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I’ve No Link With Terrorists, I’m Ready For Probe — Marafa

By
Alex Enemanna
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A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC in Zamfara state, Sen. Kabiru Marafa has dismissed allegations of links with a Chadian terrorist, Abdulmuminu Moossa, urging security agencies to probe those he called ‘disgruntled’ leaders of the All Progressives Congress APC.

Sen. Marafa in a statement issued Friday in Abuja was reacting to a report in an online media that linked him to the Chadian terrorist.

The statement reads; “The attention of the Media Office of Senator Kabir Garba Marafa has been drawn to a malicious, concocted, wicked lies and misleading report published in an obscure platform created by the agents of some disgruntled APC leaders to tarnish the hard-earned outstanding reputation of the Distinguished Senator.

“The report, alleging that one Abdulmuminu Moossa, a citizen of Chad Republic, said to have been arrested by the Nigerian security operatives in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, confessed to knowing Senator Marafa for more than seven years, was nothing but black lies, concocted to dent the hard-earned reputation of the former lawmaker.

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the report was concocted and planted by the foot soldiers of some disgruntled APC leaders who are envious of the growing popularity of the Senator. Their machinations cannot stop what Almighty Allah has ordained.

“It is on record that Senator Marafa was the first to raise the issue of banditry, at its infancy on the floor of the Nigerian Senate, drawing the attention of the federal government and the global community to the activities of the criminals. Marafa, on many occasions, raised the issue on the floor of the Senate at the time these agents of falsehood were busy looting funds meant to procure arms to fight the twin evil of Boko Haram and banditry.

“The intervention of Senator Marafa during the last assembly led to the deployment of security personnel to Zamfara State and its environs. This laid the foundation for the success recorded before the 2019 general elections in the fight against banditry.

“It is high time the security agencies begin to investigate the politicisation of the security challenges bedevilling the country in general.

“We, hereby, urge those who have been infected by the 2023 virus to stop spreading falsehood and allow the security agencies to do their job. They cannot double as politicians and mouthpieces of some anonymous security personnel who do not want their names in print media. Criminals should be treated as criminals regardless of whose jersey or uniform they wear.

“We believe that this campaign is not unconnected with the stance Distinguished Senator Marafa took recently, in a widely publicized press conference on the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC)”.

SS3 Bende Indigene Emerges Abia One Day Governor

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

 

Miss Okorie Precious an indegene of Item, in Bende local government area and an SS3 student from a private school in Aba has emerged 2021 Abia State One Day Governor.

Miss Okorie Precious won the 2021 edition of the One Day Governor competition to achieve the feat.

Handing over to Miss Okorie, at Governor’s Lodge, Aba, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said the One Day Governor initiative was designed to motivate youths to aspire to leadership and create opportunities for them to excel.

Governor Ikpeazu stressed the need for hard work among youths and congratulated Miss Okorie Precious for emerging victorious.

The 2021 Abia One Day Governor, Miss Okorie Precious, in a speech called for more attention to issues affecting the overall well-being of the girl-child and the need for a functional children’s parliament in the state.

Fire Outbreaks: We are Ready for any Eventualities in our Markets – Abia fire Service

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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Okezie Ikpeazu

The Abia State Fire Service on Friday, assured traders that the firefighting agency in the state has been well equipped by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration and prepared to combat any fire outbreak in the state especially in the markets “including high-hazard flammable, non-flammable and hydrocarbon fire” during this harmattan season.

The Acting State Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Arua Nnanna, who gave the assurance during a meeting with the Honorable Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu and market leaders at the commissioner’s office in Umuahia, said the Service was ready to work with stakeholders to prevent and combat fire outbreaks during this harmattan period and beyond and called on the traders to put preventive measures in place to forestall fire outbreaks.

“We are calling on the traders to create sanitary lanes in their various markets to enable free and easy movement within the markets, clearing of bushes which can trigger fire outbreaks within and around the markets, creation and designation of zones in the markets for different products, prohibition of cooking and smoking in the markets, provision of water supply in the markets to enable easy access to water supply for fire trucks when needed”, saying these will help prevent escalation during fire outbreaks.

