Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has described the N18, 000 minimum wage as too small.
Speaking with newsmen in an interactive session on Christmas day in Yola, Nyako said the amount was to meager to cater for a family man.
Nyako was, however, quick to point out that in spite of the small amount, many state governments would find it difficult to implement.
He said this was because of the states’ sole dependence on the monthly federation account allocation.
Nyako said there was need for states to source for alternatives to oil money if they were to meet the growing developmental needs of their people.
He said it was the zeal to wean Adamawa from over dependence on oil money that his administration engaged in projects such as transforming agriculture by introducing commercial farming.
Bauchi
The wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Aisha Yuguda, has distributed food and textile materials to various churches in the state to mark the Christmas.
The materials were presented to various churches by the representative of the governor’s wife, who is also the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Talatu Barwa.
At the presentation in Bauchi on Saturday, Yuguda said “this is just a token gift to the Christian faithful to assist you in this year’s celebration. We pray that we celebrate the season in peace.’’
She felicitated with the Christian community in the state and prayed for a peaceful celebration.
Receiving the items, Mrs Suzana Moses of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Yelwa-Bauchi, expressed gratitude to the first lady and assured her that the gifts would be distributed accordingly.
FCT
Alhaji Balarabe Musa, National Chairman of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has urged the Federal Government to carry out a total reform of the electoral process.
Musa, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said it would help to reduce tension in the country.
He noted that Nigerians approved a complete overhaul of the electoral process, to ensure transparent and peaceful elections in the country.
“The whole purpose for the electoral reform, every Nigerian agrees, is to ensure the electoral process is credible.
“It must be credible and capable of bringing about free, fair and transparent election leading to a legitimate government and solving the perpetual crisis Nigerians are facing, particularly after every national election,’’ he said.
The PRP chairman decried the current trend in which candidates were imposed on the electorate without consideration for their freedom of choice.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has advised Christians to see Christmas as a period for sober reflection and stock taking on their relationship with God.
Yakowa, in Christmas message signed by Mr Reuben Buhari, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and made available last Friday, felicitated with Christians and the entire people of the state on the event.
He said “Christmas is not only a time for celebration, but a period for sober reflection and stock taking of God’s blessings.
“One of the areas we must reflect on is our relationship with God and with our fellow humans and therefore Christians and the entire people of Kaduna State must be committed to religious harmony, peaceful living and understanding of one another.”
Kano
Malam Ahmad Abusalma, a Hausa film director in Abuja, on Sunday lauded Kano’s Hausa film industry as it clocked 20, saying that it had come of age.
Abusalma, who gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Kano, said that the Hausa film industry would excel in Africa if was supported by stakeholders.
He recalled that the industry was founded by a few practitioners “who were then regarded as jobless and stupid”, adding that due to their strength and courage, the industry had grown into a big one across the Northern states.
Katsina
Katsina State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has established water, sanitation and hygiene committees in 28 communities to ensure effective water supply and sanitation in the state.
The agency also established environmental health clubs in 12 secondary schools to promote environmental sanitation as well as ensure good water supply to the schools.
Alhaji Abubakar Gege, the Executive Director, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Katsina.
He said members of the committees and the environmental health clubs which were formed in the last three months had received training on maintenance, ownership and operation of all water supply facilities.
Gege disclosed that after inaugurating the three new rigs of the agency three months ago, the state government had released N158.3 million to the agency.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Sa’idu Dakingari, on Friday commended Christians for sustaining peaceful co-existence and lending support to the constituted authority.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Dakingari, quoted the governor as wishing Christians a Merry Christmas and urging them to emulate the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
“I enjoin all Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ and use this festive mood as a time for sober reflections with a view to improving our future,” it stated.
He urged them to pray for peace, unity and successful elections in 2011.
He urged Christians further to pray for safe return of the Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem now performing their religious obligations.
NAN reports that the Christmas was marked peacefully with Christians attending church services and exchanged gifts and visits with friends, neighbours and relations.
Lagos
The Head, Test Development Division of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Mr Patrick Modebe said by 2020 the examination body would conduct its examinations in the e-test format.
Speaking with newsmen in Lagos on Saturday, Modebe noted that the Council had begun the process to realise that objective, even before 2020.
Modebe, who would be retiring from the Council soon, said that adoption of the Electronic Examination method popularly called the e-test format by the Council, would be ‘a vision come alive’.
“I also know that WAEC is working assiduously towards applying the e-marking method in its operation to facilitate early release of examination results,’’ he said.
He, however, observed that the application of the electronic e-test and e-marking formats depended greatly on government’s success in its National Computerisation Policy.
Ogun
Mr Poju Adeyemi, an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain in Ogun, said the party would take over the reins of government in the state in 2011.
Adeyemi, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) between 1999 and 2003, made the declaration in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta.
He said that ACN had been put in good shape to win at all levels in the forthcoming general elections in the state.
Adeyemi said his optimism was based on the feelers the party was getting from all nooks and crannies of the state.
“The response we have been getting from our interactions with the people is that they are tired of the present administration. When the masses say yes, who can say no?
“The ACN is solidly on ground to provide a better alternative to what he described as a charade,’’ he said.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government has condemned those behind the planting of bombs which rocked some parts of Jos on Christmas eve.
Mr Gregory Yenlong, the Commissioner for Information and
Communications, in a broadcast on Saturday, said that the act was heinous and condemned those behind it.
Yenlong said that the act also laid credence to several threats
by some unknown persons to make the state ungovernable,
“as a way of opposing the administration.’’
