By Nathan Nwakamma

The Bayelsa government has announced the imposition of curfew from 8 pm to 6 am, daily, to prevent the spread of the new wave of coronavirus in the state.

Chief Ayibaina Duba, Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, announced the development in a statement issued in Yenagoa, on Friday.

He said the measure was a precautionary step aimed at protecting public health.

Duba explained that security agencies had been directed to enforce the directive which takes effect from Saturday, May 15.

As part of proactive measures to prevent the spread of the surging trait of the new variants of COVID-19, Bayelsa State Government hereby imposes a dusk to dawn curfew from 8pm to 6 am daily.

The curfew takes effect from Saturday 15th May 2021 until further notice.

In view of this development, movements within and out of the state through the major entry points are prohibited during the hours of the curfew.

Areas affected mostly, include, Bayelsa/Delta States boundary at Adagbabiri, GloryLand Drive at Igbogene, and Bayelsa/Rivers States boundary at Mbiama.

Relevant security agencies have been mobilised to enforce the curfew.

Commuters and members of the public are advised to take note of this development, Duba stated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

The Presidency says the person declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) is not an inlaw to President Muhammadu Buhari as being claimed in some quarters.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, confirmed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

ICPC had declared one Gimba Yau Kumo wanted for alleged 65 million dollars fraud.

Kumo, a former Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank, got married to Buharis daughter in October 2016 in Daura, Katsina State.

However, the presidential aide disclosed that the (marriage) relationship had since ended some years ago.

The statement read in part: A running story to the effect that the ICPC has declared an inlaw of the President wanted in connection with fraud involving the large sum of money, 65 million dollars to be exact.

This should normaly be an affirmation that our anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President. Which in fact is the case.

That a state institution can issue such is a measure of the administrations commitment to accountability, equality and justice.

To set the records straight, the person declared wanted by the ICPC is not an inlaw to President Buhari.

While at some point in time the said fugitive from justice had been linked to a family member in marriage, that relationship has ended some years ago.

It is therefore unfortunate to bring the Presidents family into this case.

It is in our view an attempt to generate views and sell copies of sensational reporting.

The Presidents position at all times is that the law be allowed to take its course.

As is well known of him, President Muhammadu Buhari will not provide any cover for crime, no matter who is involved, the statement read in part. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Felicia Imohimi

The Nigeria Young Farmers Network says an emergency national food security plan that actively engages the private sector is critical to forestall the nations imminent food crisis.

The Director General (DG) of the network, Mr Promise Amahah, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Abuja on Thursday.

Amahah spoke against the backdrop of the relentless increase in prices of food and agricultural produce in Nigerian markets which he warned might lead to a national food crisis very soon.

He said that government alone could not achieve reasonable progress in this regard adding that more intensive action was required to address the challenge.

Amahah said the Federal Government needed to provide the enabling environment for companies and startups providing solutions like storage facilities, logistics, payments, among others.

The DG explained that such enabling environment could be through giving them tax breaks, and off takers agreements among others to enable them deploy their offerings effectively.

According to him, such measures will immediately reduce the impact of food shortages and cost of foodstuffs which will in turn strengthen the efforts towards addressing food insecurity in Nigeria.

Amahah noted that so far, efforts had been made by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure the nations grains reserve was restored to full capacity through the grains buyback process.

He further noted that there had been focus on the Anchor Borrowers Programme to make it more efficient while recently, rice pyramids in Kebbi and maize pyramids in Katsina had become prominent.

According to Amahah,
those are emergency measures put in place by the government to enable poor Nigerians survive hunger during food crises.

However, I am yet to see proactive national awareness and sensitisation directed towards public enlightenment on the current food crisis and providing an inclusive strategy thrust to address the issue, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ijeh

Sen. Seriake Dickson,representing Bayelsa West (PDP) in the National Assembly on Friday said police was not the problem of Nigeria and should not be seen as enemy .

Dickson made this known in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba in Abuja on Friday.

