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Category: News

  • Police gives N61m to deceased officers’ families

    The Nigeria Police Force on Friday in Lafia presented cheques valued at N61 million to families of officers who died on duty in Nasarawa State.

    A statement by Mr Ramhan Nasel, the spokesman of the Nasarawa Command of the Force, said that Mr Mohammed

    Baba, the Commissioner, presented the cheques.

    The statement indicated that families of 106 officers benefitted from the gesture.

    “The gesture is an initiative of IGP Family Welfare Scheme, Group Personal Accident and Group Life Assurance aimed at improving the living standard of the benefiting families,” it added.

    Nansel quoted Baba as sympathising with the beneficiaries and appreciating the Inspector-General of Police for his love and support for the families of deceased officers and others  injured in the course of duty.

    Baba urged the beneficiaries to use the token judiciously to cater for the families. 

  • NDLEA seizes 15,500kgs of illcit drugs in Borno

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency  (NDLEA) says it has seized 15,500 kilogramme of illicit drugs in the past three years in Borno.

    The State Commandant of the Agency,  Mr Joseph Icha stated this on Friday in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council.

    He said operatives of the Agency seized the drugs from 2021 to date, adding that it comprised Cannabis Sativa; Cocaine, Heroine, Diazepam, Tramadol, among other narcotic substances.

    The seized drugs, he said, would be destroyed at a later date, adding that in the year 2020, the Agency destroyed 19,235 kgs of illicit drugs in the state.

    He said the visit was part of activities to mark the 2023 World Drugs Day with the theme: “People first, xtop the stigma and siscremination, strengthen prevention”.

    According to him, the Agency will conduct various activities in the next 30 days to appraise its performances and achievements towards building a drug free society.

    “We are at the right place to meet you (journalists) to seek for support and synergy from you.

    “The UN Day of Drug Abuse is a day we will remind the world that there is actually drug challenges.

    “We have been able to seize some monies from drug peddlers and put the monies into the federal government’s account; seized vehicles have been valued for auction and arrested persons are undergoing trials for various drug offences in the courts,” he said.

    While commending the Borno state government for its support, Icha thanked the Chairman of the Agency, Brig.-Gen.  Buba Marwa (retired) for the office rehabilitation and provision of adequate logistics to enhance its operations in the state.

    “The successes achieved wouldn’t have been possible without the synergy and support from other security agencies in the state,” he said.

    Responding, the Council Chairman, Mr Dauda Iliya thanked the Commandant for the visit.

    He said the feat achieved was a testimony for his hard work and determination to eradicate the menace of drug abuse in the state.

    “We congratulate you for the feat you have achieved as well as your effort in ridding the state of illicit drugs,  and your efforts in ensuring the reduction of drug demand and supply among the teeming youths to make productive citizens.

    “We are ready to amplify what you are doing as well as the successes recorded to ensure that the public understand the dangers inherent in drug abuse,” he said.

  • Fuel Subsidy: NLC declares nationwide strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Friday, declared a nationwide strike from Wednesday next week.

    The union disclosed this during its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held in the Federal Capital territory, Abuja.

    According to Channels TV, the meeting was not unconnected to the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu and the subsequent hike in the pump price of petrol.

    The NEC comprises all Presidents, General Secretaries, Treasurers of all NLC’s affiliate unions; State Chairpersons and Secretaries of the NLC State Councils, Chairperson of the NLC Youth Committee and members of the National Administrative Coucil.

    NIGERIAN ANCHOR had reported on Wednesday that the meeting between the federal government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) over fuel subsidy removal ended without a consensus.

    The meeting began around 4pm on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Representatives of the Federal Government had included Dele Alake, the spokesperson for Tinubu; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari.

    Other government officials present were the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele; and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    The Organised Labour was represented by the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero; and the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Festus Osifo.

    After several hours of meeting with the Federal Government, the NLC had demanded that the Federal Government return to the status quo by reversing the price of fuel before resuming negotiations with the NLC.

    The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, who criticised the removal of subsidy stated that the status quo returns before any formal engagement with the NLC to protect the Nigerian workforce and proffer additional solutions.

    The NLC insisted that the Federal Government did not enter into any conversation even on palliative measures for Nigerians, hence the rejection of the latest announcement.

    The union said it had decided to reconvene with its members to determine the next line of action.

    Meanwhile, Alake described the meeting as robust, adding that talks would continue. He expressed hope that the parties would reach a reasonable conclusion at its next adjourned meeting.

  • Hajj: 2nd batch of 586 Hajj pilgrims from Jigawa arrive in S/Arabia

    The second batch of 586 pilgrims from Jigawa arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday for the 2023 Hajj.

    The batch comprises staff of the Jigawa Pilgrims Board and its ad-hoc staff who departed Dutse International Airport on Thursday aboard Azaman Air.

    The second batch made a total of 1,145 pilgrims from Jigawa that had arrived for the 2023 Hajj as the first batch of 559 pilgrims from the state arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

    The pilgrims underwent medical screenings by the Saudi Authorities at the airport before they were taken by road to the holy city of Medina.

