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No Imposition Fines On Use Of Solar Panels, Generators – Imo State Government

September 11, 2024

The Imo State Government has debunked news reports that it was imposing fines on those who use solar panels or generators in the state.

It noted that while the government has the responsibility to ensure the environmental safety of citizens, it has never contemplated sanctioning anyone for using either solar panels or generators.

The State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba deplored the unprofessional manner the authors of the fake story set out to tarnish the image of Imo State government for no just cause.

He noted that the story which had been trending on social media ” lumped Imo State with another state which categorically instituted that policy ”

” Of course ,the publishers of the mischievous story could not attribute it to any official of Imo state government because we don’t have such a policy in place,” he explained.

According to him, ” the story merely mentioned an imposition of two million Naira fine on one Nneoma bakery for various environmental infractions accumulated over the past three years without being specific ”

Emelumba described the publication as the figment of the imagination of the authors to attract attention to themselves ” and in the process,” devaluing the practice of journalism ”

The Commissioner disclosed that the state government has even gone beyond who uses any alternative source of energy as it is on the verge of providing uninterrupted power supply to the people of the state.

Said he” we have gone far in our bid to provide power supply 24/7 across the state for us to bother with who uses solar panels or generators ”

He therefore urged the public to disregard the misleading story as the government at no point in time imposed any levy on those using alternative energy sources.

Stop Getting Involved In Land Matters, PSC Chairman Warns Police, Threatens Sanctions

The Source

September 11, 2024

Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, has warned that serving Police Officers who are found involved in civil matters such as land, rent and marital disputations will henceforth be sanctioned and their promotions suspended.

DIG Argungu noted that the failure of the Police will obviously be the failure of the Commission and said the Commission will no longer condone serious abuse of Office by serving Officers. He said Police Officers should stay clear of civil matters and allow the Civil courts to do their duties.

He spoke when he received in audience a delegation from the Justice Research Institute led by Mr. Ade Ipaye.

The PSC Chairman declared that he will run a transparent, open and corrupt free administration in the Commission stressing that all funds received by the Commission and spent must be accounted for stressing ” I will never spare thieves wherever I am. We are here to assist the Government fight corruption “.

“I come to work before 8am and I am the last person to leave the office, that is leadership, I have not changed and will never change; I know that leadership is everything. My mandate is not to come here to embezzle money, I must ensure transparency and openness and I will fight to the last.”

DIG Argungu assured the visiting team that the Commission will partner with them in the area of training so that staff of the Commission will be exposed to local and international trainings.

Mr. Ipaye expressed his happiness that they have a partner in the PSC Chairman who wants to fight corruption adding that transparency in government has always been a rare commodity.

He said they were in the Commission to assist drive its Constitutional mandate to improve the workings of the Police.

He said they will provide opportunities for the staff of the Commission to be trained to understand their role as a supervisory body of the Nigeria Police Force. ” We will ensure that the PSC is trained and that the staff are good enough to discharge its statutory disciplinary functions”.

The PSC Chairman had earlier at a Staff Management Meeting announced the setting up of a Joint Oversight of Recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force. This he said is to ensure a seamless and transparent recruitment process.

The PSC Chairman and the Inspector General of Police according to him will jointly oversee the recruitment process.

He also announced the establishment of Police Recruitment Secretariat at the Police Service Commission headquarters. The Secretariat he said would serve as the central hub for coordinating all recruitment activities, ensuring communication, proper documentation, and efficiency across all stages of the process.

He noted that the portal for recruitment to be accessible for the stakeholders will be domiciled at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters.

Ajaero: FG Tackles UK, Insists NLC President Breached Law, Describes UK’s Allegation As Spurious

Ayodele Oni

September 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has insisted that President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, is not above the law.

Reacting to allegation of human rights abuses, the Federal Government pointed out that claims by Labour Leaders in the United Kingdom, (UK) against government was unsubstantiated.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga stated that: “The Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom opened its conference today in London with its leader making false claims about human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.

“Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria. His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria.

“Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation. Like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the Constitution.

“We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, Trade Union Leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.

“In the United States, for example, former President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous investigations and prosecutions in Courts in several States since he left office. Mr. Hunter Biden, son of the President of the United States, has been the subject of a lawful investigation by the FBI.

“We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation.

“Besides, the Nigerian Government is being led by a pro-democracy activist President who will do everything to protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.

“There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the Government.

“While Labour Unions and the Government may not always agree on policy direction, the Government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship.

“Contrary to the erroneous impression being created, the invitation extended by the Department of State Services to Mr. Ajaero has nothing to do with his role as the President of NLC.

“As a responsible citizen of Nigeria, Mr Ajaero should honour any invitation from our security agencies and resolve any issues that may arise during the investigation instead of stirring adverse public opinion against the security agencies.

