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Category: News

  • Federal Government Suspends N-Power Scheme, Initiates Probe

    Federal Government Suspends N-Power Scheme, Initiates Probe

    The Federal Government has temporarily suspended the N-Power Programme of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to give way for proper audit of the programme.

    The Federal Government kick-started the N-Power scheme on June 8, 2016 to address issues of youth unemployment and help to increase social development.

    The scheme was created as a component of government’s National Social Investment Programme.

    Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, National Programme Manager of N-Power announced its suspension in a statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja.

    Egbuwalo stated that the suspension and audit of the scheme became necessary to give room for a detailed investigation into N-Power’s operations in the last 12 months.

    He added that 960,000 Nigerians were enrolled in the scheme since its inception to date.

    “There is the need to audit the number of people still under the scheme because most of them have exited from N-POWER 1.0 and N-POWER 2.0 Batch A and Batch B.

    “The audit is also necessary to establish the number of people that have exited the programme; those who are being owed; and how funds have been utilised over the years,’’ he explained.

    Egbuwalo stated that some beneficiaries who concluded their programme since 2022 were still expecting payment from government.

    “Recently, we discovered instances of programme beneficiaries whose participation had lapsed since 2022 but have stayed on and continued to expect payment from government.

    “Some beneficiaries do not report to their places of primary assignments as required, but still receive monthly payments.

    “Some have other jobs and have left this bracket, but are still benefiting from payments, while those who truly worked are not paid.

    “These instances call for a thorough audit of the scheme,’’ he stated.

    Egbuwalo assured Nigerians that government would prioritise claims of those owed between eight months and nine months stipends after ascertaining the veracity of their claims.

    “Graduates and non-graduate volunteers Batch C1 & Batch C2 are in this category. We want to establish the exact number of people owed and the total cost implication to eliminate ghost beneficiaries.

    “Our preliminary findings show that some consultants are holding on to beneficiaries’ funds disbursed to them long ago, even when their contract ended in March 2023 without a renewal.

    “We condemn this practice and will not tolerate it going forward,’’ he stated.

    Egbuwalo added that work was on-going to identify culprit consultants to ascertain why the payments did not get to the beneficiaries.

    Such funds would be recalled and paid to affected beneficiaries, he assured.

    “We assure all beneficiaries with genuine claims that we will resolve their cases once we complete the verification and honour all valid outstanding obligations.

    “We appeal to Nigerians to understand the rationale behind the temporary suspension and investigation of the scheme as we work to restore the nation’s confidence in it,’’ he stated.

    Egbuwalo expressed government’s determination to restructure and expand the programme to accommodate persons within the ages of 18 years and 40 years as against the previous age limit of 35 years.

    “The restructuring will accommodate some new programmes in education, health, works, agriculture, technology, fashion, entertainment, and other relevant areas of skills acquisition and employability.

    “We are targeting five million beneficiaries in five years at a rate of one million beneficiaries per year under the graduate and non-graduate streams,’’ Egbuwalo also stated. 

  • Guber Elections: We’re Not Extending Deadline For Polling Agents, Says INEC

    Guber Elections: We’re Not Extending Deadline For Polling Agents, Says INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told political parties that it has no plans to extend the October 10 deadline for uploading of the list of their agents for polling units and collation centres for the November 11 Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo governorship elections.

    Mr Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and the Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Olumekun said that with less than 72 hours to deadline, only 55 per cent of expected agents for polling units and collation centre had been uploaded on its portal by political parties for the governorship election.

    He advised parties yet to comply to do before the deadline.
    Olumekun said that INEC notified all parties of the opening of its online portal for the upload of the list of polling units and collation centre agents, which commenced on August 24.

    He added that the commission thereafter engaged party representatives on the methodology for a seamless process.

    Olumekun said that in spite of the notice and subsequent reminders, parties were yet to substantially comply by submitting the list of their agents.

    “For Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi, only 55 per cent of the expected total of 189,180 polling unit agents have been uploaded to the designated INEC Portal.

    “Specifically, 29,278 out of the expected 40,372 (72.5 per cent for Bayelsa; 51,681 out of 85,644 (60.3 per cent) for Imo, and 23,720 out of 63,144 (37.6 per cent) for Kogi State have been uploaded.

    “Similarly, only 25.1 per cent of the expected 15,804 Collation Agents in the three States have been uploaded: 1,246 (26.0 per cent) out of 4,806 for Bayelsa; 1,638 (27.3 per cent) out of 5,994 for Imo, and 1,095 (21.9 per cent) out of 5,004 for Kogi.

