Kano POS Operator Richer By N500,000 For Returning Strayed N10m To Owner

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March 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For his display of honesty and integrity in returning the sum of Ten Million Naira mistakenly transferred into his business account, a Kano based Point of Sales, POS, Operator, Malam Mohammed Sani Abdulraham, has become N500,000 richer courtesy of the owner of the returned cash.

Malam Abdulraham had, on December 21,2023, reported to the Kano State Police authorities a case of an unknown customer that mistakenly transferred the said N10,000,000 into his account ,instead of N10,000.

It, however, took the Police about three months to investigate and subsequently identity the owner, a renowned grains dealer at the popular Dawanua Grain Market in Kano.

A statement issued by the Kano Police Command spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna, noted that a discreet investigation by a team of detectives led by Abdulwahab Zubairu on March 14 ,clearly established the correct ownership of the money and its return to him.

“On the 14th of March, 2024 ,the investigation was concluded by uncovering the identity of the rightful owner, who is a businessman at Dawanau Grain Market in Kano metropolis.

“After a painstaking investigation, and being satisfied with proofs of ownership, the money, in excess sum of Nine Million ,Nine Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira was returned to the owner’s account.

The owner appreciated the gesture ,with a gift of N500,000 to the POS operator and thanked the Commissioner of Police, CP, for his honesty, high integrity and exemplary character”, the police statement noted.

Alhaji Muhammad Husseini Gumel, the Kano Police Command’s CP while commending Abdulraham, the POS operator for his honesty, epressed the optimism that it will serve to inspire others, particularly the upcoming generation to a life of uprightness.

Oil Theft: House Of Reps Seek NNPC Support To Halt Oil Bunkering, Pipeline Vandalism

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The Source

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March 15, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The House of Representatives Special Committee on Crude Oil theft has called for the support and cooperation of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation in the discharge of its assignment.

The House Committee which made the appeal during a visit to the NNPC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday March 13 2024 ,noted that with the collaborative efforts of the Nation’s petroleum products regulatory body ,its task of investigating massive oil bunkering on going in the industry will be made easier ,and the criminal activities of petroleum products theft brought to an end .

Chairman of the House Of Representatives Special Committee, Alhassan Doguwa ,representing Doguwa Federal Constituency in kano who led other members on the visit ,said they have come to interface with the NNPC on the activities of oil bunkering and vandalism of oil installations in the Niger Delta region and to seek the support of the Corporation in halting the ugly trend .

Further underscoring the serious danger posed by the unbridled oil theft ongoing in the oil producing region,a member of the Special Committee, and Member Representing Umunneochi/ Isukwuato Federal Constituency of Abia State ,Hon Amobi Godwin Ogah ,described oil bunkering as a potent economic sabotage ,adding that all stakeholders must be united in checkmating the situation.

Hon Amobi,one of the Labour Party LP House of Representatives members from Abia state, said the country can no longer afford the humongous amount it is losing to oil theft .

Group Managing Director GMD of NNPC ,Engr Mele Kyari while appreciating the House Committee members for their visit ,pledged the unflinching support of the Petroleum products regulatory body to any move aimed at bringing to an end all activities that hamper efficient delivery of services by the NNPC and or loss of revenue to the country.

Abia Warns Against Operation Of Illegal Social Homes, As Security Agencies Rescue 16 Pregnant Teenagers In Aba

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The Source

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March 15, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to all operators of unregistered Social Homes and Orphanages in the state, calling on them to close shop before the long arms of the law catches up with them.

The marching order is coming on the heels of the raiding of an illegal social home other wise known as “Baby Factory” late last week in Aba ,during which about 16 pregnant teenagers were rescued by security operatives.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Allevatiation Hon.Ngozi Felix who made known the position of the state Government during an interview with the media said the rescued pregnant young girls are currently in the custody of the ministry receiving medical attention, adding that most of them are manifesting signs of serious malnutrition and other ailments.

