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Pregnant Woman, Female Undergraduate, 26 Others Nabbed For Drug Offences

By
Alex Enemanna
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A pregnant woman, a nursing mother and a 200-level university student were among 28 persons arrested with 9,437.6 kilograms of cannabis and 138,053 tablets of pharmaceutical opioids among others by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Authorities say the arrest was made during interdiction operations across 12 states: Yobe, Ondo, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In the FCT, operatives on Saturday 15th October stormed a village known as Chukuku, which is about 10 kilometers from Gwagwalada where they raided a large cannabis warehouse.

A total of 510 jumbo bags of the illicit substance weighing 5, 640kgs were recovered from the store and a nursing mother in charge, Sa’adatu Abdullahi, 35, was arrested.

In Yobe, while operatives intercepted 48kgs of cannabis in Buni Yadi, they also raided a location in Potiskum where they recovered 56 blocks (31kgs) from two suspects: Mohammed Mamuda and a married pregnant woman, Hauwa Haruna.

Similarly, at least, 99 bags of cannabis and three bags of its seeds weighing 1,286kgs were seized on Thursday 13th Oct when operatives raided a location in Ogbese area of Ondo state, while another raid at Umukpe forest in Uhunmonde council area of Edo state led to the seizure of 410kgs of the same substance in addition to a motorcycle, two dane guns and the arrest of two suspects: Numga Anim, 30, and Friday Ebije, 50.

In a similar vein, not less than 50 bags of C/S weighing 623kgs were also recovered at Ekpom village in Igueben LGA with the arrest of the owner, Lucky Henry, 30, while another suspect, Ndidi Esegine, 52, was nabbed at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA with 266.8kgs C/S on Tuesday 11th Oct.

Two days later, operatives stormed Uzebba forest in Owan West LGA to destroy four cannabis farms where two suspects: Ezekiel Raphael and Gideon Bassey were arrested with a total of 223.5kgs processed C/S recovered.

The NDLEA in a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that a stop and search operation along the East/West road, in Ahoada area of Rivers state also led to the recovery of 251.4kgs of C/S in a gold colour Toyota Sienna bus with Reg No – Abuja YAB 70 BR, and a suspect, Segun Ajayi arrested, while 161.4kgs were equally recovered, from an ash colour Toyota Camry saloon car with Reg No- Abuja RBC 590 BQ.

In Akwa Ibom state, attempt by a trans-border trafficker, Edet Osu James, 44, to export 2.4kgs cocaine concealed in two large tins of powdered milk to Cameroon was foiled by officers of the Marine unit of the Agency on Thursday 13th Oct during an outward clearance of vessels going to Cameroon from Oron.

Likewise, in Imo state, no fewer than 10,690 pills of tramadol were intercepted during stop and search operations along Owerri-Onitsha road with three suspects: Saadu Usman; Godwin Emeka and Emeka Obijihe arrested in follow-up efforts on Thursday 13th Oct.

Interestingly, Emeka Obijihe was already standing trial for a similar offence for which he was arrested on 9th May 2022 and was on court bail when he was arrested again last Thursday for trafficking 6.5kgs of tramadol.

Meanwhile in Jigawa state, operatives recovered 67,300 pills of exol-5 and tramadol at Dansure/Roni junction while in Kogi state, a total of 46,100 pills of the same opioids were seized along Okene-Abuja highway both on Thursday 13th Oct.

At least, six suspects were arrested at a notorious drug location in Ngurore town, Adamawa state with a total of 495kgs cannabis seized in addition to different quantities of opioids. Suspects arrested include: Chidi Titus; Vincent Donatus; Badishi Bitrus; Abubakar Inuwa; Abdul A. Abdul and Inuwa Ado Isa.

Mr Babafemi in his correspondence also noted that at least, 5,480 pills of tramadol were seized from two suspects: Dalhatu Salisu and Hamisu Ishaq, who were arrested on Wednesday 12th October by operatives along Abuja-Kaduna express road, while a total of 3,800 bottles of new psychoactive substance, Akuskura and 7,760 tablets of tramadol were recovered from five suspects along Ilorin-Jebba highway.

