The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has promoted one of its officers for the gallantry he displayed during last year’s Kuje jail attack.

The officer, James Benjamin was promoted from Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II to Assistant Superintendent of Corrections I.

A statement on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer on NCoS, Umar Abubakar, an Assistant Controller of Corrections read: “Sequel to the recommendation of the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa FICMC, MFR, mni, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Service Board (CDCFISB) has approved and promoted Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II James Benjamin to Assistant Superintendent of Corrections I for the gallantry displayed during the Kuje jail attack in June 2022

“The Controller General who was represented by the Deputy Controller General, covering duty, in charge of the Directorate of Human Resource, Ahmadu Adamu, said the Service is poised to recognize and reward the commitment of its personnel in the discharge of their duties.”

The statement further read that: “Adamu while imploring officers and men of the Service to be dedicated to duty, charged the newly elevated officer to do more as to whom much is given much is expected.

James Benjamin was recruited into the Service on 6th of August 2012 as Assistant Inspector, and until his present promotion, was an Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II.

-From SUNNY A. DAVID:

It has been confirmed three policemen were killed on Thursday when unknown gunmen attacked a Police checkpoint at Umunze, in the Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident, which occured around 12 noon was said to have cursed pandemonium in area as the gunmen shot indiscriminately for over an hour.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the gunmen who were operating in unmarked dark Sports Utility Vehicle killed the cops at the Joint security checkpoint at Ihite road.

The witness said, ”It was like war. For over one hour the hoodlums were shooting indiscriminately. I saw three Policemen lying dead on the ground during the attack, while others took cover and shooting back from a distance. I suspect that some of the Policemen also sustained gunshot injuries in the attack”

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, while confirming the incident to our correspondent, vowed that the development would not deter the the command from achieving it objective of sustaining safety in the State.

Said he, ”It is an unfortunate incident and is part of the highest price security officers pay in serving the Nation but the Police Command is not deterred by this development.

“The reinforcements teams are already in the area and the manhunt for the assailants is ongoing while joint security patrols have been intensified in the area.”

The Police Spokesperson added, ‘In the early hours of today, Police operatives attached to Ogbunike Division responding to a distress call along St. Monica College Ogbunike Road, arrested one Mr. Jamui Emiron ‘m’ aged 22years and recovered one already damaged yellow Mitsubishi L300 bus with Anambra reg nos: UKP 729 A.

“The suspect is among a gang of armed robbers that attacked and robbed occupants of a residential house in Ezi-Ogidi, abducted a female victim and was en route to their den before Police were alerted.

“The members of the neighbourhood had already supported the Police by blocking the exit points within the area, intercepting the vehicle and apprehending two of the gang members while others escape.

“Unfortunately, upon the arrival of the Police operatives, one of the suspects had already been set ablaze by the angry mob and the criminal operational vehicle was badly damaged. The Operatives rescued the victim, the second suspect and recover the vehicle.

“The Command while reiterating the campaign against mob action by some members of the public who resort to jungle justice whenever they arrest suspects in respect of any crime, commended the efforts and courage of community members in the apprehension of suspects but encourage them to take such suspect to the nearest Police station whenever they are apprehended. 

“This would afford the police the opportunity to conduct an appropriate investigation into the nefarious activities of the suspects and bring them to justice following extant laws.“

From SUNNY A. DAVID:

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said that it is ready to conduct systems study on ministries, agencies and parastatals in Anambra State, if invited by the State government.

The Resident Anti Corruption Commissioner for Anambra State ICPC office, Mr. Godwin Oche stated this during a visit to the May Congress of the Anambra Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Awka the State capital on Thursday.

Mr. Oche who was represented by the officer in charge of Public Enlightenment and Education, Mr. Inalegwu Shaibu said within months of the establishment of ICPC in Anambra State, the Commission has achieved quite a lot.

Said he: “We have achieved a lot within the few months we have been in Anambra State, and that includes systems visits to major institutions and holding of trainings.

“Systems visit is a duties we undertake to institutions without informing them, to look at their operations and also advice them on what entails corruption and what does not.

“We are more concerned about federal organisations, but we will be happy if the State government approaches us to conduct systems studies on their organisations. We also hold trainings and workshops for staff members, because it is not everyone that knows what and what entails corrupt practices.

“We were operating from Enugu before now, but we just opened our Anambra office, and we are here to partner with you as journalists, to ensure that we fight corruption in Nigeria,” Mr. Shaibu.

He stated that some Federal institutions in Anambra State where they have conducted systems study to include; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Federal Polytechnic, Oko

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that he has a list of 774 persons arrested during the 2023 General Elections for various electoral offences, stating that an arrangement has been concluded with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for their prosecution.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)’s monthly review forum for the 2023 elections focused on “Accountability for Electoral Crimes and Human Rights Violations in Elections”, the Director, Litigation and Prosecution, INEC, Taminu Inuwa noted that the electoral commission is empowered by the provision of Section 145 of the Electoral Act, 2022 to prosecute electoral offenders.

