A Grade I Area Court in Abuja, on Thursday, sentenced a 24-year-old welder, Idris Musa, to 10 months imprisonment for stealing his neighbor’s Kaftan, worth N18,000, and cell phones.
The police charged Musa, who resides in Gwagwa, Abuja, with criminal trespass and theft.
Musa pleaded guilty to theft and begged for leniency.
Following the plea, the Judge, Sulyman Ola gave the convict an option to pay a fine of N20,000.
Ola also ordered Musa to pay N111,000 as compensation to the complainant.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Chinedu Ogada told the court that the complainant, Abubakar Usman, who lives in Gwagwa, Abuja reported the matter to the Gwagwa Police on April 12.
Ogada said that the convict sneaked into the complainant’s room and stole his Kaftan worth N 18000,
He told the court that the convict also stole the complainant three cell phones worth N95,000 and other valuables.
Ogada said that during police interrogation and investigation, the convict confessed to the crime.
The prosecutor said all efforts made to recover the stolen items failed.
The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 348 and 288 of the Penal Code.
Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President has vowed to build 500,000 housing units annually if elected President of Nigeria in 2023.
Saraki who is contesting the presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party also pledged to be the bridge between the North and South and Christians and Muslims.
These were made known by Saraki during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.
“I will deliver 500, 000 affordable housing units annually. I’ll create a viable platform to protect the African continent. I will be President for all because I represent the Nigerian identity. I will be the bridge between the North and South, Muslims and Christians”, he said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off their strike in the interest of students.
The President made the appeal at the 19th National Productivity Day Celebration and Conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit Award at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
The President recalled his February 1 directive to his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, Ministers of Education as well as those of Labour and Employment, Adamu Adamu and Chris Ngige respectively to address the concerns of the striking aggrieved lecturers.
ASUU, in a statement on Monday, said since the President’s directive was issued, no meeting had been held to resolve the conflicts.
ASUU said failure of the government to show concern about its demands forced it to extend the three-month-old strike by another three months.
The President also appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), to exercise patience as government works to resolve the crisis.
Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has directed all government appointees interested in seeking elective positions in the 2023 election to submit their respective resignation letters on or before Monday, the 16th of May 2022.
The Governor at the State Exco meeting made this declaration.
The Governor’s move is in line with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).
Recall, Buhari had, in a circular dated 11th May, 2022 issued in the early hours of Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, directed appointees with ambition to resign before Monday. Aside ministers, those equally affected by his directive are Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Agencies, Parastatals of Government, Ambassadors and other appointees with political ambitions in the lead up to the elections.
Despite numerous achievements attributed to him in the last three years as National Assembly member, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency has said the journey towards more constituency projects has just commenced.
The lawmaker who submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms at APC secretariat Abuja says his projects have transformed the quality of life across key sectors of Bende Federal constituency including education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, as well as the improvement of road networks in all the nooks and cranny of the Bende.
“Progress cannot be hidden and our community development mandate speaks volumes in the way and manner I serve the interests of Ndi Bende at home and abroad. I would like to assure you that we have only just started. There’s more in store which will surely be completed gradually” the Spokesperson of House of Representatives stated in an article on Thursday.
He thanked his constituents for signing the forms as an administrative requirement for its return, assuring that he will do them proud again, noting that the 2023 journey will open a new vista in effectively representing the constituency and consolidating on the gains made so far.
As part of his commitment to improve the lives of people of Bende, Rep. Kalu further highlighted that he has sponsored no fewer than 50 Bills, moved 22 motions and facilitated numerous projects that cuts across school renovation, road project and communal engagement.
He said, “I have consolidated my decision to represent the good people of Bende Federal constituency in the next administration come 2023 and have thus submitted my nomination form at the party secretariat of our great party, the All Progressive Congress after carefully weighing my priorities to ensure the dividends of democracy and good governance will continue to be felt in every part of Bende.
“In less than three years in office, I have successfully sponsored over 50 bills in your interest, moved 22 motions to better the livelihood of Ndi Bende and Nigerians at large, facilitated and completed projects that include the construction and renovation of blocks of classroom to help our children study in serene and conducive environment, construction of hospitals to help Ndi Bende access good healthcare, construction of road networks to improve commerce and transportation of people and goods, renovation of halls to enhance our communal experience, as well the empowerment of women and youths.”
