Singer Blackface Loses Father

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October 9, 2020

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The Senior Legislative Aide to Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Barr. Barr Victor Etie has been appointed chairman of Nigerian Youth Organisation (NYO) Abia state chapter.

ABN TV reports that his appointment followed a zonal meeting of NYO which took in Enugu on the 7th day of October, 2020.

The organisation which has presence and membership across the 36 states of the federation extolled the virtues of Barr Victor Etie as the man to take NYO to the next level in Abia State.

Barr. Etie in his response commended NYO for the appointment and trust bestowed on him.

He thanked the leadership of the organisation for finding him worthy to steer the ship of the organization in Abia state.

The appointment letter was presented to Barr Etie by the zonal vice president South East, Comrade Okorie Okorie who represented the National Chairman.

Present at the event was the zonal secretary South East, the chairmen of Anambra, Imo and Ebonyi states who also received their letter of appointment.

https://abntv.com.ng/2020/10/abia-pdp-commends-speaker-colleagues-for-political-stability-in-state/

Abia PDP Commends Speaker, Colleagues for Political Stability in State

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October 9, 2020

Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, and his Colleagues at the Assembly have been commended for their cooperation and support to the Executive which has engendered peace and political stability in the State.

Stating this during a familiarisation tour of PDP Members of the Assembly, the Abia PDP Chairman, Rt Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere, said the meeting was also to thank the lawmakers for their support before, during and after their emergence as Party Executives and further seek ways of collaborating with them in moving both the party and governance forward.

He further praised the Speaker for the massive progress he has brought to bear on the Assembly in particular and general legislative business in the state, noting the modern and exotic look the Assembly complex now wears. The State Party Chairman recalled how Mr Speaker had vowed on the day of his inauguration to bring his experience as a professional engineer to bear on the Assembly, a feat which he has since achieved, and therefore urged the Speaker and his Colleagues to also endeavour to visit the State Party Secretariat and help to “reengineer” its physical structure the way they have reengineered that of the Assembly complex.

He concluded by saying that the excellent relationship between the Executive and Legislative Arms of Goverment in the State has made their jobs as party Executives easier and assured them of the party’s continued support and cooperation.

Responding, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji thanked the party Executives for finding it fitting to visit PDP Members of the State Assembly. He urged them not to rest on their laurels having been newly elected but ensure that they not only protect the image of the party but also promote and project the goodwill of both the party and government of the State.

Noting that the Assembly Members are not infallible, he urged the Party Executives to always exhaust all the internal mechanisms available for resolving issues in working with the Members.

The Speaker informed that the expectations of the people on legislators these days are beyond just lawmaking as they are now looked upon to build schools, water projects etc in their respective constituencies and called for understanding from all.

Concluding, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji commended the current crop of party leadership in the state for the way they have managed the party so far especially the ongoing processes leading to the forthcoming LGA elections and urged them to keep it up.

No State Fights Corruption In Nigeria More Than Kano – Ganduje

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October 9, 2020

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has said no state is fighting corruption in Nigeria more than his state, being the only one in the entire federation with a ‘vibrant’ anti-corruption agency to mitigate the problem.

He stated this on Thursday during the International Ombudsman Day celebration held at the Kano Anti-Corruption Institute (KANCI) in Kano.

Represented by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Lawan Musa Abdullahi, Ganduje said with the establishment of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) and Kano Anti-Corruption Institute, the state has complemented the effort of the federal government in institutionalising the fight against corruption.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of the commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado said the law that established the commission has provided it with both civil and criminal jurisdiction to treat cases.

He said under section 9 of the commission’s law, PCACC has the right to ensure that no Kano state indigene is cheated.

Representatives of EFCC, ICPC and NHRC all commended the effort of the commission for its synergy in their fight against corruption, adding that the commission has proved its worth over the years.

SARS Are Involved In Boko Haram War, It’ll Be Difficult To Scrap – Police

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October 9, 2020

Frank Mba, the spokesman of the Nigeria police force, says it will be difficult for any responsible organisation to scrap the special anti-robbery squad (SARS).

Speaking on the nationwide protest against the police unit, Mba said some SARS operatives are involved in the fight against insurgency and banditry in the north.

Fresh cases of police brutality renewed protests calling for an end to the special unit which is notorious for its excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and, in some cases, extrajudicial killings.

In Lagos where the protests began and now in its second day, residents flooded major roads with placards, insisting “enough is enough”, and it is time to scrap the squad.

When he appeared on a Channels TV programme on Friday, Mba faulted said some of the protesters that want SARS banned are beneficiaries of crime.