He said: “It is in recognition of the statutory power of INEC to prosecute electoral offences that the Inspector General of Police recently forwarded 215 case files of electoral crimes to the commission for the prosecutions 774 persons arrested during the 2023 General Elections for various shades of electoral offences including dereliction of duty, criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct at election, being in possession of offensive weapons, destruction of election materials, political thuggery, electoral violence, snatching of ballot box, stealing of sensitive election materials, etc.”

He reveled that INEC is partnering with the Nigerian Bar Association which has offered to provide pro-bono legal services fir the effective prosecution of the electoral offenders arrested in the course of the 2023 General election.

He however said: “It is worthy of note that a number of key challenges including lack of capacity of INEC in terms of power to investigate and arrest electoral offenders have been identified as militating against effective prosecution and the consequent inadequate prosecution of/conviction on electoral offences recorded over the years.”

He noted that: “The challenges necessitated the call for the creation of an independent body to handle prosecution of electoral offences with such powers as conferred on the EFCC and ICPC to arrest, investigate and prosecute electoral offenders.”

He promised that the commission shall continue to Putin its best in the discharge of its statutory power of electoral offences prosecution until the proposed body is established by law, insisting that “this is the assurexway of reducing the spate of brazen impunity with which electoral offences are committed.”

Meanwhile, the NHRC has condemned the spate of violence during the election re-run in some states, a Senior Human Rights Advisor to the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Hillary Ogbonna while presenting the April Edition of NHRC 2023 Elections Human Rights Situation Dashboard said violence is assuming dangerous dimension during Nigeria’s elections.

He lamented that three voters were killed for resisting thugs in Wudil, Kano State, an APC chieftain killed in Ughelli North, Delta State, another APC ward chairman murdered in Dekina LGA Kogi state, and a
member of a proscribed vigilante group killed for ballot snatching in Kebbi State.

He decried that journalists were not spared from attacks during the last election wit 10 journalists intimidated and chased out of polling unit by thugs in Abeokuta North; three-person Arise TV crew covering the governorship and House of Assembly election injured and had their equipment seized.

He said it was disheartening that In the process of vote buying, thugs were unleashed, leading to the attack of a group of journalists in transit, and security
officials excluding a handful of journalist from covering the collation centre in Kano state

He noted that Akam James, correspondent with Daily Post was assaulted in Ebelebiri community ward 05 unit 19 and the Publisher of Upfront Magazine was also beaten up, TVC Crew was chased out of the community.

He said the NHRC was ready to take up the case of violence against any journalists, urging media practitioners to come public with cases of attack against them during the recently concluded elections.

The Adamawa State Government on Wednesday said it was waiting on Borno State Government to evacuate internally displaced persons from camps in the state in order to finally close them down.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at a workshop on “Advancing Durable Solutions Pathway” sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Mohammed Amin Suleiman, said Borno State indigenes make up 80 percent of inhabitants of IDP camps in Adamawa and for the camps to be close they have to move back to their state.

He said: “I was in Maiduguri last week where we have finalized arrangements with the Borno State government on getting the IDPs from their state evacuated, and immediately this is done we are going to close down the IDP camps in Adamawa State.”

Suleimon said the Adamawa State Governor, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has given a nod for the closure of the IDP camps and it could be closed any moment from now.

He however expressed appreciation over the contributions of UNHCR on issues concerning accommodation for the IDPs, stating that it well a great collaboration with Adamawa State Government by UNHCR that have brought smiles on the faces of many displaced persons.

Speaking at the event, the UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Chanda Kapaya noted that the propose of the workshop was to address the pressing challenges of internal displacement and support reintegration of self-organized refugee return in Nigeria’s north eastern region, with special focus on Adamawa State.

Kapaya, who was represented by the Assistant Representative, UNHCR Nigeria, Mr. Gilbert Mutai lamented that over the past decade, the number of internally displaced persons worldwide has doubled, reaching a record high of 55 million.

She said: “In 2021 alone, conflict, violence, and disasters triggered a staggering 38 million internal displacements across 141 countries and territories, as reported by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC).”

She lamented that: “With no immediate solutions available for the vast majority, displaced communities have been forced to live for generations without the ability to plan for their future or exercise their human rights. The persistence of these crises calls for a reassessment of our approaches to securing durable solutions for the forcibly displaced.”

She said as a result of intertribal clashes and natural disasters, millions of individuals have been displaced in the Northeast with Borno having 1,640,408 individuals and Adamawa and Yobe having 223,910 and 151,366 respectively.

She noted that in Adamawa State, with the establishment of government-led mechanisms, such as the Durable Solutions Steering Committee and the Technical Working Group on Durable Solutions, has created momentum to advance solutions for the displaced and their host communities.

Kapaya said that UNHCR’s pilot project, the Labondo Local Integration Project in Adamawa State, is one of the initiatives that exemplifies a multi-sectoral, area-based approach that prioritizes community empowerment, sustainable housing, socioeconomic development.

