Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

August 17, 2015

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (left), welcoming the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and National Ssecurity Adviser, Retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, during their visit to Damaturu on Saturday.
Photo: NAN

Adamawa

A Maiduguri-based businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji
Mohammed Indimi, has donated N100 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa.
Governor Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa State, who disclosed this to newsmen in Yola, said he would set up a committee to ensure judicious disbursement of the donation to all affected IDPs.
He also spoke on the Federal Government’s bail out fund, saying that the state was yet to receive the money.
The governor said the administration would empower 9, 040 people from the 226 wards of the state under the first phase of its empowerment programme.

Benue

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in
Makurdi fixed August 18 for former Senate President, David Mark to testify in person.
Mark was dragged to the tribunal by his only contender, Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over his declaration by INEC as the winner of the Benue South Senatorial election.
Onjeh had argued that the elections were marred by electoral malpractices and substantial breaches of the Electoral Act 2011 as amended.
The petitioner, therefore, urged the court to nullify the election and order for fresh poll.

Borno

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has distributed free delivery kits to 410 pregnant women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno.
NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Sani Sidi, presented the items to the women at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
According to him, the kits are part of NEMA’s effort to prevent child mortality among displaced persons in the country.
Sidi said that the objective was to put the mind of the women at rest and reassure them of safe delivery.

Gombe

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has said
that the government would sustain its welfare package for health workers for effective service delivery.
Dankwambo announced the measure while declaring open the 2015 annual general meeting of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Gombe.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Charles Iliya, urged the members of the association to be dedicated to their duties, adding that the government would continue to give them the required support for optimal performance.
He said that the government would expedite action to complete the College of Nursing, Dukku and Gombe State University Teaching Hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

Kaduna

A Kaduna-based Non Governmental Organisation,
ALFACARE, said early signs of brewing dispute and its quick resolution through dialogue would enhance peaceful co-existence among communities in Kaduna State.
Its National Coordinator, Mr Hassan Alfa, gave the suggestion in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
He said that all mechanisms capable of sustaining peace in communities should be explored to guarantee sustainable peace and stability in the state.
Alfa said that building sustainable peace was a collective responsibility of government, institutions, families, individuals and other relevant stakeholders.

Kano

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says it has
arrested eight persons for allegedly selling pirated materials in Kano.
The commission’s North West Zonal Manager, Alhaji Hassan Usman, told newsmen in Kano that pirated copies worth N6 million were siezed from the suspects.
He said that the suspects were arrested at different locations in Kano metropolis while selling pirated films, books and other materials in violation of the Copyright Act.
Usman urged the public to always purchase original copies from vendors in order to encourage local artists and send pirates out of business.
Kogi

A cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, has urged President
Muhammadu Behari to carry on with the fight against corruption in the country, regardless of the status of the culprits.
Okafor, who spoke in Lokoja, said the coming of Buahri was divine , urging Nigerians to forget their differences, pray for the president, and join hands with him to correct the ills plaguing the country.
The cleric, who is the Senior Pastor in charge of the Lagos- Liberation City, advised Nigerians not lose hope or despair, saying that God would use Buhari to restore the lost glory of Nigeria.
He urged the president to remain focused and selfless in the fight against corruption, regardless of the status of the culprits.

Kwara

President Muhammadu Buhari has been told to be firm and
painstaking in the anti-corruption crusade.
Chairman Forum of Professionals in Kwara, Alhaji Ahmed Olayiwola, made the call when he spoke with newsmen in llorin.
He suggested that efforts should be made to fast track the judicial process to make the whole effort productive.
Olayiwola called for prudent management of resources to pave way for sustainable socio-economic stability of the country.

Lagos

The Head, Animal Production Department, Lagos State
Polytechnic, Dr. Adegbemi Onigemo, has urged the Federal Government to support livestock producers in the country by subsidising the cost of feeds.
Onigemo told newsmen in Lagos that the high cost of feeds remained a major challenge to poultry farmers.
According to him, the production of feeds which constitutes between 60 and 80 per cent of total production cost is further bedevilled by human’s competing demand for maize, a major component of animal feed.
“Most of the ingredients that are being used in the production of feeds are those in competition between the livestock and men.