    “The commission hereby wishes to further remind political parties that the portal will automatically shut down at 12:00 midnight on Tuesday Oct. 10.

    “There shall be no extension. Consequently, all parties sponsoring candidates for the elections that are yet to upload the list of their agents should do so before the deadline for the exercise,” Olumekun said.

    On the online accreditation of journalists for the election, Olumekun said that late applications would not be entertained after the Oct. 22 deadline and there shall be no provision for manual accreditation.

    He said that so far 45 media organisations had applied for the online accreditation of journalists which commenced on Aug. 24 and shall close on Oct. 22.

    “The commission also wishes to use this medium to encourage all interested Media organisations to take advantage of the remaining window to apply on imap.inecnigeria.org before the deadline on Oct. 22,” he said.

    Olumekun expressed the commission’s dismay on the spate of insecurity and violence, including clashes among supporters of political parties and candidates in the forthcoming elections.

    He appealed to all political parties and candidates to avoid utterances and acts that might heat up the polity or jeopadise peaceful conduct of the election.

    “In our engagement with political parties, the commission has constantly called on parties to rein in their supporters from actions capable of jeopardising the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria.

    “INEC earnestly appeal to all Political Parties and candidates to avoid utterances and acts that may heat up the polity.

    “The commission will continue to closely monitor the situation and sustain its engagement with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful conduct of elections in the three states,” he said. 

  • IPMAN Blames NMDPRA For Substandard Petrol In Nigeria

    IPMAN Blames NMDPRA For Substandard Petrol In Nigeria

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has placed blame on the Nigerian Midstream and Upstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for the sale of substandard petrol at filling stations throughout Nigeria.

    John Okwocha, the National Vice President of IPMAN, made this assertion during his address at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) in Abuja. He also acknowledged that the lack of local refining capacity contributes to this situation.

    According to Okwocha, some of the products currently available evaporate easily, unlike the product that the country used to refine. He urged the federal government to ensure that the promise of refinery operation starting in December is fulfilled. He emphasized that only local refining can eliminate the importation of low-quality fuel.

    “The prayer of this assembly is that the government must look inward to ensure our refineries are operational, thereby creating the opportunity to reduce the high importation of petroleum products, as we are witnessing today,” Okwocha stated.

    He also pointed out the challenges faced by consumers who find that their fuel seems to vanish rapidly, leaving them puzzled. Okwocha emphasized the need to investigate whether the type of product currently available differs from the original product that consumers were accustomed to.

    Okwocha explained, “This is because competition has made it convenient for importers to bring in very light and various types of products into the country, and we accept them due to a lack of alternatives.”

    However, he highlighted the potential benefits of local production, stating, “But if we produce it in this country, we will have a choice. If we produce it in this country, we will select. If we produce it in this country, it will make it even more competitive and cheaper.”

    In conclusion, Okwocha urged the government to take action by ensuring the proper functioning of refineries, which would ultimately make life easier for the people by providing access to high-quality fuel.

  • Israel: International Community Condemns Palestinian Attack

    Israel: International Community Condemns Palestinian Attack

    Leaders and officials from various countries have weighed in on the recent escalation of violence in Israel, with their statements reflecting a mix of concern, support for Israel’s right to self-defence, and a strong call for restraint.

    Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed his dismay at the distressing images coming from Israel. He pointed out the involvement of the terrorist organization Hamas in what he described as an unparalleled assault on Israel.

    Rutte emphasized the urgent need for the violence to cease, underlining that Israel possesses every legitimate right to protect itself.

    Spain also joined in the chorus of international voices expressing their shock at the indiscriminate violence characterizing the attacks on Israel. The Spanish government’s statement underscores the distressing nature of the violence unfolding in the region.

    In a similar vein, Ukraine and the Czech Republic lent their support to Israel’s right to defend itself. Both nations acknowledged the complex and challenging situation faced by Israel and endorsed its efforts to protect its citizens in the face of threats and violence.

    Amidst the escalating tensions, the call for restraint has been a common thread among international stakeholders.

    Russia, through Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, has emphasized the importance of communication with all parties involved in the conflict, including Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs. Bogdanov stressed that their consistent message is one of urging restraint.

    The situation in Israel is undeniably complex and multifaceted, with deep-rooted historical and political dimensions. The international community’s response reflects a recognition of the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. While expressing concern and support for Israel’s right to self-defence, leaders and officials are also making concerted efforts to encourage dialogue, de-escalation, and a return to stability in the region.

    As events evolve, the world is watching closely, hoping for an end to the violence and a path forward toward a lasting peace agreement that addresses the concerns and aspirations of all parties involved.