She explained that: “As we move forward, ensuring the sustainability and scalability of these initiatives is crucial and will require the expertise and financing of development partners,” stressing that: “Through our combined efforts, we can build upon the progress made so far and ensure that the project continues to improve the lives of those in need.”

Newly commissioned Ambassadors-in-Situ have pledged not to let the federal government down in the discharge of their statutory duties in Nigeria or while on foreign mission, outside the shores of the country.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada on Tuesday commissioned 31 new Ambassadors-in-Situ, among them four women.

One of the new Ambassadors, Naomi Chika Nwachukwu, who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of others, while noting that uneasy lies the head that wears a crown, pledged that the new ambassadors commitment to service their nation assiduously.

She said they would ensure that Nigeria’s foreign policy is implemented to the later.

The incumbent Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and one of her predecessors, were amongst those conferred with the exalted title.

Performing the ceremony of the conferment of the title to the foreign service officers, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, said the Investiture Ceremony for the presentation of Letters of Commission and conferment of the title of Ambassadors-in-Situ on serving and retired Foreign Service Officers is not only eventful but historic.

He applauded them for their elevation, stressing that the honour would have come earlier but for some unavoidable circumstances.

While tasking them to rededicate selves to their duties, the Minister ask the new diplomats to put to good use their wealth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom in the discharge of their duties.

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has joined others in pleading with the UK government to show leniency with former Nigeria Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu awaiting the verdict of the court on organ harvesting.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Head of Media Public Relations and Protocols of NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa pleaded with the court to show compassion and sympathy in this case.

” I join men and women of goodwill to plead for clemency for Sen. Ike Ekweremadu , if only even considering the psychological trauma, Sonia , the daughter, would be going through knowing that her parents are in jail because they tried to save her from a health condition she had no control over”, Dabiri-Erewa pleaded.

Dabiri-Erewa implored the UK government to temper justice with mercy, while admitting that “mistakes have been made , and lessons learnt”.

The NIDCOM boss while stating that though there is no ignorance before the law, however explained that Ekweremadu and his wife acted under natural instincts of parents to save an ailing daughter, and not for commercial purposes.

The European Union (EU) has emphasized the importance of free, independent and pluralistic media to resilient and healthy democracies, even as it lamented that press freedom is at stake in most parts of the world today.

The EU in a statement on the World Press Freedom Day lamented that journalists, media workers and all those who bring independent quality information to the public, shed light on the gross human rights violations and atrocities and hold those in power to account increasingly face discredit, threats and attacks, including through disinformation.

The EU said while: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers,” noted that laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago, the protection of freedom of expression remains a key priority for EU human rights action.

The EU in the statement on Tuesday said: “This year we join UNESCO in emphasizing that, today more than ever, freedom of expression is crucial for all other human rights and contributes decisively to ‘Shaping a Future of Rights’.
 
It said: “Reporters in an attacked Ukraine, journalists in Belarus and Afghanistan, independent media in the Middle East and North Africa, local journalists in Central America, the Nobel Prize laureates in the Philippines and Russia and many other media workers worldwide, including in Europe, continue to pay a high price for exercising their profession.
 
“Women journalists are particularly vulnerable to threats and increasing attacks, both offline and online. They are exposed to stigmatization, sexist hate speech, trolling, sexual and gender-based violence and even murder. 73% of women journalists have experienced online threats, abuse and harassment in the course of their work. We have never seen as many women journalists in detention as today.
 
“As a staunch defender of the right to freedom of expression, the EU condemn all forms of threats and violence against journalists and support media workers in danger through local missions and via dedicated programmes, such as the Safejournalists platform in the Western Balkans, the Support to independent media and fundamental freedoms project in Cambodia and the Media Resilience programme in Afghanistan.
In parallel, the EU is taking action within the Union: countering Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), regulating digital services and markets, and proposing an EU Media Freedom Act.
 
“Simultaneously, we are building up critical capacity to counter foreign information manipulation and interference, and to help citizens in Europe strengthen their resilience to disinformation, manipulation and propaganda, with initiatives such as the EUvsDisinfo platform and the European Digital Media Observatory.
Defending and promoting press freedom is a universal mission that knows no borders. The EU will remain committed to engage with governments, the media and civil society, both in international fora as well as at the local level, to take initiative and strengthen press freedom around the world.”

The Federal Government has clarified that Igbos were among the first set of Nigerians that were evacuated crisis ridden Sudan.

The Nigerian government especially the
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa was called out by a stranded Nigerian in Sudan on the social media for allegedly denying Igbos lift in the bus chartered to convey stranded Nigerians from Khartoum to Cairo, in Egypt.

A statement on Tuesday by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Francisca Omayuli read:
“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to a video making the rounds on the social media of an unidentified man with no indication of his contact details nor location, claiming that the Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, refused to evacuate Igbos resident in Sudan.

