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Category: News

  • Senate President’s Wife Has No Office In National Assembly -Eyiboh

    Senate President’s Wife Has No Office In National Assembly -Eyiboh

    The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Mr. Eseme Eyiboh, has debunked reports that an office was created for the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, in the National Assembly.

    Eyiboh, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the story showed that it was essentially designed to malign and disparage the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

    “A story of 20 paragraphs on the creation of an imaginary office for the wife of the Senate President uses three paragraphs on the unfounded issue.

    “And the remaining 17 paragraphs were used for recitation of unrelated fables and other innuendo.

    “For emphasis to the unguarded who may be prone to the fake news merchandise, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio has no office in the National Assembly and there is no intention towards that.

    “Her only relationship with the National Assembly is that her husband is the President of the Senate and by virtue of that, as with his predecessors, she is president of the Senators’ Wives Association of Nigeria,” Eyiboh said. 

  • NiMet Predicts 3-Day Sunshine, Cloudiness From Monday

    NiMet Predicts 3-Day Sunshine, Cloudiness From Monday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

    NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja forecast cloudy atmosphere on Monday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region.

    The agency anticipated prospects of thunderstorms accompanied with rains over Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba and Adamawa States in the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, scattered thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Kebbi, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Kaduna States.

    “The cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the North Central region with chances of thunderstorms over parts of Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Kwara States during the morning hours.

    “Thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi and Kwara States during the afternoon to evening hours,” it said.

    According to NiMet, cloudy atmosphere is expected over the inland states of the South and the coastal belt of the country.

    It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.

    The agency forecast thunderstorms and moderate rains over parts of Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States later in the day.

    According to NiMet, cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are anticipated over the Northern region on Tuesday with chances of thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kano, Gombe, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara and Bauchi States in the morning hours.

    It predicted thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna States during the afternoon/evening hours.

    “Cloudy skies are anticipated over the North Central region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger States.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is expected over inland states of South and its coast with chances of isolated rains over parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.”

    It anticipated thunderstorms over the entire Southern region in the afternoon and evening hours.

    The agency forecast cloudy skies on Wednesday with sunshine intervals over the Northern region in the morning hours.

    According to it, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa States later in the day.

    It predicted cloudy morning over the North Central region during the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the inland areas of the South and its coastal states during the morning hours. In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms along with moderate rains are envisaged over the entire region.

    “Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The public is advised to take necessary caution, avoid driving and walking through flood waters,” it said.

    According to NiMet, strong winds are likely to precede and accompany the thunderstorms, citizens are advised to take necessary safety precautions.

    The agency further advised disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals to be proactive to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season.

    Besides, the agency urged all Airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports and alerts periodically from NiMet for effective planning for their operations.

  • Nigeria @63: Wike Calls For Collective Efforts To Rebuild FCT

    Nigeria @63: Wike Calls For Collective Efforts To Rebuild FCT

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has called for collective efforts in rebuilding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Wike, who made the call in his independence message in Abuja on Sunday, stressed that building a strong and resilient society requires collective effort.

    “It means working together to address the issues that confront us, be it in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, or security.

    “It means fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that empowers our youth and creates opportunities for all.

    “As residents of the FCT, we are not only Nigerians but also representatives of our nation’s diversity and unity,” he said.

    He reiterated the FCT Administration’s dedication to enhance the infrastructural development of the FCT and improve essential social services to meet the growing needs of residents.

    He, however, noted that this monumental task cannot be accomplished by the FCTA alone.

    “It is a collective endeavor that requires the active participation and commitment of every resident.

    “In this regard, I implore all residents to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes promptly, including ground rents and utility bills.

    “These contributions are crucial for sustaining and enhancing the services and infrastructure that make our city function smoothly.

    The minister described Independence Day as not merely “a date on the calendar”, but a reminder of the sacrifices made by our ancestors.

    He added that the day was also a reminder of the struggles they endured, and the dreams they held for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

    “Today, as the FCT Minister, I want to call upon each resident of the territory to rededicate themselves to the vision of a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

    “Let us be reminded, therefore, of our obligation to society; our responsibilities as citizens extend beyond our rights.

    “We must contribute to the well-being of our fellow Nigerians and actively participate in the development of our communities and the nation.