    The statements from various nations serve as a testament to the global community’s commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution in this long-standing and deeply sensitive conflict.

  • Joint Security Force Busts Insurgents Camp, Rescue Priest, Two Others Unharmed

    Joint Security Force Busts Insurgents Camp, Rescue Priest, Two Others Unharmed

    Joint Security Force Busts Insurgents Camp, Rescue Priest, Two Others Unharmed

    Joint security forces in Anambra State have successfully infiltrated an ‘insurgent camp’ located in Ogbunka, Orumba South Local Government Area, on Friday.

    Their swift action resulted in the rescue of three abducted individuals, including a Reverend Father, who emerged from the operation unharmed.

    According to a statement released on Saturday by DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, the operation was executed by a police-led Forward Operating Base (FOB) working in collaboration with military and paramilitary services based in Aguata, and was further supported by the Police Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu. During this well-coordinated operation, three suspects were apprehended.

    The security forces successfully recovered a cache of items from the insurgents’ camp, including nine vehicles, three pump-action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms, a Biafra flag, numerous handsets, flash drives, and SIM cards that will be vital for comprehensive investigations and prosecution.

    DSP Ikenga explained that this criminal gang had been responsible for a series of abductions in the Orumba North and South areas, as well as parts of Aguata Local Government Area in recent times. Notably, all of the abducted victims had been taken this month.

    The raid on the insurgent’s camp was the result of months of diligent intelligence gathering and investigation, which ultimately unveiled the criminals’ hideout.

    The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who authorized and coordinated the operation, praised all the service personnel and vigilante groups involved for their professionalism, which ensured no lives were lost during the operation.

    Furthermore, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed his commendation for the operatives and pledged continued support for all services engaged in Joint Security Operations throughout the state.”

    See Full Statement Below: 

    Anambra Joint Security Force Smash Insurgents Camp in Ogbunka

    – Rescues three hostages including Reverend Father.

    – Arrests three Suspects

    – Recovers Three Pump Action Guns

    – Recovers Nine Vehicles snatched at Gunpoint

    Police-led Forward Operating Base (FOB) comprising military and paramilitary Services based in Aguata and supported by Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu yesterday, 6th October, 2023 in a well coordinated operation, stormed insurgents Camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South LGA.

    Three abducted persons including a Reverend Father were rescued unhurt. Nine vehicles and three Pump Action Guns were recovered. Three suspects were arrested.

    Also recovered were stolen Camouflage uniform, Biafra Flag, Several Handsets, Flash Drives and Sim Cards that will aid comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

    This gang has been responsible for spate of abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of Aguata LGAs in recent times. The abducted victims were all kidnapped this month.

    The raid on insurgents Camp followed months of diligent and painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation which led to uncovering the criminal hideout.

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye who ordered and coordinated the operation praised all the service personnel and vigilante men involved for their professionalism which ensured no life was lost.

    Mr. Governor has commended the Operatives and pledged to continue to support all services involved in Joint Security Operations across the State.

    *DSP Tochukwu Ikenga*

    Police Public Relations Officer,

    Anambra State Police Command, Awka.

    7th October, 2023.

  • NBC Slams Arise TV Final Warning Over ‘Derogatory, Incendiary’ Remarks

    NBC Slams Arise TV Final Warning Over ‘Derogatory, Incendiary’ Remarks

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has given the operators of Arise Television final warning on alleged violation of Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

    Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Shehu llelah, gave the warning in a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Arise Global Limited on Saturday in Abuja.

    In the letter titled “Preponderance of Derogatory and Incendiary Remarks: Final Warning”, Ilelah said the commission had observed with concern, the preponderance of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise News.

    “This letter once again seeks to underscore the tremendous responsibility put on the broadcaster to manage array of guests that may feature on the station from time to time.

    “For the benefit of doubt, on October 5 during the programme – ‘The Morning Show’, anchored by Reuben Abati, Rufai Useni and Ayo Mairo Ese, featured Oladotun Hassan and Dele Farotimi as guests.

    “The programme contained unguarded incendiary remarks by Dele Farotimi

    against the legislature, executive, judiciary and Mr President.

    “Similarly, On October 6, during the programme “Newsday”, it featured

    Kenneth Okonkwo (Spokesperson for Labour Party) who used

    derogatory remarks on air.

    “Your attention is therefore drawn to the relevant sections of the Nigeria

    Broadcasting Code for compliance please,” Ilelah said.

    The NBC boss explained further that section 1.10.3 says the broadcaster shall ensure that its presenter does not express his or her opinion in the programme, as a matter of professional standard.