“The Ministry has investigated the allegation and can assure Nigerians that there is no truth whatsoever to the allegation. The Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum confirmed that evacuees of Igbo extraction were among the first batch of 637 Nigerians evacuated to Aswan Border, Egypt where they are presently awaiting their eventual return to Nigeria.

“In addition, the Embassy noted that before the commencement of the movement of buses deployed for the evacuation exercise in Khartoum, there were scuffles between the students and other Nigerian residents due to the limited number of buses. However, more buses were made available to accommodate every Nigerian national in Sudan who indicated interest to be evacuated.”

Omayuli added that: “It is therefore, surprising that such a misleading allegation could be leveled against officials of the Embassy who had worked tirelessly on the evacuation exercise.
To this end, the general public is advised to disregard the allegation.”

Shutdown Benue ethanol company put up structure to arrest pollution

Shut ethanol- producing company, Pure Biotech Company Limited has put up a state of the art facility to control its emission of pollutant into River Benue.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Nigeria Police Force had sealed off the company on 17th April, 2023 for contravening environmental law by discharging pollutants into public water system.

The company was subsequently opened last week when it was able to convince NESREA that necessary facilities and control have been put in place to control emission of pollutants into public water system.

Among the facilities install is a state-of-the-art Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), which is deployed to prevent the reoccurrence of wastewater contamination, which was the reason for its shutdown.

In an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Relations of the company, Mr Stephen Numbeve,, said his organisation has taken the necessary step to get reopened and would never go through the route that brought the clampdown.

He admitted the accidental discharge of untreated effluent (wastewater) into the Benue River in Bezu Village where the factory is located, has led to severe pollution, and could not blame the environmental right groups and other stakeholders call for the shut down of the Chinese factory.

Numbeve said the organisation have learnt a big lesson, which made it to take the decision to optimise its Environmental Management System (EMS) by completing its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

This, he said has been approved and awaiting EIS certification by the Federal Ministry of Environment.

He said: “It is important to make it clear that the said discharge was not a continuous one as being widely reported. It occurred just that moment while the facility’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) then was under a test run. We erred, we were sanctioned according to the environmental laws, our facility was sealed off by NESREA on 17th April for almost two (2) weeks, but most importantly, we have learnt our lessons!

“After complying with stipulated conditions for unsealing in line NESREA’s enforcement procedures, including conducting independent physicochemical analysis, ascertaining the functionality of ETP, payment of fines, our company was unsealed on 29th April, 2023, we have resumed operations”.

Numbeve said the company had equipped its laboratory to ensure that product, effluent and air quality analysis were carried out to ensure that all parameters meet standards and regulations of relevant bodies.

“We are adopting circular economy approach to waste management. Now, all solid and liquid wastes are converted into bio-gas, fertiliser, and even the treated wastewater now being recycled.

“Nothing is to be discharged into the environment or river, anymore! We encourage the general public to take a tour to the company and see things for yourselves,” he said.

He said Pure Biotech Company Limited was law abiding and would continually improve on its systems and programs toward protecting the environment and human health.

“Pure Biotech Company Limited has invested a fortune to optimize her waste management mechanisms. Our vision is to become a leading environmental friendly company in Benue State and the North Central Nigeria.

“Pure Biotech Company Limited, beside the incident, is not discharging any effluent into the environment, river or any water body whatsoever.

The PR manager said the company was embarking on several Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, such as the provision of clean water, education, healthcare, farm support, employment opportunities for the indigenes.

Delta State Governor-Elect and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has commended workers in the country for their “immense and invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.”

In a Press Statement to mark this year’s Workers’ Day, the Governor-elect urged them to keep the flag flying notwithstanding the current economic challenges in the country. He encouraged them to “remain optimistic,” adding that they must remain focused and prayerful for Nigeria to come out of her present predicament.

In the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, Oborevwori said: “I rejoice with Nigerian workers today as they celebrate this year’s Workers’ Day. Labour creates wealth, and is the most significant product in any country.

“I commend our workers for their sacrifice, patience, and dedication to duty. This country is grateful to you for your immense and invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

“Though the current economic situation in the country is less than desirable, I urge you to remain optimistic, and continue to pray for wisdom for our leaders to get us out of the woods. I believe the labour of our workers shall not be in vain.

“Happy Workers’ Day.”

Shut ethanol- producing company, Pure Biotech Company Limited has appealed to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to reopen its premise for operation after it installed a state-of-the-art Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), to prevent the reoccurrence of wastewater contamination, which was the reason for its shutdown.

The NESREA and the Nigeria Police Force had sealed off the company on 17th April, 2023 for contravening environmental law by discharging pollutants into public water system.

In an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Relations of the company, Mr Stephen Numbeve,, said his organisation has taken the necessary step to get reopened and thereby appealing to NESREA to give the go ahead to resume operations.

He admitted the accidental discharge of untreated effluent (wastewater) into the Benue River in Bezu Village where the factory is located, has led to severe pollution, and could not blame the environmental right groups and other stakeholders call for the shut down of the Chinese factory.

