Nation
THE STATES
FCT
A Kado Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, yesterday sentenced
two men, Ali Idris and Shamsu Ibrahim, to one month imprisonment each for stealing a generator tank.
The convicts, who both reside at Jabi Motor Park, Abuja, had pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, said the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.
Sadiq, however, gave them an option of N5, 000 fine each.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that a police patrol team from Utako Police Station, Abuja, arrested and brought the accused to the station on July 20 for stealing the generator tank.
Jigawa
Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa on
Tuesday said his administration had taken measures to address the shortage of 4, 500 teachers in primary and secondary schools in the state.
Badaru told members of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals (ANCOPs) who paid him a courtesy visit in Dutse, that he had engaged a consultant to recruit qualified teachers to bridge existing gap.
He also said that the administration would introduce a new technology to enhance teachings and learning in the state.
Badru said that his government would also give enough incentives to teachers to motivate them to deliver quality teaching to students.
He said the government had approved payment of its 2013 counterpart fund to the National Basic Education Commission, to enable it access vital funds for schools expansion and provision of furniture.
Kaduna
Stakeholders in child protection are to embark on massive
awareness campaign as part of efforts to push for the domestication of the Child Rights Acts in Kaduna State, an official has said.
Acting Director, Social Welfare and Child Development, Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Musa, discused this to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday.
Musa said that several residents of the state were still not aware of the contents of the Acts and the need for its domestication at the state level after the National Assembly did it in 2003.
According to him, the awareness campaign has become necessary to enlighten the public about the contents and gains of the acts following increasing rate of child abuse in the state.
Musa said the enlightenment campaign would be done using media outfits, churches, mosques, community-based organisations and town-hall meetings.
The director said that the stakeholders would also carry out advocacy visits to relevant faith–based institutions, traditional rulers and government bodies, to seek their support.
Kebbi
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kebbi State
yesterday dismissed the petition filed by the PDP governorship candidate, retired Gen. Bello Sarkin-Yaki, challenging the election of Governor Atiku Bagudu.
Bagudu of the APC was returned elected as governor of the state by INEC at the April 2015 general election.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Kazem Alogba, who delivered the verdict in Birnin Kebbi, said the petitioner failed to adhere to the process of filing a petition.
He averred that the petitioner abandoned the petition by filing for a free hearing notice behind time.
Counsel to the petitioner, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, however, objected to the decision of the tribunal, stressing that an appeal would be filed at the Court of Appeal in Sokoto.
Kogi
The Nigerian Association of Hospital and Administrative
Pharmacists, yesterday in Lokoja expressed concern over the poor rating of Nigeria’s health system by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to the association, WHO in its recent report placed Nigeria in the 187 position out of 190 countries in its rating of global health systems.
The association, in a communiqué signed by its National Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Ndah-Ameh, suggested a multifaceted approach involving all health professionals to change the trend.
It said that improvement of health indices in Nigeria remains a collective agenda requiring holistic approach anchored on the triple framework of people, process and structure.
The association reiterated that pharmacists remained an integral and indispensable professional group in the delivery of quality healthcare to patients in Nigeria.
It frowned at the“ irrational use of drugs” in the country which had resulted in avoidable morbidity and mortality.
Kwara
The Zonal Transport Officer (ZTSO), Federal Road Safety Com
mission (FRSC), Ilorin Zonal Headquarters, Mr Godwin Zawua, has urged religious leaders to allow staff of his commission deliver lectures on road safety in mosques and churches.
Zawua made the request in Ilorin yesterday in his speech at the meeting of the Senate of Catholic Priests of Ilorin Diocese.
He said such enlightenment lectures could help in the effort at reducing carnage on the highways.
He said FRSC was also ready to assist in the training and retraining of students, priests and clergies at seminaries and theology schools.
He thanked the Catholic Priests Dioceses in Ilorin for giving him the opportunity to talk to them on road safety precautions.
Lagos
An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Tues
day ordered the remand in Ikoyi Prisons of an alleged cult-member charged with the murder of Femi Egbekunle and Saliu Maja- during a street-fight.
The accused, Gbenga Shodiya, whose address was not disclosed, is facing a three-count charge bordering on murder and unlawful killing before Magistrate O.O.A. Fowowe-Erusiafe.
Fowowe-Erusiafe ordered that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons for 30 days pending the receipt of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs).
She also directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file to be forwarded to the DPPs for legal advice saying the court lacked the jurisdiction to prosecute murder cases.
Nasarawa
The Chairman, Wamba Local Government Council of Nasarawa
State, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu-Wayo, has called for 24 hours security surveillance in the area to check incessant robbery attacks on communities.
