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  • Gov. Eno sacks commissioner for special duties

    Commissioner
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has relieved the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Bassey Okon, of his appointment with immediate effect.
    Mr Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Monday.
    Uwah, who did not give reasons for the commissioner’s sack, directed him to hand over all state government property in his possession to the permanent secretary.
    He thanked the former commissioner for the period he served the state, and wished the commissioner well in his future endeavours.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/CHOM/AZU
    ===========
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Azubuike Okeh

  • Amnesty report: DHQ challenges AI to substantiate allegations

    Amnesty report: DHQ challenges AI to substantiate allegations

    Allegation

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters has challenged Amnesty International (AI) to substantiate the allegations levelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in its recent report.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made the call in a statement in reaction to the allegations on Monday in Abuja.

    AI had in its recent report accused soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) of abusing Boko Haram survivors while in detention.

    It alleged that Boko Haram survivors said they were insulted and beaten by soldiers and witnessed the beatings of others during their detention in all facilities where they were held by the Nigerian military.

    According to the report, in some facilities, CJTF members played supporting roles.

    Reacting to the allegations, Buba said the armed forces  of Nigeria was a professional military force that operated within the ambit of International law of armed conflict and adheres to humanitarian law and principles governing human rights.

    According to him, the military elects not to join words with organisations such as Amnesty International, rather would encourage them to approach the military high command to substantiate their allegations.

    “The military has self regulating mechanisms with which it administers the military justice system to address any proven case of misconduct of personnel.

    “It is worthy of note to state that, the AFN led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of improper conduct during operations across the country.

    “It is for this reason that, there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by erring personnel, especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace,” he said.

    Buba said the military would remain focused on its objective, saying it would remain unperturbed by such “self serving statements targeted at dampening the moral of troops in operational theatres.”

    He added that the military would engage constructively with Amnesty International, where available.

    “Overall, we will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations assiduously to defeat terrorism in our nation,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/SA

    Edited by Salif Atojoko

    ================

  • Army holds Inter-Brigade combat competition in Benin

    Army holds Inter-Brigade combat competition in Benin

    Competition

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 10,2024(NAN) The 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ekehuan Cantonment, Benin, has commenced its annual Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non- Commissioned Officers combat competition.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition is to improve the standard of their battle readiness and physical fitness.

    The participating formations include, 4 Brigade, Benin, 12 Brigade, Lokoja , 22 Brigade, Ilorin, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, 42 Engineers Brigade, Ibadan and 2 Division Garrison, Ibadan

    The activities lined up for the competition are drills, combat swimming, map reading, weapon/shooting as well as physical fitness.

    Maj.-Gen. Nansak Shagaya, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), who declared the competition opened, said it was to reposition the Army to discharge its responsibilities.

    Shagaya, who was represented by Brig. -Gen. Moses Ikobah, the Deputy Commandant of NASST, said the competition was in line with the Army Headquarters training directive for 2024.

    He urged all the participants to prepare themselves to be challenged, inspired and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, so as to attain the highest standard of professionalism.

    “I urge participants to take this competition seriously.

    ”The competition is in line with the training directive of the Chief of Army Staff Philosophy which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained and highly motivated force, ” he said.

    Shagaya commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing the resources for the competition and for providing direction and necessary guidance.

    According to him, to our judges and instructors who will be bringing their experience to bear, I say thank you and urge you to remain unbiased.

    He also thanked Gov. Godwin Obaseki for his continued support to the Brigade.

    Earlier,  the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.- Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, said the competition was intended to prepare the officers to be professionally responsive to effectively deal with the present security challenges in the country.

    He noted that Warrant officers/SNCOs hold a unique and vital position within Army ranks, adding that they were the backbone of the military.

    Oduyebo said that the was also bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers.

    “Their expertise, experience and leadership are indispensable to the success of our operations and the effectiveness of our units.

    “Let me quickly remind us that this competition is not merely an event; it is a testament to the high standards we uphold in 2 Division and the Nigerian Army at large.

    “It is an opportunity for our warrant officers/Senior NonCommissioned Officers to demonstrate their proficiency, leadership, and commitment to excellence, ” he said.

    According to him, competitions like these foster camaraderie, esprit de corps, and professional development.