Numbeve said the organisation have learnt a big lesson, which made it to take the decision to optimise its Environmental Management System (EMS) by completing its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

This, he said has been approved and awaiting EIS certification by the Federal Ministry of Environment.

He said: “It is important to make it clear that the said discharge was not a continuous one as being widely reported. It occurred just that moment while the facility’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) then was under a test run. We erred, we were sanctioned according to the environmental laws, our facility was sealed off by NESREA on 17th April for almost two (2) weeks, but most importantly, we have learnt our lessons!

“After complying with stipulated conditions for unsealing in line NESREA’s enforcement procedures, including conducting independent physicochemical analysis, ascertaining the functionality of ETP, payment of fines, our company was unsealed on 29th April, 2023, we have resumed operations”.

Numbeve said the company had equipped its laboratory to ensure that product, effluent and air quality analysis were carried out to ensure that all parameters meet standards and regulations of relevant bodies.

“We are adopting circular economy approach to waste management. Now, all solid and liquid wastes are converted into bio-gas, fertiliser, and even the treated wastewater now being recycled.

“Nothing is to be discharged into the environment or river, anymore! We encourage the general public to take a tour to the company and see things for yourselves,” he said.

He said Pure Biotech Company Limited was law abiding and would continually improve on its systems and programs toward protecting the environment and human health.

“Pure Biotech Company Limited has invested a fortune to optimize her waste management mechanisms. Our vision is to become a leading environmental friendly company in Benue State and the North Central Nigeria.

“Pure Biotech Company Limited, beside the incident, is not discharging any effluent into the environment, river or any water body whatsoever.

The PR manager said the company was embarking on several Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, such as the provision of clean water, education, healthcare, farm support, employment opportunities for the indigenes.

The Federal Government has said that 637 Nigerian evacuated from troubled Sudan had arrived the identified safe borders at Aswan, Egypt and are undergoing necessary documentation and clearance before admission into the Egyptian territory for their eventual evacuation to Nigeria, with the second batch of the evacuees in 29 buses slated for Saturday.

A statement jointly issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development on the evacuation of Nigerians caught up in the ongoing crisis in Sudan, said the information was made available to the Situation Room on Friday.

The statement read that: “The Ministers noted that the first batch of 13 buses conveying 637 evacuees had arrived the identified safe borders at Aswan, Egypt and are undergoing necessary documentation and clearance before admission into the Egyptian territory for their eventual evacuation to Nigeria.

“The movement of the second batch of 29 buses will commence on Saturday, 29th April, 2023. The evacuees are advised to be at the designated locations with only one luggage. Contrary to insinuations on the social media, Embassy staff are very much on ground in Khartoum to coordinate the evacuation exercise to the very end. The students and other Nigerians awaiting evacuation from Khartoum, Sudan are therefore, advised to cooperate with them in order to ensure orderliness and proper documentation while embarking on the buses. This will go a long way in speeding up the process and avoiding unnecessary delays with documentation and clearance upon arrival at the Aswan, Egypt.”

The statement which was jointly signed by Amb. Janet Olisa, and ​​​​Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo said While the Federal Government empathizes with affected Nigerians, insisted that maintaining order amidst the desperate situation remains crucial to getting all interested Nigerians out of the war zone in record time before the expiration of the ceasefire, which has been extended by 72 hours.

The general public is also advised to discountenance unverified information being circulated on the social media as “some of them are either due to ignorance or sheer mischief,” the statement insisted that the outcry over the negotiated sum of $1.2 million for the buses hired for the exercise, is uncalled for.

It noted that the amount in question, was negotiated in a condition of war and where there are competing demands for same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens, stating that: “Therefore, the cooperation and understanding of all and sundry is required to complement ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe return of every Nigerian trapped in Sudan.”

It added that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria seizes this opportunity to extend appreciation to friendly countries who have in one way or the other assisted in bringing succour to Nigerians fleeing the war in Sudan. Particularly, Nigeria acknowledges the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for graciously assisting with the evacuation of eight Nigerians from Sudan to safety in its territory, from where they would be airlifted back to Nigeria.

“In the time being, the first batch of Nigerian evacuees who have arrived Aswan are expected to be airlifted to Nigeria in the coming hours by the Nigerian Air Force and Air Peace airline, who have been on standby for the operations.”

• White Witches, Wizards Speak Out
• Say: We welcome Tinubu back to the country.

White Witches and Wizards Association of Nigeria, has warned aggrieved politicians not to scuttle the inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on May 29 at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

The group boasted that Tinubu will be provided with no fewer than 300 witches and wizards to ensure that no harm comes his way, adding that they are unhappy about the manner in which politicians have conducted themselves since Tinubu was announced as the winner of the February 25 presidential poll.