    He said section 3.3.1 (a) stipulates that the broadcaster shall ensure that any information given in a programme, in whatever form, is accurate.

    Illelah said 3.3.3 (c) provided that the broadcaster shall be above inherent biases, prejudices and subjective mindsets.

    “According to section 3.3.1(e), the Broadcaster shall not treat any individual or organisation in an unjust and unfair manner in any programme.

    The NBC boss further explained that section 5.3.3(b) of the code stated that the broadcaster shall, in using political materials for news and current affairs programmes, avoid hate speech, inflammatory, derogatory, and divisive remarks of allusions.

    “Section 5.5.6 says, the broadcaster shall have a delay mechanism to guard against possible undesirable content.

    “Arise TV is advised to install a delay mechanism to guard against possible

    undesirable contents as prescribed in Section 5.5.6 of the Nigeria

    Broadcasting Code.

    “Please note that henceforth, your station shall be held liable for any

    infraction on your platform and applicable sanctions shall be imposed

    as prescribed by Law,” Ilelah stressed.

  • Naval Forces Intercept Vessel Involved In Unlawful Bunkering Operations

    Naval Forces Intercept Vessel Involved In Unlawful Bunkering Operations

    The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS BEECROFT has thwarted illegal bunkering within the Igboelejo community area of Lagos State and seized the boat used for the criminal activity.

    The Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Lagos at the weekend.

    Oguntuga said that the feat was made possible in response to intelligence received on Thursday, through the state-of-the-art Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.

    He said that the vessel contained 205 drums of a substance suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit and other products.

    “The patrol team vectored to the specified area successfully apprehended a large blue fibre boat suspected to be engaged in illegal bunkering.

    “The patrol team acted with precision, securing the vessel and promptly transporting it to the base,” he said.

    The commander said that regrettably, the perpetrators abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting the patrol team.

    “However, investigation and necessary actions to ensure appropriate handling of the incident is ongoing,” the NNS BEECROFT boss added.

    He said that the operation underscored the navy’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, to ensure safety in the maritime domain.

    “We will continue to ensure and sustain maritime security and eradicate illicit activities that can trigger fire hazard in coastal communities and within our maritime domain,” he said.

    Oguntuga appealed to the general public to provide necessary information to nip catastrophic incidents in the bud before they occurred.

    He added that the navy remained steadfast in its mission to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment for the prosperity of the nation.

  • Netanyahu Says Israel ‘At War’ After Palestine Launch Surprise Air, Ground Attack

    Netanyahu Says Israel ‘At War’ After Palestine Launch Surprise Air, Ground Attack

    *Vows that Hamas will pay a price it has never known for the attack

    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country was “at war” on Saturday, after Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a deadly barrage of rockets and sent gunmen into Israeli territory in a major escalation of the long running conflict between the two sides.

    The early-morning surprise attack has left at least 22 people dead and over 250 injured, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency rescue service. It comes on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 War in which Arab states blitzed Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

    Around 2,200 rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel on Saturday morning, according to the Israeli military, while armed gunmen infiltrated across the border in a ground assault into southern Israel.

    Hamas, the Palestinian militant movement that runs Gaza and claimed responsibility for the attack, said it had captured several Israeli soldiers near the border after its fighters entered Israel by land, sea and air using paragliders.

    Israel’s military has not confirmed reports of soldiers having been captured, but one video published by Reuters appeared to show Palestinian gunmen dragging an Israeli soldier out of a tank at the Gaza fence.

    MDA also said that one of their ambulances had been taken into the Gaza Strip.

    Dubbing the operation “Al-Aqsa Storm,” Hamas military commander Muhammad Al-Deif said in a recorded message that the group had “targeted the enemy positions, airports and military positions with 5,000 rockets” and that the assault on Israel was a response to attacks on women, the desecration of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and the ongoing siege of Gaza.

    In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had launched strikes against a number of Hamas targets in Gaza, and said that it had issued a call-up of thousands of reservists.

    IDF spokesman Lt Col Richard Hecht said in a briefing that Israeli forces “are fighting on the ground as we speak,” listing at least half a dozen locations where fighting is taking place, including several villages, two army bases and border crossings.

    Residents have told Israeli broadcasters that some militants are attempting to break into their homes, and urging for help from Israeli forces.

    Netanyahu has vowed that Hamas will “pay a price it has never known” for the attack. “Citizens of Israel, we are at war – not in an operation, not in rounds – at war,” he said in a video message.

    The IDF has warned Israelis who live near Gaza to stay in their homes or head to shelters.

