“No Journalist Was Hit By Stray Bullet At Kano Government House” – Kano Govt

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May 4, 2024

Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has noted that working Journalists are not under any threat at the State’s seat of power.

It has, therefore, called on the members of the Media industry to always crosscheck their news items with all relevant authorities before publication to avoid unnecessary sensation that could mislead the public.

Its admonition is coming on the reported incident of a stray bullet that allegedly hit a Journalist, Nasiru Yau, of the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television on Friday May 3, 2024, inside the Government House Kano.

According to reports, Yau, who was said to be in company with some colleagues at about 5pm ,suddenly began to feel pains in his arm ,and upon checking told his friends that he had been hit by a bullet .

” I felt something hit my arm and saw that it was a bullet . It appears that it came from a distance as it was cold when I touched it” Yau narrated

He was said to have managed to remove the bullet himself first, before seeking medical attention at the Government House Clinic.

But in a statement issued on Saturday, May 4, the Spokesperson for the Kano State Governor, Malam Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said Yau sustained injuries from the metal debris from an ongoing construction site at the Kano State Government House and not gunshot

“The truth of the incident emerged when medical professionals at the Government House Clinic disclosed the true nature of Nasiru’s injuries.

“For clarity purposes ,Nasiru Yau, the Reporter with the State Television Station was not hit by any stray bullet. Instead he sustained injuries from the metal debris emanating from an ongoing construction at the Kano Government House, an area that has been barricaded for caution.

“Let me, also, emphasise the need for Journalists to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties, especially in environments where construction activities pose potential hazards .

“We hereby dispel any rumours that had sparked outrage and call for increased safety measures for journalists covering sensitive events.

We also need to underscore the importance of accurate reporting and thorough investigation in mitigating misinformation and maintaining pubic trust ” part of the statement reads .

Ondo Monarch Seeks Jigawa State Support For Federal University, Babura

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Ayodele Oni

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May 4, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Pioneer Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Babura, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, in Ondo state, has appealed to Jigawa State Government to contribute to developing and lifting the University to greater heights.

The Chancellor made the request when he led principal officers of the University on a courtesy visit to the office of the Jigawa State Deputy Governor, Aminu Yakubu.

The monarch, whose appointment was announced few days ago, pointed out that “We are working to make the Federal University of Technology, Babura to a world-class University.”

He explained that as a public University, it cannot rely on the Federal Government alone for funding, adding that it needs to mobilize funds.

He said the management of the University was doing its best to provide sound education to the populace and ensure that the students are well behaved.

Responding, the Jigawa State Deputy Governor, Aminu Yakubu, said the State Government would provide all the necessary support and cooperation to enhance the learning environment in the University.

Represented by the State Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad Dagaceri, the Deputy Governor said, they are happy to partner with the University.

According to him, already the State Government is building 200 housing units at Bubara to ease shortage of accomodation in the town.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Sabo BKudu told the Deputy Governor that the Olowo of Owo Kingdom was in the State for his formal investiture as the Pioneer Chancellor of the University scheduled to take place on Saturday 4th April, 2024.

Prof Kudu solicited support and cooperation of the the State Government to develop the new University.

Ondo Police Command Parades 22 Year-old Serial Burglar, 17 Others

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Ayodele Oni

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May 4, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

A 22 years old boy is among 18 suspects being held by the Ondo state Police Command for offences ranging from burglary, armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism.

While parading them in Akure, the state Police commissioner, Abayomi Oladipo, explained that the suspects were picked up at various locations within and outside the state last month.

According to him, the 22 years old boy, Daniel Marcus, was being held for alleged breaking of some shops along Oba Adesida road, Akure.

He disclosed that sometimes in March, a case of Shop Breaking and Stealing was reported by a complainant that his shop at Adesida road Akure was burgled and items such as receipts, mobile phones, laptops, phone accessories worth ten million naira were carted away.

“The Police through InfoTech, arrested Daniel Marcus aged 22 years and also recovered some of the stolen items.

“Further investigation revealed that the suspect had burgled other shops and had sold part of the stolen items and also issued receipts to the buyers.

“Items recovered includes; 23 laptops of different brands, 4 mobile phones of different brands, One industrial Pressing Iron, mobile phone accessories, 4 new materials yet to be sown, Stolen receipt from one of the shops burgled.

“Receivers of the items have been apprehended and part of stolen goods recovered. Suspect is in custody and investigation is still ongoing.”

Also in custody is a suspected hired assassin who specialize on harassing victims with death threat to extort them.

He stated that “On 18th of April, 2024 at about 0700hrs, a case of threat to life and demanding money with menace was reported to the police.

“The complainant stated that she received a call from a strange number and the caller introduced himself as an assassin.

