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Category: Politics

  • Police confirm one killed, 2 community leaders abducted in Bauchi 

    The Police Command in Bauch State has confirmed that gunmen killed one person and abducted three others, including two community leaders in the Ningi Local Government Area of the state. 

    The Spokesman of the command, SP. Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the development on Monday in Bauchi.

    He said that the gunmen attacked a community known as Balma, killing one person and abducting three others, including two community leaders late on Saturday.

    Wakil said the two community leaders were a village head in Balma community and a ward head in Bakutunbe community as well as one other person who was also abducted.

    The spokesman said that the command had on Sunday received a report from its Balma outpost that gunmen had attacked the village.

    “They shot sporadically and took away the village head, Alhaji Hussaini Saleh, who is 48 years old.

    Wakil said that the village head was abducted alongside one Idris Mai Unguwa and another man named Ya’u Gandu Maliya, who is 45 years old.

    “One Haruna Jibrin was however, shot in the head by the gunmen.

    “When the police received a distress call, a team was drafted to the scene, they rescued the victim and rushed him to General Hospital, Ningi where he was receiving treatment but he was later confirmed dead.

    “At present, the police in Ningi Division are combing the bush, trying to see how they can rescue the two abducted community leaders alive.”

    The spokesman appealed to citizens to always provide information on suspicious movements of people to security agencies for immediate action. 

  • Police bust robbery syndicate in Jigawa

    Police have busted a robbery syndicate in Jigawa and arrested two suspects.

    A statement on Sunday by the Police spokesperson in the state, Mr Lawal Shiisu, said that the suspects were arrested in Ringim Local Government Area.

    “On June 2, 2023, at about 1930hrs, a team of Policemen led by Divisional Police Officer Ringim Division, acting on credible intelligence were notified about some specialised armed robbers.

    “They had perfected their evil plans to move out for notorious operation along Wudil and Garko Road in Kano state.

    “The team of Policemen and local vigilantes swung into action and arrested one Hamza Abdullahi, 22, (aka Chumo) of Wangara Fulani settlement, Ringim area.

    “Also arrested was one Hassan Ya’u aged 25 of Tsoma Fulani settlement in Ajingi area of Kano state, in possession of one locally made fabricated revolver Pistol and two motorcycles.”

    Shiisu added that the suspects had confessed to blocking Dundubus-Gamoji Road on May 6, during which they abandoned two motorcycles on sighting policemen.

    According to him, the suspects also confessed to participating in armed robbery operations along Gujungu-Miga Road, Kiyawa-Shuwarin Road, and Fanisau-Kano Road, all in Jigawa.

    He said that the two suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Ekot, appreciated the people of the state for their support and urged them to continue providing useful information to tackle criminal elements. 

  • Subsidy: Gov AbdulRazaq approves bus palliatives for students, workers

    Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the deployment of government buses to support the movement of students and workers in public tertiary institutions within Ilorin and its environs.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, on Sunday in Ilorin.

    The statement read the bus palliative for the students covering the metropolis is the second phase in the measures by the Kwara government to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

    “The government had earlier reduced workdays for civil servants from five to three every week, while bureaucrats work out other measures for workers that are exempted from the policy.

    “From Wednesday, June 14, some large buses will be deployed to transport students of public tertiary institutions within the metropolis, including those going to the Kwara State University campus at Malete.

    “Further details will be released by the coordinating Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs).

    “The state government will continue to offer immediate support for the Kwara public as Nigeria permanently transitions to the post-fuel subsidy regime and different steps are taken to bring more ease to the people while growing the economy in a sustainable way,” he said.

  • Makinde flags off N9.6bn road project in Ibadan

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday flagged off the N9.6 billion Akobo – Olounda/Abaa 8.3 Kilometres Road project in Ibadan.

    The dualisation of the road project in Lagelu Local Government area was contracted to Samchase Nigeria Ltd.

    Makinde, reiterating his commitment to infrastructure development, said that his administration had resolved to put in place critical infrastructure that would open up the state for economic expansion.

    He explained that 30 percent of the contract cost had been paid to enhance speedy completion of the project within the time-frame of 12 months.

    The governor hinted that owners of properties that would be affected by the road dualisation project would be compensated accordingly.

    Makinde, soliciting the co-operation of all residents of beneficial communities, said that the project would have positive impact on the communities.

    According to him, it will also boost the state Internally Generated Revenue when completed.

    He name the entire stretch of 15.3 Kilometres IdiApe – Akobo – Olounda/Abaa Road after former Gov. Nyeson Wike of River, also a political associate of Makinde.

    Commenting, Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi, Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, said that the road dualisation would ease movement of goods and services in the neighborhood.