Earlier in his address, the Honorable Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu had assured the fire Chief and traders that the state government was committed to equipping the state fire service through provision of the necessary equipment to enable it carry out its onerous task efficiently during this season and beyond.

He tasked the men of the fire service to utilize the tools at their disposal to protect lives and properties including those of traders and other residents in the state during this period and beyond.

“When you have a market in flames, the effect can be devastating; it will not only affect traders but also their dependents. Governor Ikpeazu, as a leader who does not play with the welfare of Abians, particularly traders, will not spare anyone who fails to do his job in that regard

“The biggest protection is to collectively protect ourselves. All market leaders must live up to expectation and protect their markets as government is also committed to assisting to prevent and control fire outbreaks in our markets.

“The Uratta Market fire is a painful occurrence not just for the traders but also those dependent on them. The governor has directed that we adopt measures to forestall future occurrence even as Government is committed to putting an end to incidents of fire outbreak in our markets,” he said.

The Commissioner directed all chairmen of markets in the state to immediately install overhead water tanks in their various markets to enable easy access to water for fire trucks when needed.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu further charged the market security to be up and doing in their duty, tasking them to be vigilant and ensure strict inspection of all liquids coming into the markets and prevent those that could be used to trigger fire outbreak by arsonists.

The fire chief later made available the service’s contact lines for residents to reach them when necessary as follows: 07038656651 (Headquarter), 08038872490 (Aba), 08039344832 (Umuahia), 08084474912 (Aba), 08030771250 (Federal Fire Service Umuahia).

The meeting had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Chief Sir Michael Égwu, the Director of Commerce, Elder Mecha Udensi and market association chairmen in the state.

Rebuild Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia Road, It’s Not A Federal Road, Sen. Kalu Tells Ikpeazu

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

Senator representing Abia North Senatorial district, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has called on the governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to consider rebuilding Umuahia -Uzuakoli -Akara-Alayi-Igbere- Item-Abiriba-Ohafia road.

Describing the road as important, the Senate Chief Whip said contrary to insinuations, the road is not a federal government but state road.

The former Governor in a post in his verified Facebook handle said he had earlier appropriated the sum of one billion Naira as part of the 2021 capital project noted that the Ministry of Works is yet to commence work on the road.

While stating that as a governor of Abia State, he built and maintained the road, the federal lawmaker called on Gov. Ikpeazu to reduce the sufferings people pass through on the road by immediately intervening to repair it.

He said, “This is an appeal to my state Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to consider rebuilding one of the important state roads in Abia : Umuahia -Uzuakoli -Akara-Alayi-Igbere- Item-Abiriba-Ohafia road. Against certain insinuations, the road is a state road and not federal road. Despite not falling into my senatorial role, I had initially appropriated One billion naira as part of the 2021 capital project but the Federal Ministry of Work is yet take action on it .

” When I was Governor, I built the road and maintained it . Ever since I left , there has been no new investment on the road despite being one of the busiest roads in Abia. I am calling and appealing to the state Governor to ease off the stress on that road by taking urgent action on it .”

Recall that the state government had on Thursday announced that contractors working in various sites across the state had been mobilised to start work as dry season sets it.

The roads where contractors are expected to commence work are Port Harcourt Road, Aba, Omuma Road, Aba, Cemetery Road with spur on Cameroun Road, Ehi Road, Railway Road, Ohanku Road, Obohia Road , and the link Road between Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Governments.

Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy stated that work will also soon commence on Faulks Road Aba in furtherance of the avowed determination of the Gov. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, to continually put smiles on the faces of Abians.

Nigerians In Rivers State Dying Slowly Over Soot — Rep. Onuigbo, Seeks Immediate Action

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Rep. Sam Onuigbo has said indigenes and residents of Rivers State, South South Nigeria has for years faced environmental related challenge known as soot which has led to the gradual death of many.