    “They provide a platform for sharing knowledge, honing skills, and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together, ” he added.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NY/DE/JI

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joe Idika

  • Customs intercept 280,135 litres of petrol in 7 days

    Petrol

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), seized 280,135 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N115 million, its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, has said.

    Adeniyi stated this at a news conference, on Monday in Yola, Adamawa.

    He said that personnel of the Service seized the products in the last seven days across the country.

    The feat, he said was achieved through intensive operations by the Operation Whirlwind which seized 105,950 liters while the Federal Operating Units and Marine Commands seized 120,185 liters, respectively.

    According to him, smuggling is sabotage to the Nigerian economy hence the need for cooperation of security agencies and individuals to curb the menace.

    “These activities, if left unchecked, could further deteriorate the country’s economic situation and exacerbate current foreign exchange challenges.

    “The influx of unaccounted foreign currency could be channelled into funding illegitimate activities, including the support of non-state actors engaged in criminal activities against the Nigerian state.

    “These issues have serious implications for national security, making it imperative to check, curtail, and dismantle. Achieving this requires the cooperation and collaboration of patriotic agencies,” he said.

    Adeniyi said that Operation Whirlwind of the Customs Area Commands remained vigilant against illicit activities of smugglers targeting petroleum products.

    The Customs boss said the nationwide operation was aimed at ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

    “Defend the national currency and reduce pressures that may be attributed to the activities of smugglers.

    “Identify, dismantle and disrupt cartels of smugglers operating within the ecosystem. Raise awareness of the local communities and solicit their support to achieve these objectives,” he said.

    Also speaking, Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI) of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), lauded the personnel over the development.

    While describing cross border diversion of petrol as economic sabotage, Ukoha reitrated commitment of the Sevice to collaborate with security agencies to end smuggling in the country (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IMKlBEKl/RSA

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Centre advocates easy access to justice for PWDs

    Centre advocates easy access to justice for PWDs

    PWDs

    Kemi Akintokun

    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Centre for Citizens with Disability (CCD) has called for easy access to justice for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos State and the country at large.

    The CCD made the call in a statement on Monday in Lagos, noting that “equal access to justice is a fundamental human right that underpins the functioning of a fair and inclusive society.”

    It states that access to justice is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all.

    According to the centre, lack of physical accessibility to justice centres, communication barrier, stigma, discrimination and others are parts of the challenges that restrain PWDs to justice.

    It added that “access to justice ensures individuals can seek legal remedies and participate fully in legal processes to assert their rights.

    “Many justice facilities lack accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, accessible parking spaces, restrooms and directional signs.

    “These physical infrastructure barriers prevent PWDs, particularly those with mobility impairments, from entering and navigating these spaces independently.

    “It is essential for PWDs to have equal protection under the law to safeguard and ensure effective participation, with the aim of promoting social inclusion and mitigate discrimination.”

    The CCD noted that it had organised several fora to promote the interests of PWDs and to bring their plight to general knowledge, and the barriers they face in accessing justice on equal basis with others without disabilities.

    It stated that the centre had engaged relevant stakeholders within the justice system like the police, civil defence, correctional centre, Ministry of Justice, human rights commission and the media.

    “These engagements were targeted at enhancing access to justice for PWDs and effective reportage of disability-inclusive justice system through advocacy visits, sensitisation and capacity building workshops with remarkable outcomes.

    “We, however, recommend that all security agencies must treat PWDs with dignity and evolve measures to address stigma, discrimination and infrastructure  barriers hindering easy access to justice.

    “CCD believes a more inclusive, equitable and accessible justice system for persons with disabilities in Lagos State and Nigeria is achievable.

    “Addressing these challenges and fostering a more inclusive approach within the justice system is essential for ensuring that PWDs confidently access justice.

    “The centre recommends and call on all justice providers to promote, enhance, and contribute significantly to a just and equitable society for all citizens, including those with disabilities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KOA/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Flood: NDDC begins construction of emergency shelter

    Flood: NDDC begins construction of emergency shelter

    Shelter

    By Naomi Sharang

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said it has begun construction of Multipurpose Emergency Shelter designed to serve as a refuge during flood emergencies in the Niger delta region.

    Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, made this known on Monday in Abuja, while defending the commission’s 2024 budget estimate of N1.911 trillion before the Senate Committee on NDDC.