Four of the suspects: Idris Nadir, 38; Suleiman Mubammed, 68; Babangida Zaki, 30 and Yahaya Lawal claimed they were coming from Ibadan, Oyo state and taking the Akuskura to Katsina, Kano and Birnin Kebbi. The fifth suspect, Nafiu Idris, who was arrested with the tramadol pills said he was taking them to Kankara in Katsina state.

Furthermore, a 200-level student of Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Ms. Mercy Nyong, 30, was on Wednesday 12th Oct arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos for attempting to export 300grams of tramadol 225mg concealed in incense products going to Dubai, UAE.

In another development, nine Ghanaians arrested for attempting to smuggle 10,843.95kgs cannabis into Nigeria through the sea were on Friday 14th Oct convicted and sentenced to 72 years imprisonment.

They were initially arrested by men of the Civil Defence Corps and transferred to NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution. At the conclusion of investigations, they were arraigned in charge number FHC/L/292C/2021.

Delivering his ruling in the matter on Friday, Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos convicted the Ghanaians of conspiracy and dealing in cannabis and thereafter sentenced each of them to eight years in prison.

The convicts include: Victor Wuddah; Freeman Gazul; Adotete Joseph; Sottie Moses; Sottie Stephen; Christian Tette; Kanu Okonipa; Daniel Koyepti; and Kanu Natte.

While commending the officers and men of Yobe, MMIA, Ondo, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos and FCT Commands of the anti-narcotics Agency for their efforts at drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), charged the operatives and their counterparts across other commands not to rest on their oars.

Ekiti New Governor, Oyebanji Sworn In

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has been sworn in as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Ekiti State.

Oyebanji succeeded Kayode Fayemi, who served as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

Oyebanji was sworn with his Deputy Chief Monisade Afuye, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavillon, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The ceremony was performed by Ekiti Chief Judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye.

Oyebanji took the oath of office and allegiance before the Chief Judge at 12: 52pm before the mammoth crowd at the venue of the event.

Man, 25 Kills Father In Delta Community

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

A 25-year-old indigene of Issele-Uku community, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, identified simply as Kido, has murdered his father.

The victim, Mr Ikechukwu Onyegai, died after a scuffle with his son who he accused of harvesting crops on his farm without his permission. It was learnt that the deceased confronted his son on his farm on Friday and villagers from Ukpai quarters arrested the suspect and handed him over to the police.

In his confessional video, the suspect said a quarrel ensued after the victim attempted to take his cutlass and struck him with firewood.

He said: “He came to meet me on the farm where I was working, and he wanted to take the cutlass because we were not in good terms. When he raised the cutlass and threatened to cut me, I blocked him with the firewood and then used the firewood to hit him.

“As he was falling, his phone fell from him, I then collected the phone. I didn’t know he would die. It was firewood I used.

“When I was going to the farm, everybody saw me. I was not carrying anything.”

The spokesman of Delta State Police Command, DSP Edafe Bright, confirmed the incident.

2023: Hackers Hoping To Attack Our System Will Be Disappointed — INEC

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that any planned attack on its system during the 2023 general elections will fail.

The commission expressed optimism that next year’s general elections would be free, fair, credible and free of manipulation

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the assurance at a capacity-building workshop organised for members of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja.

Yakubu maintained that the commission’s system, especially the result viewing (IReV) portal was well-fortified against hackers.

He was responding to a question on whether Nigerians should be worried over the recent disclosure of attempts by hackers to attack the cyber security system of the commission’s result viewing portal during the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

While giving additional information on the matter, Yakubu represented by National Commissioner, Moddibo Alkali, said over 100 attempts were made to the commission’s system during the Ekiti and Osun governorship election, but none was successful.

“We did not say our instruments were hacked. But, there were over 100 attempts to hack our system. It did not worked. At the back end, we are still improving. When you are working with an enemy, it is just like a battle. The way you prepare is the same way your enemy too would prepare. As they keep coming up with new ways to penetrate, we will be ahead of them twice in thinking and before they know it, we are done conducting the elections”.

Noting what the Bimodal Voter Registration System (BVAS) has come to say, he said the system has eliminated voting by proxy, identity theft and all forms of electoral malpractices.

According to him, politicians should be more concerned about selling themselves to the electorate, rather than creating plans to manipulate the election.

Yakubu assured Nigerians and all candidates of a level playing ground during the polls, adding that “INEC will never be biased. We are going to provide credible, free and fair and all-inclusive elections”.

