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Uzodimma, NDPHC Meet On Speedy Completion Of Electricity Projects In Imo

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma and Niger Delta Power Holding Company Meet

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Friday held another crucial strategy meeting with the leadership of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) on how to ramp up issues around stable power supply in Imo State.

The Governor is not leaving anything to chance since he got the approval of the federal government to leverage the NDPHC as a vehicle to generate, supply and distribute power in Imo State.

The meeting, Friday, was crucial to the extent that all NDPHC contractors handling various electricity projects in Imo State – Orashi Electricity Company and her technical partners – were in attendance.

Among other strategic discussions, the meeting evaluated the strategies on how to facilitate the completion of all on-going power project in Imo State with the sole purpose of  stabilising electricity supply in the State.

The meeting was in the know of the consequences of stimulating economic activities in Imo State which were brought to their knees due to the parlous activities of the power distribution firm providing the residents with electricity for now.

Engineer Chiedu Ugbo, the Managing Director of NDPHC led his other colleagues and the contractors to the meeting.

He spoke about how resolute Governor Uzodimma has remained in his quest to provide stable electricity to Imo State since discussions were opened with NDPHC, promising that they are conscious of the timeline given to them by the Governor.

LASG Shuts Down RCCG, Celestial Church, Others Over Noise Pollution

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Babatunde Ajayi - LASEPA General Manager

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has shut down the Worship Centres of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, the Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, in the Lekki axis of the State for contravening the noise pollution standards in the State.

This is part of measures to restore normalcy across Lagos communities.

Aside from the two Churches, the State Government, also, closed nine business outlets across Eti-Osa and Ibeju-Lekki Local Governments for violating the laws on pollution.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, an Agency under the LASG shut down the following organizations that include: Hook Grill & Lounge, Oluwatobiloba bakery, Quinox hotel, Ebekuo hotel, Homely hotel, Grandplay hotel, City Nest hotel, Time Oak hotel, and Noah’s Ark hotel.

The Agency, while shutting down the establishments disclosed the action was against noise, air pollution, and other environmental violations in Victoria Island, Lagos Island, Sangotedo, Ajah, and Lekki Phase 1 areas of Lagos State.

In a statement released on its official social media handle, General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, noted that the religious centers and businesses were sealed after several warnings.

He added: “Despite prior warnings, several establishments were sealed off for non-compliance with environmental regulations during the comprehensive operation.

The LASEPA boss, who emphasized the importance of businesses complying with environmental standards, reiterated the agency’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and harmonious environment for Lagos residents.

Ajayi warned residents and business owners that the agency would not hesitate to take action against any establishment that fails to comply with environmental regulations.

He urged all businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact and work with the State Government to create a better future for Lagos.

“LASEPA remains resolute in its commitment to rigorously enforcing the State’s Environmental laws 2017, ensuring compliance, and achieving a clean and sustainable environment befitting Lagos State’s status as the nation’s Center of Excellence”, he added.

20 Medical Students Abducted In Benue, NANS Demands Release

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted 20 Medical and Dental students from two Universities alongside a House Officer in Benue State.

It was gathered that the students were going for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu State when the incident happened  Thursday evening.

The victims were eight students of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and 12 from University of Jos (UNIJOS). They were travelling together, and were ambushed by the gunmen around 5:30pm in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State enroute Enugu.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, who confirmed the incident through a telephone conversation with our correspondent, said “incident confirmed but I don’t have details of their number yet.”

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerians Students, ( NANS) has condemned the kidnapping of the medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, in Benue State on their way to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.

NANS expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the government to find solutions.

This was contained in a statement signed by the NANS Senate President, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, on Friday in Kano.

The statement reads: “This heinous act is a stark reminder of the growing insecurity in our nation, echoing the recent abduction and killing of passengers in Ondo State, as well as the brutal murder of a farmer at Oba Akoko in Ondo State by herdsmen.

“We express our deepest sympathy and solidarity with the victims and their families, and demand that the government takes immediate and proactive measures to address these senseless acts of violence and prevent future occurrences.

“As the representative body of Nigerian students, NANS is committed to advocating for students’ safety and welfare.

“We remind the government of its obligations under the right to education and the national security strategy to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly students.

“We call for immediate rescue of the abducted individuals, increased security presence in vulnerable areas of Benue and Ondo States, improved intelligence gathering, sharing enhanced protection for schools, medical facilities, and communities.”