Mba explained that the former Bayelsa governor made the assertion when he paid a solidarity visit to the Acting Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba.

The senator, a two time governor of Bayelsa, said that the visit was in solidarity with the police over the dastardly and criminal acts of terrorism, unprovoked and coordinated attacks on the force.

Dickson said that the murder of innocent police officers and malicious damage of security assets and other government infrastructure in some parts of the country were condemnable.

The senator called for a cessation of all forms of criminal attack on police and government infrastructure in the country.

He congratulated the new police boss on his appointment as the 21st indigenous I-G and called for proper funding of the Force to enhance its operational efficiency.

Dickson commended the Nigeria Police for doing their best in the face of daunting welfare and operational challenges.

In his remark, I-G Baba commended the Senator and pledged that the forcewould remain committed and unwavering in its task of protecting lives and propertyin spite of the numerous challenges. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

by Funmilayo Adeyemi

The possibility of shifting the date for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is very high, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said.

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB made this known at a virtual meeting with 2021 UTME Committee Members on Friday.

Oloyede disclosed that over 600,000 candidates who indicated interest in sitting for the exams, are yet to register.

The exam is scheduled to hold between June 5 and June 19.

He said the candidates were finding it difficult to register due to the challenges of National Identification Number (NIN).

He said so far, 1.1 million candidates had registered for the 2021 UTME, stating that the board anticipated approximately 1.9 million registrations at the end of the exercise.

The JAMB boss noted that though 50 per cent of candidates had already registered without problem, there was need to carryeveryone along.

According to him, that after meeting with stakeholders, we will decide on whether to shift the exam or not.

The possibility of shifting the exam forwardis still high; but that will be determined after our meeting with stakeholders.

This is because about 600,000 candidates who have indicated interest in the exam are yet to register. There is need to give everyone the opportunity, he said.

Oloyede apologised for the new initiatives introduced in the 2021 UTME, saying that it was not to punish candidates but to exposed candidates in the habit of indulging in various forms of malpractices.

He added that candidates were expected to provide two pictures on the candidate slip, picture of the person who registered at JAMB office, picture of the owner of the name who registered with NIN.

He called on candidates to take note of the process, adding that the essence was to detect any disparity in the process.

We apologise for putting you through some hardship in the registration. The government directed that anyone participating in JAMB must have their NIN. This is beyond our control. Those who are yet to register should do so.

The mock exam is billed to come up on May 20. It is an optional exam meant to test the system. As you all know, the main exam is coming up between June 5 and June 19.

Shifting the exam date is not the solution, at the meeting we will discuss on how some of the problems encountered by candidates will be resolved. It is important that we carry everyone along, he added.

He further disclosed that JAMB had secured about 802 exam centres across the country and 104 centres in towns adding that Lagos state alone has four centres. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Imelda Osayande

Justice Esther Edigin, the seventh substantive Chief Judge of the state, will be bowing out of office on Monday.

A statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Mr Benson Osawaru, on Friday in Benin stated that Edigin would clock 65 years on May 17, the constitutionally prescribed age for retirement in the bench.

Consequently, Gov. Godwin Obaseki would be swearing-in the nextin hierarchy, Justice Joe Acha, as the incoming Chief Judge on Monday at the Government House, Benin.

Obaseki hadsworn-in Edigin as the seventh Edo Chief Judge on Nov. 22, 2019, following the retirement of Justice Esohe Ikponmwen.

NAN recalls that while swearing her in as the Chief Judge, Obaseki applauded her, noting that she had faithfully served as a judge in the state.

Edigin was born on May 17, 1956 and was called to bar on July 17, 1979.

In 1989, she joined the then Bendel State Judiciary as Chief Magistrate Grade 11 and was appointed a high court judge in 2001. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Real Madrid earned a 4-1 win at Granada to keep their La Liga title defence alive.

Zinedine Zidanes side triumphed in Andalusia on Thursday and moved second, on 78 points from 36 games, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Luka Modric fired Real Madrid ahead in the 17th minute and Rodrygo Goes doubled the lead with his first goal of the season as the visitors dominated.