I'm Pleased Over Senate Concurrence To Climate Change Bill — Hon. Onuigbo
Sam Onuigbo

The lawmaker who is the sponsor of the popular climate change Bill which was recently signed into law by the President expressed dissatisfaction that both the federal government and the international community are yet to take adequate action over the challenge which he said affects the quality of air in the state

In a statement obtained by ABN TV on Thursday, Rep. Onuigbo charged citizens in the state to use the opportunity of the Christmas and New Year holiday to ask their representatives questions on what they have done to address the challenge

He said, “For many years now, Nigerians in Rivers State especially Port Harcourt have been battling with the fatal issue of soot which has severely affected the quality of air there. I have spoken about it a number of times. It seems however that both the Nigerian Government and the international community are disinterested in the slow death our people are facing.

“The end of year holidays presents all of us with the opportunity to engage with our representatives (Senators and Honourable members), let us all take responsibility and ask our representatives what they have done to address the soot in Rivers State.

“Millions of lives including those of children are at risk. May we not wait to send a “high-powered condolence delegation” instead of stopping this now.”

Omicron: UAE Bars Nigerian Passengers, Others

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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0

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended travellers from Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia from entering the country.

Its National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the decision on Friday.

It is with effect on Saturday.

The development has created chaos for both inbound and outbound passengers, including Nigerians wishing to come home for the Yuletide.

Some have arranged last-minute flight changes to other European, African, and US carriers.

The new travel rule implies that Nigerians can not use the other available Abu Dhabi-based airline, Etihad, which had seen an unprecedented rise in passenger traffic as an alternative to Emirates.

Emirates stopped flight services to Nigeria because of the recently resolved spat between Nigeria-UAE.

While both Emirates and Air Peace have not resumed flights, the UAE authorities issued a new travel restriction which it blamed on the rising cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

READ ALSO: I Will Have No Pity On Bandits Terrorising Nigerians, Buhari Talks Tough

The statement by the GCAA and NCEMA confirmed the “suspension of entry of travellers from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria on all flights of national and foreign carriers, as well as transit passengers coming from them, as of Saturday, December 25 at 7:30 pm”.

The suspension includes those who were present for 14 days before coming to the UAE.

Also on Friday, the Airport Manager of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Mrs. Victoria shin-Aba, slammed passengers who come to the airport with positive PCR test results.

She said: “People with positive COVID test still come to the Airport to board planes. I don’t know for whatever reason.

“They know with this they can’t travel but they still bring it but definitely they are not allowed to travel.”

Arik Sacks 10 Pilots Who Protested Pay Disparity, Welfare With Foreign Colleagues

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The management of Arik Air has dismissed at least 10 of its pilots for embarking on industrial action without due notice.

The Guardian learnt that the aggrieved pilots began strike this week in protest against protracted wage disparity between expatriate and Nigerian pilots that has still not been resolved by Arik Air.

The management, in a memo, yesterday, described the protest as an act of “indiscipline and callous,” especially at the peak period of festive travels and its attendant high demands.

Spokesperson of the airline, Banji Ola, said though the strike action affected operations of the airline, “we have been able to stabilise operation for scheduled services to customers”.

The management stated that a chunk of its pilots was dismissed for embarking on a strike action without recourse to laid down procedures.

“The pilots did not serve a strike notice in accordance with labour laws. They neither submitted any issue of dispute to the National Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), their umbrella union nor did they submit any statement of demands to the management of the company. There were also no ongoing discussions between the management and the pilots on any unresolved labour issues. Their actions were spontaneous and callous.

“Arik Air finds it rather treacherous of the pilots to contemplate a strike action at this yuletide season, which is the peak period for airlines all over the world. They peddle for naught the reputation and financial health of the company,” the airline stated.

The management of the airline has of late had discussions with relevant aviation unions, including the National Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), on conditions of service for all employees, and “this has led to the signing of a robust condition of service and redundancy benefits for staff.