“It is worth reminding Nigerians and the Global Community that the Federal Government recognises that the Labour Movement exists to protect and defend the interests of its members.

“What is, also, worth noting is that Labour, in most cases, only advances ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities.

“Many ideological stances of the Labour Unions in Nigeria in the past have only stunted the economic growth and development of the country and even compromised the material well-being of the Workers and the poor people they protect.

“A case in point was the strong opposition of the NLC and TUC to the sale of Port-Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries to Bluestar Consortium, promoted in 2007 by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Seventeen years after the Labour Movement forced the successor Government of Umar Yar’ Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four Government-owned refineries worked.

“In the obverse, Mr. Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world. In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos.

“The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges. It will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens.”

“Your Diversion of Palliatives, Forced President Tinubu To Form A New Distribution Committee” APC Tells Kwankwaso, Gov Yusuf

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 10, 2024

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, Kano State has insisted that the untidy, and opaque manner that characterized the disbursement of past Federal Government palliatives by the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP-led State authorities forced a re-think on the part of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Source reports that last weekend, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, NNPP Presidential candidate in the 2023 election and Governor Abba Yusuf’s political godfather, had taken a swipe on the decision by the Federal Government to route future palliatives through the a multi-Party committee in Kano.

For one, past palliatives distributions channelled through the State Government had been mired by allegations of diversions by some highly placed Kano State Government functionaries.

About two months ago, the APC in the State, raised the alarm concerning the alleged diversion of Federal Government branded rice meant for the vulnerable, by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Shehu Sagagi, and other top Kano State Government officials.

The Federal Government has since constituted an all-inclusive distribution committee, to henceforth receive and disburse palliatives meant for Kano State.

Head of the Committee and Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau, last weekend informed that President Tinubu had been uncomfortable with the avalanche of complaints coming from Kano concerning the disbursement pattern of palliatives, hence the decision to form the committee.

However, to ensure fairness and justice, some of the Committee members were also drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and the ruling NNPP.

In a statement on his official site on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Kano State Chairman of APC, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, accused the NNPP-led State authorities of deliberately sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government in ameliorating the hardship being experienced by the people.

Reacting to Kwankwaso’s. allegation that palliatives distribution in the State has now been taken over by the APC, Prince Abbas insisted that the decision to review the existing disbursement template was as a result of President Tinubu’s dissatisfaction with the way the NNPP-led Government, controlled by Kwankwaso was mishandling the exercise.

According to the APC, the new distribution Committee, has already fashioned some templates to ensure that the palliatives get to their targets evenly irrespective of political party affiliations

He noted that before now, several palliatives measures approved for the vulnerable in Kano were mindlessly diverted by some officials of the NNPP-led Kano State Government.

The Kano APC Chairman admonished Kwankwaso to, instead, of condemning the decision of President Tinubu to re-route the palliatives, investigate allegations of diversions leveled against the adminstration of his chosen Governor.

AFCON 2025: Rwandan Goalkeeper Frustrates Super Eagles

Akinwale Kasali

September 10, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Fiacre Ntwari, Rwandan Goalkeeper, was undoubtedly the Man of the Match. He made nine fantastic saves to deny the Super Eagles of Nigeria a second victory in the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Nigeria and Rwanda stifled themselves to a scoreless draw at a refurbished Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday, but the Super Eagles retain leadership of their qualifying group courtesy of the 3-0 whiplash of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday.

Libya’s Mediterranean Knights, playing the Cheetahs in Abidjan some hours later, would only be able to dislodge the Eagles if they win by three goals.

The draw was typical of two earlier encounters between both teams in Kigali, as Nigeria forced a 1-1 draw in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match also at the Amahoro, and both teams drew 0-0 in a 2013 AFCON qualifier at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen made only one change from the squad that defeated Benin Republic last Saturday, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking the place of Alex Iwobi.

Defender Bruno Onyemaechi should have put Nigeria ahead after only three minutes, but he miscued his shot after a great pass by Ademola Lookman. Two minutes later, midfielder Wiflred Ndidi’s shot went straight to goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

Bonheur Mugisha and Kevin Muhire took turns harassing the Super Eagles’ defence as the game wore on, but Nigeria could have been up by a goal after 22 minutes as Lookman headed into the net.

But Moroccan referee Karim Sabry ruled that a Nigerian player had pushed a defender in the build-up.

Bayer Leverkusen Football Club of Germany striker, Victor Boniface wasted a glorious opportunity in the 25th minute, and in the 37th minute, Onyemaechi failed to capitalize as Boniface’s shot rocked the upright and bounced back into play.