Jorge Molina pulled a goal back for Granada but Real Madrid quickly restored their advantage through Alvaro Odriozola and Karim Benzema wrapped up the win from distance.

The only thing we can keep doing is chasing Atletico Madrid and hope they dont win, said Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

We have to make sure they dont have any margin for error. They won and all we can do is look at ourselves, and focus on the difficult game at Athletic Bilbao, which is another final.

Atletico Madrid beat Real Sociedad on Wednesday to take control of La Liga and the title will be theirs if they win their remaining two matches.

Youngster Miguel Gutierrez was making his first start for Real Madrid and it was a game to remember for him, as he fed a fine pass through for Modric to open the scoring.

Rodrygos low finish just before half-time gave Real Madrid a commanding lead, but they slowed down in the second half.

Zidanes side are exhausted and at times it showed, with Los Blancos having suffered more injuries this season than their title rivals.

After Molina pulled a goal back, Real Madrid might have wobbled but substitute Eden Hazard set up Odriozola to blast home from inside the area.

Benzemas fourth settled the clash, with the Frenchman finishing from 35 yards out with Granada goalkeeper Rui Silva out of his area.

Elsewhere, Real Valladolid lost 2-0 at home against Villarreal, meaning they stay 18th, two points from safety.

Bottom-of-the-table Eibar drew 1-1 with Real Betis and are three points behind Huesca, who are 17th .(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Rafael Nadal was forced to work hard to avoid becoming the biggestscalp in the last 16 at theInternazionali BNL dItalia on Thursday.

Rival Novak Djokovic had already sealed his progress earlier in the day, beatingAlejandro Davidovich Fokina in dominant fashion, but Nadal found life hard against Denis Shapovalov.

The Spaniard has already uncharacteristically lost twice on clay courts this season and was heading for a third as he trailed Shapovalov 3-6 0-3.

Even after Nadal recovered to take the second set, he faced two match-points in the decider.

He battled bravely to a vital hold of serve that took the match well beyond the three-hour mark and into a tie-break.

There, Nadal finally took control, running out a 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-3) winner to reach the last eight and gain some much-needed minutes on the court.

Its an important victory for me [to] be able to win matches like today, three hours and 27, in the Barcelona final three hours and 38, long matches, said Nadal.

To be able to win these kinds of matches against young players gives me confidence with my body.

There had been no such test for Djokovic in his 6-2 6-1 rout, although the world number one felt that was in part due to his improving form.

I thought I played better, at least 20 or 30 per cent better, than I did against [Taylor] Fritz a few days ago, he said. I am on a good trajectory and hopefully tomorrow will be even better.

Djokovic will face fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas next after his straight-sets defeat of Matteo Berrettini.

For Nadal, Alexander Zverev is a similarly tricky opponent having come through three sets against Kei Nishikori.

But not every seed made it through, as Dominic Thiem succumbed to the last remaining home hopeful in Lorenzo Sonego, a dramatic 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-5) victor.

A meeting with Andrey Rublev is the Italians reward, while there will be at least one unseeded player in the last four as Federico Delbonis prepares to take on Reilly Opelka. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Nigerias Ambassador to Cuba, Amb. Benaoyagha Okoyen has pledged to explore new and innovative ways of leveraging on existing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba.

A statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on Wednesday said Okoyen made the pledge in Havana at the presentation of Copies of DUsage to the Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, Mrs Anayansi Camejo.

The presentation of copies dusage marked the formal commencement of his accreditation process in line with prevailing protocols in Cuba.

The Nigerian envoy pointed out that Nigeria-Cuba relations were underpinned by historical, cultural and blood ties.

The historical, cultural and blood ties are major tripods that sustain and deepen engagements between the two countries, both at bilateral and multilateral levels, Okoyen said.

The envoy added that newer and untapped areas of economic and commercial opportunities available for both countries would be given priority in the course of his tour of duty in Cuba.