Speaking to newsmen in Calabar, the group’s spokesman, Dr. Okhue Oboi, said they care about the unity of the nation and would safeguard

He said: “We welcome Tinubu back to the country. Recall that Tinubu emerged the winner at our group’s spiritual presidential election held about two months ago before the terrestrial February 25 presidential election. Now, we have reviewed the volatile developments in the country. We urge the aggrieved parties to give peace a chance because resorting to self-help will do more harm than good to the polity. There is no reason for Tinubu to be afraid because all the campaigns of calumny mounted against him are mere distractions. We are currently cleaning and detoxifying the Abuja environment where Tinubu will operate from.

“What Tinubu needs now is prayers of good health and long life from all Nigerians so he could deliver on his Renewed Hope promise for better life for all.”

Oboi, who spoke on the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State, said the group has met with the three major tribes in the state and have aggregated their demands.

He said: “We have met with the Igala, Ebira and Yoruba population in the state. We met Igala people in Idah, Ebira people in Obehira and Yoruba people in Kabba and listened to them. We advise Dino Melaye to see us if he is desirous of realising his governorship dream. If he listens to our advice, he will laugh because the trees and waters of the confluence state will vote for him regardless of whether Governor Wike supports him or not.

“It will be in Melaye’s interest to see us too so he can smile. If he fails to see the witches and wizards, he will regret it because he will not win the election.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for a strong interface among Africans and their Diasporas around the world.

Buhari, while speaking at the opening of the 2nd edition of Global African Diaspora Symposium, Abuja, 2023, with the theme “Building Stronger Connections Between Africa and the Global Diaspora”, said it would be a good platform for the promotion of the global Diaspora as a key resource for positive projection of Africa.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Transport, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo said it was necessary for Africans to connect and build a common front and also lay down strategic frameworks to address the challenges arising in the new world.

He said: “Today presents another milestone in the history of our nation in hosting Africans and its Diaspora. The choice of Nigeria as its country is timely and historic in the face of our political transition to a new government presently.

“This symposium being the 2nd in the series talks on some very key objectives such as to create an interface for networking among Africans and other Disaporas around the world. To also promote the implementation and institutionalisation of Pan-Africanism at the United Nations through the celebration of the International decade for people of African descent, hoping that it becomes a platform for the promotion of the global Diaspora as a key resource for positively projecting Africa.

“This is why the theme of this symposium is apt and has been in tune with the current realities of the global scene.

“It is empirical for Africans at home and in the Diaspora to connect and build a common front and also lay down strategic frameworks to address the challenges arising in the new world.

“The best approach to connect the Diaspora for sustainable development is to harness its vast materials and resources whether in the continent or in the Diaspora.”

He added that: “It is expected that the objectives of this symposium lead to outcomes that portray the entire African Diaspora, a sense of belonging with an ease of entering and movement of the Diaspora into and around Africa.

Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on her part, said it was high time Africans come together to tap into the vast opportunities of Diaspora so as to develop the continent.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that Africa needs to engage more with her Diaspora, stressing that: “It is us coming together. We have everything that should make us great.”

In her remark. the Chairman, Global Organizing Committee Global African Diaspora Symposium, Mrs Ibukun Odusote,, said all Africans must work together to achieve greatness.

She said: “Only Africans can develop Africa. This goal of developing the African continent may not be achievable without the involvement of ‘the Sixth Region of the African Union: The African Diaspora.

“It is by harnessing the skills and expertise of this sixth Region can our dreams of a better Africa can be achieved, even as those of us within Africa join hands with those in the Diaspora to carry out the task of building the Africa of our dream.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has advised skit producers to show restraint, responsibility and decorum in the use of paraphernalia of law enforcement officers to avoid misconceptions and insinuations.

The advice came on the heels of a trending video where some men dressed in what looks like operational kits of the NDLEA were involved in what ridiculed the operational ethics of the anti-narcotics agency.

The spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Tuesday said:
“We wishes to reiterate that a trending video of some persons wearing red jackets similar to the ones used by officers and men of the agency for operational purposes, operating in a minibus, is an old skit, which the agency had disclaimed a year old.”

Babafemi said: “The agency had in a well-publicized statement released on Saturday 21st May 2022 stated that it had established, following series of public enquiries, that the video with screenshot pictures attached to the statement is a skit produced by one Mathew C Eze who lives in the Lekki area of Lagos.”

He lamented that: “A year after, the video has returned to the social media space, a development that has led to several enquiries from concerned members of the public on the authenticity of the content of the video.”

He said: “We will like to reiterate again that the confusion the controversial video has created in the minds of members of the public underscores the need for some social media content producers to show restraint, responsibility and decorum in how they misuse paraphernalia of law enforcement officers to avoid misconceptions and insinuations.”

He warned that: “The agency will also like to remind those fond of this kind of indiscretion, especially the misuse of its official jackets to mislead and create false impressions, that such has consequences.”

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos a widower, Ariyibi Olaseinde and a divorcee, Silifat Akanbi with 14.4 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in lace and ankara fabrics while attempting to take it Saudi Arabia on a trip for lesser hajj.

