Wabara Talks Tough, Says PDP Will Resist Plot To Turn Nigeria To One Party State

By

-

April 28, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Dr. Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President and Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board Of Trustees, BoT, has alleged plot by the ruling Party, All Progressives Congress, APC, to turn the country to a One Party State. He, however, said it will be rejected in its totality.

Wabara stated that the plot is in the offing and that the PDP is battle ready to resist it vigorously.

The former Senate President made this statement while responding to the reported mass resignation of some key PDP members in the South East geo-political zone. He accused the APC of using some elements in the PDP to disintegrate the party.

Speaking, he said that the PDP BoT would swiftly wade in to halt the further exit of other members, adding that as the conscience of the party, the BoT would not allow self-seeking individuals to be used by the ruling party to destabilize the PDP.

He said: “The BoT will wade in expeditiously to save the deliberate and planned extinction of this great party, the People’s Democratic Party.

“ The BoT with the array of distinguished men and women of invaluable experience and integrity will surely salvage the party. The BoT did it once and shall do it again no matter whose ox is gored.

“ The BoT will never allow the APC to use some characters in the PDP to turn this beautiful and sweet Nation (Nigeria) into a one party state. “

He added that the PDP had an array of seasoned politicians capable of weaving whatever internal challenges rocking the party, expressing optimism that very soon, whatever grievances some members of the party had would be amicably resolved.

NAFDAC Exonerates Self, Says Nestle Infant Formula Not Registered In Nigeria

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 28, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the investigative documentary aired on Al-Jazeera, an International Cable Network that indicted Nestle of adding excessive Sugar to its NIDO Infant Formula and is been sold to Africa and other poorer countries around the world, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has insisted that the milk formula is not registered in Nigeria, and is not known to the Agency.

NAFDAC added that the Formula is not in circulation and not sold in Nigeria as insinuated from certain quarters.

Backing up its claim and exonerating its agency, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye in a Press Statement tagged: “Nestle Adds Sugar to Infant Milk sold in poorer Countries: NAFDAC’s Response”, Adeyeye explained that the range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria were duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children – Processed Cereal Based foods (NIS 256:2010) and the Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (CXS 74-1981 adopted in 1981, revised in 2006, amended in 2017, 2019, and 2023), as well as the applicable NAFDAC regulations for compliance with safety, quality, and labelling requirements.

She reassured Nigerians that NAFDAC exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria.

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a media report circulated widely to the general public via social media stating that Nestle, the worlds largest consumer goods company, adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases.

“ The report goes further to state that samples of baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were tested and results of analysis, and examination of product packaging revealed added sugar in the form of sucrose or honey in samples of Nido, a follow-up milk formula brand intended for use for infants aged one and above, and Cerelac, a cereal aimed at children aged between six months and two years.

“The Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to reassure the public that the Agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria in line with relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards (Codex) and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS). This is applicable to all categories of infant and young children foods distributed by manufacturers, importers, and marketers of infant and young children foods operating within Nigeria.

“ Adequate, optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential.

“The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, developing international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice with the mandate to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair international food trade. Nigeria (NAFDAC) is an active participant at these international food standards setting arena to contribute to Nigeria’s position during food standards development.

“ Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the Agency and is not in circulation in Nigeria. The range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria are duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children – Processed Cereal Based foods (NIS 256:2010) and the Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (CXS 74-1981 adopted in 1981, revised in 2006, amended in 2017, 2019, and 2023), as well as the applicable NAFDAC regulations for compliance with safety, quality, and labelling requirements.

“The scope of the standards covers processed cereal-based foods intended for feeding infants as complementary food from the age of six (6) months.

“ It is important to mention that these national and international food standards for processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children permit the addition of sucrose, fructose, glucose, glucose syrup or honey to products consisting of cereals which are or have to be prepared for consumption with milk or other appropriate nutritious liquids provided the amount of added carbohydrates from these sources shall not exceed the stated levels of 1.8 g/100 kJ (7.5 g/100 kcal); and specifically the maximum level of added fructose shall not exceed 0.9g/100kJ (3.75g/100kcal).