    In Medina, they would visit historical sites and perform some religious rites.

    Jigawa is expected to send additional 480 pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj.

    Executive Secretary of the pilgrims’ board, Alhaji Umar Labbo, had said earlier that a total of 1,625 pilgrims were expected to perform the 2023 Hajj from Jigawa. 

  • Abuja businessman docked for allegedly stealing N92,300 from sex worker

    Abuja businessman docked for allegedly stealing N92,300 from sex worker

    The Police, on Friday, arraigned a 53-year-old businessman, King Dauda, before a Kado Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly stealing the sum of N92, 300 from a sex worker.

    The police charged Dauda, of EFAB Global Estate, Life Camp, Abuja, with theft.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Prosecution Counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, told the court that on May 26, at about 9:05 a.m., Ms Bolaji Olufumi, of Prosper Road Area 3, Abuja, reported the matter at Life Camp Police Station.

    Nwafoaku said that on May 20, the defendant invited the complainant to his residence, located at EFAB Estate, and after having carnal knowledge of her, took her purse containing N92,300.

    He said that all efforts by Olufumi to recover the purse and her money from the defendant proved abortive.

    According to him, the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 288 of the Penal Code Law.

    The Defence Counsel, Charity Nwosu, made an oral bail application, citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 158 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    Nwosu assured the court that the defendant would not jump bail, if granted.

    Nwafoaku, however, did not object to the bail application made by the defence counsel.

    The Judge, Muhammed Wakili, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.

    Wakili said that the surety must provide a Bank Verification Number (BVN) printout, a recent passport photograph and a valid identification card, which must be verified by the court registrar.

    The judge, thereafter, adjourned the case till June 15 for hearing. 

  • Tinubu confirms Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, Akume SGF

    President Bola Tinubu has formalized the appointment of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his Chief of Staff and former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    Also appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is former Benue State Governor, George Akume.

    These were contained in a statement issued on Friday by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director, Information.

    It also announced Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, as Deputy Chief of Staff.

  • Former Benue Gov, George Akume tipped for SGF

    The immediate-past Minister of Special Duties and former Governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, is set to be named the new Secretary to the Government of Federation.

    With this decision, President Bola Tinubu may have pacified the North Central zone ahead of the race for leadership of the National Assembly.

    Feelers indicate that President Tinubu has decided on the choice of Akume, his long-time ally, for the top job.

    The people of North Central and All Progressives Congress members are reportedly unhappy a being taken out of consideration for the position of Speaker of House of Repres The immediate-past Minister of Special Duties and former Governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, is set to be named the new Secretary to the Government of Federation.

    With this decision, President Bola Tinubu may have pacified the North Central zone ahead of the race for leadership of the National Assembly.

    Feelers indicate that President Tinubu has decided on the choice of Akume, his long-time ally, for the top job.

    The people of North Central and All Progressives Congress members are reportedly unhappy about being taken out of consideration for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    Since his inauguration on Monday as the 16th President of Nigeria, expectations had been rife among many political actors and Nigerians for the appointment of personal aides of the President leading to many speculations on social and mainstream media.

    One of the social media speculations was the purported appointment of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as the Chief of Staff to the President.

    The President, according to available information, is expected to formally announce the appointment of Senator Akume alongside other personal aides between Friday and Monday next week.

    Since his inauguration on Monday as the 16th President of Nigeria, expectations had been rife among many political actors and Nigerians for the appointment of personal aides of the President leading to many speculations on social and mainstream media.

    One of the social media speculations was the purported appointment of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as the Chief of Staff to the President.

    The President, according to available information, is expected to formally announce the appointment of Senator Akume alongside other personal aides between Friday and Monday next week.

  • Federal High Court goes on annual vacation July 24

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has disclosed that the court will commence its 2023 annual vacation on July 24.

    Justice Tsoho stated this on Friday in a statement made available by Dr Catherine Oby-Christopher, the FHC’s Assistant Director of Information, in Abuja.

    The CJ said that the vacation, which would begin on Monday, July 24, would end on Friday, Sept. 25.

    “By virtue of the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Honourable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, announces its 2023 Annual Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges.

    “The vacation will commence from July 24 to Sept. 15.

    “The court shall resume sitting on Sept. 18. This is in order for Hon. Judges to enjoy their well- deserved rest and to prepare for the challenges of the new legal year,” it read.

    According to the statement, consequently, the litigating public will be at liberty to approach only the under-listed functional courts located nearest to them; Abuja, Lagos, and Port-Harcourt.

    “The vacation Judges are: Hon. Justice A. R. Mohammed and Hon. Justice O.A. Egwuatu for Abuja division; Hon Justice I. N. Oweibo and Hon. Justice A. Aluko for Lagos Division and Hon. Justice A. T. Mohammed and Hon. Justice S.I. Mark for Port-Harcourt

    “The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Honorable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, wishes his fellow lordships a wonderful Vacation in advance,” it concluded.

  • Ali inaugurates $3.2bn e-customs project to end manual administration

    Ali inaugurates $3.2bn e-customs project to end manual administration

    The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has inaugurated a 3.2 billion dollar modernization project to end manual administration.