Ondo: Governor Aiyedatiwa Disburses N3.2 Billion To Retirees

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, has said his administration will continue to advance the welfare of the people, ensuring no segment is left untouched.

The Governor made the pledge during the flag-off ceremony for the third batch of payment of N3.2billion in backlog of gratuities to retirees in the State.

The new round of payment is made up of N2.2billion in gratuities for state civil service retirees and N1billion in gratuities to local government retirees.

Speaking at the event, on Friday Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “Today is another landmark in our avowed commitment to the welfare of our people, including workers in service and retirees in the State.

“By this sure and steady mode of bulk payment, all retirees should be rest assured that sooner than later, the backlog of gratuities would be fully paid.

“We consider this a duty despite other pressing financial commitments of government and the limited resources available.”

Reflecting on the administration’s past efforts, the Governor noted that in January 2024, N1.2billion was paid, while between January and June 2024, N1.18billion was disbursed in piecemeal payments to retirees facing financial hardship.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the government is committed to making both bulk and piecemeal payments to alleviate the economic difficulties retirees face.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transition Department, Jide Ekpobomini, assured the retirees that their payments would be made in full, not in part.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, also expressed his appreciation to the governor over his genuine concern for the well-being of retirees in the State.

The Head of Service, Bayo Philips, who reaffirmed the commitment to resolving gratuity issues, added that the service is in safe hands under the governor’s leadership.

Appeal Court Quashes Order Barring Secondus, Omehia, Opara From Attending PDP Meetings

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Prince Uche Secondus and Celestine Omehia and Austin Opara

By Akinwale Kasali

Relief has come  for the trio of Prince Uche Secondus, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Celestine Omehia, former Rivers State Governor, and Austin Opara, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, following an Appeal Court Ruling that set aside a Lower Court order of barring the trio from attending PDP Meetings.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, in three separate judgements, unanimously upheld the appeals filed by the three aggrieved party chieftains, and quashed the ruling of Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja that gave the order barring the trio of Secondus, Omehia, and Opara from further attending any meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee, or participating in deliberations or proceedings of the meetings in any manner.

It also ruled that the Federal High Court ought not to have entertained the cases because it lacked the jurisdiction to hear and determine suits dealing with issues within the realm of the internal affairs of the political party.

The Appellate Court declared the proceedings conducted in the three cases before the Federal High Court null and void.

The Appellate Court held that the issue of whether members of a party should attend the party’s meetings or participate in any of its activities is a matter to be determined by the political party.

The Court, also, held that issues relating to whether or not members of a political party should attend the party’s meetings, being internal affairs of the party, are not justiciable and beyond the Court’s  jurisdiction.

NJC Probes 27 High Court Judges Over Alleged Misconduct

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Ariwoola - CJN

By Ayodele Oni

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has constituted four probe panels to investigate 27 high court judges over various alleged judicial misconduct against them.

This is as the Council issued letter of advice to Justice O. M. Olagunju of Oyo State High Court to be circumspect as a Judicial Officer before acting, even in the most challenging situation.

Justice Olagunju was said to have used foul language in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, challenging Council’s decision and its Policy Direction on appointment of President, Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State.

At its 106th meeting presided over by the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, NJC considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee on 22 petitions written against 27 Judicial Officers of the Federal and State High Courts.

Based on the report of the preliminary committee, the Council constituted four Committees to investigate allegations in the petitions that were found meritorious.

A statement by the NJC Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye on Friday in Abuja however said that the remaining 18 petitions were dismissed for lacking in merit, abandoned or being subjudice.

Besides, NJC placed five Judges on its pre-sanction watch list register for poor performance and would be recommended to the Council for appropriate sanction if they do not improve on their performance.

Justice Ariwoola who  attended the last meeting before his retirement, appreciated the cooperation he received from members of the Council and the Council’s Secretariat and implored them to extend same to his successor.

Members of the Council in return eulogized the outgoing CJN and Chairman one after the other and wished him good health in retirement.

Chinese Firm Releases Presidential Jet For Tinubu’s Trip To France ‘As A Gesture Of Goodwill’

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Tinubu on board Presidential Jet

Chinese Company has released one of the three Presidential Aircrafts confiscated over contractual dispute with the Ogun state government.

The three aircrafts, the magazine reported , were seized based on the order of a court in Paris,  France after the Nigerian government failed to pay the $60 million judgment sum arising from a disputed contract between a Chinese firm, Zhongshan and the Ogun state government.

The Nigerian Presidency on Wednesday accused the Chinese company of fraudulent plot to seize Nigerians assets abroad.