“ For cereals with an added high protein food which are or have to be prepared for consumption with water or other appropriate protein-free liquid, carbohydrates (if sucrose, fructose, glucose, glucose syrup or honey) are added provided the amount of added carbohydrates from these sources shall not exceed 1.2 g/100 kJ (5g/100 kcal); and specifically the maximum level of added fructose shall not exceed 0.6g/100kJ (2.5g/100kcal).

“ It is important to note that carbohydrates are made of building blocks of sugars and can be classified according to how many sugar units are combined in their molecule. Glucose, fructose and galactose are examples of single-unit sugars, also known as monosaccharides.

“Double-unit sugars are called disaccharides, among which sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar) are most widely known.

Infant and young childrens foods are strictly regulated by NAFDAC in recognition of the vulnerability of the target population and measures are in place to monitor and enforce compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the national regulations Marketing of Infant and Young Children Food and other Designated Products (Registration, Sales, etc.) Regulations.”

Adeyeye Further stressed that the Agency on 22 March 2024, held a stakeholders engagement with members of the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria (AIFMN), anchored by the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN) Directorate to further drive home the importance and special place of infant and young child nutrition.

She also assured Nigerians that the Agency is fully alive to her responsibilities of assuring the safety, wholesomeness and quality of infant and young children foods offered for sale in Nigeria in compliance with the relevant standards and regulations.

Popular Gospel Singer, ‘Egbin Orun’ Is Dead

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 28, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, has been thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of popular Gospel Artiste, Morenikeji Adeleke, popularly known as ‘Egbin Orun’.

Breaking the news of her demise was her colleague, Esther Igbekele, who took to her Instagram Page to pay tribute and confirm the news.

Igbekele expressed shock and sadness, sayin Egbin Orun departed suddenly without bidding farewell to her.

She said that Egbin Orun never had the premonition of her death as both of them spoke days ago, not knowing that would be their last conversation on earth.

Igbekele praised Egbin Orun’s beauty, kindness, and strong support for her ministry.

She wrote, “I got home from my program to hear about this great loss.. Prophetess Morenikeji Egbin Orun you left without saying goodbye..

“We spoke together last week not knowing you are about to embark on a journey to the great beyond.. You are such a beautiful and kind hearted woman and a very good supporter of my ministry.

“I am deeply saddened with your demise but God knows best. You will be greatly missed and your good deeds will continue to linger in our hearts.

“ Ah Egbin Orun. Good night! Keep resting in the bosom of Christ.. Ah Gone too soon..Yeeee.”

Though the circumstances surrounding her death remains unknown as at the filing of this report.

She would be missed by her fans, admirers, colleagues and families.

Heatwave: Group Urges Kano Govt To Halt Cutting Down Of Trees

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 28, 2024

0

Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

Amidst mounting concern in Kano State over heatwave, a group, Make Kano Green Initiative, has advised State Government to curtail incessant cutting down of trees.

The group called on Governor Kabir Yusuf to take immediate action to stop the cutting down of trees especially at hospitals and schools across the city.

The call to action comes as Kano grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures reaching record highs.

Convener of The Make Kano Green Initiative, Ismail Auwal expressed alarm at the seemingly contradictory actions, while praising the governor’s 2.5 million trees initiative launched to combat climate change.

“These trees are vital in our fight against the scorching heat, they provide shade, improve air quality, and protect us from the harsh effects of the sun.

“Cutting them down during a heatwave is illogical and detrimental to public health.”

The group specifically mentioned the Kano School of Nursing, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, and Yadakunya General Hospital as locations where trees were being indiscriminately cut.

The group also demanded an immediate halt to the tree cutting, an investigation into the matter, and the development of a comprehensive tree conservation and planting plan, prioritizing vulnerable populations.

“We commend the governor’s commitment to environmental issues and his tree-planting initiative.

“However, these recent actions contradict those efforts. We urge the governor to intervene and ensure our fight against climate change is consistent and effective.”

Aftermath Of Suleja Jailbreak: 106 Inmates Still On The Loose

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 28, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, has disclosed that it is working tirelessly to nab 106 Inmates who fled from the Suleja Prison, Niger State, following the heavy rainstorm that wreaked havoc on the Prison wall and led to the escape of over 115 Inmates.