According to a statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, Ariyibi was intercepted last Thursday at the screening point of MMIA Terminal 2 during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers travelling from Lagos via Doha to Medina, Saudi Arabia, when his carry-on bag was checked, four sets of white lace material with linings of substance that tested positive to cocaine weighing 11.5 kilogrammes were discovered.

Babafemi said the suspect who claimed to be a widower and an advertising practitioner, disclosed that his original plan was to ingest the drugs but had to change his mind after failed attempts to swallow bitter cola, which he was using to practice the process. He is expected to be paid N1.8 million upon successful delivery of the consignment in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

The spokesman said the previous day, the NDLEA officers at the Terminal 2 of the airport also arrested Mrs. Silifat Akanbi with 2.9 kilogrammes cocaine during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers from Lagos via Doha to Jedda, Saudi Arabia, noting that a search of her hand luggage led to the discovery of six sheets of cocaine weighing 2.9 kilogrammes concealed in ankara fabrics.

He said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a divorcee and a trader who used to hawk cloths around Awoyaya area of Ajah, Lagos. He added that based on information in her statement, a follow up operation that lasted through the night into the early hours last Thursday was carried out, during which the person who recruited her, Alhaji Adebayo Wasiu was arrested at No 28, Olateju Street, Mushin, Lagos. Adebayo is the managing director of B&T Travel Agency.

NDLEA officers attached to courier companies have also intercepted two drug consignments consisting of ecstasy and skunk going to United Arab Emirate. While the pills of ecstasy were concealed in a gold colour wedding gown, the skunk was hidden in a micro controller.

This is even as a 400-level Marine Engineering student at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa state, Kelvin Ogenedoro was arrested for dealing in 600 grammes of skunk. He was nabbed at the university’s gate in a follow up operation following the interception of the consignment in a commercial bus along Tombia-Amassoma road.

In Adamawa state, a notorious drug dealer, Sunday Ishaku Emzor (aka Lalas) who was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in 2010 for drug offences, was last Thursday arrested for drug dealing. He was arrested at Hayin Gada, Imburu Numan local government area where he went to supply 1.65 kilogrammes cannabis to an undercover operative. His Yellow Press Cub motorcycle used for supplying illicit drugs and a cash of N78,120 suspected to be proceed of the illegal business were recovered from him at the point of arrest.

On the same day in Kaduna, operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted a truck conveying 110 bags and 200 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 1.223 tons (1,223kg) in Zaria while the truck driver, Adekunle Olanrewaju, 32, and his assistant, Tunde Jamiu, 20, were arrested.

In Edo State, a 42-year-old cripple, Lucky Aigberenmolen trading in illicit drugs on his wheelchair was arrested in a raid of drug joints in parts of the state. While Lucky was nabbed at Ekpoma, Esan West local government area with 1.3 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa and 10 litres of Monkey Tail, another suspect, Mary David, 46, was arrested at Ugbegun, Esan Central local government area with four litres of Monkey Tail and Osagiede Stephanie, 19, at Ekpoma, with various quantities of Colorado, Methamphetamine, and Molly. A 50kg cannabis stored in a bush ready for distribution was also recovered in Irrua area of the state.

Babafemi said while two suspects: Adeshina Olalekan and Christopher Joel, were arrested at Lektop hotel, Igbeba, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, with 39 litres of Skuchies, as well as various quantities of tramadol, and rophynol, operatives in Imo State intercepted a female suspect, Ijeoma Anyiam, 40, at Orogwe, Owerri North with 70 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 30kg.

He disclosed that a notorious drug dealer in Okitipupa area of Ondo state, Matthew Obateru, 42, has also been taken into custody after different quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Colorado and Loud were recovered from him. In Taraba, a suspect, Mohammed Usman was arrested last Monday in connection with the seizure of 10,009 pills of tramadol.

Meanwhile while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Kaduna, Edo, Ogun, Imo, Ondo and Taraba Commands of the agency for the excellent job done in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) charged them and their compatriots across the country to continue to raise the bar of professionalism in the daily discharge of their responsibilities.

Nigerians have been asked to brace up for a bleak future as the coming of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president-elect, will not change the fortunes of the people. Rather the lies, nepotism and deceit that characterized outing going President Muhammadu Buhari will continue.
Funkekeme Solomon, Senior Political Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, stated this while speaking on Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Television.
Noting that the same set of people that chaperoned President Muhammadu Buhari and drove his agenda that have left divided than before are the same persons that now surround Tinubu, Solomon said the President-elect shares in the lies and deceit that characterized Buhari’s nearly eight years in power.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) on which Tinubu rode to power is an amalgam of desperate power seekers driven entirely by their to loot the national treasury and maintain a stranglehold on the levers of power without any thought to better the lot of the people”, he said.