    Gbadamosi said that the project when completed, would have direct impact on the political and socioeconomic activities of the local government’s residents.

    Also, Mr Hyginus Okoro, Technical Officer, Samchase Nig. Ltd, promised that the company would deliver quality and standard project.

    Okoro said that the company would keep to the time-frame delivery and that value for every penny expended on the project would be provided.

    A cross section of residents of Akobo – Olouda/Abaa communities, in an interview with NAN, expressed joy over commencement of the road project.

    Mr Peter Akande said that flagged off of the project was a positive signal.

    Akande said that all motorists and other road users plying the route would soon experience smooth movement.

    He commended Makinde-led administration for awarding the road project.

    Akande assured the contractor of the communities’ support in ensuring speedy completion of the road construction without hindrance.

    Another road user, Michael Adewale, a commercial tricycle operator, said that the road project when completed would ease vehicular movement and reduce traffic being experienced on the road.

    Adewale urged relevant agencies in charge of the project to ensure effective monitoring to enable the contractor to keep to specification and deliver quality work.

    Traditional rulers, religious leaders, chieftains of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, and government functionaries were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.

  • FCTA reclaims over 500 plots in Katampe District

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has reclaimed over 500 plots of land at Gishiri in Katampe District from individuals who claimed to be owners of the lands.

    Mr Hassan Ogbole, the Deputy Director, Monitoring and Inspection, FCT Department of Development Control, said this at the continuation of a clean up exercise in Gishiri on Friday.

    He said the illegal structures and other activities in the area affected the Abuja Master Plan and must be dismantled to restore sanity.

    “This is our third time visiting Gishiri in continuation of the city clean up to restore the Abuja master plan.

    “We are concerned with recovering plots taken over illegally by some persons for different purposes, to restore the Abuja master plan.

    Ogbole called on the genuine owners of the plots to commence work immediately to stop the return of illegal structures.

    “Individuals that are allottees of the plots should take them over immediately to avoid new illegal developments, let the owners come in and start developing,” he said.

    On his part, Mr Bello Kaka, the Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), said the board was supporting the demolition to sustain mopping of unauthorised activities.

    “Anything that is contrary to the standard would not be allowed, as we will keep the fight against environmental nuisances till the right thing is done,” he said.

    “Mr Peter Olumiji, the Secretary, Command and Control, FCTA Department of Security, said the administration is concerned with having a secured environment for all FCT residents.

    “Allowing illegal structures to remain will continue to provide ground for criminals to exist; we can’t leave such structures that will become safe haven for bad eggs.

    “We had such experience in Gishiri in the past, so removing these illegal structures will make criminals not to have a place to hide and carry out their evil activities, especially in the night,” Olumiji added.

  • Otong emerges Speaker, Akwa Ibom 8th Assembly

    Mr Udeme Otong (PDP), representing Abak State Constituency, has emerged as the Speaker of the 8th Akwa Ibom House of Assembly.

    Also, Mr Kufreabasi Edidem (PDP), representing Itu State Constituency, emerged as the Deputy Speaker in the election preceding Friday’s inauguration of the house in Uyo.

    Otong, a two-term lawmaker, emerged after he secured 20 votes to defeat his only contender, Mr Ukpong Akpabio, who scored 6 votes.

    Akpabio (PDP) is representing Essien Udim State Constituency.

    The Speaker was earlier nominated and seconded for the position by Mr. Effiong Johnson – (PDP, Mbo State Constituency), and Mr Uwem Imo-Ita – (PDP, Mkpat Enin State Constituency), a first-timer in the house.

    In an inaugural speech, Otong thanked his colleagues for their support which, he said, saw him emerge as the speaker.

    He said that the members had placed a big responsibility on his shoulders and solicited for their support and cooperation to succeed.

    He also urged them and people of the state to cooperate with the new administration to move the state forward.

  • Panic in Anambra Assembly as armed DSS operatives try to ‘arrest’ member-elect

    There was panic at the Anambra State House of Assembly as four armed men, suspected to be operatives of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS), tried to whisk away member-elect for Nnewi North constituency, Mr. Onyekachukwu Ike.

    The armed men drove into the Assembly Complex in three vehicles and grabbed the member-elect after he participated in a valedictory Thanksgiving mass for the seventh Assembly.

    They forced the member-elect into their vehicle and were trying to drive out of the Assembly complex when security personnel quickly locked the exit gate.

    The Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Esther Aneto, and other senior staff lamented that the suspected DSS operatives did not inform them or even the Police personnel at the Assembly before trying to whisk Ike away.

    One of the suspected DSS operatives, however, explained that they had a court order to arrest the member-elect.

