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  • Supplementary polls: PDP leads in Rivers

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday conducted supplementary election in four local government areas of Rivers State, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly sweeping the four House of Assembly seats in contention.

    The election took place in all the units of Abua/Odual and Gokana local government areas, but was conducted in some units in Ahoada-West and Opobo/Nkoro local government areas.

    Electoral materials arrived as scheduled in most of the units that the elections took place, with some voters arriving at the polling units before 8 in the morning to cast their votes to their preferred candidates.

    INEC said the exercise was peacefully unlike the March 9 governorship and House of Assembly election which witnessed violence, which was the main reason INEC canceled election in the affected council areas.

    An INEC staff who spoke in Port Harcourt, Davies Iluebbey said although there was an early downpour in the state, yet materials for the polls arrived the units early enough.

    “In Abua/Odual, we have enough electoral materials, and the Presiding and Assistant Presiding Officers (POs and APOs) have left with their electoral materials to the polling units” he said.

    Read also: INEC delegation visits family of late ad hoc staff in Rivers

    “There was heavy rain that delayed the process, but voting has started because accreditation and voting are going on simultaneously”.

    According to Iluebbey, although 14 political parties are on the ballot for the Abua/Odual State Constituency Assembly election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) are the two leading political parties in the contest.

    “So far, the election is going on peacefully in all the 181 polling units of the 13 Wards in the LGA. The total number of registered voters in the LGA is 88, 561,” he said.

    Another INEC staff, Mr. Samuel Udezi, who os the electoral officer in Opobo/Nkoro LGA, said that the election was going on smoothly at the time he spoke.

    He said: “We have no issue for now, we have deployed all the materials to the POs and we are even going round to supervise them. I am currently in Ward 7, Unit 18 and the accreditation and voting are going on peacefully for now,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Rivers Police Command said there was calm in the four Local Government Areas of the state where Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting the State Constituency Assembly supplementary election.

    DSP Nnamdi Omoni, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said: “There is calm in the four LGAs; there is no report of any incidence for now.

    “Police personnel and officers from sister security agencies are on ground to ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.”

     

     

  • Herdsmen attack: Abia to offset medical bill of victim

    Abia State government has announced its readiness to offset the medical bill of a female victim that survived attempt by a Fulani herdsman to sniff out life from her at Ogbor ancient Kingdom in Aba North Local Government Area of the state.

    This was disclosed by the wife of the State Governor Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu when she paid unscheduled visit to the victim, Esther Ibem-Nmecha at the Aba General Hospital where she has in the past two weeks been receiving medical attention.

    Ibem-Nmecha, a single mother was fortnight ago attacked by a Fulani herdsman identified as Garuba Salisu at No. 1 Peppels road behind the popular Enyimba Hotel on Aba-Ikot Ekpene expressway after she had asked him to remove his cows from her business premises.

    Abia First Lady who was said to have visited the hospital on her return from visit overseas directed the management of the hospital to ensure that they gave Esther the best treatment and medical services that would enhance her recovery speed.

    Deaconess Ikpeazu who was touched with the condition of the victim who was in pains throughout the stay of the First Lady assured that the state government would ensure that the matter wasn’t swept under the carpet.

    “I just came back and heard about what happened and I decided to come by myself. The governor has said that the government will settle every medical bill.

    READ ALSO: Abia oil communities flaunt cultural feast

    “I’m therefore pleading with the hospital management to do whatever you can do and be assured that government will take care of everything.

    “I know that the man who did this is already in the custody and the government is not keeping silent. Something must be done to see that we don’t have this kind of thing again,” she said.

    Speaking to journalists, the Chief Executive, Hospital Management Board of Abia State, Dr. Ngozi Nduka said that efforts are on ground to pull specialists to see how the victim can still make use of her severed left hand.

    “We have prosthesis. We are going to invite plastic surgeons to see what they can do. The fingers are already off. We are not going to fix them back because they didn’t come with her.

    “She came here without those fingers. If the Plastic surgeons wants to have her fingers fixed with prosthesis (artificial fingers) then she can still use those fingers.

    “Thank God it’s on her left fingers except if she is left handed. So, I believe that with the plastic surgeons coming in, there could be some forms of rehabilitation to ensure that her finger is still usable.”

