By Cecilia Ologunagba

The UN Secretary-General, Antnio Guterres on Friday issued an urgent appeal for all parties involved the escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian enclave of Gaza and Israel to immediately cease the fighting.

Guterres, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Stphane Dujarric, called on parties to cease fighting or risk creating an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis.

The UN chief said: The ongoing military escalation has caused great suffering and destruction. It has claimed scores of civilian lives, including, tragically, many children.

The fighting has the potential to unleash an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis and to further foster extremism, not only in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, but in the region as a whole, he said.

Guterres, who called for meditation efforts to intensify a cease fire, said the UN was actively involved in such efforts, which are also key to maintaining the lifesaving flow of aid to Gaza.

Similarly, the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) also raised the alarm on Friday over the continued escalation of violence, noting that civilians on both sides were bearing the brunt.

According to latest news reports, the day has seen the most intense exchanges of the week between Israeli Defense Forces and that of the militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza.

The enclave continues to be bombed by Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire, while Hamas rocket barrages continue into Israel.

The UN Security Council announced that it will convene on Sunday for an open meeting to discuss the worsening situation.

Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway in the region, to negotiate an end to the spiraling violence.

In a statement, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the region, Lynn Hastings, said some 10,000 Palestinians had fled their homes in Gaza, with limited access to water, food, hygiene, and health services.

Hospitals and access to water and sanitation services depend on electricity, the fuel for which will run out on Sunday.

The Israeli authorities and Palestinian armed groups must immediately allow the UN and our humanitarian partners to bring in fuel, food, and medical supplies and to deploy humanitarian personnel.

All parties must always adhere to international humanitarian and human rights laws, she said.

Meanwhile, The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said in a statement that it was alarmed by the number of civilian casualties, including children and women caused by the current escalation, calling for end to the destruction of health facilities, schools, and homes across Gaza.

The UN sexual and reproductive health agency in the region said the struggling health sector was already strained after years of protracted crisis further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic with a 20 per cent increase in active cases in April alone

There are currently some 210,000 pregnant and lactating women in Palestine, according to UNFPA. And around 365 women give birth every day 150 in Gaza, 215 in West Bank.

Our immediate priority is to ensure safe delivery for these women and their babies, said UNFPAs Arab States Regional Director, Dr Luay Shabaneh. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Nathan Nwakamma

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Friday, said that the use of electronic voting would end election fraud and electoral violence in the country.

Diri said this at the inauguration of the new Ijaw National Congress (INC) leadership at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa,

The governor said that the hitch-free conduct of the recent INC election indicated that Nigeria can conduct free, fair and violence-free elections in the country.

He, therefore, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt electronic voting to avoid conflicts during elections.

The governor noted that the failure of the countrys electoral body to adopt e-voting has led to politicisation of revered state institutions and disrespect to such institutions.

He also said that adoption of e-voting would provide an opportunity for Nigerians in the Diaspora to choose their leaders through the ballot.

I am an advocate and supporter of electronic voting system. Many Nigerians have been denied the right to vote because they are not in Nigeria and cannot participate in choosing their leaders.

It is a challenge to Nigeria. Let the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be challenged. If the Ijaws can do it, the Federal Government can also do it.

If Ijaws can enfranchise Ijaws in Europe and America to be part of deciding who leads them, INEC can equally do it. It will check violence, criminality and state institutions being politicised, Diri said.

The governor, while advising the new executive council of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body, stressed the need to advance the cause of Ijaws to achieve equity and fairness in Nigeria.

In his inaugural address, the new INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, assured that the body would work for the progress of Ijaw people.

Okaba also said that the INC fully supported the recent pronouncement by governors of southern Nigeria prohibiting open grazing in the region.

According to him, the organisation would provide the necessary support to ensure adherence to laws aimed at protecting the people and their land against invasion from external forces.

He stated that INC would collaborate with other ethnic minorities that share the same experience with the Ijaws to achieve their dreams.