He thanked Cuba for its support to Nigeria in particular, and Africa in general in the areas of liberation, health care, and humanitarian assistance.

Okoyen also conveyed the goodwill message of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama to his Cuban counterpart.

He expressed gratitude to the Deputy Foreign Minister for the excellent reception accorded him and members of his family on arrival in Havana.

In her remarks, Camejo expressed delight at the arrival of Okoyen in Cuba and expressed the hope that his arrival in the country would mark a rejuvenation of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The envoy affirmed that Cubas relations with Nigeria was crucial, given the deep cultural and fraternal ties that connected the two countries.

She thanked Nigeria for its consistent support to Cuba, especially toward eliminating the strangulating U.S. economic blockade of Cuba.

She also emphasised that Nigerias unequivocal support had always been part of what Cuba could count on at the International fora.

She assured that Cuba would remain committed to supporting Nigeria even regardless of the changing global dynamics.

Okoyen, who is concurrently accredited to The Bahamas, Honduras, and Nicaragua, was the immediate past Consul General of Nigeria in New York and is expected to present his Letter of Credence to the Cuban President at a later date. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

A woman who abused her adopted daughter to death was sentenced to life in prison on Friday in a fatal child abuse case that shocked the country.

The Seoul Southern District Court ruled that the woman, surnamed Jang, intentionally harmed her daughter, named Jung-in, dismissing her claim that the babys death was an accident.

The 16-month-old toddler was adopted in February and died in October last year of severe abdominal injuries and internal bleeding that were caused by strong external force, according to an official autopsy.

Signs of prolonged abuse, such as fractured bones and bruises in various stages of healing, were also found on her body.

It looks like the adoptive mother stamped on the victims abdomen, the court said.

She could have predicted that impacting another blow to the victims already damaged abdomen could lead to her death.

The accused started to abuse the victim habitually about a month after adopting her and caused her death with unimaginable brutality.

As the accused ruthlessly trampled upon the victims dignity and honour as a human being, it is only reasonable to separate the accused from society indefinitely, the court said.

The womans husband, surnamed Ahn, was sentenced to five years in prison for child abuse and aiding and abetting Jangs violence toward their adoptive daughter.

The court reprimanded the husband for making implausible excuses that he did not know Jung-in had been physically assaulted by his wife, even though he was in a position where he must have known what was going on inside their home.

Jang was initially indicted on charges including child abuse resulting in death.

But prosecutors later added a murder charge after reevaluating the cause of her death with forensic experts after suspicions arose that Jang might have had an intention to kill the baby.

Or at least might have been aware that the girl could die from the suspected beatings and other abusive behaviours.

An investigative report aired earlier this year was a catalyst for bringing renewed attention to her case and shed a spotlight on how the police and child welfare agencies failed to prevent the tragedy despite a series of glaring warning signs.

The nations police chief subsequently apologised over the agencys botched initial response and inadequate investigation.

There were three reports in the span of five months about suspected abuse toward Jung-in.

The case has unleashed nationwide grief and anger over child abuse. Hundreds of people have sent petitions to the court to demand justice for the girl.

Outside the court on Friday, protesters were calling the parents devils and holding signs demanding the death penalty for both of them.

Since Jung-in died, child abuse cases have continued to happen, said Kwon Sae-ri, who has flown to Seoul from Jeju, an island off the southern coast, to participate in the protest.

Jang should be held sternly accountable in order to prevent a similar tragedy from happening.

After the ruling was made, Lee Su-jin, who was wearing funeral clothes and holding the photo of Jung-in, cried in frustration.

The ruling is really disappointing. If this is the punishment for abusing an innocent child to death, it will give a message to other abusers that they, too, could get away with killing a child.

Kong Hye-jung, head of the Korea Child Abuse Prevention Association, said Fridays ruling failed to live up to the peoples expectation to bring justice to the child.