“ Technology is evolving and improving, but with BVAS, we are almost covering everything. What you see now is technology all over. BVAS has eliminated voting by proxy, identity theft. It is one man, one vote. We expect you to educate the politicians that the days of rigging have gone, and the issue of incidence form is buried. ..”

INEC’s Director Legal Drafting and Clearance, Oluwatoyin Babalola, said about 1455 candidates were substituted out of 15,333 nominations made during the just-concluded exercise by political parties.

Babalola, who spoke on “Quest for Credible 2023 Poll Reflections on the Electoral Act 2022” disclosed that the commission had received more than 56 court orders affecting the nomination of candidates as of last week.

She lamented that despite the provisions in the law, some parties still failed to comply with their constitution and guidelines during the primaries.

She stressed the need for politicians to change their mindset on politicking and aspiration in order to curb the challenges of violence and other electoral malpractices.

INEC’s Director of Operations, A.T. Yusuf represented by Bolaji Oge, said plans had been concluded for the commission’s operations for next year’s poll.

“INEC has continuously embarked on planning and reviews of the electoral processes and procedures, thereby coming up with several new innovations to achieve a lasting and sustainable electoral process in line with international best practices,” he said.

Director ICT, INEC Headquarters, Paul Omokore, represented by Lawrence Bankole, Deputy Director (ICT), said technology had positively influenced the electoral process.

He added that BVAS, which has now replaced the Smart Card Reader (SCR), has been modified to include facial and fingerprint identification.

I Understand Nigeria’s Challenges, I Have Experience To Address Them — Atiku

By
Alex Enemanna
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0
Why We Protested At INEC Headquarters – Atiku
Atiku Abubakar

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had said he knows the challenges of Nigeria and has gathered enough experience to address the challenges.

He reiterated that building economic prosperity in Nigeria will be a mirage without unity and national security.

The Wazirin Adamawa assured that if elected president, he will develop Nigeria, build a dynamic economy for prosperity, restore Nigeria’s unity and strengthen the security apparatus.

He spoke at an interactive session organized by the Arewa Joint Committee made up of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), Jamiyyar Matan Arewa (JMA) Arewa House (Center for Historical Development and Research) and Arewa Research and Documentation Project (ARDP) in Kaduna on Saturday.

According to him, Northern Nigeria’s current social and economic challenges call for sobber reflection, adding that “as a country, we must build consensus with a prosperity restoration with strong commitment and initiatives..”

” I am committed to articulate and implement transformation and development agenda of a united, secure and prosperous country,” he said.

He said Nigeria’s unity has never been threatened like now with an increasing number of Nigerian citizens openly challenging their allegiance to Nigeria’s corporate existence through violent agitations and misguided demand for ethno-regional autonomy because of widespread feelings of marginalization and neglect.

“Nigeria has never been overwhelmed by insecurity in all parts of the country. Sadly we have reached a point where the functions of the state have been usurped by separatists, bandits insurgents, and terrorists.”

“Despite her vast resources, Nigeria has remained one of the poorest and most unequal countries in the world. Our economy is fragile and vulnerable. Jobs losses, eroding incomes, and lack of citizen’s access to basic amenities have pushed more than 90 million people below the poverty line.”

“The public education system is ill-equipped and has consistently underperformed keeping millions of our children out of school and producing graduates with skills and competencies which are not aligned to the needs of our communication and our industries.”

“Incessant Industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities( ASUU) and other unions of educational institutions has undoubtedly affected the quality of our workforce with far-reaching consequences on the economy.”

“Nigeria has continued to affect a faulty, complex Federal structure with a high degree of centralization at the center. The Federal government has succeeded in accumulating many responsibilities which belong to the other weaker levels of government, the Federal government appreciates along with these responsibilities, huge resources to the detriment of the states and local governments”.

“I know the challenges of Nigeria and I have gathered enough experience to address the challenges.”

He, therefore, appealed to be given the opportunity to bring his wealth of experience to bare and provide good governance for Nigeria.

2023: Northerners Need Me, Not Yoruba Or Igbo Candidate – Atiku

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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Compare PDP Regime With APC, Make No Mistake In 2023 – Atiku Tells Youths
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has said those from the North don’t need candidates from the South during the 2023 elections.

