Blog

NAN-AE-16
Weather
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunny and hazy weather conditions over central states of the country on Thursday.
NiMet made the prediction in the Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Wednesday.
It said that the region would also have day and night time temperatures of 34 to 38 degrees Celsius and 15 to 22 degrees respectively with exception of Jos city with 28 to 13 degrees Celsius.
The agency predicted that the southern states will experience cloudy morning with partly cloudy skies over the inland cities later in the day.
It also predicted prospects of isolated thunderstorms over Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom, Umuahia, Owerri, Asaba, Warri, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Calabar, Yenagoa and Eket axis in the evening and night hours.
NiMet noted that Southern states will have day and night time temperatures of 32 to 35 and 20 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively during the forecast period.
According to NiMet, northern states will experience dust haze with with poorer visibility values expected over Sokoto, Gusau, Nguru and Maiduguri axis.
“The region will have day and night time temperatures of 34 to 37 degrees Celsius and 14 to 21 degrees Celsius respectively.
“Extreme Northern cities are expected to remain under dust haze condition in moderate horizontal visibility while the Southern cities should experience cloudy conditions with prospects of isolated thunderstorms along the coast,” NiMet predicted. (NAN)
OYS/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
================

NAN-DS-16

Killings

By Usman Aliyu

Ilorin, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) The Kwara Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday said it was investigating cases of suspected ritual killings in the state.

It is also making efforts to curb “pockets of vandalism and adulteration of lubricating oil” in the state.

The state Commandant of the corps, Mr Pedro Idiba, disclosed this when the new officials of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Kwara Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid him a courtesy call.

Idiba said the command had stepped up its operation in combating crimes in line with its core mandate, assuring that the Federal Government would not regret establishing the corps .

“We are investigating cases of ritual killings, pockets of vandalism and adulteration of lubricants,” Idiba said.

He said the command had zero tolerance for corruption and was constantly reminding officers and men of the command to shun corrupt practices.

Earlier, the Chairman of the chapel, Mr Layi Olanrewaju, lauded the command for ensuring good working relationship with journalists in the state and for its doggedness in fighting crimes.(NAN)
AUO/ORO/AMY

Edited by Razak Owolabi and Abdullahi Yusuf

Court remands couple, relative for alleged murder

NAN-H-122

Murder

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Abakaliki, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Abakaliki has remanded a couple, Bernard Inya, 42, and Chinyere Inya, 34, at the Abakaliki Prisons over the alleged murder of one Sylvia Nwachi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the couple were arraigned along with their relative, Ugonma Egwu, 38, while the couple’s two-month old baby cried throughout the court session.

The Chief Prosecutor, Mr Obeng Erong, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 26.

“They are charged on a two-count charge of murder punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009,” Erong said.

The trial Magistrate, Nnachi Olughu, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody while the court processes be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for appropriate legal advice.

Olughu adjourned the matter to Jan. 20, 2017, for further hearing.

NAN reports that the baby’s cries distracted the proceedings of the court while the mother was inside the dock.

Family sources told NAN that the baby had not received adequate motherly care from the mother due to her incarceration.

Chinyere, who cried all through the proceeding, prayed that she should be granted bail for the sake of her baby.

The magistrate, however, ignored the plea.

In a related development, a 37-year-old woman, Blessing Prince (alias Mummy B), has been arraigned at Federal High Court, Abakaliki, for selling a newborn baby for N100,000.

NAN reports that the baby belongs to a 20-year-old man, Ifeanyichukwu Elem.

The accused was re-arrested after earlier being released by the court.

Prince was arraigned on a two-count charge of engaging in child trafficking and selling a four-day old baby.

The accused had pleaded not guilty as the trial Judge; Justice Akintayo Aluko granted her bail with N2 million in like sum.

“He must provide a surety who must be a civil servant of not less than grade level 10.

“The surety must have a landed property in Abakaliki and the accused should be remanded in prison custody until she fulfils the bail conditions.’’