The Commissioner for women Affairs ,stressed that the Abia state Government will not sit by and watch idly while illegal Orphanages continue to have a free reign ,warning that appropriate mechanisms have been instituted to properly look in to the activities of such self acclaimed Social Homes.

According to her,Abia State officially has 22 Social Homes and Orphanages that are properly registered with the Ministry,.

“Not every Social Home operating in Abia state is legal and not all are illegal .There are a few that are registered with the Ministry of Women Affairs .

However, for all those who are operating or had been operating illegally before this government came on board, we will work in collaboration with the police and other security outfits to see that such illegal facilities are shut down .

For now we only have a some private but registered Homes operated by individuals who are passionate about such . ” Mrs Felix noted.

The Commissioner assured that despite the fact that all the rescued pregnant teenagers are not from Abia, ,the ministry will keep and take care of them ,until security agencies gives approval for them to be returned to their various states .

Mrs Felix said that her Ministry is presently working in concert with the office of Abia State First Lady , Mrs Priscilla Otti to ensure that the rescued young girls receive adequate medical care before being taking back.

2024 Budget: “The Can Of Worms I have Opened Can Neither Be Controlled By The Senate Nor I” – Suspended Senator Ningi

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 15, 2024

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By Adesina Soyooye

Suspended Senator Abdul Ningi has refused to be cowed.

Ningi was on Tuesday, during Plenary at the Senate, thrown under the bus by his colleagues for, according to them, defaming and dragging their names and reputation to the mud.

Ningi had, in an interview he granted the BBC Hausa Service, alleged that there are two versions of the 2024 Budget, and that the Budget was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion. He also alleged that the Budget was skewed in favour of the South against the North.

The anger of his colleagues rose to high heaven at Plenary, and even though he apologized and insisted that the interpretation given to his interview was not what he meant, it did not save him. He was slammed with a three-month suspension.

Ningi, PDP, Bauchi Central, who was the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, quit the position of Chairman as soon as he was suspended. But since that, he has upped the ante, and is sounding defiant.

In an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, Ningi alleged that the Senate was after him in order to shut him up for exposing the alleged N3.7 trillion padding of the 2024 Budget. According to him, they want to silence him and make him vulnerable for arrest.

He, however, said none of that will work because nobody, neither the Senate nor even himself, can control it.

His words: “That is why I said I know this parliament very well. I have come a long way. And that is why we are speaking. Let’s speak.

“Have they ever asked me since the beginning of this so-called crisis, where are your findings? Where are the documents? I’m not using my head to come up with figures.

“Nobody has talked to me about evidence. Nobody has suggested even listening to me. All they are trying to do is to ensure that ‘how do we make sure that Ningi is silenced or arrested so that he doesn’t do anything?’

“I have opened this can of worms. Neither they, nor I will be able to control it.”

On Tuesday, before his suspension was pegged at three months, one of his Senator-colleagues, Jimoh Ibrahim had urged the Senate to suspend him for twelve months, while the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, described Ningi’s outing in the BBC interview as a “civilian coup.”

Horror: How Seven Bus Passengers, Including A Baby, Were Gruesomely Murdered

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The Source

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March 15, 2024

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By Gideon Njoku

The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the gruesome murder, on Wednesday, of seven passengers who were on their way from Zaki Biam in Benue State to Maihula Bali in Taraba State. The two States are neighbours.

The bodies of the victims, five women, a man and a baby were discovered inside a bush after the bus in which they were travelling came under a fatal attack.

Initially, it was thought that they were kidnapped. But that thought vanished when the driver of the bus, Selo Mass Transit, who escaped the slaughter with horrifying matchet cuts, told their story. He said he and his 18 passengers came under the attack of a local Vigilante Group which members were out to avenge the killing of two people.

They attacked the bus at Gamkwe, a village within Marraban Baisa in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The driver, who gave his name as Mr. Jimen Angera, told Journalists that the attackers were in their scores, and attacked them with guns, machetes and other dangerous weapons.