Atiku stated this while responding to a question posed to him by the spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, during an Interactive Session With Arewa Joint Committee held on Saturday in Kaduna State.

According to him, Northerners need to vote for him rather than a Yoruba or Igbo candidate because he’s a Pan-Nigerian with a northern extraction.

READ ALSO: Govs Wike, Ikpeazu, Makinde, Ortom Off To Spain For Crucial Meeting

When Baba-Ahmed asked Atiku why Northerners should vote for him, the PDP presidential candidate replied, “What the average Northerner needs is somebody who’s from the north and also understands that part of the country and has been able to build bridges across the country.

“This is what the Northerner needs, it doesn’t need a Yoruba or Igbo candidate, I stand before you as a Pan-Nigerian of northern origin.”

Chief Dan Okeke Salutes Dr. Chidia Maduekwe On Birthday

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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0
Chief Dan Okeke Salutes Dr. Chidia Maduekwe On Birthday

The APC House of Representatives candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Dan Okeke has congratulated the CEO/MD of Nigeria Film Corporation( NFC), Dr. Chidia Maduekwe on his birthday, describing him as illustrious Statesman.

In a felicitation message on Saturday, Chief Okeke applauded the commitment of Dr. Maduekwe who holds the traditional title of Ishinka 1 of Ohafia for his zeal towards Abia development.

He further praised Dr. Maduekwe his friend and brother, for being a man of exemplary character whose good name in public service and elsewhere is worth more than gold.

He added, “His interminable commitment for the development of abia state has placed and characterized him as the foremost illustrious Statesman in our contemporary society.

“Celebrating with him today is a ilk of eternal joy to us. We all wish him many blessings and many joyful years on earth.”

Chief Okeke wished Dr. Maduekwe best of life in good health and more prosperity.

I’m Confident Of Becoming President With Your Support, Tinubu Tells El-Rufai

By
Alex Enemanna
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0
2023 Election: Tinubu Will Make Nigeria Work, Says Nnamani
Bola Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that with the support of the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, he is confident of leading the country.

Speaking at the 7th edition of the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit on Friday, Tinubu begged El-Rufai to stay back in the country in 2023 to work with him if he is eventually elected president.

He said, “If you leave me on the podium I will continue to campaign here, begging El-Rufai not to run away from Nigeria in 2023 because we need your creativity at this critical time.

“I am confidently telling you that I will lead this country in 2023 with your support. I have the ability to surmount all the problems and to bring the country on the right track to prosperity.”

On insecurity, Tinubu said, “No inch of this country will be conceded to banditry, we will fight it to a standstill. Under my leadership, we will use counter-insurgency technology to eliminate crimes in our society and your lives will be secure.”

Speaking on the economy, the APC presidential flagbearer said, “We will privatise the ease of doing business and ensure steady power supply and distribution.”

He maintained that Nigeria will succeed and move on to prosperity adding, “I will assemble intelligent Nigerians both men and women for the progress of our country. We will champion an effective government that will block revenue leakages for proper accountability.”

Responding, El-Rufai promised to stay in the country even if it was on a part-time basis.

FG Begs Students For Pardon After ASUU Called Off Eight Months Strike

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The Federal Government has apologised to students and parents for the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a statement on Friday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige assured students that they won’t have to experience the ugly situation in the future.

ASUU embarked on strike on February 14, 2022 over poor welfare of its members amongst others. The union, however, decided to suspend the strike during a meeting of its leadership that started on Thursday night and lasted into the early hours of Friday after a Court of Appeal ruling last week.

In his statement, Ngige, who said the industrial action was unwarranted in the first place, commended those who worked alongside the government to resolve the impasse.

Read full statement:

PRESS STATEMENT 14/10/2022

Ngige Commends Nigerians as ASUU ends strike.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians who participated in various ways in the negotiations leading to the calling off of the eight-month strike by the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria(ASUU)

A statement by the Deputy Director Press in the Ministry, Olajide Oshundun, Friday assured Nigerians that with the steps the federal government is taking, Nigerian students will be saved the unpalatable experience of intermittent, prolonged industrial actions in future.

“In a special way, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige expresses gratitude to the Honourable Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the leadership of the House of the House of Representatives.

