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Terrorism

By Mohammed Lawal

Zaria (Kaduna State), Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen.Tukur Buratai, has said that the war against terrorism required collective support of all Nigerians to consolidate on the victory recorded.

Buratai made the reamark in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army, Lt. Adekunle Adeyemi-Akinleye in Zaria, Kaduna state on Tuesday.

Adeyemi-Akinleye said Buratai stated this while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 50th Anniversary and International Conference held at the main campus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The conference with the theme: “National Question, Security and Governance in Nigeria”, was organised by the Department of Political Science, ABU, Zaria.

Buratai, represented by the Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Maj-Gen.Victor Okwudili-Ezugwu, said the fight against terrorism should not be the sole responsibility of the security agencies.

“The war against terrorism is a collective responsibility, every individual or organisation must be supportive of government efforts and that of the security agencies to rid the country of criminality and security challenges, ’’Buratai said.

Reflecting on the theme of the conference, Burai said, “Good governance is all about effective and transparent leadership that produces result which transforms the socio-economic conditions of a nation.

“Good governance and accountability will ensure that resources meant for development are used to address basic human security and development needs of the citizen, thus guaranteeing decent standard of living for all.

“Lack of good governance breeds corruption that further weakens the state capacity to deliver services to its citizens. “

According to COAS, such development can create conducive environment for violent extremism to emerge and flourish as well as rebellion.

Commenting on fight against insurgency in the North-East, Buratai said the Nigerian Army had achieved a lot by adopting kinetic and non-kinetic powers in executing the war on the Boko Haram insurgents.

The Army boss said the army also used non-kinetic power, which involved the use of non-military power, to win the hearts and minds of the local population through civil-military relations and other related activities.

“In undertaking the task of combating the insurgency and terrorism, the Nigerian Army involves the application of kinetic and non-kinetic power.

“The kinetic power involves engaging the group in military combat with the aim of decimating their military capabilities.

“The non-kinetic power involves the use of non-military power to win the hearts and minds of the local population through civil-military relations and other related activities’’.

He expressed satisfaction that a lot had been achieved in the fight against security challenges facing the country.

Buratai assured that the military was now consolidating on the gains achieved in the fight against insurgency in the North-East as part of the stabilising phase of its operations.

The army chief said the measures put in place were equally yielding positive results.

He further called on the participants at the  conference to rethink and re-strategise ways to enhance governance that would ensure a better society for all Nigerians. (NAN)
KLM/GOM/DUA

Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Dada Ahmed

Commendation
Maiadua (Katsina State) Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Alhaji Salisu Na-Allahu, Chairman, Maiadua Local Government Area in Katsina State, has commended the Federal Government for constructing 10.5 km drainage network in the area to prevent flooding.

Na-Allahu gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiadua on Tuesday that the project, which will soon be completed, was financed by the Ecological Fund Office.

He said the project would provide permanent solution to the problem of flooding and promote good sanitary condition in the area.

The council boss added that the benefits of the project was immense because of the cosmopolitan nature of the area.

Na-Allahu appealed to the Katsina state government to expedite the reconstruction of the 5km Maiadua-Sabke border road that links Niger Republic.

He also called for the completion of the 18km Maiadua-Bumbum-Unguwar Jummai road to ease the problem of transportation and movement of agricultural produce in the area.

The chairman urged the state government to upgrade Maiadua comprehensive health center to a general hospital, to cater to the healthcare needs of the people and neighbouring communities.

Na-Allahu, who is the state chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), advised the 34 council chairmen in the state to be prudent, accountable and God-fearing in their official and personal conducts.

He lauded the efforts of the state government on road construction, promotion of education and youth empowerment, stressing “we will continue to support good policies and programmes of both the state and federal government for a prosperous nation’’.

NAN reports that the Maiadua local council under the leadership of Na-Allahu has within three years boost enrolment into primary and Junior Secondary Schools by 76.5 per cent.(NAN)
BKD/AOS/MZA
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Maharazu Ahmed

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, Sept.24, 2018 (NAN) Chocolate City Record artist Shasha Alesh a.k.a. Dicey Ailes has released the visuals for his hit single, `Diceyyy.’

Chocolate City boss, Jude Abaga a.k.a Mr Incredible (MI) took to his twitter handle @MI­_Abaga to intimate fans.

“@DiceAiles is back!!!! This video is stupid!!!! Check it out guys!!!!! #Diceyyy.

Alesh, a singer -song writer and rapper signed a contract with the record label in July 2014.

He was nominated for Rookie of the Year at The Headies in 2016.

In 2016, tooXclosive, a music and review website ranked his breakthrough single, `Miracle,’ third on its list of the `Top 10 Songs for the month of October’.

In 2017, tooXclusive named the 25 year-old Victoria Island born artist as one of the sixteen artists ”you need to know.”

His singles include Fantasy, Telephone, Machinery, Miracle, Ella, Otetola and Mr Biggs.

