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Category: News

Bandits Abduct Federal University Gusau Students

Once again, an unspecified number of students from the Federal University of Gusau were abducted in the early hours of Friday. This incident occurred when armed bandits in large numbers invaded the Sabon-Gida community in the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A resident of Sabon-Gida, Nazeer Sabon-Gida, recounted the terrifying events, stating that the gunmen struck the community at around 3 am, opening fire indiscriminately.

“They entered the town around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately,” he said. “We have yet to confirm the number of students kidnapped because the bandits entered three hostels and kidnapped all the students there. It is difficult to ascertain their numbers now.”

Reports monitored by NIGERIAN ANCHOR on Channels Television suggest that the bandits engaged in a fierce gun battle with troops of the Nigerian Army. However, despite the confrontation, the bandits managed to escape with the kidnapped victims.

“They were seriously engaged with the army troops, but the way these bandits operate, they will divide themselves into two groups. One group will move with the kidnapped victims, while the other will stay behind to protect the first group,” Sabon-Gida explained. “The first group had left with the students while the second group engaged the army in a gun duel.”

It’s worth noting that back in June, some students from the same university protested against the increasing incidents of abductions involving their fellow schoolmates in Sabon-Gida and Damba.

Sabon-Gida village is situated opposite the main campus of the Federal University of Gusau, approximately 20 km from the state capital, Gusau.

09/22/2023
Celebrities, Fans Hold Candlelight Procession In Honour Of Mohbad

In a touching display of solidarity and remembrance, several Nigerian celebrities and fans came together for a candlelight procession in honour of the late singer, Mohbad, in Lekki, Lagos.

The event, attended by renowned musicians like Davido, Zlatan, and Falz, along with Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, aimed to pay tribute to the departed artiste.

During the procession, the crowd chanted “Justice for Mohbad,” emphasizing their desire for clarity surrounding the circumstances of the singer’s passing.

Falz and popular on-air personality, Oladotun Kayode, played pivotal roles in coordinating the gathering. Many attendees held placards bearing various messages calling for justice in Mohbad’s case.

The candlelight procession began at the Lekki Phase 1 Gate, proceeding solemnly through the streets until it reached its destination at Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island.

The event provided an opportunity for fans, friends, and fellow artists to come together, remember Mohbad’s contributions to the music industry, and seek answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

Mohbad’s passing, which occurred on September 12 and led to his burial the following day, remains under investigation by the police. The candlelight procession served as a poignant reminder of the impact he had on the music community and the lingering questions surrounding his demise.

09/22/2023
FG Expresses Readiness To Increase Supreme Court Justices

Following the increasing workload as a result of the depleting number of Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has said the Federal Government is prepared and ready to strengthen the Apex Court to attain the required number of Justices as required by the Constitution.

Speaking at the special court session of Justice Amina Adamu Augie’s retirement, Fagbemi said, the Federal Government acknowledges the sacrifices and the working conditions of the current Justices of the Supreme Court and other Judges in Nigeria.

The AGF said, “President Bola Tinubu’s led government shall guarantee excellent conditions of service and renumerations good enough to appreciate the onerous duties of judicial officers at all level.

According to the AGF, “While we appreciate the urgency in reviewing the remuneration of judicial officers which had not been done for over a decade as an integral component of our judicial reforms, we are also appreciative of the greater goal of achieving a true independence for the judiciary which can only be achieved through a comprehensive and sustainable reform process which requires attention and details”.

He said the federal government has commenced a painstaking effort at revisiting and reviewing all necessary instruments towards strengthening the judiciary, rule of law and improving the living conditions of all judicial officers.

While noting that Nigeria’s judiciary has lived up to expectations, Fagbemi said the federal government will support critical reforms that would enhance greater access to Justice, facilitate speedy trials and build confidence in the country’s judicial and legal systems.

The AGF described Justice Amina Augie as an embodiment of a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who made several far-reaching legal and judicial pronouncements, which have continued to generate reviews from legal commentators.

Earlier in his speech, the CJN said, Justice Amina Adamu Augie, “has, largely, made herself a pliable legal personality that has diligently sunk a pool of enduring legal knowledge and experience in all her judicial pronouncements. She has been a formidable ally, an admirable pillar of support and indeed, a jolly good fellow to all of us.