“The caller affirmed that he had killed over 500 people and that three of her staff has paid him to assassinate her. He demanded that a certain amount be paid to an account or the complainant will be executed.

“Out of fear, the victim sent the sum of ₦110,000:00k to the account forwarded to her. Through Technical assistance one Adetokunbo Adesina was arrested.

“The suspect claimed he was sick and needed money to carry out a surgical operation and decided to use the threat as a means to extort the victim because she refused to employ him in her pure water factory.”

The Commissioner explained that other suspects being held are in connection with attempted kidnapping, murder, robbery and cultism.

“My Government Committed To Free Press” – Uzodimma, Dismayed Over Laying Of Pipes Indiscriminately

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that his Shared Prosperity 3R Government of Imo State is, and will remain, committed to the pursuit of the tenets of free Press, noting that the role of the press in advancing the positive courses of the society cannot be underestimated.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, said Governor Uzodimma’s government will not only guarantee the practice of free Press in Imo State, but will continue to partner with the practitioners in the overall interest of the public.

Journalists all over the world marked the 2024 World Press Freedom Day on Friday, May 3, with the theme, A Press for the planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis.

The statement added that Governor Uzodimma is on the same page with journalists practising in the State in particular, and Nigeria in general, as they celebrate the World Press Freedom Day, insisting that partnership between the government, stakeholders and the media practitioners is key to dealing with the issues that give the journalists cause for worry.

The statement further said that the Governor appreciates the theme for this year’s celebration as being apt, and in line with the thinking of government, at both sub national, national, continental and global levels, as regards to how to deal with critical societal challenges plaguing humanity of late.

The statement said Governor Uzodimma also used the opportunity to felicitate with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students ( NANS) who collaborated with students of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of the Imo State University to mark the occasion with the theme: The importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global crisis.

Nwachuku who was Keynote Speaker at the Imo State University event, assured the students studying journalism, on behalf of the Governor, that their future is bright, and that they should not be deterred by the things they consider as challenges, reminding them that his principal has done a lot to encourage journalism practice in Imo State and will continue to do so.

In another development,

in a Special Announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Government has frowned at the indiscriminate laying and construction of pipelines in the State.

The announcement reads:

“The Government of Imo State has observed with dismay the illegal and indiscriminate construction and laying of pipes in the streets of Owerri and other major towns in the state notwithstanding that

there is a subsisting law against such a practice.

“Government wishes to reiterate the fact that under no circumstances should a company or individual embark on digging and laying of pipes without a right of way approval from the relevant departments of government.

“Consequently, any company or individual caught violating the law of right of way shall henceforth be arrested and prosecuted without any further warning.

“Please be warned”

Ihediohas – Emeka & Ebere – Celebrate 27 Years Of Marital Bliss

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

Former Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, and his wife, Lady Ebere, an accomplished Public Servant, are celebrating their 27 years of marriage, Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The couple, through thick and thin, stuck to each other like a second skin.

Lady Ebere, described by many as a very prayerful woman, has been very supportive, in everyway, especially, with prayers, of her husband in his checkered political life.

Many people remember a strong Lady Ebere, who from Imo, rushed to her husband’s side in Abuja, the minute, on that fateful day in January 2020, when the Supreme Court removed him as the Governor of Imo State in favour of the now incumbent Senator Hope Uzodinma. Her photograph as she walked down to board an aircraft at Imo Airport, her thoughts focused on her husband, instead of the office they just lost, was iconic.

Ihedioha’s political career peaked when he became the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, later the Acting Speaker, and its antenna raised more than ever when he was elected the Governor of Imo State in 2019. That election was voided by the Supreme Court, seven months after he was sworn-in as Governor of the State.

It did not wane his interest in politics, as Ihedioha stuck to his Party, the PDP, and became both its face and engine room in Imo State, building it up for the 2023 Governorship election.

But in a surprise move, because of political bitterness and intrigues which engulfed the Party in the State, Ihedioha withdrew from the Governorship race. His withdrawal which made it easy for the National Secretary of the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu to pick the ticket, factionalised the Party and contributed to its very woeful performance in the 2023 Governorship election.

Until he withdrew from the race, not a few people had taken it for granted that the Party would give him the ticket, unopposed, as compensation for his 2020 travails and loss. That did not happy to the surprise of many.

The Party never quite recovered from Ihedioha’s withdrawal from the race.

Last week, after much pressure from loyalists angry over what they saw as the shabby treatment given to him by, and in, the PDP, Ihedioha resigned from the Party which member he had been since 1999. His resignation triggered an unprecedented mass resignation from a political party in the history of Nigerian Politics.

A congratulatory message signed by Prince Ebube Mbah, Director General, Ihedioha New Media Centre, to the Ihediohas on their 27th wedding anniversary, the Centre reads:

“Your Excellencies,

“On behalf of the entire members of Ihedioha New Media Center, I extend our warmest congratulations to you both on reaching this significant milestone in your journey together – your 27th wedding anniversary!