    Ali while inaugurating the Project Management Office in Abuja, said the project, aimed at full automation of NCS was a dream come through.

    According to him, the service embarked on the project, which is being handled by Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), to strengthen the processes of the service and eradicate corruption.

    “Today we are witnessing the state of the art technology.

    “So, it is with pride that we reflect on the journey we embarked upon since 2015,” he said.

    Ali said the NCS decided on automation because of its numerous benefits, adding that “digitisation drives efficiency, transparency and effectiveness.”

    He said the project would help NCS adapt to changing market dynamics while assisting to automise operations and unlock revenue to contribute to economic growth and wellbeing of Nigerians.

    On challenges encountered in actualising the project, the comptroller-general said, although there were obstacles, they persevered.

    He said “The inauguration is a celebration of NCS” determination, resilience and foresight.

    “Every step that has been taken has been a testament to our commitment to embracing the power of digitization.”

    On concerns that adopting the technology would reduce the use of manpower, Ali said such assertion was unfounded.

    According to him, modernisation will engender the service’s desire to recruit more personnel.

    He added that the project would require a lot of manpower to effectively cover the borders and ensure security of the people.

    “We need to be at par with global practices, “he said.

    Mr Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman, TMPL, said the project would “invest 3.2 billion dollars over a 20 year period.

    According to him, the investment will generate over 200 billion dollars in revenue generation.

    “Financing for the first stage of the project is in the sum of 300 million dollars.

    “This is with a cash-backed $9 million performance fund, which has been secured through financial partners, “he said.

    Ahmadu said capacity building was one of the priorities of the project, adding that a “substantial part of the project will go into building the capacity of staff.”

    The former minister of state, budget, and national planning, said the federal executive council on April 20, approved the implementation of the e-customs project to a concessionaire.

    The concessionaire is Bergman securities consultant and suppliers limited as the project sponsor, Africa Finance Corporation, UFC as the lead financier, and Huawei Technologies will be trained as the lead technical service provider.

    The concessionaire, he said has furnished the government with 9 million dollars (N4.135 billion) in security from the satisfactory performance of the project.

    They have also executed the depth facility tensions of 300 million dollars  (N138 billion) to finance the first phase of the project.

    “The revenue sharing arrangement is 45 per cent of accruals to the comprehensive input service scheme going to the concessionaire and 55 per cent going to the federal government, five per cent of what accrues to the Nigerian responsible action scheme, and 75 pe rcent federal government,” the former minister said. 

  • Abuja Online Publishers congratulate President Bola Tinubu

    *Set Agenda for Tinubu’s Administration

    Abuja Online Publishers Forum (AOPF) on Thursday felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his assumption of office as the 16th President of Nigeria and using this opportunity to set agenda for the new administration.

    In a press statement jointly signed and made available to newsmen by the Chairman and the Secretary of the Association, Martins Odiete and Shola Akingboye, respectively, the body, while commending Mr President’s long walk to victory, says the former Lagos state governor fought through thick and thin with a dint of hard work and resilience which he demonstrated during campaigns that culminated into the hard-earned victory.

    Eulogising Tinubu’s political trajectory, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Martins Odiete reflected on the roles played by the new President in bringing Nigeria together in the wake of the June 12, 1993 election crisis that threatened the peaceful coexistence of the country.
    Odiete reiterated the role President Bola Tinubu played, along with other pro-democracy stalwarts in the fierce battle against military dictatorship in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.

    He encouraged the President-elect to act as a transformational leader by itching his name in gold in the history of the country.

    “Given our constitutional responsibility as the watchdog of society, we will constructively bridge the gap between the government and the people,” Odiete said.

    AOPF therefore, highlighted the following areas as part of our agenda for the President-elect:

    “First, urgent palliative measures must be rolled out nationwide in the short to medium term to cushion the negative effects of the current economic crisis.

    “The President should be magnanimous in victory, and work with all patriots irrespective of political divides. Nigeria at the moment is divided across ethnic lines, at AOPF, we cannot but urge you to bring back the lost glory of Nigeria as one undivided Nation.

    “We call on you to strengthen the electoral process that brought you to power by reviewing the Electoral Act to bequeath a trusted and improved process. This will place Nigeria among committee of truly democratic nations of the world.

    “The tenets of federal character and inclusion must be upheld to the latter in distributing appointive positions without sacrificing competence and patriotic character.

    “Let there be equal rights for all religions; ethnicities, gender and other representations in the public service, military and security agencies.

    “Nigerians look forward to stable electricity, quality education, and affordable and quality healthcare for all, among other basic necessities under your watch.

    “Key among expectations of all Nigerians is a secure nation. Let the security of Nigeria be the administration’s priority, a nation where Nigerians can sleep with two eyes closed while businesses thrive for economic growth.

    “While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the peaceful conduct of the last general elections as observed, the Forum is using this opportunity to appeal to the electoral umpire to be more proactive and ensure that future elections are free of rancour as witnessed in the last general election,” the statement said.

    Finally, the body admonished other candidates who are still in court to be patriotic in words and deeds as they seek redress over any grievance through democratic means in the interest of the nation.