Shuaibu-Wayo made the appeal yesterday while briefing newsmen after the joint security and peace meeting of the area in Wamba.
He said that the strategy would curtail the activities of men of the underworld so as to enable the people of the area sleep with their two eyes closed as well as to go about their normal business without fear of attack.
“The aim of this joint security and peace meeting is to brainstorm on ways or how to ensure peace in this local government and the state at large because no nation or society can develop in an atmosphere of rancour, confusion and security challenges.
“The security challenges facing our area, the state and some parts of the country had not only affected our lives negatively but had also affected the socio-economic development of the country negatively.
Niger
A Minna Magistrates’ Court yesterday ordered the remand in
prison custody of a man, Samaila Umar, for allegedly committing rape.
The accused was arraigned in court on a 6-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery, rape, mischief, resisting arrest and causing grievous hurt.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Daniel Ikwoche, told the court that one Isiaku Abubakar reported the matter at the Lapai Divisional Police station on July 21.
Ikwoche said that the complainant alleged that he was on his way to Lapai from Minna, with a girl, when the accused and four others, now at large, attacked him at a point between Takuti and Cheche villages with gun, cutlass and sticks.
He said the complainant further alleged that the suspect had carnal knowledge of the girl, and robbed them of N256, 000 as well as other valuables.
Ogun
A 30-year-old female sales representative, Adeola Salami, was
yesterday arraigned before an Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft of N2.6 million, property of King’s Court Ideal Anchor Ltd.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale, the accused committed the offence on June 20 at King’s Court Anchor Ltd, Ibara in Abeokuta.
He said that the accused, who was an employee of King’s Court Ideal Anchor Ltd., sold an assortment of recharge cards worth N2.6million.
The prosecutor submitted that the offences contravened Sections 383 (2) and 390 (6) of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of fraudulent conversion and theft, was represented by Olokede Obadina.
Oyo
An Iyaganku Senior Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku yes
terday sentenced a scavenger, Saudiq Olatunji,18, to 23 days imprisonment for stealing 56 pieces of casted iron rods from an uncompleted building.
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Patricia Adetuyibi, who handed down the judgment, said Olatunji should serve the term with hard labour.
Adetuyibi said that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to other scavengers who steal in the guise of scavenging.
Olatunji was arraigned before the magistrate on a one-count charge of stealing.
Our correspondent reports that the convict was arraigned on July 22 and had pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Plateau
The police on yesterday arraigned two mechanics, Shuaibu Saleh,
23, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25, in a Jos Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a car.
The accused persons, both of Bauchi Road, Jos, were charged with criminal conspiracy and theft.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Thomas Ahmadu, told the court that one Francis Nimyel of Abbattior Jos, reported the matter at the A Division Police Station on July 29.
Ahmadu said that on the same date, the complainant alighted from his car to see a friend at the Old Bukuru Park, when the accused persons attacked him and made away with his Toyota Camry car valued at N950, 000.
He said that the accused also stole Nimyel’s wallet which contained N20, 000, three ATM cards, driver’s licence and two cell phones valued at N23, 000.
Taraba
Some residents of Jalingo yesterday urged the police to intensify
surveillance against fraudsters operating in Taraba State.
They told newsmen in Jalingo that increase in the activities of the fraudsters was a matter of great concern to the populace.
Alhaji Saidu Abdullahi, who lost N15,000 to two fraudsters on Friday, said they posed as estate agents, collected his money and vanished after promising him a two-bedroom flat.
Another victim, Miss Rifkatu Adda, claimed that she surrendered N9, 000 to a fraudster in Dorawa area of the town after she was hypnotised on Sunday.
The state correspondent of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, Mr Sylvanus Viashami, was however lucky to escape the antics of a fraudsters who called his cell phone.
Our correspondent gathered from victims that the fraudsters mostly operate around Mile Six, Sintali and Duwala market areas of Jalingo.
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
-
Rivers3 days ago
PH/Owerri Road Users Express Relief Over Killing Of Kidnap Kingpin
-
Featured3 days ago
FG urges unified efforts against emerging COVID-19 threats
-
Business3 days ago
Nigeria’ll Lead In Agricultural Export This Year – Tinubu
-
News3 days ago
You’ve Shown Courage In Defence Of Rivers, Fubara Tells Sen Mbata …As He Marks 65th Birthday
-
Rivers3 days ago
Commissioner Commends Gov Over Support For Ministry
-
Rivers3 days ago
Rivers CP decorates 118 Newly promoted officers of the police Command.
-
Women3 days ago
Dealing With Issues Of Singlehood
-
News3 days ago
Monarch Hails RSG for Siting COE In Opobo