    It took the intervention of the Speaker, Dr Uche Okafor, and the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, who came to represent the Governor at the Valedictory session of the seventh Assembly, before the member-elect was released. 

  • Ekiti Assembly gets new Speaker

    Mr Adeoye Aribasoyo (APC- Ikole 2), has been elected as the speaker of the 7th assembly of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

    Aribasoyo was elected shortly after proclamation of the 7th Assembly by the Clerk of the house, Mr Tola Esan in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

    The Speaker was unanimously elected after he was nominated by Mr Femi Akindele (APC-Irepodun Ifelodun Constituency 1).

    Mrs Bolaji Olagbaju (APC- Ado 2) was also elected as the deputy speaker.

    Olagbaju was the daughter of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, late Bisi Egbeyemi.

    Speaking with newsmen, the new Speaker said the 7th Assembly would ensure that the people of the state enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    Aribasoyo said the assembly was ready to work for the betterment of the people of the state.

    “We will be futuristic in our approach and worked tirelessly, performing our major roles for the betterment of our people.

    “We are ready to offer selfless service to our dear state, we are fully prepared. I am using we because it is not going to be a one man’s show, we are going to work collectively with my colleagues.

    “I see the light shining in Ekiti State because  the 7th assembly will bring about meaningful impacts to the lives of the people of our dear state.

    “The 7th assembly will join hands with all stakeholders  to take the state to the height that we desired,” Aribasoyo said.

  • Residents lament as water scarcity hits Bauchi

    Residents of Bauchi have decried lack of water supply within the metropolis, saying it has caused them untold hardship.

    Some of the residents said on Tuesday in Bauchi, that there had not been water supply within the metropolis in the last two weeks.

    A resident, Mr Emma Alex, expressed concern about the water scarcity, saying the situation could result in outbreak of epidemics, if something was not done urgently by the state.

    According to him, lack of potable water can also have a telling effect on the health of the children.

    Mrs Aisha Mohammmed, a resident of Wuntin Dada on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis, said that the situation had forced people to depend mostly on those selling water through tankers, popularly called ‘mai ruwa’.

    This, she said, had resulted in increase in the price of water by the ‘mai ruwa’.

    According to her, a 20-litre keg of water now costs N400 as against N200 they used to buy it.

    “We are finding it difficult to have access to good water. We are experiencing serious water shortage,” she said, pleading with pleading with government to intervene and salvage the situation.

    Mustapha Isa, a resident of Dutsen Tanshi, said those living in the area had been experiencing water shortage since May without prior notice from the authority.

    Another resident, Rayyanu Wahu, of Durumi Biyu, Nassarawa Jahun, said that for ten days running, there had not been water supply, saying that the situation required urgent government’s attention.

    The situation was the same in Tashar Gulmammu Jahun, as a resident, Lukman Adamu, said that water supply to the area had ceased for the past nine days.

    A resident of  Zannuwa Primary School in Yakubu Wanka area of the metropolis, Malam Ahmad Musa, described the situation as ‘horrible’, calling on the state government to come to their aid.

    In his reaction, Managing Director of the State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation (BSUWSC), Mr Aminu Gital, attributed the situation to lack of power supply from the electricity distribution company serving the state.

    Gital said that the corporation was currently finding ways of resolving the water scarcity with relevant authorities, calling on the citizens to be patient, as water would soon be available within the metropolis.

    He, however, urged the residents to always pay their water bills directly to the corporation or its accredited agents in their respective areas to enable it serve them better.

  • Sit-at-Home: Enugu residents defy Gov Mbah’s directive, continue observance

    Residents of Enugu State have defied the state government’s directives on the Monday compulsory sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as roads, schools, banks, markets and other public places were completely deserted.

    The state governor, Peter Mbah had on June 1 declared “no more sit-at-home in Enugu,” effective Monday, June 5, asking individuals and corporate organisations to ensure full-scale business activities in the state.

    Mbah stated that his government would be ready to engage in dialogue with people who have genuine grievances so as to foster lasting peace and security in Enugu State, adding that the order dwindles creativity and productivity of the people.

    It is not uncommon for residents in the state to wake up to stories of the untimely death of some who disobeyed the unauthorised sit-at-home order.

    It is however not clear if commercial activities will pick up before noon.

    The governor’s ban on the sit-at-home order came last Thursday with a call on President Bola Tinubu to release IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

    After his first security council meeting with the heads of all the security agencies at the Government House, Enugu State, Mbah told journalists that the sit-at-home declared in the South-East to press for Kanu’s release had impeded economic activities.

    “Consequently, from Monday, June 6, 2023, there will be no observance of any sit-at-home in all nooks and crannies of Enugu State,” he said on Thursday.