“If the #EndSARS hashtag is seen as a symbolic call for the reform of SARS, I would say clearly that the leadership of the NPF is in line and ready to work with those making that call,” he said.

“However, if the hashtag should be seen as a call for the total disbandment of SARS, I would tell you very clearly that it will be difficult for any responsible organisation to work that path, taking into cognisance the amount of investment in training that government has made in setting up that department and the very critical roles it is playing.

“As a matter of fact, we have received a lot of calls from people particularly in states like Maiduguri, Yobe, and some other parts of the north where SARS operatives are deeply embedded in the fight against banditry, insurgency.

“And these people have made it very clear that ending SARS is not even an option for them because of the critical roles SARS operatives are playing in those areas, heavily on bandits, terrorists and other kinds of criminals.”

The police spokesman said while some are genuinely concerned about the excesses of their police unit, another group want it scrapped criminals who would benefit more in its absence.

“There are people who are beneficiaries of criminal enterprise,” he added.

“Some of them probably people who are receiving stolen goods; who are into organised crime such as arms smuggling, illicit arms movement, importation of drugs and other kinds of crimes that are economically motivated.”

TheCable had reported how policemen, including SARS officials, reportedly killed 92 Nigerians in one year.

Amid the opposition against the special unit, the IGP banned the SARS officials from carrying out ‘stop and search’ operations on roads.

However, concerns remain on the implementation of such measure which has been introduced on more than one occasion in the past with little or no action to enforce it.

Abia LG Election Date Shifted, Cost Of Nomination Forms Announced

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October 9, 2020

The Chairman, Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa, Commissioners as well as chairmen of registered political parties have met to fashion out modalities on how to conduct a successful local government election.

In his remarks during the meeting with leaders of the registered political parties, the ABSIEC Chairman reiterated the commitment of the Commission to conduct a credible, free and fair election, devoid of rancour.

Mkpa, who was an ex-Secretary to the State Government, SSG, under former Governor, Theodore Orji, solicited the support of all the political parties towards ensuring a hitch-free exercise come December.

“As it is the duty of the commission, we want to intimate political parties of the changes we have made regarding the election. Prominent is the change in date of the election from Saturday, 19th December to Friday 18th December, 2020. This is to ensure we accommodate all stakeholders including religious groups in the state to ensure that everyone participates in the election.”

Abia State Independent Electoral Commission ABSIEC had in a press release, announced December 19, 2020 for the conduct of the LG poll.

Mkpa urged the leaders of the different political parties to ensure that their candidates purchase their forms ahead of the election.

The ABSIEC boss urged interested political parties to adhere strictly to the electoral guidelines as such would ensure a smooth election.

The commission pegged the nomination forms at ₦500,000 for chairmen and ₦100,000 for Councilors each.

In their respective speeches, the leaders of the different political parties, urged the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, to conduct a successful poll that would truly be adjudged not just free and fair, but credible and acceptable by the people of the state.

Augustine Ehiemere, the Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Abia State, in his submission, called on the electoral umpire to consider a shift in date of the election due to the COVID-19 pandemic as this would give the different political parties ample opportunity to prepare well for the local government poll.

Buhari’s Aide Warns Police Against Actions On #ENDSARS Protesters

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October 9, 2020

One of President Muhammadu Buhari’s media aides, Tolu Ogunlesi, has warned policemen about escalating brutality during the #EndSARS protests.

Ogunlesi was reacting to men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) throwing teargas canisters at peaceful protesters in Abuja on Friday.

The police teargassed the protesters in a bid to disperse them.

Some of the protesters alleged that the police officers dispersed them while fully armed.

However, Ogunlesi says the officers should be handing out face masks and water to the crowd.

He wrote: “Police that should be handing out face masks and bottled water to peaceful protesters.

“The response to peaceful protesters protesting police brutality is not to further police brutality.”

https://abntv.com.ng/2020/10/breaking-court-sentences-rivers-serial-killer-david-west-to-death/

BREAKING: Court Sentences Rivers Serial Killer David-West To Death

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October 9, 2020

The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced the notorious serial killer, Gracious David-West, to death by hanging.

Details shortly…

https://abntv.com.ng/2020/10/abia-professionals-set-to-launch-50-bed-ultra-modern-isolation-centre-sunday/

Abia Professionals Set To Launch 50-bed Ultra-Modern Isolation Centre Sunday

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October 9, 2020

A group of Abia indigenes under the aegis of Concerned Abia Professionals has concluded plans to commission ‘Abia Care Centre’, a 50-bed ultra-modern isolation centre with a functional molecular laboratory fully built and equipped by the group.

This was contained in a statement the CAP made available to journalists on Tuesday, and signed by one of its Project Implementation Committee members, Mrs. Mary Ikoku.

