Nation
Abuja
The Bill for an Act to amend Police Act, 2014, to provide for enlistment requirement and welfare, align punishments with realities, 2017 scaled second reading at the Senate last Tuesday.
The Bill, sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC-Lagos) scaled first reading on June 15.
Leading debate on the bill, Tinubu said the Nigeria Police Force was the agency of government tasked with the maintenance of peace, law and order within the country’s border.
She said that the Nigeria Police Act empowered the agency to preserve law and order among others, adding that the importance of its role could not be over-emphasised.
She, therefore, argued that there was the need to strengthen such important institution.
Borno
The Police Command in Borno State last Wednesday confirmed that 19 people were killed in the latest deadly Boko Haram attacks in Maiduguri in Nigeria’s troubled North East.
The attacks, which occurred last Tuesday, claimed the lives of 12 Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members and seven civilians, according to the Borno State Commissioner of Police Borno, Mr Damian Chukwu.
Our source reports that no fewer than 860 CJTF members have lost their lives to the insurgency in Borno since 2014.
Chukwu told reporters in Maiduguri on Wednesday that at least 23 people sustained injuries in the latest attacks.
The commissioner, who had since visited the scenes of the attacks, said that four female suicide bombers attacked Moloi, Judumeri and Polo-Sabongari areas of Maiduguri.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command says it has arrested six persons for allegedly selling unregistered SIM cards in the state.
The command’s spokesman, Mr Adamu Abdullahi, made this known to journalists in Dutse last Wednesday.
Abdullahi said five out of the suspects were arrested on Hakimi Street and at New Market, Dutse, while an other was held at Hadejia Town.
He said the corps confiscated over 5,000 assorted SIM cards during the raid.
The NSCDC spokesman assured the public that the corps would continue to stop the illegal sale and use of such SIM cards, stressing that illegal sale of SIM cards posed serious threat to national security.
He appealed to Nigerians to stop using unregistered SIM cards.
Kaduna
The General Manager, Freedom Radio, Kaduna, Malam Adamu Ladan, has urged journalists to always equip themselves with more knowledge for effective discharge of their roles to the society.
Ladan gave the advice in a paper he presented at a 2- day workshop organised by Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said journalists must remain disciplined, non-partisan and professional while discharging their duties.
The general manager, particularly said journalists must have the professional competence to hold elected leaders to account.
Earlier, Chairman, Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Mr Nuhu Shadalafiya said journalists must avoid misrepresentation of facts.
Katsina
A political group, Aminu Masari Restoration Awareness Forum, says measures taken by the Katsina State Government have restored sanity and accountability in the state public service.
Daura Zone Coordinator of the forum, Malam Sani Salele, said problems of truancy and laxity recorded in the past have been addressed.
According to him, `Gov Aminu Masari-led administration has restored dignity, probity, confidence and accountability in the service through various incentives introduced in the past two years.
“Now there is the feeling of job security among the civil servants and freedom of expression as the government is amenable to promoting democratic ideals,” Salele said in an interview with newsmen in Daura last Wednesday.
Kogi
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has appealed to members of the state University Academic Staff Union to call off their strike and resume work.
Bello, who visited the university at Ayagba last Tuesday, pledged to pay all the salary arrears of lecturers and non-academic staff of the institution this month.
He said that the payment would cover those on contract and study leave, as well as those employed in 2015.
The governor, however, said those who took the government to court would not benefit from the payment.
Lagos
A retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Mr Israel Ajao, last Tuesday appealed to members of the public to stop killing suspected members of the badoo cult group terrorising Ikorodu, Lagos.
Chairman, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Ajao made the appeal during a security town hall meeting organised by the corps for communities in and around Ikorodu.
He described the killing of suspected badoo members by a mob as uncivilised.
According to reports, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transporters, traders, the youth, military, paramilitary and private security organisation’s attended the meeting.
Nasarawa
The management of Breeze 99.9 FM, Lafia, has dragged the Nasarawa State Government to court over the demolition of the private radio station.
In the suit filed at High Court 4, Lafia, the station is demanding N1.5 billion as compensation for damage it suffered following the demolition of the structures housing the outfit, and the communication equipment inside them.
According to Counsel to Breeze FM, Mr Ocha Ulegede, the station is also praying the court to declare the action of the state government “illegal, unconstitutional, high-handed and vindictive”.
“We are asking for public apology and monetary damages totalLing more than of N1.5 billion.
Niger
Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger S last Tuesday met with former Niger governors, ministers and political leaders over the security situation in the state.
The meeting, held behind closed doors at the state house in Minna, also discussed other crucial issues affecting the state.
Retired Col. Yohanna Madaki, former military governor of Kastina State, who briefed newsmen after the meeting, listed issues discussed to include security challenges, Internally Generated Revenue and infrastructure.
“The meeting also agreed to set up a six-man committee to play an advisory role toward moving the state forward.