He adjourned the matter to Dec. 5, for trial. (NAN)

RCO/DO/MST

Edited by David Onilede/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Recession: Oyo NASU to strengthen social security for members

NAN-HE-26
NASU
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) The Oyo State Chapter of NASU says it has resolved to strengthen its social security scheme, “Toju Ale’’, to assist members against economic hardship.

This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday jointly signed by Mr Olusegun Adeleye, the Branch Chairman and Mr Gboyega Oladoja, the BOT Chairman of NASU.

The union in the statement promised to continue providing commodity loans to interested members.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Toju Ale” is a form of savings scheme where contributing members access loans to start up business after retirement.

The statement said that the members had resolved that the constitution of the scheme be reviewed as some provisions in the current constitution were obsolete.

“The welfare of our members is paramount to us as a union. We have always embarked on several schemes to cater for members’ welfare after retirement.

“We have resolved today to strengthen the ‘Toju Ale’ scheme and ensure continued distribution of loans to our members in the face of present economic realities,’’ It said.

The members expressed delight in the steady progress recorded so far and passed a vote of confidence on the union’s leadership under Adeleye.

“The vote of confidence is as a result of the achievements recorded through dedication, commitment and performance by Oyo NASU (Schools and Colleges) leadership,” it said.

The union also congratulated Adeleye on his election as a National Executive Council (NEC) member of the union’s highest echelon

NASU commended Gov. Abiola Ajimobi for accepting to elevate typists in schools and colleges.

“We commend and appreciate the governor and the state government for the process of elevating our NASU typists in schools and colleges from grade level 09 to grade level 12,’’ the statement said. (NAN)
TAA/FAT/TA
Edited by Fatima Sule/Tajudeen Atitebi
==============

NAN-H-121

Relationship

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Abuja, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, assured Nigerians that the relationship between the country’s three arms of government, particularly the Executive and the Legislature, was healthy and strong.

According to a statement in Abuja by National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the assurance is in reaction to a statement credited to a faction of the Peoples` Democratic Party (PDP).

The statement recalled that the faction alleged that there was a rift between the executive and the legislature following the Senate’s return of the list of non-career ambassadors to the Presidency for review.

It explained that the senate, in the adopted report of its Committee on Foreign Affairs had said that the decision to return the list followed petitions received on the nominations.

It added that the senate went ahead to propose that the presidency should review the ambassadorial list.

It said that attempts by the PDP to give the senate’s action a political coloration and other negative interpretations were unnecessary and misleading.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is a democrat and does not subscribe to the idea of controlling the National Assembly as was the practice with the PDP during its 16-year misrule of the country.

“Respect for the principle of the Rule of Law and the constitutional provisions of Separation of Power between the three arms of government is a best practice and also healthy for our democracy,’’ the party said.

It said that the powers and duties of the three arms of government were clearly spelt out in the amended 1999 Constitution which Buhari respected. (NAN)

EEM/ORO/OPI

Edited by Razak Owolabi and Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-H-120

Defection

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Abuja, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) A former Governor of Abia, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, on Wednesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with prayer that God would use him to add value to the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kalu was received at the APC National Headquarters, Abuja, by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odige-Oyegun and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

He said that his defection to the APC was made possible by the persistence of some of the party’s chieftains who had been wooing him for some times.

According to him, I was invited to dinner over 20 times by some of the party`s chieftains, including the national chairman, while the wooing lasted.

“They had been on by neck, asking that I must come over to APC and the national chairman always buys me red wine.

“My red wine is still packed in his house and I visit his place regularly to chat because we attend the same church’’.

Kalu, however, said that it was a privilege to be accepted into the party, adding that he would abide by its laws while remaining a good party man.

He thanked the APC national chairman and other party chieftains for the confidence they reposed in him and for making him join the party.

He assured that states being governed by opposition parties in the South-East and other parts of the country presently would be delivered to the APC in 2019.