We will keep monitoring their second and third trials to make sure they will not have their sentences commuted, she said. (Yonhap/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The World Bank says remittance inflows to Nigeria declined by 28 per cent in 2020 because of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bank also said remittance flows fell for Sub-Saharan Africa by 12.5 per cent, according to its Migration and Development Brief 33 Phase 11 entitled: COVID-19 Crisis Through a Migration Lens published on Thursday.

The report said the decline in remittance flows to Nigeria was largely responsible for the fall in remittance flows to Sub-Saharan Africa.

The decline in flows to Sub-Saharan Africa was almost entirely due to a 28 per cent decline in remittance flows to Nigeria.

Excluding flows to Nigeria, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa increased by 2.3 per cent, demonstrating resilience, the report stated.

According to the report, the relatively strong performance of remittance flows during the COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted the importance of timely availability of data.

It stated that given its growing significance as a source of external financing for low- and middle-income countries, there was need for better collection of data on remittances.

It emphasised that there was need for better collection of data on remittances, in terms of frequency, timely reporting, and granularity by corridor and channel.

The report quoted Dilip Ratha, lead author of the report on migration and remittances, as saying the resilience of remittance flows is remarkable. Remittances are helping to meet families increased need for livelihood support.

They can no longer be treated as small change.

The World Bank has been monitoring migration and remittance flows for nearly two decades, and we are working with governments and partners to produce timely data and make remittance flows even more productive.

With global growth expected to rebound further in 2021 and 2022, however, remittance flows to low- and middle- income countries are expected to increase by 2.6 per cent to 553 billion dollars in 2021 and by 2.2 per cent to 565 billion dollars in 2022.

The report stated that global average cost of sending 200 dollars remained high at 6.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020, more than double the Sustainable Development Goal target of three per cent.

It stated that Sub-Saharan Africa continued to have the highest average cost (8.2 per cent) adding, supporting the remittance infrastructure and keeping remittances flowing includes efforts to lower fees.

In addition, it stated that the decline in recorded remittance flows in 2020 was smaller than the one during the 2009 global financial crisis (4.8 per cent).

It was also far lower than the fall in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows to low- and middle-income countries, which, excluding flows to China fell by over 30 per cent in 2020.

As a result, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries surpassed the sum of FDI (259 dollars billion) and overseas development assistance (179 dollars billion) in 2020.

The main drivers for the steady flow included fiscal stimulus that resulted in better-than-expected economic conditions in host countries, a shift in flows from cash to digital and from informal to formal channels, and cyclical movements in oil prices and currency exchange rates.

The true size of remittances, which includes formal and informal flows, is believed to be larger than officially reported data, though the extent of the impact of COVID-19 on informal flows is unclear.

As COVID-19 still devastates families around the world, remittances continue to provide a critical lifeline for the poor and vulnerable, said Michal Rutkowski, Global Director of the Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice at the World Bank.

Supportive policy responses, together with national social protection systems, should continue to be inclusive of all communities, including migrants.

In addition, it stated that the relatively strong performance of remittance flows during the COVID-19 crisis had also highlighted the importance of timely availability of data.

Given its growing significance as a source of external financing for low- and middle-income countries, there is a need for better collection of data on remittances, in terms of frequency, timely reporting, and granularity by corridor and channel.

The World Bank is assisting member states in monitoring the flow of remittances through various channels, the costs and convenience of sending money, and regulations to protect financial integrity that affect remittance flows.

It is working with the G20 countries and the global community to reduce remittance costs and improve financial inclusion for the poor. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, has ordered investigation of fire outbreak at the Obollo-Afor office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

Aliyu also directed the cordoning off of the scene for the thorough probe to further ascertain the actual cause of the fire outbreak and damages incurred.

The states Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) early Friday morning.

Ndukwe said that the fire incident, which happened at INEC office in Obollo-Afor located in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, happened on May 13, at about 9.40 p.m.

The Command received a distress call at its Udenu Police Divisional Headquarters alleging that there was fire outbreak at the Obollo-Afor office of the INEC in Udenu council area.

Police operatives attached to the Division immediately raced to the scene, while contacting Enugu State Fire Service office in the area to promptly put off the fire, he said.