Nasarawa

The management of Mararaba Medical Centre in Karu Local
Government Area of Nasarawa State, says 30 unidentified corpses are in its mortuary.
The Medical Director of the centre, Dr Ibrahim Adamu, made the fact known in an interview with newsmen in Mararaba.
Adamu said that the situation was unhealthy and worrisome to both the patients and members of staff of the centre.
“These corpses have been here since 2013 with no record of ownership.
“They were brought or dumped here by the police as most of them happen to be victims of accidents or armed robbery.
Ogun

The police in Sango-Ota, Ogun State has arraigned two
men, Gideon Idedia, 25, and Wednesday Idesia, 30, in an Ota Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a Bajaj motorcycle, valued at N124,000.
The accused, of no fixed addresses, are being tried on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Rosemary Brown, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on August 9 at about 1.30 p.m. at No. 14, Ahmed Akindele St., Oju-Ore, in Ota.
Brown said that the unregistered Bajaj motorcycle belong to one Joseph Eche.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government says it will soon inaugurate a
Well Being Clinic at the state Specialist Hospital, Akure, to enhance good living among the citizenry.
The state Commissioner for Heath, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, revealed this in Akure while briefing newsmen.
He explained that the clinic would ensure regular check up for the people to enhance healthy living and to prevent any future sickness.
He said one unit of the clinic would attend to youths where they could have proper access to information about the status of their health.

Oyo

The Police Command in Oyo State has said it arrested a 42-
year-old ex-banker for impersonating an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina, told newsmen in Ibadan that the impersonator, identified as Olayinka Olatunji, was arrested for impersonation
Katsina, who was represented by the Command’s Public Relations’ Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the suspect was arrested in his office at Iwo Road Shopping Complex where he was defrauding innocent people.
The suspect said he had been in the business since March this year and bought the police accessories from an undisclosed Police Training School.

Sokoto

Governor Aminu Tambawal of Sokoto State, has expressed
confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari would reposition the country’s armed forces for optimal performance.
The governor made the remark in Sokoto during the inauguration of the refurbished Army Officers Mess at 1st Brigade Command.
He also expressed confidence that with the state-of-the art equipment currently being provided for the armed forces, the security challenges, especially the North-East would soon be overcome.
Tambuwal commended the officers and men of the 1st brigade command for the contributions they had made in sustaining peace in the state.
Earlier, the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Oluwafumilayo Soleye, pledge to work to sustain the cordial relationship existing between the army and the people of the state.

Nation

Labour Group Slams Minister, 10 Others with N500 Billion Suit

Published

5 days ago

May 27, 2025

The Tide

The Incorporated Trustees of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO) has filed a N500 billion lawsuit against the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, and 10 others. The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/165/2024, was brought before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division.

The claimants, including Comrade Harold I. Bestowe, Onyeka Chukwudi Christopher, and others, allege that the Minister and others have refused to grant NAPO’s application for registration as a trade union. They are suing on behalf of themselves and NAPO members nationwide.

The defendants in the matter include:

Minister of Labour and Employment,

Registrar of Trade Unions,

National Union of Civil Engineering Construction Furniture & Wood Workers (NUCECFWW),

Daewoo Engineering & Construction Nigeria Limited (DECN) and

Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited.

Others are

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG),

Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA),

Trade Congress of Nigeria (TUC),

Nigeria Police,

Nigeria Police Service Commission,

State Security Service and Nigerian Army.

The claimants averred that NAPO was formed to represent the interests of heavy-duty plant operators across Nigeria.

They are seeking the following orders an order of certiorari quashing the refusal to register NAPO as a trade union- An order directing the issuance of a certificate of registration to NAPO,an order setting aside collective bargaining agreements negotiated between some defendant,an order directing the reinstatement of members whose employment was terminated due to their participation in NAPO’s trade union activities

The claimants had previously withdrawn a similar case (NICN/ABJ/166/2024) to avoid duplicity and ensure comprehensive adjudication of all issues in contention.

Akujobi Amadi

Nation

An Entertainment Giant Goes Home

Published

5 days ago

May 27, 2025

The Tide

The late chairman of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, PHALGA Unit, Ediseimokumo Vining Ileberi, popularly known as VINTA 60 would be laid to rest this weekend in Port Harcourt.