Four minutes to half time, Onyemaechi, getting into scoring positions easily, headed wide when he received a cross from the right by Olaoluwa Aina.

Eight minutes into the second half, substitute Moses Simon’s shot from William Ekong’s floater was blocked by an imperious Ntwari.

Jojea Kwizera could have put the Wasps in front on 68th minutes as the home boys broke forward, but his shot flew away from goal.

With 19 minutes left, Lookman was almost celebrating a goal, only to see his volley from Aina’s cross punched out by Ntwari. Mugisha, undaunted, unleashed a rocket from 22 yards with two minutes, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali punched into safety.

Substitute Raphael Onyedika could have struck in the 89th minute, but again, Ntwari was on hand to block his shot, just as he held firmly to the ball from substitute Victor Osimhen’s header in added time.

The Super Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, mid-October, but top the Group with four points from two matches.

Imo Legislators Want Uzodinma To Name Imo International Conference Centre After Iwuanyanwu

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 10, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

As a way of immortalizing the fallen President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and prominent son of the South East Region, the Imo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to name the Imo International Conference Centre, IICC, after Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Chief Iwuanyanwu, until his death about two months ago, was the leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and a well- accomplished business tycoon and philanthropist.

The Imo State Lawmakers noted that apart from serving to engrave the name of the iconic leader, it will also be a constant and eternal reminder to the people of Imo, South-east and Nigeria of the onerous contributions of the late Ohaneze Ndigbo President General to the growth and development of Nigeria.

Presenting the motion before the House, Innocent Ikpamezie representing Mbaitolu State Constituency emphasized that Chief Iwuanyanwu was an accomplished, and illustrious son of the State, South-east and Nigeria who gave his all to the service of humanity.

According to the legislator, the late Ohaneze Ndigbo leader left an indelible mark as well as contributed through various human endeavours in the upliftment of Imo State.

He recounted how late Iwuanyanwu, deployed his resources for the betterment of several Imolites, and the State as an entity.

Hon Ikpamezie particularly relished the efforts of the fallen elder statesman towards the successful establishment of the Imo Cargo Airport.

“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as an international entrepreneur, played a significant role is setting the pace for economic development in the South East region and the nation at large.

His philanthropic works in Nigeria worth billions of Naira remain unforgettable. He provided good roads,water, homes for destitutes ,as well as awarded scholarships to many students at secondary and University levels”, Hon Ikpamezie noted.

According to him, Iwuanyanwu, having died in active service, both as the Ohaneze Ndigbo leader and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly, deserves to be honoured

The House, after contributions from some members, unanimously adopted the motion.

The late Ohaneze Ndigbo will be laid to rest on November 1, 2024, at his country home in Attah, Owerri Zone.

NAFDAC Cautions Against Use Of Dove Bar Soap, Ban Its Importation Over Chemical Impurity

Akinwale Kasali

September 10, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has issued a public alert to Nigerians to desist from using Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with Batch Number 81832M 08, produced in Germany over chemical impurity.

NAFDAC said the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation by containing Butylphenyl Methylpropional, also known as Lilial, a chemical associated with serious health risks.

In a statement posted on its website, the Agency explained that BMHCA has been banned in cosmetic products because it can harm the reproductive system and potentially affect the health of unborn children.

It added that the chemical has been linked to skin sensitization, triggering allergic reactions in some users.

The statement reads: “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is alerting the public about the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to chemical impurity.

“The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risks of reproductive harm, danger to unborn children, and potential for causing skin sensitization.

“Several regulatory authorities in the EU have already banned its marketing.”

Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash and invisible dry.

The agency said the soaps are not on its database.

NAFDAC urged the public to be cautious and vigilant within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the products.

It said, “Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.

“These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products.

“Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

NAFDAC also urged health experts to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to its nearest office.

The statement added, “Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via [email protected], E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and IOS stores

Three Killed, Five Others Critically Injured In Gunmen Attack On Anambra Community

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 10, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command, on Tuesday September 10, 2024, announced that they have launched an investigation into an attack, Monday evening, in Isionye Community in Nawfia Njikoka Local Council of the State by gunmen.

The attack left in its trail, three persons dead, land five others critically injured.

The Source reports that the attack comes on the heels of two previous ones on Ogbaru Local Council headquarters and Oba Police formation in Nnewi South Local Government within the last three weeks.

Some eye witness accounts said the gunmen had first disguised as prospective land buyers and subsequently lured their targets to the site of the said land deal before unleashing the attack on them.

The witnesses, also, informed that the gunmen opened fire on the people they had gathered under the pretence of buying the land, leaving no fewer than three persons dead, and five others critically injured.

“Unidentified gunmen invaded our community in Isionye Enugu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government ,this evening killing several people .