“God will help us to achieve this, but the most important thing is the ability to consult, discuss and move forward.

“Nobody is an embodiment of knowledge; knowledge is in the hands of God and He will always give us knowledge’’.

He prayed that the APC continued to wax stronger and for its leaders continued support for President Mohammed Buhari in his quest to develop the country and fight corruption.

Kalu expressed optimism that though the country was going through rough times, good policy formulation would help to lessen the suffering of the people.

He expressed optimism that the APC would leave beyond 2019 contrary to the predictions of some Nigerians.

“Nobody can say that APC cannot go beyond 2019; Nigerians should change this behaviour that after every four years when there is presidential election, people will start saying they want to change party.

“APC has come to stay in my opinion and in the opinion of other people and the international community.

“If APC is going and its members that welcomed me here today are going, I will go with them,’’ he said.

He, however, said that he would not contest any position, but added that he would accept any role the party may find him worthy of playing.

“Once you are a party man and you are given a mandate to do anything, you will do it, but for me, I am an entrepreneur and I will like to go back to my business’’.

Receiving him, Odigie-Oyegun, described the politician as a positive asset not only to the South-East, but to APC and Nigeria, who could be used to resolve the country`s challenges.

He explained that the party`s chieftains took time to woo Kalu to the party because of his attributes of resilience and commitment over the years.

“Given the attachment of the South-East before now, it was also necessary to go out for leaders who can contribute positively, who people listen to, and you fall into that category.

“Your coming and timing is very significant, but I must say that you have a lot of work to do to consolidate our party in the East,’’ Odigie-Oyegun said.

He said that the APC would depend on Kalu to win not only states in the South-East but the South-South in 2019.

He assured the former Abia governor, who defected from the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), that he would be given his rightful place in the APC.

He added that though the country was going through difficulties that was not created by the APC-led government, the party was determined to address it. (NAN)

EEM/OPI/OPI

Edited by Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-H-117
Discipline
Abuja, Nov. 16 (NAN) Pastor John Buzu, FCT Field Superintendent, The Apostolic Church Nigeria, has called on political and religious leaders to be disciplined in their thoughts and actions for Nigeria to come out of the recession.

Buzu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a news conference to mark the 13th Annual Convention of the Church with the theme “Power for Kingdom Restoration.’’

He said that leaders should ensure that `round pegs are  put in round holes’ for the expected development to take effect in the country.

He added if the wrong person is put in an office, the leader had only succeeded in creating problem for himself, adding that such mistake breeds problems in the future.

“If leaders are disciplined, it will tell on the lives and character of the people as such discipline will transform their lives especially during this era of recession,’’ he said.

Buzu urged residents of the FCT not to be discouraged as a result of the economic situation, adding, “in the midst of recession there can be progression and God brings out the best.’’

He called on Nigerians to adjust, pray and prepare for advancement in their lives 2017, saying “as we pray, we must also plan.”

The cleric urged Nigerians to see the economic recession as a sign by adjusting their live style and learning a lesson to make their tomorrow better.

The 13th Annual Convention of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria would be attended by members of the church in and outside the FCT.

The Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo would be the special guest on Sunday. (NAN)
DE/AEA/AEA
==========

NAN-H-119
Caution

By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Nov. 16, 2016(NAN) The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyo State Chapter has admonished its members to avoid reckless driving, overloading and excessive trips as the year runs to an end.

Mr Sunday Yeye, the State Secretary of the union told newsmen in Ibadan on Wednesday that the members had been charged to ensure strict adherence to traffic rules and laws, to guarantee safety of lives and properties.

Yeye said there was a general perception that the Ember months were full of blood shedding, urging members to drive with care to stay safe.

“They should not make too many trips because of money, drive carefully and ensure their vehicles are in good order. We urge private car owners to also adhere strictly to the rules to avoid accidents,” he said.

The Oyo NURTW scribe also appealed to officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to ensure strict enforcement of traffic laws.