    In his presentation, Ogbuku said that from the proposed 2024 budget, N38.5 billion was for personnel, while N29.2 billion was for overhead and N1 trillion earmarked for legacy projects.

    He said that the Multipurpose Emergency Shelter, which was a flagship of NDDC’s present administration, with a capacity of over 1,000 accommodations, was designed to serve as a refuge during flood emergencies.

    “In a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans, we have commenced construction of Multipurpose Emergency Shelter with a capacity of over 1,000 accommodations, designed to serve as a refuge during flood emergencies.

    “The facility includes essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, aimed at providing comprehensive support to the community.”

    He said that once completed, the multipurpose emergency shelter would play a vital role in offering temporary accommodation and necessary services to the population in the event of emergencies in the region.

    “The NDDC’s proactive approach in addressing the needs of the affected communities through such initiatives underscores the Commission’s commitment to enhancing emergency response and resilience in the Niger Delta region.”

    Ogbuku further said that in the area of infrastructure, the commission came up with “Operation Light Up Niger Delta Region”.

    “This has seen a reasonable number of the communities being lit up using solar powered street lights, which have boosted the economic activities of communities at night.

    “In education, we have awarded foreign scholarships to 750 individuals between 2023-2024 (for 2022, 2023 and 2024 years) and provided educational grants to 84 individuals.

    “Additionally, we are distributing 45, 000 Ulesson tablets preloaded with Nigerian and WAEC syllabus to schools in the nine states in the Niger Delta region.”

    He said that the commission had commissioned a programme, to enable enrolment of poor and vulnerable people into the various Social Health Insurance Schemes of the nine NDDC states.

    This, he said was in view of the prevailing poor health indices of the country and particularly the region.

    “This is to also facilitate easy access to essential health and social services towards Universal Health Coverage.”

    Ogbuku said that the commission was working toward completion of some ongoing projects, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

    The MD also said that his administration was committed to payment of legacy debts because, “we are committed to the welfare of our people in the Niger Delta”.

    He said that N100 billion was earmarked to begin payment of legacy debts, adding that in 10 years’ time the commission would have offset the legacy debts.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, while noting that although the budget was brought late, said NDDC had recorded salient achievements like ‘light up Niger Delta’.

    “I hope that the 2024 budget will consolidate on already existing projects. I commend the NDDC’s scholarship programme,”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NNL/AMM

    ==========

     

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • No lodgement, withdrawal traced to Ali Bello in exhibits tendered–Witness

    No lodgement, withdrawal traced to Ali Bello in exhibits tendered–Witness

    Trial
    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Mr Olomotane Egoro, an Access Bank staff, on Monday admitted that Ali Bello, a co-defendant in the ongoing money laundering trial, neither lodged nor withdrew money in the bank statements tendered in the proceedings.

    Egoro, who is also an EFCC 2nd prosecution witness (PW2), stated this while being cross-examined by Bello’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Upon resumed hearing, Aliyu applied for some exhibits of bank statements tendered by the anti-graft agency.

    The bank statements belonged to some companies including Vifaz Multibiz Investment Company, Ary Consulting and Integrated Services, Hayzma Business Enterprise, e-Traders International Limited, and Aleshua Solutions Services.

    Other companies’ account statements tendered included that of Whales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas, Dada Grand Merchant Ltd, and that of the Unnatii and Jamilu Abdullahi.

    When Aliyu asked if there was any lodgement or withdrawal made by Bello in those accounts, the EFCC’s witness, after thoroughly going through the exhibits, said: “None my lord.”

    The lawyer also asked Egoro to confirm from Exhibit E if there was any payment made to T.B Bank United States, e-Traders International Limited, Aleshua Solutions Services and others, and the witness equally said: “None my lord.”

    When asked if there was any withdrawal that exceeded the statutory limit stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Exhibit E tendered, the witness said: “I don’t know what the limit was at the time.”

    “Do you know what it is now?” the lawyer asked the witness.

    Egoro responded that for an individual, the statutory withdrawal limit is N5 million while for a corporate body is N10 million.

    The witness, however, agreed that the bank usually adhere to the laid down rules in its transaction.

    He acknowledged that for Hayzma Business Enterprise account, the signatory is the 3rd defendant.