Ice Prince featured him in the song, `Brooklyn’; Masterkraft featured him along side YCee and Ceeza in `Olohungbo’ and Yung6ix featured him in `No Favour’ (NAN).

CMY/JEO/EAL
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Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Ekemini Ladejobi

Former top-ranked sumo wrestler resigns following scandal

Tokyo, Sept. 25, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Former sumo wrestler Takanohana, who held the top rank of ‘yokozuna’, handed his resignation to the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) on Tuesday, according to local media, in the latest twist in a scandal that rocked the sport last year.

Takanohana failed to report that a wrestler he coached named Takanoiwa had been beaten by grand champion Harumafuji, who was forced to retire last November after taking responsibility for injuring the junior wrestler.

As Takanoiwa’s stablemaster, Takanohana had a responsibility to report the incident, but failed to do so and was subsequently dismissed earlier this year as a JSA board director.

Takanohana failed to regain his spot on the board in an election in February before being demoted to the lowest rank in the JSA’s hierarchy in March.

The 46-year-old won 22 tournaments in sumo’s top division when he was an active wrestler around the turn of the century, and was the 65th man to achieve the rank of yokozuna.

The resignation of one of the great sumo wrestlers completes his fall from grace and is another blow to a sport that has had been hit by a good deal of bad publicity over the last year.

In April, the JSA was forced to apologise when female medics were asked to leave a sumo ring where they were treating a local official who had collapsed.

Tradition forbids women from entering the ring on the grounds that it is sacred and their presence, considered “unclean”, would pollute it.

Earlier this year, Egyptian wrestler Osunaarashi was asked to retire after being involved in a car accident while driving without a license.

The news comes two days after another yokozuna, Hakuho, won the traditional autumn Grand Sumo Tournament with a perfect 15-0 record to secure a record-extending 41st championship. (Reuters/NAN)

ERO/SN
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Edited by Silas Nwoha

Campaign
By Aminu Garko
Minna, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger has commenced house-to-house and town hall campaigns to promote the programmes of the party in the state.

Alhaji Mohammed Imam, the Chairman of the party in the state, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Tuesday.

He said that the campaign and sensitisation visits commenced from wards to districts, local governments, zonal areas and state levels.

“We are using the opportunity to highlight our modest achievements recorded in the last three years of President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Abubakar Bello,’’ Imam said.

The APC chieftain said that the forum would give the party the opportunity to also inform its supporters on judicious utilisation of funds allocated to the state to provide dividends democracy to the governed.

“Gov. Abubakar has reformed our educational sector through the re-construction of classrooms, learning facilities and motivation of teachers, ‘’ he said.

Imam explained that the only legacy any responsible government would leave behind for future generation was provision of qualitative and sound education, which the present administration was fully committed to.

He also said that the present administration had provided state-of-the-art facilities in all health institutions for effective health care delivery.

“We have done very well in agriculture with the provision of tractors and farming implements for our farmers at subsidised rates, roads construction, youth empowerment, among others,’’ the APC chieftain said.

Imam urged the electorate in the state to vote for continuity in order to consolidate on the ongoing changes that would set the state on the path of progress.

“Gov. Abubakar has proved beyond reasonable doubt to be a committed, progressive leader in providing democracy dividends to our people irrespective of political, tribal and religious differences.

“We are also mobilising our supporters to shun any form of political violence and thuggery as well money bags politicians during the forthcoming general elections.

“As progressives, it is not in our character to engage in any act capable of bringing confusion but to work toward promoting our party’s lofty ideals.

“Anybody seeking elective positions and offer you money, collect it. It is your money that was supposed to be used in providing democracy dividend but was diverted because of corruption,’’ he said.

Imam called on all eligible party supporters to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with the aim of electing credible leaders at the helm of affairs. (NAN)
AAG/COO/AJA
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Adeleye Ajayi

Expulsion
Igbaugba Ehigimetor
Benin, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday in Benin described the purported expulsion of the Deputy Chief Whip of House of Representatives, Pally Iriase, as a nullity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC Ward Nine (9) in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo, had on Monday, issued a statement announcing the expulsion of Iriase from the party over alleged anti-party activities.

The expulsion, which was ratified by the Owan East Local Government Chapter of the party, was announced via a letter signed by Zuberu Shabah and Theophilus Aigboje, its Chairman and Secretary, respectively and made available to newsmen in Benin on Monday.

Chief Sunny Okomayin, the Vice Chairman of the party in Edo North, however, debunked Oriase’s expulsion while fielding questions from newsmen in Benin on Tuesday.

Okomayin said Iriase, being a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and a respected leader of the party both at the state and national level, remained a bonafide member of the party.

He described the purported expulsion as the handiwork of mischief makers who probably had personal issues with the “respected leader”.

According to him, the local government party leaders failed to consult with the state party secretariat to ascertain, if at all, party rules have been breached by the lawmaker.

Okomayin said that neither the ward nor local government chapter of the party had a right to expel a member of the NEC of the party, adding that those responsible for the alleged expulsion would be sanctioned by the party.