It was gathered that three more inmates also fled the Prison, but were recaptured alongside some others, but, 106 Inmates are on the loose.

Making this disclosure the spokesman for the Service, Abubakar Umar, an Assistant Controller, said 106 Inmates are still at large.

He dismissed online reports which quoted unnamed security officials as saying that 50 inmates had been recaptured.

Aside from the 10 earlier recaptured, three more have been recaptured. So, we are on the chase of 106”, said Umar.

Umar quashed a television report which said there were over 8,000 fleeing inmates across the country.

No fewer than 119 inmates had escaped following hours of heavy downpour which destroyed parts of the facility on Wednesday night.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who visited the Facility said there was a need to relocate the Correctional Centre from the urban centre.

According to him, the Centre which was built to accommodate 250 inmates, had 499 before the incident.

He said; ”Obviously, it was a force majeure. There was a storm and there was a breach of the outer wall of this facility and some of the inmates escaped. Of course, we have been able to retrieve about 10 out of the 119. So we have 109 at large and the manhunt is presently ongoing. We will do everything possible to make sure that everyone is brought back”.

Atiku Endorses Emergence Of Agboola Ajayi As PDP Gov Candidate For Ondo Election, Says He’s Winning Strategy

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 28, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has endorsed the choice of former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state November election.

He congratulated Agboola Ajayi for his victory in the hotly contested primaries for the ticket of the party in the forthcoming election.

Atiku, in a press statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe said that the decision of the stakeholders of the PDP to elect Ajayi to fly the flag of the party is a wise decision towards winning the election and add Ondo to the states controlled by the PDP.

Atiku remarked that Ajayi possesses the requisite experience and political exposure to take the PDP to victory in the November election.

“I have utmost confidence in the candidature of Chief Agboola Ajayi to deliver Ondo State to the PDP,” the statement said.

The former Vice President particularly congratulated party stakeholders both at the national level and the leaderships in Ondo state for having conducted a non-controversial primary election.

“I must also express my appreciation to the national leadership of our party and the stakeholders in Ondo State for ensuring that the PDP stays and remains united during and after the process of the primary election.

“The unity will be much-needed when the party goes into the moment of full-scale electioneering.

“The unity in the PDP is our winning spirit. It is for this reason that I will urge every member of the PDP across the country to give undiluted loyalty and support to Agboola Ajayi in this all-important and historic election.”

Ebonyi Assures Of Fairness, As ESIEC Conducts Council Polls July 20

By

The Source

-

April 27, 2024

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled to hold on July 20, 2024, the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission ESIEC, has promised to conduct a free and fair exercise.

This is even as it has assured all the registered and participating political parties of a level playing ground.

The Chairman of the EIEC Barrister Jossy Eze who stated this at the weekend during an interactive session with Chairmen and Secretaries of political parties in Abakaliki, the state capital ,said the election will be conducted in all the 171 wards and 13 local councils of the state ,adding nomination papers are to be filed at the Abakaliki headquarters of the electoral umpire within the stipulated period.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended ) ,the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission law 2001( as amended) ,and the Ebonyi state Electoral and Related Matters Law No 001 of 2017 ( as amended) and all other powers enabling her in that behalf ,the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission do hereby give notice of Local Government elections in Ebonyi state 2024.

“Further take notice that the date of elections is Saturday 20th day of July 2024 ,through out Ebonyi State and that nomination papers are to be delivered at the Commission’s Headquarters Abakliki ,Ebonyi state.

“Also take notice that it is further published in each of the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas and the one hundred and seventy one ( 171) electoral wards in Ebonyi state that elections are to be held..”the ESIEC chairman stated .

Heads of security agencies and some major stakeholders in the state ,were also part of the Commission’s meetings with the political parties.

Eleme Road Mishap: Rescue Efforts Ongoing, As Police Confirm Four Dead, Over 70 Vehicles Burnt

By

The Source

-

April 27, 2024

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Four persons, including a pregnant woman, over 70 vehicles, travelers and others properties worth several billions of Naira were reportedly lost to the late Friday night accident at the Eleme section of the jinxed East-West Road in Rivers State.

Rescue operations were still ongoing by the combined team of Police ,Federal Road Safety Commission personnel, and other relevant officials to evacuate burnt vehicles and other properties ,as well as to maintain law and order.