“His Lordship is a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety. Her judgments are not only incisive but equally analytical and rich in content and context. Her robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are fascinating and captivating, too. Her impeccable attention to details in every matter that came before her is alluring and salutary as well.”

The CJN said Justice Amina Augie has variously exhibited rare qualities and tenacity of strength and character to the admiration of her colleagues and admirers, especially when it comes to the administration of justice.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in his speech said, there is no Supreme Court in the world that is over-worked like the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Even at that, the NBA boss said Justices of the court still carry out their judicial duties deligently, he commended the sacrifices of the Supreme Court Justices.

While urging the Justices of the Supreme Court to continue in dispensing justice without fear or favour, Maikyau said the NBA is championing the fight for the upward review of the salaries, allowances and improved working conditions of judicial workers in the country.

09/21/2023
NGO Urges Wike To Probe Procurement Fraud, Abandoned Projects

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has been urged to fashion ways to tackle procurement fraud and abandoned projects that littered in the territory.

Program Manager at Priests Peace and Justice Initiative, Dr Agbaji Orinya, also called on the former Rivers State Governor to ensure transparency of contract awards and procurement in FCT.

Speaking in Abuja Thursday, Orinya stressed that corruption continues to slow down the development of public infrastructure in the FCT.

He identified issues of transparency in contract awards, project execution, poor service delivery by contractors and embezzlement of funds in some instances as the bane of development of the nation’s capital and its environs.

He called on the FCT Minister to ensure adherence to the procurement process designated by the Law regarding contract variations. At the same time, she urged citizens to ask questions and hold leaders to account.

On what the FCT Minister must do to combat contracting corruption in FCT, Orinya said, “The Minister should put a system in place that will make corrupt transactions difficult. There should be a portal where people can verify what project is supposed to be in a particular area. There should be a proper evaluation mechanism, which will make them deliver projects.

“It’s about transparency and accountability. The public should know how much has been approved for a particular project. They (citizens) need to know the nature of each project within their environment so that they can ask questions.

“We have a procurement process – where you have to identify projects, plan projects, there is a process for approval and funding. Are we following this process in awarding contracts by law,” he questioned.

09/21/2023
Group Alleges Sabotage In Birnin Kebbi Transmission Station Fire

The Nigerian Power Consumers Forum (NPCF) has condemned the recent fire incidents around power transmission infrastructure alleging that external forces were acting to sabotage the nation’s transmission system.

The national grid collapsed some days after the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) celebrated 500 days of relative stability of the grid.

NPCF Convener, Comrade Michael A. Okoh in a statement in Abuja, Okoh called on the Federal Government to bring the saboteurs and perpetrators of the act to book and urged TCN to buffer other substations against further sabotage.

“Nigerians have seen the enormous work done by the current TCN management led by Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz. For instance, in the history of Nigeria, the TCN for the first time took delivery of over 30 power transformers in 2022 and all were deployed to the site for onward installation. The projects TCN is executing to improve access to bulk electricity cover all the six geopolitical zones too.

“From independent assessment which started last year and up to this year, the Forum was able to confirm the various initiatives TCN deployed to stabilize the grid including the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the deployment of the stopgap system as a placeholder for a smart grid system which is in the advanced stage of the procurement process for a robust deployment of a full-scale state-of-the-art Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)/Energy Management System (EMS).

“But unfortunately, just after the pronouncement on the efforts of TCN on grid stability, the power sector has recorded at least two system collapses in succession, all caused by a fire incident in the Birnin Kebbi transmission substation and line snap along the 330kV Jebba – Kainji transmission line. These have caused nationwide outages which the NPCF believes is to bring the management of TCN into disrepute.

“This is not the first time critical national infrastructures have been sabotaged as cases abound every day of oil theft rupturing pipelines or hacking power transmission towers of which over 20 such cases were reported by TCN in the last 12 months.

“The fire incident at the Birnin Kebbi transmission substation switchyard is more of sabotage on the national grid systems. According to power engineers who have over three decades of experience, believe that technically, there is no way two power transformers separated by a reasonable distance from each other will be engulfed by fire simultaneously’’, he said.