The seven bodies, according to the Commissioner of Police, Taraba State Command, David Iloyonomon, were found by his men in the bush while they were on a patrol to douse a crisis between Ichen and Tiv ethnic groups.

According to the CP, the bloody clash began on Tuesday when “Ichen youths from Mararaba area of Donga went to the Police Area Command in the area, and reported that two people – a Pastor and his Church member – were missing on their way to Church.

His words: “On Tuesday at about 3:00pm, the youths found the decomposing bodies of both the Pastor and the other person. That was when trouble started. The Ichen youths went into town and started attacking the Tiv residents, it took the efforts of our men to rescue some of the Tiv people to Takum for safety.

“Today being Wednesday, while our men were on patrol to maintain law and order to ensure that peace return, they found seven dead bodies of five women, one man and a baby, they have been evacuated to the police station.”

Narrating his miraculous escape from painful death, the bus driver, Jimen Angera, revealed that to survive, he was forced to abandon his passengers with the blood thirsty Vigilante men.

His story: “I loaded 18 passengers from Zaki Biam. Immediately after Maraba, I saw many people in Vigilante Group uniforms. They were many, I suspected something was wrong, I then stopped. One of the villagers told me that I should go, saying two members of the Vigilante Group were killed by kidnappers that is why they gathered, that there is no problem, I should proceed.

“As I moved closer, some of the Vigilante Group members started shouting, kill all of them, it’s their people that killed our members. They started attacking the passengers and cutting them with machetes.

“They removed all of us, forced us to lie and face down. My bus engine was still on. When I discovered that it was getting out of hands, I decided to jump up to the bus and left the passengers. My conductor also followed me. All of us were cut with machetes and blood was rushing out of our bodies. That was how we escaped and left the passengers in their hands.”

At the time of filing this report, it was not known if the other passengers escaped, or if their bodies will be found in the bush by Policemen who have besieged the area.

Hardship: Greedy Lawmakers Share N3trn, More Than Education, Health Budget

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James Orji

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March 14, 2024

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Senators, House Of Reps Share N3trn, More than Education, Health Budget

Members of the Nigerian National Assembly have come under serious attack from not a few Nigerians, for allegedly sharing over N3 trillion among themselves.

The money is from the 2024 Budget signed in December by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The report that the lawmakers shared the humungous funds among themselves first broke on Monday this week, after Senator Abdul Ningi alleged that the budget was padded with over N3 trillion.

Other reports later claimed that Senator President Godswill Akpabio allegedly received the highest from the amount padded into the budget by the lawmakers after they received it from President Tinubu last year.

Nigerians are unhappy that such huge amount is not tied to projects, infrastructure and programmes capable of transforming the lives of the people.

The anger is fueled more by the hardship many Nigerians are going through due to the harsh economic policies introduced by the current administration.

In recent weeks, some angry and hungry Nigerians have taken over the streets, attacking trucks carrying food items in other to feed themselves.

The money padded into the budget, and now been allegedly shared by the lawmakers, according to analysts can go a long way to ameliorate the current hardship in the country.

For instance, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election Peter Obi, said the funds should have been channeled into critical areas such as education and health sectors which seriously requires such for a turn around.

He explained that the N3 trillion allegedly siphoned by the lawmakers is more than what was allocated for education and health in the 2024 budget.

“I had particularly elucidated in my earlier comment on what we can use the N3 trillion to achieve, by showing that it is more than the national budget of the two most critical components of the human development index, health and education, combined,” Obi said in a statement on his X handle on Wednesday.

The main opposition voice in the country further stated that Obi further stated, “Now that the executive arm has accepted that the padded amount is only N1.2 trillion, it is still a very significant amount, when you consider that it is almost 5 times the N251.47 billion proposed for Universal Basic Education, which is the foundation of education, in the country.

“Today in Nigeria, the greatest challenge to human resource development is education, which has been identified as most critical at the basic level.”

He said the lawmakers owe Nigerians explanation on whether Senator Ningi allegation was true, stating that they cannot afford to slip the issue under the carpet.