“While great efforts have been made to minimise the impacts of the illegal strike action, some fully booked flights have had to be cancelled. Arik Air regrets the inconvenience caused by this action and is doing everything in its powers to minimise the impact and discomfort to its esteemed customers,” the management stated.

An ex-pilot of the airline, however, said Arik Air’s management should carry the can for ignoring “anti-workers and discriminatory policy against Nigerian pilots and engineers for too long.

“I used to be a victim of the same obnoxious policy way back in the days of Sir Ararume (Arik Air Chairman before its takeover by AMCON) and it is for that reason we are still in court three years on. For how long will Arik keep cheating its workforce and tell them not to complain?” he queried.

Guardian

We Spend N30bn Monthly On N-Power Beneficiaries, Says FG

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

Federal government has said it spends N30 billion monthly on N-Power beneficiaries’ stipends.

This was disclosed by the minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, during the closing ceremony of the 3,000 N-Power beneficiaries trained on hardware, software engineering under N-Tech in Abuja, yesterday.

The minister who was represented by the national coordinator, National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Dr. Umar Bindr, said about 1million Nigerians are beneficiaries of the N-Power yearly which has contributed greatly towards lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty a program initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

“If you have 1million graduates attached to NSIP every month for the one year, they are paid a stipend of N30,000, so every month there is a bill of 30bn just to pay the stipend, then you can do the calculation in one year, we can talk about N360bn for every year only paying for stipends.

The non-graduates have packages, computers, and other facilities, they have been trained and after this, they can start their own business.

“The government is investing about 300 to 400bn every year for the program. The NSIP has been adjourned as one of the best poverty alleviation programmes in Africa” he said.

Farouq tasked the beneficiaries to make good use of the knowledge obtained from the training to impact others for the betterment of society.

The beneficiaries which were selected from states within the North Central geopolitical zone,(Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory are currently undergoing training at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Kubwa, Abuja

N-Power Knowledge – which is a non-graduate program and embodies the N-Tech Hardware, N-Tech Software and the N-Creative training programmes (animation and scriptwriting).

 

Electricity Distributors Spit Fire As Soldiers Beat Up AEDC Staff In Abuja

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has condemned the alleged beating up of staff of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) by soldiers, saying it portends danger for the power sector.

ANED in a statement on Friday, was reacting to a report in which four staff of the DisCo narrated how they were detained and handed over to soldiers for torture by an army officer, Major General HD Tafida after they had gone to deliver a demand letter (AEDC/DMU/12-21/118) to him at his Gwarinpa residence in Abuja over his indebtedness to the service provider.

“The staff were merely going about their legitimate duties. The soldiers arrested them presumably on the orders of the General and took them all the way from Gwarinpa to Mambilla Barracks and proceeded to torture and humiliate them. This is cruel, inhuman and unjustifiable,” said Barrister Sunday Oduntan, ANED’s Executive Director for Research and Advocacy.

ANED further said the Nigerian Army as one of DisCos’ biggest customers, is not known for such conducts.

“This is not the first incident of physical attacks on DisCo staff. A considerable number of such attacks happen every year when our staff go about doing their jobs. Let us not also encourage the inflicting of bodily harm to the challenges they have to endure. We should not and will not keep quiet in the face of it,” Oduntan added.

The power firms’ group called on the Nigerian Army, led by Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Farouk Yahaya to intervene to ensure justice is done.

“A lot of effort has gone into repositioning the army in recent times and such barbaric acts are not the kind of thoughts we should be having of our brothers in the military today,” Oduntan noted.

Buhari Swears In Muazu Sambo as Minister (See Portfolio)

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Muazu Sambo as Minister of State for Works and Housing.

Sambo, whose appointment was confirmed by the Senate after screening earlier this week, took the oath of office before the commencement of an ongoing security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In attendance are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd.).

Others include Minister of Defense, Major General Salihi Magashi (Rtd); Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao.

The Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, are also in attendance.

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