Ogun
A 35-year-old man, Fatai Adeboye, who allegedly stole a blackberry phone valued at N60,000 at a bus stop, was last Wednesday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State. Adeboye, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of stealing.
Police Prosecutor, Chudu Gbesi told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 5 at 2.00 p.m. at Ijoko near Ota.
Gbesi said the accused robbed the complainant, Hannah Akinwande, of a Blackberry phone valued at N60, 000 at a bus stop in Ijoko.
“But the accused was caught and handed over to the police,’’ he said.
The offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun.
Ondo
Two men, Samuel Akande (39) and Adewale Oluwatayo (24), were last Wednesday arraigned in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for allegedly stabbing one Akorede Akintade with a knife.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused, on May 30, around 12:30 p.m. at Bako Club in Okitipupa, had a mild misunderstanding with Akintade, when the incident happened.
He said that the accused, who drank to stupor, unlawfully assaulted Akintade by beating him, before using the knife, with which he caused serious harm and severe injuries to him.
Orogbemi added that the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 355 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The accused, of no fixed addresses and occupation, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge levelled against them.
Plateau
An NGO, Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA), has decried the rising spate of drug abuse and addiction among youths in the country.
The Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Jacob Pwakim, said this in an interview with newsmen last Wednesday in Jos.
According to him, consumption of illicit substances by youths poses a serious challenge to the growth and development of the Nigerian society.
He explained that over 60 per cent of Nigerian youths consumed various forms of illicit drugs, a development he said had made them irresponsible to themselves and the society.
‘’We will look for credible hands that will give us purposeful leadership in the nearest future and we won’t find any.”
In a bid to meaningfully engage secondary school students in Ogoniland during the Christmas holidays and beyond, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) has trained them on petroleum jelly and liquid soap making.
This is even as the Project has partnered with the National Orientation Agency(NOA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) to keep the students away from crime and other related social vices during the Yuletide, by giving them pep talks that would put them on their toes during the period.
This came to the fore as HYPREP recently organised an Ogoni Young Men Mentorship programme and life skill workshop with the theme, ‘Career Coaching: Developing The Young Minds’ at Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The beneficiaries of the programme are essentially members of environmental clubs in 13 schools in four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.
At the event, both NOA and NDLEA gave career talks to the students, aimed at keeping them off social vices like drug abuse and addiction as well as negative peer influences through out the Christmas holidays and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof NeinibariniZabbey said the Project deemed it necessary to invite the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) to speak to the students in order to shield them from negative peer influences as they are preparing to go for the Christmas holidays.
He explained that the workshop would enable the students to know when the signs of the negative peer influences start coming.
Zabbey, who was represented at the occasion by HYPREP’s Head of Sustainable Livelihood, Mrs Josephine Nzidee, said the Project is not only going to train the beneficiaries but also give them the tools and skills that would grow them in the future so that they would start making money for themselves.
Also addressing the students, the Rivers State Coordinator of the National Orientation Agency(NOA), Mr Young Ayo-Tamuno expressed delight for meeting young minds, to discuss issues on values, describing it as a great opportunity.
He noted that there are seven values which constitute the role and commitment of the government towards the citizenry and another seven core values which constitute the code for the citizens.
While commending HYPREP for organising the event, Ayo-Tamuno said team work is key to making Nigeria a better place for all, as both the government and the citizens have their respective roles to play, with each staying committed and focused.
The Chief Programme Officer of NOA, Mr Henry Ayede was the one who actually mounted the rostrum and drilled the students on the seven core values embodied in the National Value Charter for citizens, and stressed the need for them to imbibe them and put them to practice as they grow up.
Ayede listed the values to include discipline, duty of care, leadership, tolerance and respect, transparency, environmental awareness and resilience.
He also underscored the need for the students to imbibe the spirit of hard work and dignity of labour, contending that while hard work and dedication contribute to success, every job can contribute to national development.
According to him, dignity in labour is the foundation of success.
On his part, Mr Bill Ebiokpo of the Media/ Advocacy Unit of NDLEA, who represented the Bori Area Commander of the agency, advised the students to guard against drug abuse and addiction, which he said have far reaching consequences.
The Principal of the Senior Secondary of Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Barrister Bob Agbozi thanked HYPREP for organising the programme, which he said enriched his knowledge and that of the students on the core values guiding the society, saying inculcating such values in young people and teaching them practical skills have contributed immensely to the greatness of advanced countries and even countries like Rwanda in Africa.
He noted that the career coaching would change the behavioral pattern of the students particularly during the Yuletide.
He also thanked NOA for the career talks and urged it to replicate the programme in other places, not only in schools but also in market places.
The training of the students on petroleum jelly and liquid soap making was anchored by an expert, MrsLekpa Abel, with HYPREP workers lending a helping hand.
It was, indeed, a practical session with the students, who came face to face with the production materials of the products.
Donatus Ebi
It was celebration galore as the people of Isu Community in Etche Local Government Area of River State held a civic reception in honour of the Council Chairman, Dr Uzodinma Nwafor .