    “In the FCT, where diversity is our strength, let us also remember our unique role as residents. We must live up to the tenets of unity that our capital represents.

    “Let us build bridges across cultures, religions, and ethnicities.

    “As we strive to make Abuja a great city, I call upon every resident to join hands with us,” the minister said. 

  • Petrol Tanker Explosion Claims 5 Lives In Delta –PPRO

    Petrol Tanker Explosion Claims 5 Lives In Delta –PPRO

    The Police Command in Delta says five persons lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion in the state.

    The spokesman of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen in Warri, saying the incident occurred on 1 October at Ugbenu in Ethiope West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    He said that the tanker, laden with petrol, was heading towards Benin City in the morning when the unfortunate incident happened.

    “In the early hours of October 1, 2023, at about 0200hrs, the Command recorded a tragic incident where a tanker, laden with petroleum product, being driven towards Benin on the Warri – Benin Road fell at Ugbenu Koko Junction.

    “Its content spilled into the nearby swamp and the spillage attracted a couple of youths who took advantage of the incident and started scooping fuel into jerry cans and other containers.

    “While they were at it, an explosion erupted and the fire from the explosion engulfed the whole area.

    “The fire claimed lives of five persons among the youths who had come to scoop fuel,” Edafe said.

    He said that several properties, including eight buses of different makes, two tankers, five trailers, two motorcycles, a Sienna space wagon and a ‘C’ Class Mercedes Benz car were also burnt.

    Edafe said that the remains of the victims had been deposited at the Oghara General Hospital’s morgue in Ethiope West.

    He added that police operatives attached to the Oghara division, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at Ethiope West, had mobilised to the scene to ensure the free flow of traffic.

    Edafe said that the Commissioner of Police, Delta Command, Mr Wale Abass, had expressed his sympathy with the families that lost their loved ones in the incident.

    “It is sad that we never learn from past occurrences, since this is not the first time such incident has happened.

    “Nonetheless, I appeal that Nigerians should do away with greed and avoid scenes where there is an occurrence of oil spillages.

    “It poses a serious threat to their lives and the lives of others,” Edafe warned. 

  • FG Offers Organised Labour N35,000 Pay Increase In Bid To Halt Planned Strike

    FG Offers Organised Labour N35,000 Pay Increase In Bid To Halt Planned Strike

    The Federal Government is optimistic that the planned indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) can be averted, as it presents several compelling offers to address the ongoing dispute resulting from the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    During a lengthy meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, the government outlined several proposals aimed at resolving the impasse and mitigating the impact of the subsidy removal on Nigerian workers and citizens.

    The key highlight of these offers includes a substantial N35,000 pay increase for all “treasury-paid” federal employees.

    Other key agreements include Provisional Wage Increment: The Federal Government announced a provisional wage increment of N25,000 for all treasury-paid federal government workers for a period of six months.

    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses: To alleviate the transportation challenges associated with the subsidy removal, the government is committed to fast-tracking the provision of CNG buses for public transportation.

    Support for Micro and Small-Scale Enterprises: The Federal Government pledged to provide funding support for micro and small-scale enterprises, recognizing their importance in driving economic growth and employment.

    Waiver on VAT for Diesel: VAT on diesel will be waived for the next six months to help mitigate the effects of subsidy removal on businesses and individuals.

    Cash Transfer to Households: The government will initiate a cash transfer program, disbursing N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month over a three-month period from October to December 2023.

    Resolutions Reached: During the meeting, several resolutions were reached to address the ongoing dispute and ensure the welfare of Nigerian workers:

    Work While Negotiating: The parties emphasized that the issues in dispute can only be effectively resolved when workers are at work and not during strike actions.

    Higher Wage Award: Labour Unions advocated for a higher wage award, and the Federal Government pledged to present the request to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.

    Sub-committee for Implementation: A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementing all items related to government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    Resolution of Transport Workers’ Dispute: The matter concerning the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State will be urgently addressed. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, committed to resolving the matter.

    Suspension of Planned Strike: The NLC and TUC will carefully consider the offers made by the Federal Government with the intention of suspending the planned strike. This will allow for further consultations on the implementation of the agreed resolutions.