He said that the fire was eventually put off before it could spread to other offices around the building, through combined efforts of the fire service, the police and law-abiding citizens.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire may have been caused by power surge due to sudden power supply to the building before the incident occurred, the police spokesman however said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yahaya Isah

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to continue to safeguard the nations territorial integrity against any form of threat.

AVM Hassan Abubakar, the Chairman, Organising Committee, NAF 57Anniversary Celebration, made this known while briefing newsmen.

He said the NAF had grown over the years into a formidable force in its efforts to carry out its core mandate of protecting the country against its enemies.

Abubakar added that within the West African Sub-region, NAF has carried out several assignments, especially in area of securing lives and property.

He said that the theme of the celebration is: Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Airpower Capabilities for Effective Joint Operations in Response to Contemporary National Security Challenges.

Abubakar explained that the theme was carefully selected aimed at emphasising the renewed focus on cooperation and collaboration among other services in the continued protection of the nations territorial integrity against its enemies.

This, he said, was also in tandem with the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amaos vision which is to enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint force deployment in pursuit of national security imperatives.

The 2021 celebration is structured to enlightened Nigerians of NAFs efforts in the ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism and banditry in the country.

It will also feature three main activities, induction of a new platform, as well as aerial display by L-39-ZA, A-JET and JF-17 thunder aircraft.

There will be other activities taking place across NAF bases in the country, such as humanitarian support activities by Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) across the six geo-political zones.

There will be a medical outreaches to host communities in NAFs various bases across the country. There will also be a unique launching of NAF tele-medicine facility in Abuja.

The aim of the facility is to enhance the provision of excellent medicare to personnel and their dependants as well as civilian beneficiaries at lowest possible cost.

Abubakar, however, noted that all these efforts were geared towards having a professional service capable of deploying superior airpower in protecting the nations integrity against any form of threat.

He noted further that the celebration would involve a seminar and its focus would be to proffer workable strategies aimed at checkmating the myriad of security challenges in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sunday Bassey

The Police in Akwa Ibom have confirmed the death of eight people in a supremacy cult clash in Esit, Eket Local Government Area of the state.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Macdon Odiko confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Esit Eket.

Odiko said that the report got to him last week.

He said that the Police was taking steps to ensure that they maintained law and order in council headquarters and its environs.

Two rival cult groups Vikings Confraternity and Black Axe had engaged in a clash of supremacy.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, told the NAN in Esit Eket that the clash started at a friends night programme when some boys accosted a Vikings carrying bag in his hands at midnight at Etebi in Esit Eket.

According to the source, the Black Axe group searched the bag and discovered that it contained locally made pistols which they seized.

The source said that the Vikings boy left in anger to meet his group and they re-enforced to the friends night programme at about 3.00 a.m. and killed one person from Black Axe at Etebia where the fracas started.

It was gathered that four members of Vikings and four from Black Axe were been killed in the clash that ensued thereafter.

Two houses were also burnt, including the family house of the leader of the Legislative Council in Esit Eket.

NAN reports that some young men in Esit Eket had deserted their homes to other local government areasfor safety.

Odiko remarked that the Police were doing their bests to restore peace and order in the community.

The Police will not tolerate any act that will lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state, he said.

He warned perpetrators of such act to desist from such act or that they would face the wrath of the law.

We are on the trail of those who are breaching the law and soon the full wrath of the law will catch up with them. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Christian Ogbonna

The Police Command in Ebonyi has warned native doctors against providing criminals with charms to perpetrate criminal activities in the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Loveth Odah, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abakaliki.

Odah, who said the command was committed to the protection of lives and property, urged native doctors in the state and country at large to steer clear of unlawful businesses.

NAN reports that the police had on April 30 discovered the decomposed bodies of two young men in a shallow grave inside Uduku-Igbudu forest in Agubia, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

The victims were said to have been abducted and buried alive inside the forest by their abductors, including two native doctors, who have been arrested by the police.