    Nduka who said she cannot estimate the exact amount the surgery may cost, went further to say that it will cost a lot.

    She appreciated the Abia first lady for her visit and assurance that the government will foot every medical bill involved.

    Also speaking, the Transitional Committee Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Barr. Charles Esonu assured that he would make sure that the attacker, Garuba Salisu who is already remanded in prison would face full trial.

    Esonu further disclosed that he has started interacting with the Hausa-Fulani community in the local government to ensure that there won’t be any recurrence.

    According to him, he would also reach out to the members of the State House of Assembly to see how the anti-grazing law in the state would be further strengthened.

     

  • INEC delegation visits family of late ad hoc staff in Rivers

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said its delegation had paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Miss Ibisaki Amachree.

    Amachree, an INEC ad hoc staff was shot and killed during the Feb. 23 Presidential Election in Rivers.

    The Commission in a notice on its official facebook page on Saturday,  said that the delegation was led by the Electoral Officer, Degema LGA, Mr Patrick Uzoka.

    The visit took place a few days after the unfortunate incident.

    Read also: Polls: INEC chair, IGP, others blame politicians for violence, malpractices

    It noted that Uzoka commiserated with and presented a token to her family on behalf of the Commission.

    It disclosed that Uzoka was accompanied by the Head, Servicom, Mr Augustine Okogbule.

    Amachree, was reported to have been hit by a bullet while returning from election duty in Degema.

    She was buried on Saturday, March 30 at the Port Harcourt cemetery.(NAN)

  • Pele undergoes successful kidney stone surgery

    Brazilian football great Pele has successfully undergone surgery for the removal of a kidney stone in a Sao Paulo hospital.

    The Albert Einstein Hospital said on its website that Pele’s surgery went well, but did not provide additional details.

    The 78-year-old returned to Brazil on April 2 after spending five days in a Paris hospital for a urinary infection.

    He had been in France to attend an event with Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

    Pele has been in the hospital frequently over the last few years for kidney and prostate problems.

  • Pogba penalties seal victory for Manchester United over West Ham

    Two penalties from Paul Pogba earned Manchester United a 2-1 win over West Ham at Old Trafford as they moved up to fifth, within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea.

    Pogba converted in the first half after Robert Snodgrass was adjudged to have fouled Juan Mata and after Felipe Anderson equalised early in the second, struck again after a foul on Anthony Martial.

    United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rested Victor Lindelof, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay ahead of next week’s Champions League game at Barcelona while Marko Arnautovic did not even make the bench for West Ham.

    Fred had a shot from outside the area blocked after the ball fell to him from a Mata corner, and Declan Rice cut out a Martial pass as United tried to work the ball into the box.

    After 10 minutes, West Ham had the ball in the net when Anderson hooked home amid defensive confusion, only for United to be reprieved by a tight offside call.

    But after 19 minutes Pogba who put United ahead from the spot after Snodgrass challenged Mata just inside the area.

    Lanzini saw a free kick deflected over after Pogba was penalised for a high foot 25 yards out, and Anderson’s flick-on went across goal with no teammate able to get a touch.

    Romelu Lukaku set up a chance for Pogba, whose strike was blocked, and he was again involved when he found Dalot, whose attempt was wayward.

    With the first half entering its final 10 minutes, Mata’s cross was steered over by Martial from a difficult angle and then Chris Smalling’s header from a Mata corner was too high.

    But West Ham needed only four minutes of the second half to level, Lanzini producing an excellent cross for Anderson to steer past De Gea from close range.

    The visitors were growing in confidence, Pablo Zabaleta trying his luck with a shot from outside the area that was held by De Gea.

    Solskjaer made an early change as he looked to refresh his side, Rashford on for Mata, and Rashford almost made an instant impact when his angled strike was stopped by Lukasz Fabianski.

    Lanzini suffered an injury and was unable to continue, Grady Diangana replacing him and then Rashford headed over from close range when he should have scored.

    Marcos Rojo tried his luck from 25 yards, Fabianski saving, and at the other end Rojo blocked a fierce Rice effort.

    Former United player Javier Hernandez made way for Michael Antonio after 72 minutes and Solskjaer made a double change, Mason Greenwood on for Lukaku and Andreas Pereira replacing Rojo.

    Moments after West Ham had introduced Ryan Fredericks for Zabaleta, Antonio smashed a fine strike against the crossbar from the edge of the box with De Gea well beaten, and the United keeper then conjured a stunning save from the same player’s header.

    And the Hammers were left to rue those moments when United were awarded their second penalty, Fredericks fouling Martial and Pogba stepping up to convert again for the game’s decisive moment.

  • Juventus in shock defeat at SPAL

    Juventus were denied the chance of winning Serie A for a record eighth time in a row on Saturday, following a shock 2-1 defeat at relegation-threatened SPAL.

    Kevin Bonifazi and Sergio Floccari struck as SPAL completed a most unlikely turnaround to claim three points in their battle to avoid the drop, making Juventus wait a while longer to be confirmed champions again.

    Juve only needed a point to be certain of winning the league and Massimiliano Allegri made a whole host of changes resting Cristiano Ronaldo, Federico Bernardeschi, Mario Mandzukic, Alex Sandro, Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Ajax.

    But his selection gamble backfired after Moise Kean’s 29th minute strike spurred SPAL into life.

    Kean found the back of the net for the fourth Serie A match in a row and a sixth in succession for club and country but his effort came against the run of play following a lively start from the home side.

    And SPAL equalised on 49 minutes with defender Bonifazi heading in from a corner before Floccari completed the comeback 16 minutes from time when he swept home from 12 yards.

    SPAL faced a nervous wait while the Video Assistant Referee investigated a potential handball by Alessandro Murgia in the build -up before the goal was given.

    Allegri responded by bringing on Bernardeschi from the substitutes’ bench but Juventus were left to rue a missed opportunity to wrap the title up early.

    The only consolation for the reigning champions is that they will win Serie A again if Napoli fail to beat Chievo on Sunday.

    SPAL, meanwhile, moved up to 13th in the table with the three points — seven clear of the bottom three.

    “We had a lot of young players and they did well, but above all the second goal showed a lack of experience,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

    “Kean was feeling a little tired, so I preferred to take him off. When he starts moving wide and doesn’t attack the goal as much, it means it’s time to get him off the field.

    “He has different characteristics to [Mario] Mandzukic, but obviously having him in this shape is important and I’ll evaluate what to do on Tuesday.” (ESPN)

  • Buhari seeks cooperation of neighbouring countries on small arms

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called for wider cooperation among countries of Sahel and Saharan regions to counter the infiltration of small arms to Nigeria.

    Buhari noted the importance of not allowing the flow of small harms into the hands of militia forces, bandits and insurgents who are becoming a threat to human rights and internal security.

    The president spoke in N’Djamena, the Chadian capital for  one-day Extraordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, CEN-SAD, alongside his host and current Chairperson of CEN-SAD, Idriss Deby Itno and their counterparts from Niger and Togo, with high-level representations from other member-countries.

    The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu in Abuja, stated that Nigeria under him has worked closely with immediate neighbours to stem the widespread availability of small arms and light weapons making their way into Nigeria, but the “very disturbing recent developments” have impelled the administration to seek support from a wider circle of countries if the illegal inflows are to be curtailed.

    He said that the President was also putting on the table for discussions, the problems of irregular migration, trafficking in persons, especially of women and children as part of the security nature of his engagements.

    According to the statement, “It is in view of the significance of this organization and the role it can play in furthering domestic security that President Buhari ordered the reinvigoration of our nation’s interest, approved the payment of the backlog of unpaid funds and for a speedier work on the processes of the ratification of the treaty binding the members of the organization.

    “While in N’Djamena, President Buhari is also expected to press for the protection of the well-being of the large population of Nigerians living both legally and illegally in Libya, which is the host country of the CEN-SAD Secretariat.”

  • Low turnout mars Rivers supplementary polls

    Low turnout of voters on Saturday marred the supplementary elections in Abua/Odual, Gokana, Opobo/Nkoro and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State for four constituencies in the state’s House of Assembly, which could not be concluded on March 9 as a result of violence, militarisation and thuggery.