    “In the last hour, the Hamas terrorist organization had begun a massive shooting of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations,” the IDF said in a statement. Sirens warning of incoming rockets continued for at least three hours after the initial barrage.

    “The Hamas terrorist organization is the sovereign in the Gaza Strip and is responsible for this attack. It will face the consequences and responsibility for these events,” it added.

  • Mohbad Died From Tetanus Injection Given By Nurse Feyisayo – Police

    Mohbad Died From Tetanus Injection Given By Nurse Feyisayo – Police

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, disclosed that the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, began experiencing severe health issues after being injected three times by a nurse, Feyisayo Ogedemgbe, on September 12, 2023.

    During a press briefing held at the state Command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, CP Owohunwa provided preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s untimely demise.

    “As of today, a total of 26 witnesses have been interviewed,” stated the CP, revealing that those questioned include Mohbad’s family members, including his father, mother, sisters, brother, wife, and manager, among others.

    According to CP Owohunwa, Mohbad was brought to the hospital already deceased, and doctors on duty confirmed his death on September 12.

    The shocking revelation is that nurse Feyisayo Ogedemgbe, who was invited to Mohbad’s residence by his friend, Ayobami Sodiq (known as Spending), administered three injections that seemingly triggered a series of adverse reactions ultimately leading to the singer’s tragic death.

    “Mohbad began vomiting and developed goosebumps shortly after the injections,” Owohunwa disclosed.

    Mohbad had sought medical attention for an ear infection, but the situation took a devastating turn after he received an anti-tetanus injection from Nurse Feyisayo Ogedemgbe. 

    This treatment came after reports that the singer had suffered injuries from an assault in Lagos.

  • Ozekhome’s Kidnappers Bag 20 Years Imprisonment

    Ozekhome’s Kidnappers Bag 20 Years Imprisonment

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja has sentenced the kidnappers of Prof Mike Ozekhome and and Delta Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Hope Eghagha and others to 20 years imprisonment.

    Their alleged offences are said to be punishable under sections 1(2)(f), 8(1)(b), 10, 15(1), 17, d 19 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011(as amended).

    The judgement, which was coming 10years after, had Kelvin Oniarah Eziegbe, Frank Azuekor convicted and sentenced for kidnapping and terrorism, which will commence from the date of their arrest.

    However, the court discharged and acquitted Michael Omonigho, a priest of a shrine, who was arraigned along with the convicts.

    According to the Judge, some of the 13-count charge for which the convicts were arraigned carry life imprisonment but she had to use her discretion to sentence them to 20 years imprisonment.

    Justice Nyako ordered the transfer of the convicts from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the correctional centre to serve their imprisonment.

    Earlier before the sentencing, the convicts prayed Justice Nyako for mercy in the sentencing saying that, they have never been convicted for any offence before now.

    The first convict. Kelvin Eziegbe specifically pleaded the court for mercy in the sentencing because of his health challenges which he had been battling with since the past ten years he had been in the custody of the DSS.

    While the counsel to the convicts, Mr. Bala Dakum joined the convicts in pleading for mercy in the sentencing, the prosecution counsel, Chioma Onuegbu reminded the court of the gravity of the offences for which the convicts were convicted.

    Speaking shortly after the judgement, Counsel Onuegbu expressed gratitude for the judgement as she said it will serve as a deterrent to other criminals that the office of the criminal justice act are working.

    Ahmed Tijani counsel to the fourth defendant in the charge sheet, Haruna Momoh, who was said to have escaped from custody said his client, slammed with a five-count charge, bordering on kidnapping and terrorism did not escape from lawful custody.

    The court had, in the judgement told the DSS to find, arrest and arraign the 4th defendant to face his trial, a directive Tijani said, will be addressed, “When we get to the bridge”.

    Charges against the convicts, who were docked in 2023 include, conspiracy to commit terrorism act to include kidnapping, accessory to act of terrorism, inciting persons to commit act of terrorism, recruitment, escape and abetting escape.

    The duo of Eziegbe and Azuekor were, accused in counts two and three of conspiracy to commit terrorism act of murder by shooting and killing five police officers and two prison officials; commuting of intentional murder by shooting to killing five police officers and two prison officials.

    Azuekor was accused, in count seven, of escaping with others from lawful custody when the prison vehicle in which they were being conveyed to court was allegedly attacked by Eziegbe and others.

    Michael Omonigho was accused, in counts 12 and 13 of acting as the group’s herbalist by providing “spiritual and moral support” to it, and failing to reporting the groups activities to security agencies.