According to Odah, the deceased were blindfolded while ropes were tied to their necks when their decomposing bodies were exhumed by the police.

We went to the forest with experts and the bodies have been exhumed and handed over to their relatives for burial and police investigation is at the concluding stage, she said.

The PPRO explained that the two native doctors allegedly abducted the two young men on April 12 to put pressure their relatives to withdraw a case in court involving their boys.

Yes, citizens have the right to belong to any religion but when it involves illegality, that will not be allowed.

Avoid illegal businesses using religion, the police will arrest anyone doing that, even if the person is a native doctor, Odah said.

(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ugonne Uzoma

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo on Thursday hosted the Muslim community in the state to a banquet in the spirit of Eid-el-fitr celebration.

Speaking at the banquet, Uzodimma urged both Christians and Muslims in the state to ensure peaceful coexistence as the state was a peaceful state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Oguwike Nwachukwu.

The governor said that every citizen of Imo must imbibe the spirit of love for one another while thanking God for life in-spite of the challenges of last year.

He explained that the invitation extended to the Muslim community was to reassure them of their safety and stressed that the recent security threats would not happen again.

The governor also urged them to go about their businesses without fear adding that the state belonged to all citizens, Christians and Muslims alike.

According to him, all security agencies are friends of the public and only bandits and criminals are enemies of the security agencies and will not be spared.

He also thanked God for a peaceful 2021 Eid-el-fitr celebrations in Imo State, and wished the Muslim celebrants Eid Mubarak.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Imam of Imo, Alhaji Suleiman Njoku said that the celebration was a time to remember the less privileged and the needy in the society.

Njoku added that it was time for everyone to live a righteous life and seek for forgiveness from the Creator.

The Imam explained that Eid-el-fitr reminded every Muslim about how to worship God and relate with fellow human beings irrespective of religious affiliation.

He also stressed the importance of unity, peace and love for one another and reminded all muslim faithful that Islam was a religion of mercy, kindness and humility.

He thanked the Governor for hosting them and appealed to every Nigerian to pray for those in authority.

In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr Tukru Yaro expressed appreciation to the Governor for the invitation.

Yaro described it as the best opportunity of interface with the two major faiths in the state while commending the governors efforts in the area of security of life and property.

He also called for all hands to be on deck torealize the governors efforts in that direction.

Also present at the event were the President of Imo chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Eches Eches and the Anglican Archbishop of Egbu, Rt Rev Geoffrey Okoroafor. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

Senate President Ahmad Lawan has cautioned States Governors and other elected leaders against joining the agitations for secession or calling for restructuring of the country.

Lawan, who stated this while fielding questions from State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday, said he was not against those calling for restructuring but elected officials must not be among those advocating for such calls.

According to him, state governors must ensure that they restructure their respective states first before calling for restructuring at the federal level.

He said: The call for secession or the call for restructuring, many are genuine calls even though I never believe that someone who is calling for secession means well or is a misguided person.

But I believe that when somebody calls for improving the structure that we have is a genuine call.

But I want to advice here, I believe that as leaders those of us who were elected must not be at the forefront of calling for this kind of thing because even if you are a governor you are supposed to be working hard in your state to ensure that this restructuring you are calling for at the federal level you have done it in your state as well.

This is because what you may accuse the federal government of whatever it is, you may also be accused of the same thing in your state.

So, we are supposed to ensure that we have a complete and total way of ensuring that our systems at the federal, state and even local government work for the people, and that we allow people to participate in governance so that whoever feels that he has something to offer to make Nigeria better does so freely without any hindrance.

We should avoid partisanship, we should avoid regionalism. We are all leaders and we are in this together. The solution must come from us regardless of what level of government we are whether at the federal, state or even at the local government level, he added.

Lawan also frowned at the way and manner local government system was relegated to the background in the country, saying for the nation to address its security challenges the local government system must be functional and efficient.

I want to take this opportunity also to say that we have diminished the local government system. I think we can attribute some of the security issues to the lack of functional local government system.