“Your love and dedication to each other over the years serve as an inspiration to us all. Your bond exemplifies the true meaning of partnership and companionship, and we are honored to celebrate this special day with you.

“May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing year, and may the years ahead be filled with joy, laughter, and countless cherished moments together.

“Congratulations once again, and here’s to many more years of love and happiness!”

Ihedioha is a Knight of St. Christopher, Anglican Church and his wife, a Lady of the Knight of St Christopher.

Nollywood Actor, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) Welcomes First Child After Years Of Marriage, Says God Has Shame His Critics

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 4, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

After Six Years of looking unto God for a child, God, finally, answered the prayers of Nollywood Actor, Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, as he has welcomed his first child.

An elated Ikedieze was unable to hide his joy as he announced the arrival of his bundle of joy and put an end to the assumptions and insinuations of people who had written him off that he couldn’t bear a child.

Ikedieze has been married to his Nneoma Nwaijah since 2011 without any child, before the arrival of their new born baby.

Taking to his Instagram Page to share the news, the diminutive actor did not disclose the sex of the baby for reasons best known to the couple. With a photo attachment of the baby, he wrote: “UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN.”

The actor has featured in over 150 films in a career spanning over 20 years. He has acted in the role of a kid in most of his films during his early career due to his stature and physical appearance. He is known as Aki for his performance in the film Aki na Ukwa.

Ihiagwa, Owerri West: How Husband And Wife Died Seven Days Apart

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By George Best Okoroh

Parishioners of St John’s Anglican Church, Ihiagwa, Owerri West are in deep mourning over the passing of two of their members. They were a couple, husband and wife, and died seven days apart.

A Knight of St Christopher, KSC, Sir Lucky Asonye, for two decades was the Pastor’s Warden at St John’s Anglican Church. He was, also, the Leader of God’s Own Family.

He was so active and competent and devoted in both offices, that new Vicar

ultimately chose and retained him as the Pastor’s Warden.

But on Saturday March 24, 2024, all that ended. Sir Asonye, 66, suddenly passed on.

Then, in a tragic twist, his wife, Charity, a Lady of Knight of St Christopher, who had been ill, and who he had, devotedly, nursed and been at her beck and call, also, passed on seven days after his own passing. Lady Asonye passed on March 30, 2024. She died heartbroken, as she was not able to bear the thought of the passing of her beloved husband who had looked after her for the period she had been ill.

The passing of husband and wife seven days apart, has left their two children – son,

Kennedy Ugochukwu Asonye and daughter Chinemerem Miracle Asonye – confused and devastated. They cannot understand why they suddenly became orphans in a space of seven days.

Sir and Lady Asonye were indegenes of Umuovum Ulakwo in Owerri North L.G.A Imo state, but lived the better part of their lives in Ihiagwa, Owerri West LGA.

A release by the Vicar of St John’s Ihiagwa, Ven Kingsley BC Okere, said the late Asonyes will be laid to rest on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Asonye family Compound, Umuovum, Ulakwo, after a funeral service at St. John’s Church, Ihiagwa.

Court Halts New Electricity Tariff Regime, Restrains IGP, APC, From Arresting And Detaining Alleged Masterminds Of Ganduje’s Suspension

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has halted the planned increase in the electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulations Commission NERC.

This is even as Justice Yusuf Ubale Muhammad of the kano State High Court on Friday May 3, restrained the Inspector General of Police IGP ,from arresting and or harassing the All Progressive Congress APC Ganduje ward Executives in Dawakin Tofa Local Council of Kano ,alleged to be behind the purported suspension of the party’s National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje early April.

Justice A M Liman of the Kano Division of the Federal High Court , while ruling on an ex parte motion brought by A B Mahmud, SAN, Counsel to Super Sack Limited , Mama Sannu Industries Limited and others under the aegis of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN on Thursday, restrained the NERC and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company KEDCO from implementing the new electricity tariff regime within the respondents’ area of coverage pending the hearing and determination the motion on notice filed by the applicants .

The Presiding Judge ,also restrained the respondents from harassing ,intimidating and or disconnecting its services to the applicants over their refusal to accept the new electricity tariff.

The Source reports that the country’s electricity regulatory body had early April rolled out a new tariff regime ,premised on bands classifications for consumers.

According to the classification range, those on band A ,the apex class with a daily electricity supply of up to 20 hours will be paying 225 per kw, while N66 per kw,will be paid by those on the lowest rung of the ladder.

The new electricity tariff regime ,has however drawn more than enough flakes from apprehensive Nigerians since it was announced, with not a few calling for its suspension.