“We particularly recognize the patriotic efforts of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, all members of Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIREC) and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria whose wisdom and intervention raised a ray of hope while the strike was at infancy but for ASUU’s intransigence to negotiation.

“We were forced to migrate the matter to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) created by the 1999 Constitution as amended, for the settlement of industrial disputes because every channel of negotiation including the tripartite plus, in which eminent Nigerians participated in failed. We were left with no other option than to trigger Section 17 of the Trade Disputes Act .CAP T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 on dispute resolution mechanism in seeking the intervention of the National Industrial Court .

“ Now that ASUU has decided to obey the judgement of the National Industrial Court by calling off the devastating action, we apologize to all students and parents , of which the Honorable Minister is one, for this unduly prolonged strike, which is unwarranted ab initio.

“We wish to assure that with the decision, steps and measures being taken by the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in holistic repositioning of higher education, a groundwork is being laid, of which we are confident, will save Nigerians, this unpalatable experience of incessant strike in future.

“ It is verily our hope that now that the strike has been called off, the National Industrial Court will deal with the substantive issues as contained in the referral letter by the Honourable Minister. This is to ensure that justice is given to all parties including ASUU and their employers- the Federal Ministry of Education who acts on behalf of the Federal Government.”

The statement further noted that the Ministry of Labour and Employment will continue to cooperate with both parties in finding amicable solution to other issues not placed before the industrial court, in finding lasting solution to the instability in the university system.

“ We certainly can’t be less grateful to the judiciary for deepening our labour jurisprudence in upholding the essence of the 3rdalteration of the 1999 Constitution , especially as it relates to Sections 243 and 254A.”

Olajide Oshundun

Deputy Director Press and Public Relations

 

16,000 Students Participate As Open University Holds Matriculation

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The National Open University of Nigeria on Saturday matriculated no fewer than 16,000 new students into its study centres across the country.

Speaking at during the virtual matriculation, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Olufemi Peters, challenged the new students of the institution to demonstrate at all times to the society that NOUN offers quality education delivered with equality and flexible access.

According to him, this is what makes it possible to “learn at your pace and at any place.”

In a statement released by the university and made available to our correspondent in Abuja, the new entrants, comprising 11, 851 undergraduates and 4, 808 postgraduate students in various faculties, will join the over 150,000 returning students of the university.

Peters told them, “As our ambassadors, therefore, I expect you to be well-behaved and demonstrate at all times, to your family members, friends and associates, the value that distinguishes you from your counterparts.

“Our country needs your resourcefulness to excel in the competitive world of today.”

The vice-chancellor added: “It is my steadfast desire that you will acquire, at this university, appropriate knowledge and skills, as well as the requisite strength of character and tenacity to sail through the challenges of a modern world of global competition.

“This will enable you to contribute meaningfully in elevation of Nigeria to its deserved place of greatness in Africa and the world.”

He further reiterated that NOUN is the only accredited single mode Open and Distance Learning institution in Nigeria, established by the enabling Act No. 6, 1983 CAP N63, fulfilling its mandate of equal access for all Nigerians and bringing education within reach.

‘’It is a proof of our commitment to equity for the teeming population of Nigerians that seek to gain access to university education for better prospects and self-actualisation,” he said.

Emphasising on the openness of the university, Peters stated that the openness as associated to the university simply means that the mode of teaching and service delivery is not restricted by the barriers of distance and location, or the bias of creed.

He said: “Our university uses modern and emerging technologies to impart knowledge to students, you will require some basic ICT skills. With an internet enabled computer and, in some instances, a smart phone, you will have online access to our study materials, instructional videos, tutorials, library resources and facilitation classrooms.”

He implored the students to dedicate themselves to timely and appropriate use of learning materials and teaching aids which are available at the study centre of their choice as the flexibility and access to study materials and learning aids is a unique attribute of the university in ensuring equity in the right to education for all.

Speaking on the e-ticketing platform, the VC stated that the system was successfully deployed in last academic session as a feedback system to resolve complaints that students may have during the course of their studies.

He said: “This and other service delivery applications, including the simplified assessment processes (tutorials, tests and examinations) will make your study at NOUN a most rewarding educational experience.

“Due to the special mode of teaching and learning at NOUN, our graduates are usually the focus of exceptional interests from people that are eager to determine the quality of training received whilst studying with us.”

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