While assuring that that his personal interest will remain secondary over the welfare and elevation of the people of Bende, Rep. Kalu expressed gratitude to stakeholders in Bende, including traditional rulers, heads of communities and all for their support.
While soliciting for their support ahead of 2023, he reiterated his commitment to continue raising the bar of visionary representation higher.
“It warms my heart to see all who came to speak with one voice and express their unequivocal support by signing the nomination form. As a result of limited space, the form could not accommodate everyone, I apologize to those who could not be included.
“In my usual manner, this administrative requirement has been successfully met without any spectacle, even as we focus on a most strategic and grand campaign.
“Indeed, words fail me in conveying the numerous emotions I felt as I saw constituents from all the political wards of Bende Federal Constituency show up en masse to champion this mandate. I assure you all that all your efforts and passion displayed in marshalling popular support for this journey will lead us to much greater heights. We made this promise in 2019, and we delivered. 2023 is upon us and we cannot fail Ndi Bende.
“I salute all the Stakeholders, Traditional Leaders, Village heads, leaders of faith based organizations, members of the Ben Kalu Movement, Members of the Campaign Committee, the Directorate and the Staff of the Federal Constituency Office. Your support and contributions energizes me to do my part to reassure Ndi Bende of our good intentions with more positive developments.
“We have chosen the welfare of the people and elevated the wellbeing of all communities above personal interests. Bende is moving forward into all-round peace, prosperity and communal progress and by the grace of the Almighty God, there would be no challenge too great for us all to surmount together!
“Spread the word to all corners that for ‘Maka Odinma Bende’, Benjamin Okezie Kalu is here to continue the transformation of Bende into a place of pride for all.” he concluded.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, a Renowned Islamic cleric has stated that he has been praying for the victory of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the presidential election promising to double his prayers.
Osinbajo visited Bauchi State on Tuesday as part of his consultations with critical stakeholders across the country regarding his presidential ambition.
He also met delegates of the All Progressives Congress in a bid to woo them to vote for him during the forthcoming convention of the party.
The presidential aspirant in company with Senators Kabiru Gaiya (Kano Central) and Adamu Bulkachuwa (Bauchi North); former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, among others, paid homage to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwan Adamu, at his Palace in Bauchi, also visited the tomb of Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, and thereafter visited the revered Islamic Cleric before meeting with the APC delegates.
Usman-Bauchi expressed delight at the prospects of Osinbajo succeeding the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), adding that he would double his prayers for the success of the vice president’s aspiration.
The religious leader said, “I will cherish this visit for a long time because I have finally met you after previous communication by phone.
“I have been praying for you before now and now that you are running I will double up my prayer for you. All the things you have in mind God will grant you, we are going to support you so that when next you come here it would be as President of our country.”
Earlier, Osinbajo thanked the cleric for the warm reception and commended him for his disposition to the unity of Nigeria.
“I am happy to see you. You are someone I hold in very high esteem. The reason is that you have always been one of the strongest advocates for the unity of this country and for tolerance amongst all our religious faiths.
“You are somebody who has preached peace and you motivate us all the time. I have listened to you several times and I must commend your courage,” he told the cleric.
Osinbajo while informing the religious leader about his quest for the number one job in Nigeria, said, “we believe that the common man must be the centre of everything that we do and must have the opportunity to live their lives, have jobs, and we must provide those jobs.
“I put myself forward to run as the presidential candidate of our party and as you know, I have been Vice President for the past seven years and God helping us for another one year until the expiration of our tenure.
“During that period, I have had the privilege of serving under an open-hearted leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, who has made sure that I learn everything about governing a diverse country and a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country such as ours.”
He solicited the support and prayers of the cleric to enable him to continue with the task of transforming the Nigerian economy.
Russia has attempted to discuss its security guarantees, but no one would listen, and no moves have been made to restore dialogue between Moscow and Washington since the special operation began in Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
“No moves to restore the dialogue have been made in the past two months,” Peskov said, when asked if dialogue between Russia and the US was possible.
Last December, the Russian Foreign Ministry published a list of proposed agreements on security guarantees Moscow had expected from Washington and NATO. In one of its proposals, Russia said NATO should stop its expansion eastwards and roll back its military infrastructure to where it was in 1997. In late January, the United States and NATO handed their written responses to Moscow, failing to make crucial concessions.