He said the ethnic group was aware of surreptitious moves by some groups to annex territories in the Niger Delta because of its resources, but that no part of Ijaw would be ceded or conquered.

The INC wishes to use this special occasion to and in an unequivocal term remind and warn such characters that the Ijaw territory was never and will never be ceded or conquered.

We belong only to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Should there be a compelling necessity to pull out of the present Nigeria, we shall go our separate ways in fulfilment of the dreams of our ancestors, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Victor Nwachukwu

The 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Obinze, near Owerri, has begun the demolition of unserviceable ammunition and explosives.

The exercise is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Owerri by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Babatunde Zubairu.

Zubairu said the exercise would be conducted by the 82 Base Ammunition Depot, Enugu from May 14 to May 21.

He added that the exercise would take place between 7am and 5pm daily throughout the period.

The people of Obinze and surrounding communities are advised to keep away from the range area during the period of the exercise.

This is not a cause for alarm as the Nigerian Army remains committed to the safety of Nigerians, Zubairu stated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Suleiman Shehu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit (FOU), Zone A in Ibadan, has confirmed the death of three persons in clashes between the officers and rice smugglers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than four persons were hit on Thursday in Iseyin area of Oyo state when customs officers shot sporadically in the air after intercepting smuggled goods coming through the borders.

NAN gathered that those hit by stray bullets were residents who were enjoying their Eld-Fitri celebrations.

Reacting to the incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the FOU Zone A spokesman, Mr Theophilus Duniya, confirmed the death of three persons.

Duniya said that the officers who were on routine patrol intercepted two Nissan Pathfinder SUV vehicles fully loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Iseyin.

He said that the dare devil smugglers then mobilised themselves with the help of some thugs on Thursday at about 3pm and attacked a Customs patrol, who were on lawful duty at Iseyin.

Duniya said that the mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons which led to the infliction of serious injuries on two officers.

They attempted to abduct one of the officers that was brutally attacked; who sustained deep cuts on his head and other parts of his body.

The assailants had taken the injured officer with his rifle before his team members who acted in self defence, shot at the suspected abductors leading to the death of three of them before he was rescued and taken for immediate medical attention.

The officers were able to successfully evacuate the intercepted smuggled rice, while the injured officers are currently receiving treatment, Duniya said.

He said the Acting Controller of the Unit, DC Usman Yahaya, was sadden about the avoidable incident and urged community leaders and parents to call their wards and children to order.

Duniya said that the acting controller lamented the criminality of obstructing and attacking officers on lawful duty, describing it as a venture that yields no good for all including the Service.

We appeal for compliance to extant rules and assures of the resolve of our men to remain resolute in discharging their duties in the best interest of Nigerians, Duniya said. (NAN)
SYS/EBI/VAO

Source: NAN News

By Akeem Abas

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, says the countrys security challenges are surmountable only if Nigerians were determined to tackle it with sincerity.

He made the assertion on Friday in Ibadan at a symposium organised by Hon. Shina Peller (APC- (Iseyin/ Itesiwaju/ Kajola/ Iwajowa Federal Constituency).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Security and Peace Symposium was organised to commemorate Pellers 45th birthday.

Fayemi said that Nigeria could better surmount her security challenges if the people understood the challenges and are committed to transforming Nigeria for the better.

For me, It is a pleasure and privilege to be here to honor Shina, his family and lead generation initiative. We are all here because we believe in a course we need to commit ourselves.

At the moment, we know our country is going through a lot of challenges, but these challenges are not insurmountable. These are challenges we can overcome.

Countries with security situation that are worse than this have overcome it. We can achieve this if we are single-minded.

If we are honest, purpose driven, dedicated and determined, we will put behind all the triggers of violence in the land, he said.

The governor listed some of the causes of insecurity in the country as inequality, poverty and unemployment, and called for intensified efforts at eradicating all.

He said that the best way for youths to contribute positively to their communities was to get themselves involved in politics.