The epoch- making ceremony which took place recently at the community ancestral home saw the attendance of the political class, the clergy, opinion leaders, the academia, youths, women, elders and chiefs gather to honour their brand new chairman.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Etche Local Government Council, Dr Uzodinma Nwafor expressed gratitude to the people for according him such honour, saying it shows their unwavering support to the development of Etche.
Nwafor announced the readiness of his administration to embark on electrification of Ozuzu clan including Isu community.
The Etche council boss also said the market at Isu will be reconstructed to improve the economic life of the people.
He revealed that the two projects will commence in January as efforts are on to mobilise the contractors.
Nwafor told the mammoth crowd that his major concern remains, peace and unity of the entire Etche, saying security of lives and property remains top on his agenda as no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of violence.
He urged parents to encourage their wards and children to refrain from violence and embrace peace. “Let us allow Etche to be at peace .Don’t allow any body to use you set Etche ablaze. Parents advise your children to stay away from crime .We must stay in peace and unity. Our children must shun violence ,it can’t take us anywhere as a people ,” he declared.
He thanked the people for their support as well thank their son, former commissioner for Energy ,Okey Amadi for being a Pilar of his political sojourne.
Earlier, the Isu opinion leader and Principal, Community Secondary School, Mgbosomini in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Chijioke Amadi said the honour done Etche chairman was a collective division of his people.
Amadi described the council boss as an illustrious son who has contributed immensely to the wellbeing of the community.
He declared that his community and the entire Etche will keep supporting him because he is doing well.
Amadi urged the people to keep praying for him and the Rivers State Governor to succeed in delivering dividends of democracy.
Senate has set up an adhoc committee to investigate the demolition of buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT by the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, just as it summoned the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to appear before it to explain the reasons behind the demolitions, which have left many residents stranded
The resolutions followed a motion by Senator Ireti Kingibe ( FCT), who expressed concern over the illegal demolition of structures in the nation’s capital and called for an immediate stop to further demolitions.
The Red Chamber particularly ordered the FCDA to halt ongoing demolitions of property in the Territory within the next two weeks pending the report of its adhoc committee constituted to probe the issue.
The adhoc committee, to be chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru; Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Monguno, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Senator Sahabi Ya’u, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Idiat Adebule and Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, as members.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who announced the composition of the committee, gave it two weeks to submit its report.
Akpabio while reading the resolution of the Senate, said: “The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to stop further demolitions of structures, except those ordered by courts of competent jurisdictions, until the adhoc committee constituted by the Senate to ascertain the propriety or otherwise of the exercise concludes its investigation and interface with the FCT administration within the next two weeks.”
Kingibe in her lead debate said that in recent times, the demolition exercise in the FCT was no longer based on reasons that necessitated the demolition.
She urged the Senate to be further concerned that the current demolition in the FCT was not in line with due process of court orders to demolish.
“As such, a cross section of individuals had suffered untold hardships occasioned by massive demolition, which has led to a loss of properties worth billions of naira.
“Also concerned that at the moment, an estate by name, Messrs Paulosa, for which late Colonel Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor is the chairman, is currently under revocation and demolition. And from reliable information, the said plot of land was allocated to him in 1984 with requisite title document.
“And further concerned that the owner of this estate was a patriotic Nigerian who served the nation meritoriously and one of the first intakes of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, with registration Number 001,” Kingibe said.
She urged the Senate to accordingly resolve to urge the FCT administration to halt the ongoing revocation and demolition of the said property, “as it does not fall within the purview of the reasons for the massive demolition being carried by the FCDA.”
Senator Kingibe also advocated thatall demolitions should follow due process while the Senate set up a committee to investigate the matters arising from the demolition.
However, Senator Sunday Karimi ( Kogi West) in his contribution said the Senate needs to hear from the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, before ordering a halt to the demolitions.
“If you look at this motion, the presenter said, a specific land allocation was mentioned belonging to one Paul Ogbebor.
“We don’t know anything about this thing and we are just coming because of this to tell the minister to stop?
“There is need to investigate this matter before giving any directive. We must hear from the minister. But we have to hear before we say stop demolition.
“Let’s hear from the Minister. You cannot shave a man’s head at his back. We need to hear from the Minister,” Karimi said.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), however disagreed with Karimi, saying that the request that the Senate should call on the FCT minister to halt further demolitions was in order.
He said: “Mr. President, with respect I disagree with Mr. Karimi. I think we need to be fair to everyone. There is before us an allegation that says certain steps are to be taken which will culminate in demolition. Are we saying that we should allow the place to be demolished while we are trying to look into it?”
In his response, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio agreed with the chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, saying “my thought is in line with yours. If we just say, continue the demolition, and then we start investigation, what are we then investigating?”
He, thereafter, read the resolution of the Senate calling on the FCT Minister to halt further demolitions of property in the FCT pending the investigative report of its adhoc committee chaired by the Deputy Senate President.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi