Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The election of a new governor for Adamawa State will
hold October 11, 2014, nearly three months after Governor Murtala Nyako was removed by state lawmakers, the state Residential Electoral Commissioner, Kasim Gaidam, has announced.
Nyako was impeached alongside his deputy on July 15 after a prolonged battle with members of the State House of Assembly over allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
The governor was found guilty of all 16 charges leveled against him by the lawmakers, and his removal paved way for the speaker of the state assembly, Umaru Fintiri, to take over as acting governor.
Under the Nigerian Constitution, a new governor or president must be elected within 90 days in the event of an impeachment of a former holder of the office.
Borno
The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Idrissa Timta, who
was abducted last week Tuesday after his town was attacked and captured by Boko Haram insurgents, has appeared in public after escaping from the insurgents’ den.
The Emir who was held hostage in Mandara Mountains of Gwoza hills by the insurgents with some of unspecified number of his subjects, was said to have escaped captivity Sunday night due to heavy rainfall which allowed for relaxed watch from their abductors in the hills.
According to military sources in Maiduguri, the Emir and one of his district heads also held captive were able to escape with others to Madagali in Adamawa state.
The source further disclosed that the emir will be taking a trip to Yola where he will board a flight to Abuja. In Abuja, he will be expected to undergo medical checkup before taking him to an undisclosed location for safety.
It would be recalled that the emir was enthroned about three months ago when his father, Alhaji Idrissa Shehu Timta, his predecessor was killed by insurgents in a highway multiple attacks at Kwajaffa, in Adamawa state.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court on Monday dissolved the
26-year-old marriage between Yakubu Kasali, 50, and the wife, Florence.
The court’s President, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, had earlier slated judgment for June 30 after hearing from both parties in May. Florence, 43, sought divorce over alleged frequent fighting and lack of care for her and their children.
She said they always fought each time she demanded for school fees and welfare allowance for the children from her husband.
She claimed her husband was taking care of her and the children before he suddenly stopped doing so.
The mother of six also said that she was living in her husband’s family house, when he suddenly instructed his family to send her out of the house, alleging that she was witch.
The respondent denied the allegation, saying he had never beaten the wife since he married her.
Kasali explained that he had been taking care of the children by providing them money and food from his farm.
He denied sending the wife away, saying she was the one that decided to pack out of the family house.
Kasali alleged that she was deceived by a man who promised to marry her.
Dissolving the marriage, the President of the court, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, held that it had broken down irretrievably.
FCT
The Department of State Service (DSS), yesterday, appealed
to politicians to desist from the habit of dragging security forces into political matters.
DSS disclosed that it was being hunted by political parties for rejecting the N14 million bribe that was offered its officials in Osun State, during the gubernatorial election that took place last Saturday. The spokesperson of the Department of State Service (DSS), Marilyn Ogar, who stated this during the routine security briefing at the National Briefing Centre, in Abuja said the service could not be induced with money.
Ogar said, “The director that was in charge of election duty for the DSS was asked to come and collect N4 million for himself and N10 million for the men, because the money was declined, that is the offence that the DSS has committed.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Commissioner for Health, Dr Tafida Abubakar,
said on Monday that the state government had successfully controlled the spread of gastroenteritis disease in Hadejia community.
Hadejia town had recorded outbreak of gastro-enteritis two weeks ago, resulting in the death of seven people, while 306 others were treated.
However, Tafida told newsmen that those affected by the epidemic, had been treated and discharged from the General Hospital, Hadejia.
He said that apart from providing free treatment to those affected, government had directed the Waste Management Authority to clear garbage in the town, thereby checking the spread of the disease .
The commissioner said that the state government had also set up a technical committee to investigate the cause of the outbreak, with a view to averting its occurrence in future.
“The epidemic was recorded only in Hadejia town and we have recorded significant achievement in the effort towards total control of the disease.
Kwara
Kwara state government has announced the immediate
closure of a private hospital in Ilorin over a suspected Ebola Virus contaminations even as the government urged residents in the state not to panic noting that though the case was a global case, but that Kwara state is safe.
The Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Public Health,Professor Sunday Popoola,in company of his counterpart from the Secondary Health,Dr Ibrahim Gambari said this at a press conference in the government house, Ilorin.
Professor Popoola told journalists that a seven month old baby girl brought to a private hospital in Ilorin was suspected to have the Ebola virus adding that the victim had been isolated and quarantined in Sobi Specialist hospital.
He explained that the suspected baby girl came into the state with her mother as visitors from Ibadan Oyo state, adding that upon their entry into the state in August the child was taken to the private hospital on malaria case.
Lagos
Two men, who allegedly broke into three apartments and
carted away some valuables worth N 227,000, were on Monday brought before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, 34-year-old Charles Menye and 35-year-old Williams Ufort – are being tried for conspiracy, burglary and theft.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Kalu Umeh, told the court that the accused, who both reside at Satellite Town area of Lagos, broke into some homes and stole property valued at N 227,000.
Umeh said the accused committed the offences on May 8 at Tokumo Ajibade Close, Satellite Town.
According to him, the accused with others still at large raided the apartments of Mr Felix Adebayo, Jimoh Olawale and Mathias Ozofor respectively.
Nasarawa
Governor of Nasarawa State, Umar Tanko Al-Makura
Thursday called for the disarmament of all militia groups in the state and the country at large before the conduct of the 2015 general elections.
Al-Makura also implored the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to be independent as possible as the name suggests, noting that credible elections can only be guaranteed if the body lives up to expectations.
The governor spoke through the secretary to the state government, Zainab Abdulmumin in Lafia, the state capital at the 2014 security summit tagged “Security Uncertainties and Challenges of Elections: The Need for Re-Assessment of Security Strategies” organised by the Nigeria Securities and Civil Defence Corp, Nasarawa state command.
Al-Makura who decried politics of bitterness and rancour advised the electorates to be ready to defend their votes come 2015 pointing out that votes should not be canvassed for based on “deep pockets” but for the credibility of the individual seeking elective position in the land.
Ogun
Ex-Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has
requested the various tiers of governments in the country to empower youths in the country for national development.
He spoke yesterday immediately after a 2-km health walk to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day with the theme: “Youth and Mental Health”, organised by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Youth Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He emphasized the need for the training, empowerment as well as employment of the youths so as to engender national development, noting that “any nation that fails to prioritise the training and employment of its youths should be ready to battle challenges.”
The former president enjoined youths to embrace peace and contribute their quota towards national development.
Sokoto
Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and Aliyu Wamakko
of Sokoto States have called on Nigerians to vote wisely if they want to bid goodbye to poverty, insecurity and bad governance that have characterized development in the country in the last four years.
The duo spoke separately in Rimawa town, Sokoto, Thursday at the inauguration of a modern agricultural skills acquisition centre constructed by Wamakko’s administration.
Wamakko said Nigerians should not only be yearning for change but actualise their commitment through votes.
The governors described current government at the top as weak, inefficient and has failed to deliver in all respects.
According to them, the All Progressives Congress is ready to change the direction of Nigeria and Nigerians to a secure and better nation in the interest of the citizens.
Ameachi said there was need for a total departure from where Nigerians are now, adding that “the only treatment that can cure Nigerians of the Peoples Democratic Party is APC.
Nation
NUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.
The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.
In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.
The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.
They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.
The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.
“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.
The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.
“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.
The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.
“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.
The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.
“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.
Nation
New Rivers CP assures of non partisan …moves against human rights violation
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
Nation
Police invites assaulted female victim, assures of protection
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
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