09/21/2023
Prioritise Constitution Amendment, Retired Justice Amina Augie Tasks NASS

Retired Justice Amina Adamu Augie of the Supreme Court, on Thursday has called on the 10th National Assembly to as a matter of urgency, amend the Constitution to enhance the functioning of Nigerian Courts.

Justice Augie said that the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led Senate should undertake the necessary constitutional amendments to free the courts and Justices from constraints to enable them fulfil their mandate of upholding the rule of law.

Amina, who had her final bow on Thursday, made the appeal in her speech at a valedictory court session held at the Supreme Court in her honour, having

retired officially from the apex court bench on September 3, 2023, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

“This marks the final instance where my voice will be heard in any Court, and I wish to use this opportunity to directly address the 10th National Assembly, through the Distinguished Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, who was once my student at the Law School.

“I had the privilege of teaching him evidence, and I trust that he learned it well.

“Hence, it should be evident to him that swift action is needed from the 10th National Assembly to accomplish what others could not amending the Constitution to enhance the functioning of our Courts in Nigeria.

“It is said that a teacher’s reward is in Heaven, I cannot wait to reach Heaven to receive my reward for teaching him because it is my sincere wish that the Justices coming behind me do not go through what those before them went through.

“Thus, I implore the National Assembly to undertake the necessary constitutional amendments.

“By doing so, this Court and its Justices can be freed from the constraints that impede their ability to fulfill their mandate of upholding the rule of law, justice, and democracy.

“Would I be envious when the existing situation is rectified? Absolutely not. Some individuals are pioneers with the strength, zeal, and passion to blaze new trails and guide those who may lack the inclination or strength to do so”. Justice Augie stated.

Justice Amina Augie was sworn in as Justice of Supreme Court on 7th November, 2016.

She graduated with a Second-Class Upper Division in Law from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.

09/21/2023
Abuja Light Rail Project To Be Delivered In May 2024 – Shettima

Vice president Kashim Shettima has revealed that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Limited (CCECC) has pledged to the complete the Abuja light rail project in May 2024.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, in a statement, said Shettima extracted the commitment from the management of CCECC when its Chairman, Mr Jason Zhang, paid him a courtesy visit at the presidential villa.

The vice president said the move was in line with the determination of President Tinubu’s administration to enhance infrastructural development across the country.

He stated that the Abuja rail project, like others, remains dear to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people.

Shettima described the company as part of Nigeria’s history, noting that the Chinese construction giant has played a pivotal role in developing Nigeria’s landmark projects.

He added that its commitment to the development of Nigeria and Africa was commendable.

“You have been in this country for 42 years. We have to commend you for all the beautiful initiatives and support over the years.

“We share a lot in common with the people of China, just as you have been with us through thick and thin.

“You have the financial power and the willingness to support Nigeria and other African countries without interfering in our local politics. This we appreciate a lot.”

Shettima assured CCECC that the present administration would sustain the existing relationship with it and the people of China.

Earlier, the company’s Managing Director, David Waig, reiterated CCECC’s commitment towards delivering the project within the stipulated period.

Waig stated that CCECC leave no stone unturned in ensuring the delivery of the Abuja light rail line in May 2024.

He called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to engage an operational company that would quickly see to smooth take off of the rail project.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Managing Directors of the company, Mr Jaques Liao and Mr Inain Guo, and the General Manager (Business) of the company, Mr Eric Yu.

09/21/2023
VON Correspondent Murdered In Zamfara

The Zamfara Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has confirmed the murder of Alhaji Hamisu Danjibga, the state Correspondent of the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

A statement issued in Gusau by the state NUJ Secretary, Ibrahim Ahmad, said that the body of the deceased was dumped in a soak-away by those who murdered him.

“The discovery of his corpse was as result of unpleasant odour observed by children of an Islamic School behind his house in the evening of Wednesday September 20, 2023.

“After breaking the soakaway, the dead body was confirmed to be that of Danjibga by his family and some neighbours,” the statement said.

It was gathered that Danjibga had been missing for three days before his corpse was found.

Sources said that the family was initially contacted to pay one million naira for his release, but the figure was raised by the faceless persons suspected to have murdered him.

It was also gathered that the police had arrested one person suspected of involvement in the killing of the veteran journalist.