Yeye advised commuters to be wary of boarding commercial buses at undesignated areas, urging them to always board commercial buses at authorised parks.

Reacting to speculations of possible connivance of drivers and kidnappers, he said that the union’s chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, had set up a task force to monitor drivers and their activities.

“I enjoin our people to be law abiding and go on with their daily activities. What we have today in Oyo is a rebranded NURTW devoid of crisis,’’ he said.(NAN)

TAA/SOA

=========

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-H-116

Judgment

By Martins Odeh

Abuja, Nov.16, 2016 (NAN) The Court of Appeal, Abuja on Wednesday reserved judgment “till when it is ready’’ in an appeal filed by Eyitayo Jegede seeking to be re-listed as candidate of PDP in Nov.26 governorship election in Ondo State.

Justice Ibrahim Salauwa led two other Justices of the panel to reserve the judgment after arguments were adopted by counsel to parties.

“Now that counsel to parties have concluded arguments on this appeal, the judgment is reserved. Parties would be informed when we are ready”, the judge said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Jegede had challenged the ruling by Justice Okon Abang ordering INEC to recognise Jimoh Ibrahim as the PDP candidate for the election.

NAN further recalls that the appellate court on Nov.10 granted Jegede leave to appeal the decision of the Federal High Court Abuja.

Earlier, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), counsel to Jegede prayed the court to set aside the ruling of the lower court, adding that it was given in bad light.

Olanipekun also said the court should order the reinstatement of his client as the authentic candidate of the party to contest the election.

According to him, Jegede is the candidate that emerged from the party’s primary conducted in Akure.

He argued further that Ibrahim’s name was submitted and immediately recognised by INEC following the ruling of the lower court.

However, Mr Beloulisa Nwafor (SAN), counsel to Biyi Poroye, Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of PDP and eight others, told the court that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

He had announced to the court that the Nov.10 ruling that gave leave of the court to Jegede to appeal the nomination of Ibrahim was appealed against at the Supreme Court.

“Your Lordship, with profound respect, I am here to inform the panel that we had challenged the ruling of this court that granted leave to the applicant to leave the decision of the lower court.

“The Supreme Court has acknowledged the pendency of the appeal and stay application.

“The Supreme Court being a superior court has from this moment usurped the jurisdiction of this court’’, he said.

Nwafor further argued that the panel ought to hands-off all the proceedings pending the determination of the appeal.

He submitted that the panel should refrain from further action on the matter, adding that doing the contrary would amount to the violation of the constitution, the rules of the court as well as the oath of judicial office.

He said the court had earlier demonstrated courage to hands-off on two sister appeals upon notification of pending appeals at the apex court.

He also said that appeal was not ripe for hearing, adding that time allowed for filing of respondent’s brief would expire Wednesday 12 midnight.

He argued that the limitation to file processes excluded Saturday and Sunday as enshrined in Section 15 of the Interpretation Act, 2004.

Mr Godswill Mrakpo, counsel to Ali Modu Sheriff said the appeal was ripe for hearing, adding that his team was not served notice of hearing.

“I had come to the court for another business only to be told that the matter was listed for hearing today.

“This is totally against the right of clients and counsel who are supposed to be notified two days ahead of a matter.

“It is also important to state that some of the processes relating to this matter were served me in court this morning’’, he said.

According to him, an adjournment remains the best option to allow for the filing of responses to the appellant’s reply.

The presiding judge, however, insisted that the extant appeal earlier argued by counsel to the appellant sufficed.

NAN reports that Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Sen. Ben Obi are all parties in the matter.

The Executive of PDP South West Zone and Ondo State Executive members of the party were also listed as parties.

The court is also mandated to decide the authentic leadership of the party.

NAN reports that the Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee had also filed an appeal challenging the decision of the lower court that recognised the party’s primary conducted by the Sheriff faction. (NAN)

OMO/IEA
========
Edited by Idahosa Asowata