Following the report, Senator Ningi was suspended by the Senate for three months.

Meanwhile, his party the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Bauchi state government have thrown their weight behind the senator, saying cutting of the neck to spite the face was not the solution to the allegation by Ningi that few lawmakers are sharing among themselves what should have been used for the benefit of the over 200 million Nigerians.

Many Nigerians are calling on the 360 House of Reps members and the 109 senators to come clean of the allegation.

Access Bank Sacks Chairman, Appoints Co-Founder, Imokhuede

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James Orji

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March 14, 2024

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Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, has appointed Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede as the chairman of its board.

Immokhuede, a former Managing Director, and co-founder of the bank was appointed to replace Abubakar Jimoh who was appointed into the position less than three months ago, according to a release on Wednesday by the company secretary Sunday Ekwochi.

The new board chairman will serve in the new position as a non-executive, the statement further said.

The appointment comes barely two months after the death of a former Group Managing Director of the Holding firm, Dr Herbert Wigwe.

Recall that Wigwe died in far-away California, United States on February 10, in an ill-fated helicopter crash, which also killed his wife and son.

The late GMD had since been buried in Rivers state, in an elaborate ceremony attended by prominent Nigerians.

According to a statement from the Holdco, the new chairman is coming into the position with a vast experience, expertise that span decades in the banking and financial sectors of the economy.

The holdco said, “Access Holdings Pic (the Holdco’), is pleased to announce the return of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR as its Non-Executive Chairman. Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR replaces Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile Chairman of the HoldCo who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

“This visionary and accomplished leader is bringing an outstanding record of accomplishments, a wealth of expertise, and leadership to guide the Group into a new era of success,” Access Holdings said.

“The decision to bring back Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede as the Group’s Non-Executive Chairman reflects the Board’s commitment to our core values and determination to build upon the strong foundation, he jointly established with Dr. Wigwe. With his return, Access Holdings aims to leverage his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills to consolidate on the growth and accomplishments recorded under Dr. Wigwe’s leadership,” the statement read.

He replaces the erstwhile Chairman of the HoldCo who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, the company said.

Meanwhile, Aig-Imokhuede has commented on his appointment, stating that he would drive the company’s vision, working alongside other executives and directors.

“I am confident that working with our directors, our exceptional team of executives, and our best-in-class banking and finance professionals, we will deliver outstanding value to our esteemed stakeholders,” he said.

“I am determined that our shared vision which Dr. Wigwe gave everything for, will be realized,” he stated.

He exited the bank in 2013 after serving for 10 years as its chief executive officer.

Why We Should Focus More On Preventive Than Curative Health Measures – Expert

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The Source

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March 14, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An Environmental Health Expert, and Head of Public Health Department of Aba South Local Council of Abia State Mrs Onyinyechi Nwaigwe has called on Non Governmental organizations ,Government at all levels, and other Non State actors local and international to pay more attention to preventive than curative measures in combating most diseases ravaging the society.

Her appeal is coming on the heels of fears being entertained by most residents of Aba, the densely populated commercial hub of Abia state over potent threats posed to public health by the unhealthy and indiscriminate disposal of waste products into open streets and drainages by residents particularly public institutions like Hotels .

The Source reports that most private and residential buildings and hotels are built by their owners without due consideration to the provisions of some necessary facilities such as soakaways and other waste disposal devices, preferring instead to channel waste such as faeces in to public drainages.

In an interactive session with the Media on Wednesday, March 13, Mrs Nwaigwe said preventive Healthcare remains the most effective and cost effective means of maintaining a healthy condition of living.

According to her, if only non- state actors, and governmental agencies can pay as much attention to preventive healthcare ,as being accorded curative ,the society would have gone far on the good health maintenance indices .

” Every year humongous amounts are allotted to combating such health challenges as malaria for instance. But if you pay attention to the provision of a healthy environment and combat the breeding of mosquitoes ,then you will have less malaria infections. You will discover that ,you will be spending less in the prevention of malaria ,than its treatment.