Also Speaking at the syposium, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the widow of former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, said that Nigerians have roles to play in ensuring a better Nigeria despite the level of insecurity.

Ajimobi, who congratulated the celebrant, said the symposium offered all the unique opportunity to reflect on the problem that has made the society unsafe.

As Nigerians, we all have different roles to play in public in spite of the level of insecurity in our society.

Todays symposium offers everybody the unique opportunity to reflect on this problem which has made our society unsafe.

It also offers us the opportunity to further interrogate the role of institutions and those saddled with the responsibility of keeping all of us safe.

Vis-a-vis the role expected of us as citizens to complement these hardious part of ensuring a safer society, she said.

Prof. Isaac Albert, an International Security expert, advised the federal government to look inward for solution to security challenges facing Nigeria than seeking support from International Community.

Albert, who was the guest lecturer, said the most important thing is for government to start investing more on approaches that could give the desired results.

The professor of peace and conflict studies at the University of Ibadan, advised that government should engage the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to educate Nigerians on the need for peace in local communities.

The statutotry role of the agency established in 1993 is to re-orientate Nigerians and encourage them to take part actively and freely in discussion and decision affecting their collective welfare.

Politicians claiming that the security of Nigeria was worse than what it is now contributed to the loss of confidence in the future of the country by its citizens.

On the balance, it is argued here that there is a little the international community can do to help Nigeria when the country is not doing enough to help itself.

Hence, what matters most at the moment is for Nigeria now to start investing more on its whole of the nation, society and nation approaches, he said.

He also suggested involvement of traditional rulers in decision making, saying power must be given to local governments and traditional rulers.

NAN reports that among those present at the event were former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadanland and Oba Rasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo.

Others are Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, Mr Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications and other well wishers from across the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ajogun

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Friday said that there was no record of Indian COVID-19 variant in the state, as was speculated on social media.

The governor stated this in Benin at a news conference to provide an update on COVID-19 response in the state.

Obaseki was represented by the state Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Osamwonyi Irowa.

He said that the Federal Government had on April 26, taken precautionary steps by restricting international travel from India, Brazil and Turkey to curtail COVID-19.

We as government, we have reached out to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) with regards to any Indian variant in Edo and the verified information reveals that the said sample was collected in January.

There is currently no update or report suggestive of any such occurrence or new case of COVID-19 reported within Edo in the past 96 hours.

Edo has witnessed a 12.9 per cent drop in the number of infected persons comparatively, he said.

According to him, there has also been a 23.5 per cent comparative increase in the number of older persons infected with COVID-19 in the two waves of COVID-19 in the state.

Obaseki said that the prevalence of COVID-19 among young persons, especially school children in Edo was low, as it has dropped by 18.5 per cent comparatively for first and second wave.

The governor explained thata total of 54,534 COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction samples for testing, 4,905 persons had been infected with COVID-19 and five persons were currently on treatment, while 4,715 persons had recovered from the disease.

A total of 185 persons have died, with no new case reported in the past 48 hours across the State.

A total of 36,235 persons have been vaccinated across the State with the first dose of AstraZeneca Vaccine accounting for 89.1 per cent of our set target already vaccinated, he said.

Obaseki said that schools should revert to normal session arrangements of 8 a.m. to 2p.m. and enforced no facemask no entry mandate.

He stressed that people must wear masks that completely cover both the mouth and nose, while temperature check to be positioned at entry points into the schools.

He urged all eligible citizens to be vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible, describing it as a major step in curbing the pandemic.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on May 4, Federal Government barred passengers coming from India, Brazil and Turkeycoming to Nigeria

The step was part of precautionary measuresto reduce the risk of a spike in Covid-19 infections as concerns over the new wave ofthe disease in some parts of the world continues to mount.

The Federal Government in its statement alsothreatened to impose a fine of ,500 per passenger on any airline that fails to adhere to these instructions to ensure airlines take these new guidelines seriously. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

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