But he had cheery news for the people of Delta State. He said that in Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, there is a governor-elect with a deep passion to better the lot of people.
“In Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta has a man coming prepared to take the state on a great leap forward. He was a councilor in Okpe, a community leader in Osubi and Speaker of the State House of Assembly for the past six years. He knows the extent of achievements of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the areas to follow up on. He has never been alienated from the people, he grew up in their midst and he will hit the ground running”, Solomon stated.
Noting that the representation of women in elected positions decreased after the 2023 elections at all levels, he said Oborevwori will take affirmative actions to more women hold greater positions of authority.
On defection of some Delta politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in others days before the gubernatorial election, the Senior Political Adviser said it was indecorous and naive of the politicians. “Politics requires integrity and loyalty on the part of all stakeholders. They were not strategic in their thinking. But the people knew better”, Solomon said.
He advocated a fundamental review of the operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its parent ministry, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. “Right now, those running the NDDC panders more to the interests of politicians in Abuja than attending to the demands of the Niger Delta people. By now, we ought to have a university built and funded by NDDC. The focus on just building roads, most of which are hardly completed, is wrong. The agency should be supporting businesses of the legion of entrepreneurial young men and women from the region. Special attention should be paid to equipping them for the numerous opportunities in the oil and gas industry. Concentrating on roads is a pedestrian approach to addressing the developmental challenges in the region”, he said.

Signed

PIUS MORDI
Special Assistant on Political Matters to the Governor

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, on Wednesday affirmed that the state was ready to partner investors in its vast oil and gas deposits as the country grappled with economic turnaround. 

The governor made this known while receiving Delta Special Economic Zone license from Federal Government through Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), in Abuja. 

He said that his administration had provided enabling environment, including peace and security, for businesses to thrive, and assured the sustenance of development in the state. 

Okowa expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the special license, and also assured that the state government was prepared to synergise with NEPZA, corporate organizations and groups to achieve the essence of the license. 

He commended the management of NEPZA for the support and encouragement toward the realization of the state’s desire to have its resources properly harnessed. 

He disclosed that availability of four seaports and two airports, in addition to necessary infrastructure, including good roads network, was a great impetus for businesses to flourish in the state. 

In his remarks, Minister of Investment, Commerce and industry, Chief Niyi Adebayo, pledged Federal Government’s support to the development of the special economic zone in Delta. 

Adebayo, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr S.A. Jaja, said that operation of the economic zone would have multiplier-effect on Delta’s and national economy. 

Earlier, the Chairman, Steering Committee for Establishment of Delta Special Economic Zone, Mr Festus Agas, had traced the track led to the presentation of the operating license to the state, and commended Governor Okowa for the effort. 

Agas, who is Chief of Staff to Okowa, lauded the Federal Government for discerning the potential in Delta and approving the license. 

He also commended NEPZA for the collaboration in seeing the “project” through, and sued for sustenance of the synergy.

*** Says Governor-Elect Will Not Disappoint Him, Deltans

The Okpe Union , United Kingdom, has rained praises on the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for his overwhelming support for their Kinsman, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, JP, FICMC, FNIM, Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom, before and during the 2023 general elections.

They said in an appreciation letter to the Governor that; “Your Excellency, the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, as Governor-Elect, was a great honour done to Okpe Kingdom. We are indeed very grateful and appreciative. God made it possible through you”.

The appreciation letter was endorsed by Okakuro Godwin Ogholo- President, Mrs. Shirley Okechukwu – Vice President, Mr. John Ewhubare Siakpere (JP) – Publicity Secretary, Mr. Eghele Sylvester Atughwe – Secretary General, Mrs. Florence Avwunu- Treasurer, Dr. Richard Stephens- Assistant Secretary General and Okakuro Peter Enye – The Togbaturi of Okpe Kingdom.

According to them; “For us in Okpe Kingdom of Delta State, the emergence of our Son and Brother, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori as Delta State Governor in the March 18th , 2023, all we can see and talk about is God’s Glory, and we give God and your esteemed self all the glory. It is heartwarming to note the faith, confidence and hope you reposed in our kinsman as your worthy successor”.

“Okpe Union, United Kingdom, wishes to state in the strongest possible terms that our kinsman will not let you and Deltans down. He will reciprocate this gesture by making huge sacrifices and work harder to consolidate on the gains already recorded under the SMART AGENDA of your administration by his faithful implementation of his MORE AGENDA”, they added.

They also said that; “Your Excellency, the support you gave to Okpe quest for governorship of our dear state means so much to us. Governor Okowa, we say thank you, thank you and thank you”.

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa has said the situation in Sudan was responsible for the inability to evacuate Nigerians trapped in the country presently engulfed in crisis.

Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement on Friday by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the Commission, said while the Nigerian Mission in Sudan and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), have put in place arrangements to evacuate Nigerian students and other Nigerian citizens stranded in Sudan, the tensed situation makes it gravely risky and impossible for any flights at this point in time.

She noted that “aircrafts parked at the airport in the country were burnt yesterday morning.”

Dabiri-Erewa also noted that humanitarian groups are seeking ways of getting food, water and medicals across to people.

She therefore appealed to the fighting parties to consider the Juba Peace Agreement enunciated by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as fundamental mechanism for the restoration of peace and tranquility in the country.