“This is why we prefer to work towards preventive healthcare ,because when one contracts a serious disease,that is preventable, the resources and other things it will take to cure may not be readily available .

“So let government at all levels and NGO’s focus on preventive healthcare.” Mrs Nwaigwe admonished.

Mrs Nwaigwe, while calling on the public to assist them with credible intelligence on any premises encouraging and causing polution , also said that ,the Environmental Health authorities of the Aba South Council is already monitoring the alleged unhealthy waste disposal attitude of some Aba residents and business operators.

“We are determined to make this City (Aba) safe and healthy . We need the cooperation of Aba residents to end the menace of indiscriminate waste disposal.

“Such a thing can cause epidemics and put peoples, lives in danger .Epidemic is no respecter of any person .One thing is very clear, and that is why I am advocating preventive healthcare.. Health the say is wealth .

“When one is sick, already, all attention will focus on the cure .So for the individuals contributing to this health hazard, we shall get them and prosecute them accordingly”

Uzodimma Felicitates With Paddy Obinna At 80

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The Source

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March 14, 2024

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Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has felicitated with his former Special Adviser on Culture, Mr. Paddy Obinna on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration.

Mr. Obinna, who hails from Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State is an art enthusiast and owner of the popular Art Gallery in Emekuku.

He is also a writer, publisher and an ambassador of Igbo culture and tradition.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor said Senator Uzodimma is particularly thankful to God for the life of the celebrant whom he respects as an encyclopedia of arts and culture.

Nwachuku said his Principal is excited that despite Mr. Obinna’s age, he still exudes incredible energy, displays mastery of the art sector and intellectualism that cannot be ignored by the society.

Governor Uzodimma is of the view that Mr. Obinna has remained as asset to Imo State in particular and Nigeria at large, and urged the celebrant not to relent in using what God has endowed him with to impact the society, particularly the youths in Imo State.

The statement noted that Governor Uzodimma believes there is a thin line between arts, culture, tradition and history, and challenged Mr Obinna on the need to ensure that the youths of Imo State appreciate the historical cum economic potentials of arts, culture and tourism, taking into cognisance happenings in our contemporary and digital world, and the need to tap into the sector to earn a decent living.

The Governor further reminded Mr. Obinna that the Imo State Ministry of Arts and Culture as well as related agencies of government, are always ready to partner with professionals to ensure that the citizens are served better in the areas of arts, culture and tourism.

On behalf of his family and the government of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma wished Mr. Obinna many more years of fruitful celebrations in good health and assured that his government will continue to provide the enabling environment that will make arts and culture to flourish in Imo State.

Presidential Directives: Zamfara/Sokoto Customs Release 15 Trucks Of Grains To Owners

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The Source

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March 14, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the Presidential directives for seized food items to be released to their owners, the Zamfara/Sokoto Area Command of Nigerian Customs Service on Wednesday, March 13, handed over about 15 trucks load of essential commodities to their owners.

At the official hand over ceremony held at the Command Area headquarters in Sokoto, the Comptroller, Alhaji Kamal Mohammad, enjoined the consignment owners to reciprocate the President’s gesture by ensuring that the commodities are distributed and sold at Nigerian markets.

He cautioned against the temptation of smuggling the items outside the country, and warned that the service is on alert to frustrate such a move.

In a statement issued on the Command’s official site,the Comptroller reiterated the readiness of the Command to fully key into the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale’s vision of properly securing the country’s borders ,as well as combat smuggling activities within the country’s borders.

Comptroller Mohammad stated that through the combined efforts of Customs Intelligence Unit and the Joint Border Patrol Team, the command is set to follow closely ,and monitor the compliance level of the owners ,in selling the commodities at Nigerian markets .

He also announced the addition of more patrol vehicles to the Command’s fleet to enable it adequately patrol and secure Nigerian Border Posts

The Source reports that President Bola Tinubu on Monday, March 11, in a move widely perceived as a direct response to the continued escalation of prices of food items , directed the release of confiscated goods to their owners.