Ruling on an ex parte motion jointly instituted by Jafar Adamu and 10 others ,and Haladu Gwanjo led factional APC Ganduje Ward Executives seeking an enforcement and protection of their fundamental human rights ,Justice Muhammad also restrained the APC National Working Committee NWC ,and the Acting National Chairman ,Dr Ganduje from using security personnel to arrest ,and or detain the applicants pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit .

The applicants in the motion on notice filed on April 29, are challenging the power of the respondents, particularly the IGP, AIG Zone 1 Kano, the Kano Commissioner of Police,the APC NWC ,the Kano state chapter of APC and the National Chairman to invite , arrest and ,harass them ( applicants ).

“After hearing Shamsu Ubale Jibrin ,Counsel to the two sets of applicants today 2nd May ,2024 ,it is hereby ordered as follows ….

An interim order of injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents in the two consolidated suits,their officers ,agents, privies or any other officers serving under them from inviting ,arresting ,harassing or detaining,the applicants in respect of the subject matter of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion notice already filed .

“It is further ordered that the interim order for the motion on notice ,and all other processes in this suit shall be served on all respondents, simultaneously and before the next adjourned date. The case is adjourned to 5th June 2024 for hearing of the motion on notice ” Justice Muhammad ruled .

2024 Fiscal Year: Abia To Borrow N319 Billion

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state Government ,on Friday May 3 2024 ,said its 2024 fiscal receipts and expenditure estimate of about N567.24 billion, has a deficit of N319,billion.

The deficit component of the appropriation law will be financed with loan facilities.

This is just as Governor Alex Otti has said that under his watch, the interests and well being of the people will take precedence over all other considerations,including political matters and privileges.

The State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kingsley Anosike, who made this known at a formal budget breakdown event tagged ‘” A New Beginning” jointly put together by the Abia state Government and the Open Government Partnership OGP,held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre Umuahia, also stated that the state has so far received N6 billion in aids and grants from donor agencies and entities.

He expressed the optimism that more international aid to the region of about #16 billion, ,are most likely to pour in ,based on the favourable and positive perceptions of the performance of the current administration in the state.

According to the Budget Commissioner, Abia state with 84% of its budget estimate allocated to capital expenditure ,remains first among states of the federation,with the highest allocation to capital projects.,with Anambra state following closely with 76%.

He explained that Government’s strong commitment towards infrastructural renewal in Umuahia the state capital, Aba the commercial hub, and other emerging cities in the state informed the decision to make such a huge sectoral allocation to capital expenditure.

The Commissioner for Budget emphasised that Government will commit about N185 billion to transforming physical infrastructural facilities within the Social services sector , which include Education and Health .

While infrastructural renewal in the education sector is expected to gulp about N100 billion, health will be allocated N85 billion,

Anosike ,who stated that the huge sectoral allocation to health and education were intentional,insisted that the state will benefit immensely from the investments.

According to him ,Abia is already reaping from the enormous investments in the social services sector ,with the growing confidence of both local and international development partners in driving investments in the state .

,Governor Otti who spoke,while receiving in audience , a delegation of Course 17, Syndicate 2 of the National Institute For Security Studies Abuja at the Government House Umuahia ,insisted that. the policy thrust of his regime is to build the masses and not a few privileged political actors .

The Abia state Governor informed his visitors ,that his recent clearance of the pensions arrears ,accumulated over the past years represents an eloquent testimony to his determination to make the people ,and their interests ,the focal point of the policy thrust of his administration.

“This is the people’ time . Politicians have helped themselves enough for the past 24 years ” Governor Otti noted.

Electricity: What Nigerians Endure

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The Source

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May 4, 2024

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By Valentine Obienyem

I have a friend who recently faced a frustrating issue with electricity providers. According to electricity workers, his prepaid meter was burnt. He was informed that prepaid meters were not available. Consequently, he was left with the option of applying for an estimated bill, which he was told would cost him around N45,000 to N50,000 monthly.

The problem is that my friend is a junior civil servant in Anambra State, earning a salary of less than N40,000. With a prepaid meter, he could manage his electricity expenses based on his budget. However, with an estimated bill, he would not be able to pay. This highlights the fact that an average civil servant’s salary cannot cover even basic expenses like electricity bills, let alone other necessities.

It’s perplexing that the government hasn’t withdrawn the licenses of distribution companies all over Nigeria (Discos) that fail to provide meters. When they claim that meters are unavailable, it’s as if they expect us to believe that these meters are manufactured in heaven. In reality, other countries like Rwanda have successfully implemented metering systems, with every household, no matter how poor, having a meter installed.

It’s disheartening that simple solutions that work elsewhere pose significant challenges in Nigeria. Nigeria as it is today is truly a failed country.

Obienyem, a Lawyer, prolific commentator on national issues, accomplished image manager writes from Awka