    It was gathered the voter apathy was as a result of fear of violence experienced across Rivers state during the February 23 presidential and National Assembly elections as well as the March 9 governorship and House of Assembly polls.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the supplementary elections in Gokana constituency with 129,086 registered voters, Opobo/Nkoro constituency with 7,344 registered voters; Ahoada West constituency with 36,692 registered voters and Abua/Odual constituency with 88,561 registered voters.

    INEC’s Head, Voter Education and Publicity, Edwin Enabor, described the supplementary elections as peaceful and smooth.

    He stated the electoral materials arrived at the various polling units on time without any hitch, while lauding security agencies to doing the needful.

    Read also: Bring perpetrators, sponsors of cultism in Rivers to book, AAC’s Awara tells FG

    Enabor noted that since the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Rivers refused to release youth corps members for the exercise, the electoral commission made use of its permanent staff and some students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) as ad hoc staff.

    He also noted that on March 9, the House of Assembly elections were inconclusive in Opobo/Nkoro and Ahoada West state constituencies by margins of lead with the election disrupted in Gokana constituency.

    But in Abua/Odual state constituency, supplementary election held because there was no deployment of electoral materials and men on March 9, indicating that there was no election at all in the LGA.

    As at the time of filing the report, results of the elections were still being collated.

  • How community leader raped me, by teenager

    A teenager (names withheld) has told an Edo State Family Court sitting in Bénin City how she was raped by a community leader identified as Goddey Jatto, aged 34.

    The minor was said to have been allegedly defiled by Goddey who is the Odionwere of Jatto Street in Oregbeni Quarters.

    Speaking while being led in evidence by Police Prosecutor, Inspector Thomas Ojo, the victim said she was accosted, taken to a bush behind a fish-pond in the area and defiled by Jatto on January 22, 2019.

    “While I was waiting for my mother at the shop, I decided to go to a neighbour to help me call my mother on phone.

    “Before I could get to the neighbour’s house, I changed my mind and turned back because I did not want to upset my mother.

    “As I was returning to the shop, Jatto called me to help him take a book to his wife and I refused because I do not want my mother to get to the shop and not meet me there.

     “He insisted and as I walked close to him, he held my hand, closed my mouth with his other hand and dragged me to the back of his house by the fish-pond.

    Read also: I was accosted by a community leader, raped behind fish pond, Teenager tells court

    “He removed my pant, brought out his baby (penis) and forced it inside my baby (virginal).

    “It was so painful and when he finished, he gave me N200 and turned my back, trying to do the same thing again. I bend-down, picked my pant from the floor and ran,” she said.

    The child (victim) told the court that immediately she ran back to the shop, she met her mother and narrated her ordeal.

    “My mother cried, fell and couldn’t move. She informed the Police; they took us to the police station the next day,” she said.

    Mother of the victim said the defendant was initially released at Oregbeni Police Station and was under pressure for amicable settlement but she refused.

    She claimed that she was contacted by officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and assured that justice would prevail on the matter

    Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. D.I Adamaigbo, who refused bail application for the suspect adjourned the case to May 2, 2019, for accelerated hearing.

  • Police confirm two Delta suspected robbers dead

    The Nigeria Police, Delta Command, says it has killed two suspected armed robbers operating around Ekette Waterside in Udu Local Government Area of the state.

    Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Chuks Orisewezie, disclosed this on behalf of the Command in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Warri.

    According to him, the Divisional Police Officer of Ovwian/Aladja, SP Idoko  Okwudih, and his team, while on surveillance patrol received a distress call that some armed robbers were operating around Ekette Water Side on April 10, 2019 at about 4:00 p.m.

    Read also: Two die as vehicle rams vehicle into truck in Ogun

    “Based on the information, the patrol team, in a swift response, proceeded to the scene where they saw four boys suspected to be armed robbers on two motorcycles.

    “The boys opened fire on the patrol team and during the exchange, two of the robbers were gunned down, rushed to the hospital for treatment and later confirmed dead.

    “Items recovered from them included one cut-to- size double barrel gun with three live cartridges.

    “Efforts are on to track down the others who escaped with bullet wounds,” the statement said. (NAN)