Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Medical Unit of the 28 Taskforce Brigade Com
mand of the Nigerian Army, Mubi, says that it has treated over 3,000 people of various ailments in Mubi area of Adamawa.
Brig Gen. Victor Ezugwu ,Commander of the Task Force, told newsmen in Mubi.that the gesture was part of activities marking the 2015 Nigerian Army Day celebration, slated for every July 6.
He said that the medical reach-out covered communities where soldiers were deployed to carry out counter insurgency operations.
” Under the programme we are targeting no less than 5000 people. “But so far , we have already attended to over 3,000 people, all in Mubi area.” Ezugwu said.
He listed pregnant women, elderly people and children of five years and below, as those that benefited from the gesture.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command has advised people of the
state to be on the alert following Sunday’s twin blast in parts of neighbouring Jos metropolis in Plateau state.
The command gave the advice in a statement issued by DSP Haruna Mohammed, the command’s spokesperson, and made available to journalists.
“Against the backdrop of prevailing security challenges, the Bauchi State Police Command urges members of the general public to be security conscious of their physical and social environment .
“They should pay special attention to persons and objects, particularly at motor parks, shopping malls, markets, schools and places of worships etc.
“They should also report suspicious persons or objects within their neighborhood, especially on motorcycles and tricycles, to the nearest Police station, or through the emergency numbers 08151849417, for prompt response”, it advised.
Borno
The Nigerian Army has released 182 detainees recently
cleared of any association with the Boko Haram insurgents.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, presented the detainees to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
Minimah said the detainees were arrested few months back in Borno State and other parts of the country.
He said the military decided to release them after they had been cleared by an investigation panel.
Minimah said the detainees include 100 men, 24 women,18 teenagers and 40 children.
“We believe that the state government will work towards reintegrating them back to the society,” he said.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered that
one Kayode Oke, 32, be remanded in prison for allegedly attempting to kill his mother.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Bamikole Olasunkanmi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 29 in Igede-Ekiti.
Olasunkanmi told the court that the accused on the said date unlawfully attempted to commit murder by chasing his mother with a cutlass.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Cap C 16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
He also said that the case file had been sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
FCT
The Senegalese Head of State and current ECOWAS
Chairman, Macky Sall, has condemned the terrorist attacks in Nigeria in the last few days.
A statement issued by the Chairman and made available to the newsmen in Abuja said the attacks had left more than 150 dead and many others injured.
“In these painful circumstances, the Chairman presents his heartfelt condolences to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and brotherly people of Nigeria,” it stated.
It also quoted the Chairman as appealing for greater international mobilisation to end terrorism and violent extremism.
The statement also appealed for expeditious holding of the Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
It added that such summits were needed to map out a common strategy against the terrorist movements.
Gombe
The United Nations has commenced screening of 2,000
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) for the first phase of providing means of livelihood and early recovery support scheme to victims of Boko Haram insurgency.
The UN Resident Co-ordinator/UNDP on Resident Representative, Dr Daouda Toure, said in Gombe Monday while addressing the IDPs that the screening was to ascertain if they were actually victims of insurgency.
Toure said 500 beneficiaries would be selected from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, and the UN was partnering with the three state governments to ensure the success of the exercise.
Toure, who was represented by Mr Matthew Alao, UNDP’s Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Analyst, said the beneficiaries would be placed on a six-month or one-year skills acquisition programme.
According to him, all the beneficiaries would be accommodated and also paid allowances for the entire period.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has banned any form of
street begging and hawking in the state.
A statement signed by the media aide to the governor, Mr Samuel Aruwan in Kaduna, said the ban was with immediate effect.
The statement said that the order was to reinforce security in the state, following a suicide attack in Zaria, which claimed the lives of 25 people on Monday.
It emphasised that the ban on commercial motorcycle operation was still in force and government would deal decisively with offenders.
“All beggars and hawkers are to stay off the streets until further notice.
“Any beggar or hawker found on the streets will be arrested until these measures are relaxed,” it said.
Lagos
Some Nigerians in the Diaspora have urged the Federal
Government to be proactive in the global drug policy review and implementation.
The call by the group under the aegis of the United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UNID) is coming as the United Nations prepare for the periodic review of the global illicit drug policy in 2016.
UNID is a non-governmental organisation aimed at addressing youths’ challenges, providing succor to the downtrodden as well as collaborating with the governments in finding solutions to global and national social malaise.
UNID said in a statement by its President, Dr Paschal Okoli, that the unwholesome venture by Nigerians, especially youths in global drug trafficking had made it imperative for the Federal Government to maximise diplomatic overtures.
“The Federal Government must raise its voice in the global campaign against drug trafficking, production, use and against the killing of drug offenders, especially Nigerians in some Asian countries,” the statement said.
It said that the nonchalant attitude of government, especially Nigerian Embassies in the cases of alleged drug offenses, mostly in Asian countries had further embolden some countries to maltreat Nigerians.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has dis
tributed relief materials to 20 communities affected by the recent political clash in the state.
Speaking while distributing the items, the governor said that his administration was deeply concerned about the plight of the affected communities.
The items distributed include rice, beans, cooking pots, agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, herbicides and knap-sack sprayers, clothing materials, mattresses, roofing sheets and blankets.
He said that he made the donation in cooperation with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and National Emergency Management Agency.
Osun
A Senior Pastor at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-
Itura, Oshogbo, Osun State, Pastor Israel Adubi, has called for fervent prayer to end insurgency in the country.
Adubi made the call in Osogbo last Tuesday in an interview with newsmen on the renewed onslaught by the Boko Haram in the North.
He also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliations and political leanings, to come together and pray for divine intervention.
The cleric explained that the trend in insurgency in which young females were used as suicide bombers was dangerous and worrisome.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has dolled out foodstuff and clothing materials worth N9.7 million to indigent women ahead of the Sallah festival.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Alhaji Suleiman Sarkin-Fulani disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
He said the ministry had set up committees to distribute the items which included rice, sugar, wrappers, cash, among others.
The permanent secretary said apart from the women, patients on admission in hospitals and physically challenged persons would also benefit.
“The gesture is aimed at assisting the women to observe the ongoing Ramadan fast with ease.
“The clothing materials will also enable them to dress perfectly during the forthcoming Sallah just like other advantaged women,” Sarkin-Fulani added.
Taraba
The management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC),
Jalingo, has appealed to the striking resident doctors to call off their strike in the interest of patients.
Dr Wiza Inusa, the Medical Director of the hospital, made the appeal at a news conference on Tuesday in Jalingo.
Inusa said that the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) had embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of skipping allowances for their members.
He, however, explained that skipping allowances was a nationwide matter and should not be localised by doctors in the hospital.
“The resident doctors are pressing for the implementation of skipping allowances by the Federal Government which is okay.
`
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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