    Earlier, in his Independence Day speech, President Bola Tinubu had announced a N25,000 pay increment, indicating that it would apply exclusively to “low-grade” workers as a means of cushioning the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

    The meeting, chaired by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, saw the virtual participation of Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

    The labour delegation, led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and Deputy President of TUC, Dr. Tommy Etim Okon, comprised key representatives from both unions, including NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja and TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro, among others.

    Numerous government officials attended the meeting, including the Information Minister, Wale Edun; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

    Also in attendance were the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan; and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    A statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, indicated that “NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above.

  • 8 die, 7 Injured In Delta Auto Crash- FRSC

    8 die, 7 Injured In Delta Auto Crash- FRSC

    No fewer than eight people were burnt beyond recognition on Sunday on the Ologbo Bridge, Benin/Sapele Expressway in Delta.

    The FRSC Spokesman, Mr Bisi Kazeem confirmed this in a statement in Abuja, stated that the fatal crash which occurred on October 1 at about 1pm, also had seven people injured.

    Kazeem said that the dual crash involved 15 different categories of vehicles stating the affected vehicles as 1 Toyota Hiace Bus, 2 FORD Buses, 1 Volkswagen Passat passat, 2 J5 Peugeot buses, 1 Daylong Motorcycle and 8 Tankers.

    “From the report gotten from the FRSC rescue team, a total of 15 people all male adults were involved.

    “Out of this number, seven people got injured, while eight victims were burnt beyond recognition.

    “The truck ladened with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), coming from Warri, Delta State fell on the highway and spilled the PMS product on the road.

    “This, hereby led to an explosion that gutted the aforementioned number of vehicles and the 15 male victims, “he said.

    Kazeem quoted the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu as calling on fleet operators, especially owners of tankers conveying inflammable products to ensure compliance with minimum safety standards by installing safety valves (Anti spill) in their vehicles.

    This, he said, is to eradicate all incidences of mishap resulting from lack of safety valves in tankers.

    Biu also called on owners and operators of tankers to comply with all safety standards set by the government on operation of that category of vehicle on Nigerian road.

    He directed Commanding Officers to ensure that tankers that do not meet safety standards were not allowed to ply the highways.

  • I Inherited N359bn Debt From Past Administration –Gov Alia

    I Inherited N359bn Debt From Past Administration –Gov Alia

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on Sunday disclosed that his administration inherited the sum of N359 billion as debt from the past administration in the state.

    Alia disclosed this at an interdenominational church service to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary.

    The church service was organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter, at the Methodist Cathedral, South Bank, Makurdi.

    The governor, who is a Catholic priest, said that in spite of the debt burden, he was determined to reposition the state by providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    “God has accomplished his work, and it is now left for us to make our state and nation to work. I am here to make things work.

    “What we inherited was nothing to be proud of, but we will do what will make us all proud. I inherited over N359bn debt,” he said.

    He regretted that the state lost billions of Naira worth of agricultural produce and other property to herders’ attacks on farmers.

    He said that the farmers must be supported to do their job well.

    Alia said that the condition of rural dwellers following incessant herders’ attacks and fuel subsidy removal had become worrisome.

    He said that his administration would find ways to support farmers by providing seedlings, fertilisers and other forms of support to enable them to work effectively in the coming farming season.

    “My colleagues call me the governor of the richest state in Nigeria and I agree with them because we have numerous mineral deposits, we have the best yams and soyabeans, among others.

    “We will create billionaires in the state through our farms. We have everything it takes to do it.”

    Alia ordered the immediate end to illegal mining in the state.

    “The foreigners illegally mining gold in Kwande, Logo, Konshisha LGAs and other places in the state should desist from it immediately. This is an order,” he said.

    He said that God blessed the state and the entire Nigeria abundantly and it was left for the leaders to make things to work.

    He decried the spate of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state, pledging to tackle them.

    The governor said that the future of the state lied in the hands of the youth, adding that his administration was training 10,000 youths in information technology for improved digital knowledge.

    Alia gave the assurance that his administration would not accommodate corruption and nepotism.

    The governor appealed to Benue sons and daughters to support the state in any way they could.

  • CJN To Inaugurate 23 Federal High Court Judges Oct 4 

    CJN To Inaugurate 23 Federal High Court Judges Oct 4 

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will on Wednesday October 4, 2023, swear-in the newly appointed 23 Judges of the Federal High Court.