He commiserated with families of those killed in the blasts
and wished those who sustained injuries quick recovery.
Our correspondent learnt that the first of the bombs detonated at about 7.30 p.m. around Kabong (Gada Biyu) , while the second was at Angwang Rukuba, at about 8 p.m.
Sokoto
An aspirant on the platform of the PDP, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan not to allow PDP governors leave the party because of the electoral act amendment.
Abdullahi, who is eyeing the Isa/Sabon-Birni Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto.
He said that the current controversy over the electoral act amendment should not be allowed to tear the biggest party in Africa apart.
“PDP has come to stay in Nigeria, Mr President should use his good office to settle with the governors because they are closed to the electorate who will contribute positively towards the success of the party at the polls,’’ he said.
The Aspirant also advised President Goodluck Jonathan not to listen to Abuja politicians as “they have nothing to offer as far as getting eligible voters is concerned.
He pointed out that “those that matter are the governors who are with their people and who will work towards the success of our party.’’
The Rivers State Judiciary has denied claims of media reports circulating online that a judge of its High Court issued a ruling in favour of Governor Siminalayi Fubara against former Governor Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu, there by sacking the sole Administrator of the state, vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).
A statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi yesterday in Port Harcourt, described the purported report as false and misleading, particularly for linking a judge of the State High Court, Justice Boma Diepirii, to a ruling that reportedly came from a Federal High Court.
According to the statement, Justice Boma Diepirii is a Judge of the Rivers State High Court and not of the Federal High Court and currently on Easter Vacation, which commenced on Monday, 14th April.
The Chief Registrar further clarified that the Federal High Court and the State High Court are separate entities, stressing that “the inclusion of Justice Diepiri’s name in the fabricated report underscores the crass ignorance of the author.”
“The attention of the Rivers State Judiciary has been drawn to a fake news report alleging that His Lordship, Hon. Justice Boma Diepiri, delivered a judgment sacking the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. This is false in its entirety,” the statement read.
“Justice Diepiri is a judge of the High Court of Rivers State, not of the Federal High Court as was falsely reported”.
” Additionally, His Lordship is currently on Easter vacation which began on Monday, April 14, 2025, Ihua-Maduenyi stated.
The statement however advised the general public and members of the media to always cross checked information concerning the judiciary before publishing and as well disregard the said report in its entirety as its an embodiment of falsehood and fabricated story.
The Senate yesterday approved the bills for the establishment of Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences and College of Education, Bende at its plenary session.
The two bills sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon . Benjamin Kalu came to the Senate for concurrence after the approvals from the House of Representatives.
The Deputy Leader of the Senate, Sen. Lola Ashiru in the absence of the Majority Leader presented the recommendations of the Lower Chamber for consideration and Concurrence .
The Bill for an Act to establish Federal College of Education, Bende in Abia State seeks to provide full-time courses, training in technology, applied sciences, commerce, social sciences, arts and humanities among others.
Kalu had in his lead debate stated that Bende has remained undivided since its creation in 1976, even though with the size of four local government areas as found in comparative federal constituencies.
“Despite its strategic location in Abia and sharing a border with Akwa Ibom, with a growing population and landmass, there is no tertiary institution in the Federal Constituency operated either by Federal or State Government. Bende deserves to have the presence of a tertiary institution to serve the education need of the teeming youthful population, especially now that the need for well-trained educationists has risen. This is accompanied by the need to fill the gaps created by both the consequences of brain drain and the lack of qualified educationists to provide quality training at all levels of education,” he said.
For the bill seeking the establishment of Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, Abia State, he said when it becomes law, the university will be charged with the responsibility to, among other things, offer full-time training leading to the award of degrees in medical and health sciences.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi
South East Caucus of the Senate has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immorttalise late Professor Humphrey Nwosu considering his commitment to achieving a practical democracy for Nigerian.
The Senators visibly angered by the Senate’s rejection of the need to immortalise the late National Electoral umpire who stood for democracy through the turbulent 1993 elections stormed out of the Senate Chambers and spoke to the press .
The Chairman of the South East Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe ( Abia South), as he did in plenary on Wednesday, presented a motion for immortalisation of Humphrey Nwosu by naming the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) , after him , for laying the foundation in 1993 and conducting the freest and fairest Presidential election in the country .
The late Professor Nwosu was the National Chairman of the National Electoral Commission ( NEC) , now known as Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) , who through option A4, conducted the June 12, 19993 presidential election , adjudged to be the freest and fairest in the country.
Abaribe in the motion co – sponsored by 15 other Senators , said late Humphrey Nwosu deserved to be immortalised like other heroes of the June 12 , 1993 presidential election .
He also urged the Federal Government to honour the late former electoral umpire with post humous national honours .
But Abaribe’s request , seconded by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and supported by Senators from the South East including forner Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi ( Kebbi North) , was roundly rejected by other Senators who said the deceased deserved no immortalization .
Specifically , Senator Adams Oshiomhole ( Edo North) , in his contribution to the debate said the motion to him, was nothing but an attempt to manipulate and rewrite history.
“ Professor Humphrey Nwosu as NEC Chairman in 1993, failed to deliver on the June 12 , 1993 Presidential Election for lack of Courage
“ He who is not ready to die for something , will die for nothing
“ If he was afraid of the gun from announcing the election results and winner in 1993 , he cannot be rewarded now , more so, when many Nigerians died for what he inadvertently created “, he said .
Nneka Amaechi -Nnadi