Zhonshan is trying  “to take over offshore assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria through subterfuge,” Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.

However, in a statement released on Friday, the Chinese firm said it has agreed to release one of the presidential jets for President Tinubu to travel to France, next week where the Nigerian leader is expected to meet France President, Emmanuel Macron.

The Chinese firm said one of the confiscated three Presidential Jets has been released for Tinubu’s  France trip as a  ‘Gesture Of Goodwill’.

The company said it decided to release the aircraft because of the importance of Tinubu’s meeting with Macron.

The Chinese firm said, “Zhongshan has consistently sought to act reasonably and fairly in the course of a legal dispute with Nigeria which was not of its making.

“It has now been made aware that an Airbus A330, currently detained in France as a result of a French court order obtained by Zhongshan, is needed for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to travel to a scheduled meeting with President Macron of France early next week.

“As a gesture of goodwill, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure of that aircraft immediately. This will allow it to be used for the President’s trip.”

Meanwhile, a United state court on Friday rejected Nigeria’s plea for an interlocutory injunction over the seized presidential jets on the basis that the aircratfs are diplomatic assets that cannot be confiscated.

The court threw away the prayer, saying it was wrong for the Nigerian government to breach the terms of the contract agreement.

Alleged Diversion Of Federal Government Palliatives: Court Restrains EFCC, Police From Arresting Gov Yusuf’s Top Aide

By
The Source
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Shehu Wada Sagagi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Embattled Chief of Staff to the Kano State Governor, Shehu Wada Sagagi, has taken legal steps to forestall his arrest by anti-corruption agencies.

A Kano State High Court court, presided over by  Justice Aisha Yau, has granted an  interim junction to restrain the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, the Police and other Security Agencies from intimidating, harassing and/or arresting the all-powerful Governor Abba Yusuf’s Chief of Staff, pending the hearing and determination of a motion  before it.

The Source reports that of recent, allegations of official compromise have been trailing Sagagi, over several tranches of palliatives advanced to Kano state by the Federal Government.

The Kano state chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, had, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, called for an independent investigation into how the Federal Government branded rice and other food items were allegedly diverted by some Kano State Government top functionaries .

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the APC specifically alleged that a substantial part of the Federal Government’s rice were spotted at an Islamiyya school owned by the Governor’s chief of staff.

The APC Chairman said the party is disturbed by the growing public outcry alleging massive and recurring diversions of empowerment items by some officials of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP-led administration in the State

The Party threatened legal action in the event an inquest is not carried out to determine those behind the diversion of palliatives.

“These recurring negative events have asserted the NNPP’s Government failure to take necessary actions against its officials found to be involved in the diversion of the palliatives.

“It then might be interpreted as acts being perpetrated with its tacit support. It is unfortunate that last week hundreds of bags of rice branded ” Federal Government Food Security Programme ” were discovered at a private school ( Wada Sagagi Islamic School) owned by the Chief of staff to the Governor ,Shehu Wada Sagagi .

“No convincing argument was put forward by Sagagi as to how the bags of rice which form part of the grains donated to the Kano state Government to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal among the poor and vulnerable residents were found in his private residence turned Islamiyya school” the APC stated.

But Sagagi, who had earlier dismissed the allegations as false and aimed at tarnishing his image by detractors, particularly the opposition, in a motion ex-parte prayed the court to stop any move by the EFCC and security agencies from inviting, questioning, arresting and/or harassing him until the hearing and determination of his motion on notice.

Justice Yau, while ruling on the ex-parte motion on Thursday August 15, said:  “An interim injunction is granted restraining the respondents, particularly the EFCC and Commissioner of police by themselves, servants, agents ,privies ,or whosoever and howsoever deriving authority from them from arresting, harassing, molesting and/or detaining the applicant pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice ”

Hearing on the substantive suit has been billed for September, 3, 2024 .

The Source further reports that the Governor’s Chief of Staff was forced to seek the sanctuary of the court. following a formal petition letter forwarded to the EFCC by the Youth Wing of the APC.

In the petition , the APC Youth Wing had pointedly accused Sagagi of being at the head of a Kano State Government cartel  behind the diversion of Federal Government palliatives.

“It’s Fake News, I Have Not Been Appointed UNN’s Acting Vice Chancellor”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Professor Polycap Emeka Chigbu

By Adesina Soyooye

Professor Polycap Emeka Chigbu has cut short the joy and celebration of not a few people.