The NUJ extended its condolences to the deceased family, VON, and entire people of Zamfara, whilst urging security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice.

The deceased has been buried in Gusau according to Islamic rites.

09/21/2023
LUTH Debunks Report Late Doctor Died After Working 72 Hours

The management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, has denied allegations that one of its house officers, Dr Michael Umoh, died after a 72-hour call.

This is contained in a statement issued by LUTH management team in Lagos on Thursday.

“LUTH management understands the fact that the family of Dr Umoh is presently mourning the death of their beloved son and requested the foreclosure of any media engagement regarding the death of their son. It is important for us as a management to make clarifications regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

“Dr Umoh died on Sept 17 while in church with his parents. The management was informed, and the death was later confirmed by one of the Consultants in his unit (Neurosurgery).

“The death of Dr Umoh is unfortunate but the narrative of a 72 hours non-stop shift is false.

“The record from Neurosurgery unit shows that the last time he was on call was 13th and 14th September, 2023.

“He was not on call on the 15th, 16th and 17th (the day he died), contrary to the insinuations on social media. He was at home with his parents on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17,” the management said.

Prior to this time, the management said, he was on call on the Sept. 7 and Sept. 8.

”This shows that Dr Umoh was on call for a total number of four days in September, 2023.

“A delegation from LUTH visited the family on Wednesday to commiserate with the family and to get more details of the circumstances surrounding his death.

“The parents gave the details of what they thought must have contributed to his death but pleaded that the wish of the family be respected and that the narrative is not for public consumption,” it said.

The management described Dr Umoh as a hardworking and diligent house-officer, and a very promising young man.

It said he will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may the Almighty give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss” LUTH said.

09/21/2023
Google Announces New Updates On Its AI Chat Service, Bard

A multinational technology company, Google on Wednesday announced new updates to Bard, its experimental, conversational, Artificial Intelligence (AI) chat service.

Google’s Communication and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said in a statement that the company was rolling out “a most capable model of the Bard.”

He said that this updated model integrated with Google apps and services for more helpful responses.

Bard, which was unveiled on February 6, 2023 by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai is meant to function similarly to ChatGPT.

However, the biggest difference is that the Google’s service pulls its information from the web. One of its biggest benefits is that it can tailor its responses to exactly what the search initiator needs.

Kola-Ogunlade said that the newest update on Bard means that it had gotten better at customising its responses, so one could easily bring their ideas to life.

He said that Bard does this by integrating with Google apps and service for more helpful responses, adding that the chatbot’s “Google it” feature had also been improved.

“We’ve also improved the Google it feature to double-check Bard’s answers and expanded features to more places.

“We are launching Bard Extensions in English, a completely new way to interact and collaborate with Bard.” he said.

The Google spokesman said that with Extensions, Bard could find and show relevant information from the Google tools one used everyday like Gmail, Docs, Drive, Google Maps, YouTube and Google flight and hotels.

He added that Bard would still perform this service, even when the information needed was across multiple apps and services.

“For example, if you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon (a project that takes up many tabs), you can now ask Bard to grab the dates that work for everyone from Gmail.

“Bard can look up real time flight and hotel information, see Google Maps directions to the airport, and even watch YouTube videos of things to do there – all within one conversation,” Kola-Ogunlade said.

He stressed that if one chose to use the Workplace Extensions, Google was committed to protecting the searcher’s personal information.

He said that the searcher’s content from Gmail, Docs and Drive would not be seen by human reviewers, used by Bard to show you ads or used to train the Bard model.

Kola-Ogunlade stressed that the searcher would also be in control of his/her privacy settings, when deciding how to use the extensions and can turn them off at any time.

The Google spokesman said further that Bard’s “Google it” button could be used to more easily doublecheck its answers.

“When you click on the ‘G’ icon, Bard will read the response and evaluate whether there are content across the web to substantiate it.

“When a statement can be evaluated, you can click the highlighted phrases and learn more about supporting or contradicting information found by Search,” he explained.

Google is an American multinational technology company focusing on artificial intelligence, online advertising, search engine technology, cloud computing, computer software, quantum computing, e-commerce, and consumer electronics.

09/21/2023