“We are quite surprised by the action of the persons responsible for this alleged expulsion of not only respected leader of the party, but a principal officer of the House of Representatives.

“We have rules guiding every action of members. If at all, Iriase has breached any of the rules, it is only the national leadership of the party that can take disciplinary action against him and not these people.

“If not for mischief making, why wasn’t I, the Senatorial Vice Chairman of the party consulted on this?

“As I speak, an emergency leadership meeting of the state chapter of the party has been called for today (Tuesday) over this matter.” (NAN)
ESI/OO/TA
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Tajudeen Atitebi

Azman aircraft did not declare any emergency at Abuja airport  — NAMA

Emergency

By Adekunle Williams
Lagos, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Contrary to speculations, an Abuja-bound aircraft of Azman Air did not declared an emergency after it was
allegedly prevented from landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for over an hour, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said on Tuesday.

The General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mr Khalid Emele, said the aircraft which flew in from Kano, did not land without clearance
from the control tower as being speculated.

“The story went on that the pilot contemplated returning to Kano before passengers prevailed on him to land without clearance from
the control tower.

“We are constrained to set the records straight and put things in proper perspective for the benefit of the flying public.

“The Nigerian Airforce is currently practicing for their display on Oct. 1 and an airspace was designated for them.

“All civil aircraft are held at a distance of about 20 – 30 nautical miles as military aircraft take off or land ,” Emele said in a
statement in Lagos.

According to him,  Azman aircraft was held along with other aircraft in the course of “separating traffic” to ensure that the aircraft
and their passengers land safely.

Emele added that Azman pilot did not declare any emergency and was eventually given clearance by air traffic control to land when
it was safe to do so.

He, therefore, assured the flying public of NAMA’s commitment to the safety of the Nigerian airspace. (NAN)

WAC/DA

Editing by Dele Akinsola

Strike
By Maureen Ojinaka
Enugu, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed United Labour Congress (ULC) to consider the weak economy of the country in its decision to commence the proposed indefinite nationwide strike on Thursday.

The leadership of the three unions, ULC, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress had harmonised their separate demands and agreed to peg the minimum wage at N65, 000.

They had also informed government and private sector employers about their decision through the tripartite minimum wage negotiating committee.

NANS’ National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Bestman Okereafor, made the plea in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Tuesday.

The students’ body said that its appeal was predicated on the fact that the ailing nation’s economy, which only recently came out of recession, could further be worsened by the strike.

Okereafor, however, urged the Federal Government to seriously dialogue and meet workers’ demands as much as possible.

“The attention of the national leadership of all Nigerian students under the auspices of NANS has been drawn to the proposed nationwide industrial action to be embarked upon by some organised unions.

“NANS has no doubt that if the planned strike should hold, it will greatly affect all sectors of the nation’s economy negatively, especially the students’ constituency.

“Especially, considering the fact that Nigerians are just gradually moving out of the pain of the recent recession of the economy had on them,” Okereafor said.

NANS said that it was passionately appealing to the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency to look into the plights of workers and meet their demands.

NAN recalls that the workers unions have jointly given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum which expires on Thursday, to press for the N65,000 being demanded as minimum wage. (NAN) OJI/KOO/GY
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Grace Yussuf

Kwankwaso

By Tukur Muntari

Kano, Sept.24,2018 (NAN) Sen Rabiu Kwankwaso on Monday sneaked into the ancient city of Kano where he addressed his supporters at his Milla Road residence in Kano metropolis.

The former Governor had recently endorsed his son-in law, Abba Kabir Yusuf as his choice for 2019 governorship seat, an action that irked some of his followers.

However, Kwankwaso appealed to his followers to remain calm.

“I’m in Kano to see you and say thank you for the brotherhood and progressive unity we enjoy as Kwankwasiyya members. Certainly we will sit and talk on vital issues affecting us”.

He explained that his choice of Abba Kabir Yusuf was necessary because most of his projects including the famous Kano Kofar Nassarawa flyover were designed and executed by Yusuf

“Today most of the projects being executed by Ganduje are not durable and of low standard while huge amount of money was being spent on them.

“But our projects which mostly were designed and executed by Abba Kabir Yusuf are today standing firm in Kano,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who spent only one hour in Kano, told his supporters who thronged his house that he was willing to sit with them and iron things out.

“If not for the fact that I’m busy and rushing to go back to Abuja for the Presidential screening going on right now, I would have loved to sit and discuss vital issues with you”, he said.

He promised to return in the next few weeks to resolve some of the issues on the forthcoming elections in 2019.

Even though many of his supporters were not aware of his arrival in Kano, his house was filled to capacity.

NAN reports that among his top supporters at the venue were the former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Yunusa Dangwani, Abba Kabir Yusuf, a former Commissioner of Works as well as Aminu Abdulsalam, his former commissioner of State Affairs. (NAN)
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