These were the high points of a press statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Rivers state Police Command, Grace Iringe – Koko SP on Saturday April 27 2024 .

“At approximately 8.30pm on Friday, April 26 ,2024, the Rivers State Police Command received a distressed call regarding a fire incident along East-West Road near Indorama Gate ,Eleme ,caused by a tanker explosion .

“Immediately, action was taken by contacting the Fire Department and mobilising operatives to the scene .

Upon arrival, a joint operation of the Police and Fire fighters successfully extinguished the fire by 10.30 pm.

However, over 70 vehicles were engulfed and several individuals were trapped.

Efforts led to the rescue of many though the total casualties are yet to be determined . Regrettably, four individuals, including a pregnant woman ,have been confirmed dead and those injured are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.” Part of the statement reads.

The Police statement further stated that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, on Saturday also visited the scene of the accident, while rescue efforts continue.

Although, at the time of reporting, the cause of the tragic accident was yet to be officially confirmed, eye witness accounts blamed it on bad road condition, occasioned by the ongoing construction works on the East-West road, over speeding and reckless driving on the part of the driver of the main tanker truck that caused the inferno.

The ongoing construction efforts, witnesses say, has led to only a narrow portion left for road users from the two sides of the road.

Wike’s Ally Rejects Membership Of Edo Election Campaign Council, Citing Crisis In PDP

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 27, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be an unending crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as regards the forth coming Governorship Election in Edo State.

The 200-member Campaign Council put in place for the governorship poll is being depleted as some chieftains of the party decline to serve on the council.

National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South-South, Dan Orbih, for instance, has rejected his membership of the Edo PDP 2024 Governorship Campaign Council.

He made the decision known on Saturday at the Edo North PDP Leaders/Stakeholders Meeting (Legacy) held in Ogbona, his county home, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

Recall that Orbih’s name was featured on the 200-membership Campaign Council list of the PDP for the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki as Chairman.

However, rejecting the appointment, Orbih declared that all is not well with the PDP, adding that no one should be deceived.

Orbih is a strong ally of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyensom Wike.

“Shut Up”, Benue Governor Alia Tells Predecessors

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 27, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has ordered his predecessors in office to shut up if they have nothing positive to offer his administration for the development of the State and the people.

He said their criticism, without offering any solution is mere distraction. He urged them to allow him concentrate on governance and fulfill his promises to the people of the State.

Alia stressed that that the past Governors throwing jibes and plotting to put his administration into disrepute had their opportunity to better the State when they were in the saddle and appealed to them to allow the State have peace.

He said this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Benue Riders Coalition for Alia and other groups who came to welcome him back to the state after his working visit to the United States of America. He said his Government would not relent in its commitment to the wellbeing of the people.

He, also, cautioned those he said were in the habit of addressing Benue youths as thugs, and said it is totally unacceptable and demanded a public apology from those making the derogatory comment.

The Governor advised people of the State to prioritise their security saying his administration would soon establish a call centre with dedicated phone numbers where calls of security threats or breaches could be made for necessary action.

He said security was the responsibility of everyone and people must act as such by providing necessary information where there are security threats or breaches.

He also cautioned the people against selling out to the enemies or encouraging the perpetration of crimes in the various communities, and added: “don’t let anyone get you cowed into aiding perpetrators of any act that will destabilize the state.

“That would be totally unacceptable, and if we get to know such a person within any community, the person is going to face the music.

“ Our people can not settle for less. They knew who they were voting into power. They knew I am a man of peace and I will do my best to ensure that peace prevails in the state because I know what peace can do for all of us.

“ This is why I cannot accept a situation where anyone, irrespective of who he or she is, would create unnecessary trouble in the state.

“ Even if you are a former governor of Benue State, if you don’t have anything positive to contribute to Benue, shut up, because you did your part during your terms and it is over so you must give peace a chance and allow this administration to fully establish and carry out what we promised the people.

“If you are in the state, know exactly what you are saying. Criticisms both on me and my administration are very much welcome but check and verify your facts before putting them out to the public bearing in mind that words have consequences.

“ My administration is poised to bring the desired gmonstrated from day one and there is no stopping on that at all.”