    A statement by the Court’s Director of Press and Information on Sunday, Dr Festus Akande said that the Judges are to be inaugurated at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at 11am.

    The new Judges are: Dipeolu Deinde Isaac from Ogun State; Ogundare Kehinde Olayiwola from Ekiti State; Agbaje Olufunmilola Adetutu from Lagos State; Musa Kakaki from Kaduna State; Abdullahi Muhammad Dan-Ige from Sokoto State; and Sharon Tanko Ishaya from Kebbi State.

    Others are Salim Olasupo Ibrahim from Ogun State; Yilwa Hauwa Joseph from Gombe State; Wigwe-Oreh Chituru Joy from Rivers State; Owoeye Alexander Oluseyi from Kogi State; Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa from Benue State; Amina Aliyu Mohammad from Katsina State; Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi from Kwara State; Hauwa Buhari from Federal Capital Territory; and Aishatu Auta Ibrahim from Borno State.

    The rest are Hussaini Dadan-Garba from Bauchi State; Ibrahim Ahmad Kala from Gombe State; Mashkur Salisu from Zamfara State; Onah Chigozie Sergius from Enugu State; Egbe Raphael Joshua from Bayelsa State; Ariwoola Olukayode Jnr. from Oyo State; Ekerete Udofot Akpan from Akwa Ibom State; and Ogazi Friday Nkemakonam from Ebonyi State.  

    Also, a valedictory Court session will be held on Tuesday 10th October, 2023, in honour of the late Justice Chima Centus Nweze at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court at 10am.

    As is customary, the Chief Justice of Nigeria will preside over the session which will, among other things, feature the presentation of tributes by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and President of the Nigerian Bar Association, in honour of the departed Jurist. 

    It will be recalled that Justice Nweze died on Saturday, 29th July, 2023 in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 64 years. 

    He was sworn-in as Justice of Supreme Court on 29th October, 2014. He was born in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State on 25th September, 1958. 

    He attended St. John Cross Seminary, Nsukka from 1972 to 1977, emerging with a Distinction in the West African School Certificate Examination. 

    He gained admission into University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 1979 where he graduated with a Degree in Law in 1983. In the same year, he represented the Law Faculty and, indeed, all Nigerian Law Faculties, at the Philip Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington DC, as the Chief Oraclist. 

    Justice Nweze did his NYSC between 1984 and 1985 in Bauchi, after being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984.

    He equally had his Doctorate Degree in Law from the same University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

  • Motorcycle Riders’ Union Seeks Meeting with Wike Over Members’ Ill-Treatment

    Motorcycle Riders’ Union Seeks Meeting with Wike Over Members’ Ill-Treatment

    President of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), Comrade Julius Oghenevwegba Bobi, has expressed the union’s firm stance against the ill-treatment of its members by various state governments and agencies nationwide.

    In an official statement personally signed by Comrade Bobi and released to the media on Sunday, the union decried the inhumane treatment endured by its members, emphasizing that such actions would no longer be tolerated.

    The statement reads, “We wish to bring to your attention the distressing reality faced by MOUN members who operate motorcycles across the country, enduring unwarranted harassment and constant confiscation of motorcycles. This situation is no longer acceptable to our union. As the National President, I am taking the initiative to engage in a dialogue with the government to address these persistent challenges, which have led to the unjust seizure and destruction of our members’ motorcycles, thereby rendering them jobless despite being law-abiding citizens who dutifully pay their taxes.”

    “We have received reports this week indicating that approximately 700 motorcycles were confiscated by government agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in addition to similar incidents in various locations across Nigeria. This alarming trend, coupled with harassment by law enforcement agencies for extortion, has become an unbearable burden for motorcyclists in Nigeria,” the statement continued.

    Comrade Bobi revealed that he has taken steps to correspond with the current Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, with the hope of appealing to him to adopt a more considerate approach in addressing issues concerning motorcycle riders in the Federal Capital Territory.

    It is noteworthy that the Motorcycle Operators Union recently received its union certificate from the Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr. Amos Faloni.

    The National President emphasized that this development has empowered them to conduct their operations in compliance with the law, granting them protection from harassment and intimidation.

    “With this recognition, we are determined to fulfill our mission and vision while upholding our core values and representing the interests of our association,” he concluded.