends in June, says Emefiele

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Okpara, on behalf of his client Emmanuel filed a contempt proceeding against the CBN governor on April 4 for disobeying  a court order to pay Emmanuel N52.5 million.

    The court gave an order for substituted service on the CBN Governor on the matter on April 10 as efforts made to serve him personally proved abortive.

    Okpara said judgement was given against Unity Bank to pay the said sum to Emmanuel by an FCT High Court, Gwagwalada sometime in 2015.

    He however applied for a garnishee proceeding against CBN in 2017 which was granted and Unity Bank did not appeal against the judgment.

    NAN

  • India prepares for second phase of general elections

    Authorities across India have made adequate arrangements for the second phase of the ongoing general elections, officials said on Wednesday.

    Voting for the second phase of country’s 17th general elections is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

    “Special measures are being taken by the election commission to check money power in the poll bound areas.

    “We have divided areas and extra measures are being taken in the sensitive areas to ensure free and fair polling.” an election commission official said.

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) officials have seized huge amount of money that was meant to be used to bribe voters during raids in several poll bound areas.

    Reports say that campaigning for the second phase of polls ended officially on Tuesday evening.

    According to officials, they have started sending electronic voting machines and election staff at the respective polling stations, and security arrangements were also in place.

    On Monday, ECI acted against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, President of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Mayawati, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Maneka Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, over inappropriate comments and barred them from campaigning for a certain period of time.

    The first phase of the seven-phase polling was held last week.

    Read Also: Nigerian breaks 100-year Indian academic record

    The polling was conducted peacefully except for a few incidents of violence.

    In the ongoing elections, the ruling BJP is seeking to regain power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    He is facing tough competition from Rahul Gandhi, the fourth generation scion of India’s powerful Nehru-Gandhi family and regional parties that have forged coalition in several states.

    NAN