Moscow will be ready to give the most resolute response, if any side ventures to interfere in Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
“We, first of all, proceed from the statements that the president [Russian President Vladimir Putin] has made since February 24 that Russia will be ready to give the most resolute response to the side, which will try somehow to get into Ukraine and get into the special military operation that the Russian Armed Forces are currently conducting in Ukraine,” the Russian presidential spokesman stressed.
“These statements by the president are well known and we, first of all, proceed from these statements,” the Kremlin spokesman pointed out.
Commenting on the issue of a potential Russia-NATO direct clash, the Kremlin spokesman said that “all want to avoid” this scenario. “Both Russia [wants to avoid it] and, statements to this effect have been repeatedly made by NATO and, most importantly, by Washington, including at the highest level: such statements have been made by [US] President [Joe] Biden. This is what everyone would want to avoid,” Peskov said.
Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel earlier on Thursday that pumping weapons into Ukraine increased the probability of NATO’s potential conflict with Russia that might grow into a nuclear war that “would be a scenario catastrophic for all”.
Chief of army staff (COAS), Faruk Yahaya has stated that the Nigerian Army will be more resolute and lethal in dealing with “perceived, future adversaries and threats” to the country.
This was stated on Wednesday by Yahaya at firepower and tactical maneuver demonstration in line with activities of a seven-day ‘Combat Arms Week Training’ at the Jaji military cantonment in Kaduna state.
Yahaya, represented by Victor Ezugwu, commander of the infantry corps, said it is time for adversaries “to rethink their business” because the army will “bring in the full wrath of its strength”.
He added that in dealing decisively with perceived, future adversaries and threats, the army will ensure lasting peace and stability in the country.
“We will employ our strength to bear on any of the adversaries refusing to stop the carnage they are causing in the country,” he said.
“The level of insecurity and collateral damage the adversaries are wreaking on humans and resources in the country is bad and we are going to deal decisively with them.”
He said within the Jaji axis, the army has taken into consideration the farming and economic activities of the area, adding that troops will ensure the state is safe.
We are holistically taking everything into consideration by carrying everything along with the training to safeguard the loyal citizens while unleashing our strength on the enemies of the country, particularly those operating within the Jaji, Zaria, and Maraban Jos axis.
“We are continuing this operation even after the end of the combat arms training week to ensure that with the air force and paramilitary, we deal decisively with the adversaries.”
The federal executive council has approved the sum of N2 billion for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to purchase 52 operational vehicles.
The approval was given on Wednesday by the council at the meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
FEC also approved three major power contracts to improve electricity supply.
Speaking at the end of the meeting, Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, said the 52 vehicles comprised 27 buffalo double cabins, MG 2021 model, 15 Toyota Hilux four-wheel drive premium package 2020 model, and 10 Toyota Hiace ambulance buses with full option.
“This is done to enhance the capacity of the agency to combat crimes and criminality in Nigeria. It’s my belief that this will go a long way in protecting lives and property in Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking to the press, Jedy Agba, the minister of state for power, said the council approved three major contracts aimed at enhancing the performance of the national grid in view of improving power supply.
He said there is a need to reinvigorate the national grid following incessant collapses, leading to the poor power supply in the country.
“You will agree with me that of late we’ve had grid collapses, resulting in epileptic power supply in most parts of the country. There’s definitely been the need for us to reinvigorate our national grid so as to sustain and provide electricity to majority members of our country and the communities around us,” he said.
“To that effect, FEC today approved three major contracts aimed at enhancing the performance of the national grid with the view to improving power supply. One of the lines is the one linking Benin, Oshogbo, and Akure in Edo, Osun, and, Ondo states.
“So, in the three states, the grid in that area has been weak for some time, but with this approval of today’s contract, we are swinging into action and certainly, very shortly, we would have improvements on the grid in that area.
“Also the 133 KVA in Akwanga and Lafia in Nasarawa state, has also been improved that also helps to strengthen the line to Abuja through those two states and the states further, Plateau and Benue states would have improved electrical supply, following those strengthening.
“So, if we empower our grid properly, and given the encouragement the president and FEC has given us, we promised Nigerians that the grid will be enhanced, and electricity supply to the country improved, howbeit, gradually. But we are working on that. And with these approvals, we hope to do better for Nigerians.”
The people of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom have rolled out warm tributes to Hon. Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in...