“They arrived in a Sienna Toyota Vehicle, posing as potential land buyers. None of us sensed danger, until they brought out their weapons and began to shoot.

“Those who escorted them to the land were shot while many residents who scampered for safety owing to indiscriminate shootings were injured.

In a statement by its spokesperson ,Tochukwu Ikenga ,SP, the Anambra Police Command said it has recovered the operational vehicle used by the hoodlums.

“The Commissioner of Police ,CP Nnaghe Itam has ordered an investigation into the murder of three individuals and the serious injury to five others on Monday ,September 9,2024 at 2 pm in Isionye land ,near the boundary between Enugu Ukwu and Nawfia

“Preliminary reports suggest that the victims were deceived into coming to the land under the pretense of a real estate transaction before being assaulted with firearms and machetes.

“The testimony of the injured victims who are currently receiving medical treatment, is aiding the investigation, while the bodies of the deceased have been taken to the morgue .

“The Commissioner of Police has urged the Community to remain calm as police operatives work to identify the killers” the police spokesman stated.

How Air Peace Airline’s Petition Triggered Ajaero’s Arrest

The Source

September 10, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

Airline distances Organization, says Ajaero’s arrest carried out one year after petition was withdrawn

It has been revealed that a petition written against the President of the Nigeria Labour Party, Joe Ajaero, and the NLC by the Management of Air Peace Airlines triggered his arrest on Monday by the Department of State Services.

The Petition was written by the Airline to the Nigerian Police in September 2023 when the NLC disrupted flights to, and from, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Imo State over a labour dispute between the NLC and Imo State Government.

The NLC had declared a strike in Imo State which grounded economic and social activities in the State. To achieve maximum effect, it also closed the Airport. That closure affected the operations of Air Peace, the most regular and consistent Airline which operates to, and from the Airport.

In reaction, the Management of the Airline wrote a Petition alleging criminal intimidation against the NLC as well as the loss of hundreds of millions of Naira due to the disruption.

Recall that the Police had about a couple of days ago in its second invitation to Ajaero in which it included the General Secretary of the NLC, charged both men with alleged criminal intimidation.

However, in its explanation of why it arrested Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Monday, the DSS had, allegedly, claimed that it stemmed from a petition written against Ajaero by his colleagues in the NLC which its new Director General inherited, and decided to investigate.

On Tuesday, Air Peace Airline was dragged into qAjaero’s ordeal. The Airline was fingered as the company which claimed criminal intimidation against Ajaero for which he is being hounded.

But the Airline, in a strong reaction, distanced its one- year old petition to the Police against Ajaero from the NLC President’s arrest.

In a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Omotade Makinwa, the Airline wondered why the Police suddenly began an action on its Petition after the Police ignored it for over one year, and after it had amicably sorted things out with the NLC.

The statement reads in part: Air Peace expresses concern over the recent media portrayal linking the NLC’s President’s arrest to a petition filed by the Airline in September, 2023.

“This situation does not accurately represent the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.

“It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On May 3, 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State Government.

“Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State Government, our Airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the Government. This unlawful disruption of our services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple States.

“In response to this disruption, Air Peace’s legal team submitted a formal petition against the NLC to the Nigerian Police. Despite our repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the Police failed to take prompt action.

“Over a year later, the Nigerian Police have chosen to act on the original petition which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC President.

“Before this arrest, the Airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition, allowing a positive working relationship to resume between the two organisations.”

Not a few people are now of the opinion that given Air Peace’s explanation, some people somewhere are hell bent on giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

It’s Fake News, Peter Obi Not Arrested By DSS – Aide

The Source

September 10, 2024

The rumour mill has been churning with reports that former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was allegedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at his home in Anambra. However, these claims have been swiftly debunked by Mr. Obi’s media adviser, Valentine Obienyem.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr. Obienyem categorically dismissed the reports as entirely false and baseless. He clarified that the rumour first surfaced on Saturday, but was promptly refuted. Despite this, the false narrative appears to have continued spreading.

Mr. Obienyem further disclosed that Mr. Obi was not even in Anambra State at the time of the alleged incident. “As of Saturday, Mr. Obi was in Rwanda attending to important engagements,” he said. “He has since returned to Nigeria and is currently in Edo State, where he is actively involved in party and national matters.”

The statement also refuted the claim that Mr. Obi’s wife was arrested, describing it as a fabrication aimed at misleading the public and causing unnecessary panic among his supporters.

“There was no DSS operation at his residence, and no arrest was made,” Mr. Obienyem emphasised.

He urged the public to disregard the falsehood and remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation, assuring that any official communication regarding Mr. Obi will be released through proper channels.

As the situation develops, Mr. Obi continues to focus on his commitment to the nation, while his team remains steadfast in providing accurate updates on his activities.

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