The Tide Entertainment gathered that a candle night is scheduled to hold on the 30th May, 2025. of this month at 6 pm while the burial ceremony takes off with an open air service by 9:am the following morning.

According to the younger brother to the deceased, pastor Inemo Vining Ileberi, who disclosed this to the Tide Entertainment, the burial service would be held at the Prime Rose Estate playground, Okrika Water front, Port Harcourt.

Pastor Ileberi said that the burial service would be officiated by the living Faith Church .( Winners Chapel)

Meanwhile, the Public Relations officer of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria, PHALGA Unit, Christopher Sokari Briggs has described the passing of the chairman as a great loss to the association, saying that the loss is a huge vacuum to the Port Harcourt Entertainment industry, especially to the Port Harcourt Township where he said that the impact of the late VINTA 60 was felt via his entertainment programme.

He further said that his contribution to the growth and promotion of entertainment in Port Harcourt would not be forgotten in a hurry, saying that the history of entertainment in Rivers State would not be complete with out the name, VINTA 60 being mentioned.

” VINTA would be greatly missed, he took entertainment to a height where the name,( VINTA 60 or V6) became an house hold name in the entertainment industry, especially in Rivers State. His annual programme tagged ‘Port Harcourt Town Carnival was remarkable’,” the P.R.O said.

Until his death V6 was a known Port Harcourt based artiste, an entertainment giant and coordinator of the PMAN, PHALGA Unit.

Earlier, the Governor of PMAN Rivers State, Moses Mabadaje popularly known as Mozzy B, has said a tribute night would be held in honour of the deceased immediately after the burial ceremony.

He said that PMAN, DJ’s and other entertainers would observe a tribute night in honour of their late colleague at the carniriv stand situated at Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Meanwhile, a tribute song has been put in place to be performed by some Port Harcourt artistes, Show D, Don Christo, Yung, and Slim D to honour the Late VINTA 60.

It would be recalled that V6 passed on April 24, after a protracted illness. He is survived of his father, brothers, sisters, and three children.

Nancy Briggs

Nation

PDP Crisis: Wike Accuses Makinde Of Betrayal, Instigating Party Members Against Him

Published

5 days ago

May 27, 2025

The Tide

Amid the seemingly intractable crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of betrayal, accusing the governor of instigating party members against him.
In a statement at the week-end, Chief Wike said the party had been enmeshed in a protracted crisis due to dishonesty and lack of trust amongst key stakeholders, with efforts to address issues and “enthrone fidelity to agreements” for the party’s progress.
“To this end, a meeting of the G5 was held in Lagos. In that meeting, I made it clear to the governor of Oyo State, HE Seyi Makinde, that he was the architect of our problems, pointing out to him that non-adherence to agreements reached was the bane of the party and that he was the chief culprit of this anomaly. At the end of the meeting, we resolved to bury the hatchet and make progress,” Chief Wike said.
The minister referenced an expanded meeting attended by the party’s key stakeholders, where he alleged that Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State was serially reneging on agreements.
“At the end of the meeting, we came to some resolutions, including (a) That Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the national secretary of the PDP in tandem with the Supreme Court judgment; (b) All legal matters relating to Rivers State must be withdrawn by the national legal adviser; (c) The suit on the state of emergency be withdrawn forthwith; and (d) Nobody should deviate from the agreements so reached,” he said.
Chief Wike claimed he was begged to attend the stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi Government Lodge, which led to the formation of the reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Alleging the violation of agreements reached before the Saraki-headed committee was constituted, the minister accused Mr Makinde of conniving with Peter Mbah of Enugu State to orchestrate the meeting of South-East leaders to recommend that if Ude Okoye was not adopted as secretary, they would pull out of the PDP.
The former Rivers State governor said, “Again, Seyi Makinde organised some people in the national secretariat to insist that the deputy national secretary should act as national secretary, in violation of the agreement earlier reached. To attempt to give credence to this farce, a letter was written by the deputy national secretary, calling for a meeting of the NEC of the party.
“Furthermore, the letter confirming the candidacy of the governorship candidate of the party in the forthcoming governorship elections in Anambra State, duly signed by the national secretary, Senator Anyanwu and the acting national chairman, was portrayed as rejected by the party through a rebuttal letter signed by the national publicity secretary, acting on the orders of Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah.”