For me, I think the time has come for us to take up the challenge to ensure that the local government system functions. This is in keeping with looking for ways, for means, for solutions to the security challenges that we face. We must never neglect the local government system.

I believe that this is one system that had worked even though in a different name. When it was Native Authority it was very effective, very efficient.

So, we must go back to our local government to ensure that the local government continues to be autonomous, continues to be functional in order to compliment whatever the States and the Federal Government would be doing.

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Kaigama

Alhaji Yunusa Danyaya, Emir of Ningi, Bauchi state has urged traditional title holders to deliver positive change in their communities.

Danyaya gave the charge when the newly appointed Zannan Ningi, Dr Nuhu Barau paid him a thank you visit in Ningi, Bauchi State.

Do not selfish but help and uplift your communities. You should take the lead role in uniting the people and helping to fight tribalism and regional politics.

Use your influence to foster unity and denounce politicians using tribalism and regional politics to ascend to Power, he said.

The emir charges them also to preserve and protect the emirates cultural heritage and pray for the protection of the emirate.

Responding, Barau, appreciated the Emir for giving him a title in the emirate.

He pledged to put in his best to uplift the Ningi emirate and support the people in the area.

Barau also reiterated his commitment to see the cultural heritage and norms of the emirate is protected and reserved. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Actress Gloria Young, spokesperson for Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese, has called on mothers to train the girl-child to be an asset.

Young spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the World Union of Catholic Women Organisation (WUCWO) Week in Lagos.

WUCWO Week, which started on May 9 will end on May 16.

It is a week-long activities for uniting Catholic women across the globe.

According to Young, the task of raising children is largely placed on the mothers shoulders.

She is that hand that rocks the cradle which rules the world.

Training up a girl-child to develop potential of good leadership is a major responsibility that women shouldnt take lightly; therefore, mothers should train up their children properly.

Mothers should wake up and speak up against injustice and gender inequality, beginning from her families, she said.

The actress added that mothers should speak up against sexual violence, domestic violence and prejudices in workplaces.

They should train their daughters to aspire to be presidents and not just first ladies.

They should allow them to become field engineers, surveyors and ambassadors and occupy key positions in companies and governments offices, she urged.

The veteran Nollywood actress said that mothers should let the girl-child realise that her gender should not determine her ability.

She expressed satisfaction that some Nigerian women had broken the glass ceiling but said that more women would need to improve their performances.

He advised women to insist on their rights. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that Nigeria will assist the Republic of Chad to stabilise and return to constitutional rule.

In a statement in Abuja on Friday, Buharis spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, said the president made the pledge when he hosted Lt.-Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby, the President, Transitional Military Council of Chad, at the State House, Abuja.

Debytook over the mantle of leadership of Chad after the death of his father, Idriss Itno, on April 19, 2021.

Idriss Itno died in battle, while leading troops to confront insurgents whocame in through Libya.

The country consequently set up the transitional council.

A return to democracy is expected in 18 months.

Buhari told the Chadian leader: We are bound together by culture and geography, and we will help in all ways we can.

Nigerians know and appreciate the role Chad played in helping us to combat terrorism, we will continue the collaboration.

The Nigerian president described the late Marshal Idriss Itno as his personal friend and a friend of Nigeria, noting that Chad had been very steadfast in defending Nigeria.

He said that Chad should, therefore, not hesitate to ask for help in areas it would deem necessary.

Buhari said that Nigeria would help to strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

We will also help you to ensure a smooth transition in 18 months, as you have promised your people, he added.

The transitional leader had thanked Nigeria for solidarity it showed Chad after the passage of the former president.

He said that the main objective of the Transitional Military Council are security and cohesion of our country.

He expressed commitment to free and fair polls in 18 months.

You were very close to Marshal Itno. Im here to reaffirm that relationship, and for you to support our transition.

We rely on our brother country, Nigeria, as we have shared history, culture and geography.

We are ready to be guided by you in our journey to constitutional rule, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Deby has departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for Ndjamena. (NAN)

Source: NAN News