According to it, the event will hold on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, by 12:00 noon.

“To commission, the project is the Minister of State for Health, Senator Adeleke Mamora, while Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, is the chief host,” the statement read.

It also read, “The aim of the project is to ensure Abia citizens get adequate emergency healthcare services in the event of a pandemic as well as to guarantee the state’s readiness for any eventuality from COVID-19 in the state.

“The health facility will also assist the state government in the fight against the pandemic.”

Dignitaries expected to grace the occasion are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Dr. Alex Otti, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Dr. Uche Ogah, Prof. Gregory Ibe, Elder E. E. Ekeoma, Uzor Kalu, Elder U. K. Eke, Uduma Kalu, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Chris Nkwonta

Others are Onuoha Bourdex, Col. Austin Akobundu(retd.), Sir Johnson Chukwu, Chidi Ajaegbu, Goddy Ijomah, Alex Ikwechegh, Etigwe Uwa(SAN), and Chima Anyaso.

Also expected are representatives from Abia-American Health Systems Inc., Abia State National Association of North America, among other organisations.

The Abia Care Centre project, according to the statement, is dedicated to all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

“The general public are cordially invited to witness the commissioning of the 50-bed ultra-modern isolation centre,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Project Initiator, Ngozi Ekeoma, said, “This project is a clear demonstration of the deep love we have for our state. This project presents to all of us a benchmark for the replication of many more of this type of partnerships for the betterment of our people.

She commended the support received so far from Abia State indigenes, saying that her interactions in the cause of executing the project had shown that the indigenes were willing to participate in the state’s development.

“May this also encourage us to work with the government to create enablers that would help us bring our wealth home. As they say, Ka Aku ru ulo..,” Ekeoma stated.

On his part, the Project Implementation Committee Chairman, Johnson Chukwu, said, “Initially, we contemplated setting up a temporary tent. We, however, decided against it for a permanent structure that will not only serve for the treatment of COVID-19 patients but will also be deployed to cater for other medical services in future, even after the pandemic.

“Abia Care Centre is not just an isolation ward, it is a fully equipped medical ward with a molecular laboratory to ensure full diagnosis and treatment of persons infected with COVID-19.”

Chukwu, who also commended the efforts and monetary contributions made by Abia indigenes, home and abroad, added, “The people of the state and friends have joined hands to build this medical facility to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind. We, as a people, have once again confirmed God’s words in Genesis 11: 6 NLT.”

Second Niger Bridge Will Be Completed Before My Tenure Expires – Buhari

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October 9, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration hopes to complete and commission the Second Niger Bridge before the end of his tenure in 2023.

He said this while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly during the 2021 budget presentation.

The bridge, 11.9 kilometres long, is a double three-lane highway designed to connect Asaba and Onitsha in Delta and Anambra states.

The project is executed under the Presidential Infrastructural Development Plan, with the construction of the bridge funded by the three tiers of government through the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, in collaboration with private investors.

Although the contract was first awarded to Julius Berger PLC in 2016 and construction work commenced in November 2017, progress has been slow.

In his address, Mr Buhari explained the 2020 budget performance and his administration’s key achievements in the past one year – part of which is the progress of work done on the Second Niger Bridge.

“The Second Niger Bridge is at about 46 percent completion. We hope to commission the project before the end of our tenure in 2023.

“We have awarded several contracts to rehabilitate, reconstruct and construct major arterial roads, in order to reduce the hardship to commuters and increase economic activity,” he said.

To bridge the infrastructure deficit, Mr Buhari said the federal government is also implementing innovative financing strategies to pull-in private sector investment.

“The Infrastructure Company, which I recently approved, will become a world-class infrastructure development vehicle, wholly focused on making critical infrastructural investments in Nigeria.

“This Infrastructure Company will raise funding from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, the Africa Finance Corporation, pension funds, as well as local and foreign private sector development financiers.”

His assurance comes three months after the House of Representatives Committee on Works frowned at the slow pace of work by Julius Berger Construction Company in the handling of the bridge.

The committee had also accused Julius Berger of irregularities in securing the contracts, as it was without due procurement process and suggested that the road projects be split and shared among other companies to guarantee speedy completion.

The president also noted his administration is undertaking the construction and rehabilitation of over 780 kilometres of roads and bridges, nationwide, to be financed by the grant of tax credits to investing business.

Ongoing projects under this scheme include:

a. Construction and rehabilitation of Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba-Ilorin Road

Section II (Obajana-Kabba) in Kogi and Kwara states;

b. Construction of Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway in Lagos State; and

c. Construction of Bodo-Bonny Road with a bridge across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State.