A couple of days ago, the Social Media was agog with the news that Chigbu, a former Deputy  Vice Chancellor, Academics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, has been appointed the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University by the University’s Council. Celebration by his friends and admirers followed.

But the Mbaise, Imo State-born Academic says it is all fake news from which he has distanced himself in a personally signed statement.

He disclosed that the truth is that five Professors, apparently, including himself, have been shortlisted and forwarded to the University’s Council, and the process of choosing one out of the five in progress, and yet to be concluded.

Chigbu’s statement reads: “It has come to my attention that reports are circulating online claiming that I have been elected as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I wish to categorically state that no such appointment has been made. I have not been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor, and any reports suggesting otherwise are both false and unsubstantiated.

“The process to elect an Acting Vice Chancellor remains ongoing and has not yet reached a conclusion. On August 12, 2024, the Senate conducted elections among nine candidates, from which five professors were selected and their names forwarded to the University Governing Council for further consideration and vetting. Subsequently, the Governing Council will choose one of these five candidates to serve as the Acting Vice Chancellor. Therefore, any news circulating in the media is incorrect and lacks any basis.”

A couple of months ago, a former Governor of Enugu State, who was also the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Joe Nwodo, shocked not a few people when, in a Media interview, he canvassed that the next Vice Chancellor of UNN must be a native of Nsukka, the host Community of the University.

Dr Nwodo is an Nsukka indigene.

Mpox Spreads, Rises To 39 In Nigeria, Bayelsa State Records Highest Cases

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dr Jide Idris
Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the outbreak of Mpox less than 48 hours after World Health Organization, WHO, announced its spread, through its public health emergency of international concern, the Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria has recorder total number of 39 confirmed cases.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) stressed that no death has been recorded across the country.

The Mpox outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing held in Abuja.

“In Nigeria, cumulatively, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 States and the FCT, from the beginning of the year 2024. Bayelsa (16), Cross River (5), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) leading the pack.

“Noting the significant concern of the ease of cross-border transmission, this press conference is part of the effort to intensify our coordination and communication with stakeholders to manage the spread of the virus and prevent disease importation,” Idris said.

However, the NCDC said that so far, no death has been recorded from the disease already confirmed in 33 States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Idris named Bayelsa as leading the 33 states with five confirmed cases, while Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states all trailed behind with four confirmed cases.

Idris said: “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has been closely monitoring several endemic diseases including mPox which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International / Continental Concern (PHEIC / PHECC) by both the WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACDC.

“In Nigeria, cumulatively, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 States + FCT, from the beginning of the year 2024. Bayelsa (5),Cross River (4), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) leading the pack.

”Noting the significant concern of the ease of cross-border transmission, this press conference is part of the effort to intensify our coordination and communication with stakeholders to manage the spread of the virus and prevent disease importation.”

He also said that so far, about 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths across 13 African countries had been reported in 2024 alone.

According to him, this alarming increase is linked to a new strain of the Mpox virus which emerged in Eastern Congo and has since been detected in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

He said the National Mpox Technical Working Group, TWG, a multi-sectoral body housed within the NCDC, would continue to coordinate Mpox’ response activities.

”As part of the Government’s ongoing efforts, we have intensified surveillance across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases.

“Thus putting all port health services across all five international airports, ten seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders on high alert.

“Diagnostic protocols according to the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Control, IDSR are now distributed to these locations and port health officers are on high alert and screening for suspected cases.

“Some States have, also, been put on high alert including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba. We are also conducting contact tracing and monitoring for confirmed cases to prevent further spread.

“This will now also include declaration by travellers who have been to any of the countries where there is an ongoing outbreak of MPX in the last 90 days.

“Additionally, we continue to provide healthcare workers and the public with updated guidance on infection prevention and control measures and train SURGE staff as part of our preparedness and readiness for an MPX public health event.

”The NCDC is also notifying public and private hospitals about the MPX alert and sending a list of referral isolation/treatment centers across the 6 geopolitical zones and reference laboratory networks which includes NRL, CPHL, NIMR, LUTH, ACEGID, UNTH, UPTH.

“We are also considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, as Nigeria expects to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.

“The Technical Working Group ,TWG remains committed to providing evidence-based guidance to inform the country’s next steps in safeguarding the health of Nigerians at national, state, and local government levels,” he said further.

Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (i.e., disease of animals transmitted from animals to humans) that is endemic in several African countries including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. The exact reservoir of the virus is still unknown, although rodents, squirrels,s and monkeys are suspected to play a part in transmission.

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