    He also agreed with the lawyer that for e-Traders’ account in Exhibit G, the only person that made payment into that account was the 2nd defendant.

    Egoro confirmed that the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants never made any payment into the account.

    When asked if there was anything wrong in a signatory to an account to withdraw money from the same account, the witness said: “No, my lord.”

    He said he was aware that the federal, state and local governments do award contracts to individuals and that when such contracts are executed, payments are made.

    The witness admitted that majority of the transactions he earlier identified from the accounts belonging to the 2nd to 4th defendants which were suspected to be proceeds of money laundering from the LGAs or Kogi state were proceeds from a loan of N2 billion accessed from the bank by the 4th defendant’s company.

    Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until June 24 for counsel for the 2nd to 4th defendants, Mr Nureini Jimoh, SAN, to cross-examine Egoro.

    NAN reports that in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, Bello and three others are facing trial on an alleged N3 billion fraud charge preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FERMA seeks Delta govt’s partnership on roads maintenance

    Partnership
    By Mercy Neme
    Asaba, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has solicited the continued support of  the Delta Government in the maintenance of federal roads in the state.
    Mr Onimogo Okaulola, the FERMA Engineer in charge of Delta, made the appeal when the management team of the agency visited the Chief of Staff to State Governor, Johnson Erijo, on Monday in Asaba.
    Okulola said that the state government had demonstrated huge commitment towards ensuring that federal roads across the state were motorable.
    He commended the state government for its intervention in the construction of the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriage way, rehabilitation of Agbor-Abraka-Eku and the Benin-Sapele Roads.
    “As an agency we are prepared to deliver on our mandate. The essence of this visit is to seek closer ties with the state government,” he said.
    In his response, Ejiro said that the visit  would help to strengthen the relationship between the state government and the agency.
    He urged FERMA to collaborate with the state ministries of works and urban renewal as well as other relevant agencies for more efficient service delivery.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MOA/DE/AZU
    ==========
    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Azubuike Okeh

  • Man, 25, arraigned for alleged illegal hemp deal

     

    Hemp
    By Sandra Umeh
    Lagos, June 10, (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, brought a 25-year-old man, Abdulkarim Saidu, before a Federal High Court in Lagos, for alleged trafficking in 900g of Cannabis Sativa (hemp).

    Saidu is facing a-count charge of drug trafficking.

    NDLEA counsel, Mrs N. J Mamza, alleged that Saidu committed the offence on March 17, at the Gagari area of Mile 12 in Lagos State.

    She alleged that the suspect unlawfully possessed  900g of the illicit substance, which was recovered from him.

    She said that the illicit substance deal was listed in the NDLEA schedule as prohibited.

    According to Mamza, drug trafficking contravenes the provision of Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, 2004.

    No date has been fixed for  arraignment of the suspect. (NAN)

    UNS/CEO/IGO

    ============

    Edited by Chidi Opara/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Clean up Emefiele’s mess thoroughly – Northern group urges CBN

    Clean up Emefiele’s mess thoroughly – Northern group urges CBN

    Emefiele

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has urged the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, to thoroughly clean up its structure to rid the apex bank of influences of Godwin Emefiele-led tenure.

    NEYGA made the call in a statement by its Spokesman, Mallam Ibrahim Dan-Musa, on Monday in Abuja.

    Dan-Musa accused the former leadership of the apex bank of mismanaging funds and compromising the bank’s integrity, adding that the former governor’s actions were detrimental to the country’s economy.

    He demanded that the current management should intensify its efforts and take action to hold whoever was involved accountable for their actions.

    He said that efforts should be made not to frustrate the ongoing reforms at the CBN and hinder the country’s economic progress.

    He urged Nigerians to support the current management in their efforts to restore the CBN’s credibility and stability.

    “We must embrace reform now or face the consequences tomorrow.

    “We commend the special investigations committee led by Jim Obazee for uncovering the details of the mismanagement and demanded decisive action towards reform and accountability.

    “The CBN faces intense scrutiny over its handling of the country’s economy.

    “The current management has promised to implement reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring public trust in the bank,” he said.

    Dan-Musa said that NEYGA had passed a vote of confidence on the new management of the apex bank and a call to action to ensure that those responsible for the country’s economic woes were held accountable. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola