By Austen AKHAGBEME:

One of the earliest definitions of a political party I knew as a secondary school student was that of Edmund Burke, the eighteenth-century British philosopher and scholar. He defined political parties as the body of men united to promote, by their joint endeavour, the national interest based on a particular principle on which they all agreed.

The above definition, no matter how ” elementary” it is today, presupposes the importance and uniqueness of an agreed principle or ideology that is pivotally driving the union.

But in Nigeria today, political parties have become a mere political nest for politicians to roost while aggregating selfish plans based on primordial justification. Edmund Burke’s idea of a principled union or ideological congregation has become the exception rather than the rule.

Little wonder that the recently concluded party conventions of the two major political parties in Nigeria, APC and the PDP was a display of reckless poaching by both parties as we witnessed a lot of former PDP battle commanders becoming APC chieftains and vice-versa.

This was made possible by the inorganic nature of party formation and metamorphosis in our clime. Here, parties are not and never driven by a known and acceptable ideology but by mere sloganeering, masquerading as a party manifesto aimed aimlessly at assuring the masses of a change or a breath of fresh air.

Because the parties lack ideology, they are, therefore, borderless and fluid such that they have become the gathering of strange bedfellows and pretenders. This is the reason why a politician who lost a ticket to contest for a particular position in an election in one party can easily jump to another in search of the same ticket without a pricking conscience.

Our democracy has truly become the victim as such democratic structures, as important as political parties, becomes a mere vehicle for political mobility by political elites and their cronies.

The overall result of all these is the lack of governance, elite hypocrisy, heartless bureaucracy, greed and avarice which recently has culminated in insecurity pervading our land. If the parties do not have ideologies, how can the nation have a national philosophy? We truly still have a long way to go in Nigeria. We sure do.

• Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is going to collaborate with both the United States of America and France in different areas of training and manpower development aimed at repositioning it to become a world class organisation.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi gave this indication on Friday while playing host to two separate delegations from the U.S and France.

He expressed his readiness to enhance the capacity of his personnel through different categories of training for effective performance in different areas of the Corps’ mandates.

According to Audi, the corps which is a lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, disaster and crisis management, regulation of Private Guards Companies and other given ad-hoc assignments such as the Agro Rangers, counter insurgency operations among others, would perform better if there is enhanced capacity of its personnel.

He maintained that protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure from the nefarious activities of vandals would be better done when the Corps is equipped with state of the art surveillance equipment like surveillance cameras, utility vehicles to navigate difficult terrains, drones and tracking devices; insisting that such assistance will help the Corps to carry out diligent prosecution of its assignments.

Audi noted that training in Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) accompanied with up to date simulation exercises will better reposition the NSCDC to respond more proportionately to the current asymmetric warfare affecting Nigeria.

In response, the Senior Regional Security Officer at the US Embassy, Michael Steven, appreciated the Corps over its response to security situations in the country, citing the peaceful conduct of its personnel in different national assignments in Abuja and across the country.

Steven expressed willingness to support and collaborate with NSCDC, stressing that his country has enough expertise in many areas and advised the CG to articulate the Corps areas of needs accordingly in order of priority, assuring that US will leverage on the existing relationship to assist the corps in succeeding.

In a related development, the Desk Officer, Police Cooperation, French Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Lt Col Laurent Savio, who was on a similar visit to the CG NSCDC, said he was delighted to visit the Corps National Headquarters to further strengthen the existing ties with the Corps and to know its needs with a view to understanding the areas of possible collaboration.

He promised to assist the organization in designing and facilitating training programs and equipment that are made in France to help recalibrate and upgrade the Corps to a professional standard for optimal performance while also thanking the CG for Injecting new innovations, policies and programs that has turned around the organization in the last one year of his leadership.

The Commandant General promised to constitute a committee to interface and come up with credible training programs that will benefit the personnel and the Corps at large. The Security Attache, Verin Emmanuel, who was also in the entourage assured the Commandant General that they will continue discussions on the collaboration and fashion out better ways of maintaining the partnership.

• Contributed by Mike SOGBOLA

Wife of President of the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs Jacqueline Brou has lamented the prevalence of high maternal mortality rate in West Africa.

She equally lamented the low levels of female education, violence against women, early marriage and female genital mutilation in the region.

Speaking in Abuja at an occasion to commemorate the International Women’s Day, IWD, Brou said the West African region is still bedeviled with the highest rate of maternal mortality, low levels of female education, violence against them, early marriage and female genital mutilation.

Brou, speaking under the theme defined by the United Nations: “equality today for a sustainable future” and the campaign themed: “BreakThe Barriers”, disclosed that because of the situation in West Africa, the commission would be taking steps to ensure that the ECOWAS Vision 2050 development process reflects and is inclusive by actively involving women and youth in the design and implementation of all ECOWAS development programmes and projects.

She notedthat the commission is duty bound to fight job segregation and break down prejudices through the provision of more employment opportunities for women and young people.

Brou advised the ECOWAS Amazons to remain steadfast, working in unity to achieve the goals of the commission which would put Africa in the right grounds.

She said: “Although International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8, our celebration should not be limited to just a calendar date. Women, the pillar of any society, should be celebrated every day for their bravery, their fights, their social, economic, cultural and political achievements.

“Indeed, International Women’s Day not only provides a useful opportunity to remember that every individual has a role to play in building a more gender-balanced world, but the day is also a call to action to accelerate gender parity by challenging gender stereotypes while forging a more progressive mindset and inclusive behavior.

“The celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day 2022, under the theme defined by the United Nations “equality today for a sustainable future” and the campaign theme “BriserLesBarrières / BreakThe Barriers” must lead us to become aware of the considerable impact of prejudices on gender equality, whether conscious or unconscious. We must recognize it and denounce it. Therefore, we must break the chains of prejudices that have entangled and conditioned our lives, such as prejudices related to gender, religion, nationality, age, geography, culture… And the list goes on. These biases distort thinking, influence beliefs and undermine the development and empowerment of West African women.

She decried that: “Despite the progress made by most West African countries in terms of women’s participation in the economic and social sectors, policy-making and leadership, the region still has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality, low levels of female education, violence against them, early marriage and female genital mutilation. These factors play a major role in hindering the progress of women in the region”.

She said: “It is in this context that the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have declared zero tolerance towards sexual and gender-based violence and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in the ECOWAS region. This commitment has materialized through the adoption of a number of instruments and mechanisms by various ECOWAS entities, including the ECOWAS Gender Policy, the Gender Strategic Plan Framework, the gender, youth and childhood policies, and the Supplementary Act on equal rights between women and men for sustainable development in the ECOWAS region.

“The Commission has also taken steps to ensure that the ECOWAS Vision 2050 development process is participatory and inclusive by actively involving women and youth in the design and implementation of all ECOWAS development programs and projects.

“In addition, the Commission is committed to fighting job segregation and breaking down prejudices by providing more employment opportunities for women and young people. I dare to hope that with these important steps, we will continue to realize “The ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All.”

She however said: “On a personal note, I would like to express my appreciation and the opportunity to share with you these fantastic moments as part of the celebration of International Women’s Day. I gradually realized how lucky I have been for the past four years. I can proudly say that you are all like family to me and I thank you for your precious and inexhaustible trust in me. None of us has accomplished anything in isolation and the great successes and milestones of the Amazons have been the result of our mutual respect, collaboration and cooperation.”

She charged: “Amazons, never forget that you are the pride of ECOWAS, our common institution. Do not allow any prejudice to alter your vision, and trust me, I will be your advocate alongside my dear husband for even more women Commissioners, more women Directors and Heads of Division, more women in all positions. You can count on me.

“On a personal note, I would like to express my appreciation and the opportunity to share with you these fantastic moments as part of the celebration of International Women’s Day. I gradually realized how lucky I have been for the past four years. I can proudly say that you are all like family to me and I thank you for your precious and inexhaustible trust in me. None of us has accomplished anything in isolation and the great successes and milestones of the Amazons have been the result of our mutual respect, collaboration and cooperation.

“Amazons, never forget that you are the pride of ECOWAS, our common institution. Do not allow any prejudice to alter your vision, and trust me, I will be your advocate alongside my dear husband for even more women Commissioners, more women Directors and Heads of Division, more women in all positions. You can count on me.”

In the spirit of celebration of the IWD, the ECOWAS Women’s Forum (ECOCOM Amazon), visited the Maternity Ward of Asokoro General Hospital, where they
doled out maternal equipment and kits worth US$3,500.

During the visit to the maternity ward of the hospital, Mrs. Brou, who is the matron of the ECOWAS Amazon, stated that the material donated on behalf of ECOWAS women falls within the framework of the celebration of the international women’s day.

Brou said coming from a medical family, she feels excited and committed to donate such equipment to the hospital, promising that the intention of the commission is to continue carrying out charity programs in the hospital due to the proximity of the hospital to the ECOWAS Secretariat.

Commending the commission for their kind gestures, the Medical Director of Asokoro General Hospital, Uche Afioma, said that the commission had shown practical support for women.

She said: “This donation from the ECOWAS commissioners wife, Mrs. Jacqueline Brou we are very grateful on behalf of Asokoro district hospital and we thank her for the kind gesture and the entire AMAZONS, the team that has supported warmly in order to make these donations. We say thank you. They will be useful for upliftment of maternal and child health care in Nigeria and in the FCT as a whole. And we also hope that God will continue to bless them and replenish the purse.”

Also speaking, Dr. Olanrewaju Micheal, Head of Department & Consultant, O&G, thanked the ECOCOM Amazon for the donation, stating that the donations came at a good time.

Ukraine has expressed appreciation to Nigeria and other nations that have stood by her in the ongoing war against Russia who invaded her territory on February 24.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Defence Attache to the Embassy of Ukraine in the Nigeria, Colonel Andrii Vasyliev, asked for more sanctions against Russia, insisting that Russia is planning chemical attack on Ukraine and has perpetrated war crimes with attacked targeted at children and some women raped by Russian soldiers.

Vasyliev said: “By killing civilians, Russia continues to commit crimes against humanity as defined by the Statute of the International Military Tribunal and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, cynically disregarding all requirements of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. According to these norms, intentional attacks on civilians who are not directly involved in hostilities are equated to war crimes.

“As a result of Russia’s armed aggression in Ukraine, 115 children were killed and more than 140 were injured.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights has been receiving complaints from Ukrainians about sexual crimes committed by the Russian military.”

He said: “Another confirmation of Russia’s preparations for a chemical attack against Ukraine has been found.

“The presence of chemists was detected in the occupation contingent of the Russian Federation. Thus, four days ago, as a result of a battle with Russian troops near Staromlynivka (south of Velyka Novosilka, Donetsk region), a large number of occupiers were killed.
Among the large number of received documents of the Russian militaries the certificate of the officer of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation of narrow profile specialization named Aftayev Alexander Viktorovich was found.

“According to the documents, before his death in Ukraine, Aftayev served in 21222 military unit – the Federal Office for the Safe Storage and Destruction of Chemical Weapons in the city of Penza. And before serving in the army, he graduated from the “Saratov Military Institute of Biological and Chemical Safety.”

He added that: “Thus, the documents obtained may indicate that Russia is preparing a terrorist attack against Ukraine on the use of chemical weapons.”

He said: “Ukraine is grateful to the world community for its support, financial and military assistance in the war against Russia. Ukraine is also grateful to the Government of Nigeria for supporting on March 2, 2022 the resolution “Aggression against Ukraine”, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly by a majority of its members.

“Ukraine is also grateful to the world community for imposing a powerful package of economic sanctions against the Russian economy, businesses, banking and individuals, which have already significantly affected the domestic economic situation in Russia. The world’s leading countries must tighten sanctions against Russia so that it no longer has any chance of continuing this war.”

He noted that: “Sanctions are needed for Russia to think about how to end this war as soon as possible.”

He said: “The top state leadership of Ukraine will continue its active foreign policy in counteracting military aggression. Thus, the President of Ukraine V. Zelensky holds daily talks with world and European leaders. Various formats of further cooperation are discussed. During these talks, Ukraine is asking Western partners to close the skies to Ukraine, or to provide appropriate modern weapons for self-defense against Russian aircraft and missiles.”

• Contributed by Mike SOGBOLA

Former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki has been said to be out to bring back the leadership attributes of late Nigeria’s President, Umaru Yar’Adua and undo the bad governance of the present leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the Leader and Chairman of the Saraki Contact and Advocacy Council Committee
(SACAC), Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher during consultative visit to PDP stakeholders, delegates and supporters from Borno and Yobe state, said Saraki, one of the presidential aspirant on the platform of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) is the only trusted and capable hands to emerge President come 2023, and rescue Nigeria and Nigerians from the shackles of insecurity, inflation and other related bad governance imposed on the country in the last seven years by Muhammadu Buhari and his party.

He said that: “He (Saraki) is a true Democrat with courage and not a civilian dictator. He has an ear to listen like the late president Umaru Musa Yar’adua. He is an extension to late Yar’adua.”

The presidential campaign team of the former Senate president while soliciting support of stakeholders and delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Borno and Yobe States, said, they were in Borno for advocacy visit to garner support for the ex-Senate president to pick the PDP’s presidential ticket.

Hagher said Saraki wants to be the next President of Nigeria in order to rescue the country from the shackles of insecurity, inflation and other related bad governance that the nation has had in the last seven years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress, APC led administration.

Hagher said the campaign team had paid similar visits to Gombe, Katsina and other states of the federation as part of its sensitization tour across the country for Senator Saraki, by presenting his vision to Nigerians before his official declaration to join the presidential race for 2023.

Members of the council that accompanied Professor Hagher include; Dr. Ahmadu Musa – Sec, Hon. Fatima Binta Bello, Alhaji Aliyu Maigari, Sen. Shaaba Lafiagi, Mal. Sherif Abdulahi, Hon. Hauwa Bukar, Hon. Abigail Malmo, Comrade Judith Bindi, Moses Aliyu and Comrade David Itopa.

Hagher said apart from the agony and poverty imposed on Nigerians, especially on the people in the North East, the All Progressives Congress had succeeded in dividing Nigeria describing Bukola Saraki as a candidate that goes beyond zoning and is also the candidate that the country needs to address these challenges headlong.

Speaking further on the threats posed by the activities of insurgents and banditry in the nation, Hagher noted that Borno and Yobe had suffered the most as its future has become compromised.

He said: “Bukola Saraki can wipe away the tears of Nigerians because he understands the nitty/gritty of good governance.”

In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the PDP in Borno, Alhaji Zanna Gadama who spoke on behalf of his counterpart from Yobe and the delegates, described Saraki as a leader who is detribalized and have passion for women and youths.

He therefore called on the delegates and party faithful from the two states to continue with the unity and give their maximum support for Saraki’s emergence as PDP presidential candidate.

• From Mike Sogbola

• Okowa Urges High Level Of Decorum

Palpable tension may have gripped politicians over the new move by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration to ensure that members of the State executive council, who have indicated interest to contest in the 2023 general elections exit, in compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act.

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu disclosed this on Friday, March 25, 2022, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

He revealed that some members of Exco were leaving the cabinet to pursue their 2023 aspirations and wished them well in their future endeavours.

He however, declined naming those who may have been affected.

“Today’s Exco may be the last session for members of exco who have indicated interest to contest in the 2023 general elections.

“It is their desire to go and contest and we wish them well even as the governor has advised all contestants involved in the contest to avoid heating up the polity.

“At the moment, Delta is a very peaceful state and we want it to remain so even in the course of the electioneering campaign and as such all contestants have been advised to maintain a high level of decorum.

“They should use words recognising the fact that we are all brothers whether in the party at the level of primaries or at the level of the main contest with any other opposition party.

“What is important is that we are all Deltans and those aspiring to lead must show leadership by using languages that are in line with what those who are to be called leaders use.

“So if you don’t see some members of Exco in the next meeting do know that they have complied with the provision of the Electoral Act of 2022 as passed by the National Assembly.” Aniagwu stated.

-By Albert Ograka, E.I.C

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Wife of Delta State Governor and founder, 05 initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, has flagged off the 5-day Free Eye Care Outreach and commissioned the Delta State owned 17th Sickle Cell Center in Burutu.

Dame Okowa, had promised to establish sickle cell clinics in the twenty-five local government areas of the state.

Inaugurating the latest sickle cell clinic, located at the Burutu General Hospital, Burutu Federal Constituency on Wednesday, she appreciated God for the privilege to impact lives, saying that many had lost their loved ones to sickle cell anemia due to ignorance and improper awareness.

Addressing the people, she said, “Whatever we are doing here does not have any political inclination.

“It is no news that some persons have been insinuating that the free medical care are born out of political aspirations.

“We want to make your lives easier and lighter because it is the will of God for you, not because we want to benefit any favour from you.

“Everyone has a purpose for which he was created and we must all live to please God by fulfilling that purpose.”

“We recognize that the position we occupy as first citizens of Delta State is a privilege birthed out of purpose and we must live our lives according to that purpose.

“We are not the best but we understand that we are accountable to the one who chose us in His mercy.

While urging the residents to take ownership of the facility and imbibe good maintaince culture for sustainable service delivery, she commended the efforts of the local government chairman, Mr. Godknows Angele, for supporting the 05 Initiative.

Meanwhile, the Burutu local government boss, in his remarks lauded the efforts of the 05 Initiative at restoring hope to the hopeless in the state and pledged his continuous support for the Okowa administration.

Also speaking, Dr. Clement Isibor charged the health personnel at the clinic to give adequate attention and care to the patients so as to justify the huge investment of the 05 Initiative in collaboration with the Burutu local government council.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye represented by his Permanent Secretary Dr. Ejiro Ogheneaga affirmed that the ministry was prepared to support the initiative’s drive at impacting lives.

One of the beneficiaries in 2018, 80 year old Pa Nelson Iyakonbogha testified that his two eyes were operated on in the last outreach and that four years after, his eyes have become clearer.

With the flag off of the outreach, the Coordinator of Restore Sight Africa Initiative, Dr Ernest Ogbedo said the team had been prepared to deliver in the service to the people.

Some stakeholders in Southern Borno politics have insisted on the need to give opportunities to another of the nine local governments in the senatorial district to present the next Senator.

Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, only Gwoza has presented the three senators elected in the district, with Abubakar Mahdi (1999-2003), Omar Hambagda (2003-2011), and Ali Ndume (2011 till date).

The stakeholders, who had purchased the form for expression of interest for the Borno South Senatorial District for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aerokeys Nigeria limited, Kudla Satumari on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), said the time has come for the other eight local government areas of Biu, Askira/Uba, Shani, Kwaya-Kusar, Hawul, Chibok and Bayo to present the next Senator in 2023.

Presenting the forms they had purchased for Satumari to contest on the PDP platform, a chieftain of the PDP in Borno State, Mr Mbirza Gabasa, said Satumari’s aspiration is a big project they will all celebrate.

Left to right: Elder Mbirza Gabasa, PDP stakeholder, Dr. Alfred Gadzama, Chairman, Haske Foundation and Borno South senatorial aspirant Kudla Milnda Satumari under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP while receiving the senatorial election nomination form donated to him by his group of friends in Abuja.

He said they have been winning but have been denied the seat in the past, adding that: “This time around, it will be a campaign everyone will be eager to join which will be a celebration for all.”

The Chairman, Haske Foundation, Dr Alfred Gadzama, who led others to present the form to Kudla Satumari, said the people are determined that Satumari becomes their Senator in 2023.

He said: “By his grace, another election is by the corner. Let me thank all of you for making the resources available to buy the forms, because you believe in me but it is God that gives power, and we stand by you. We must not sell our destiny. Your destiny is in your hands.”

Responding, Satumari who was presented the form as a 52nd birthday gift, said:
“They said to me enough is enough. You have spent a lot to bring leadership to us, this time around, we will bear the cost of the interest and nomination forms.

“They called me and said they would handover the forms on my birthday. Now that has shown that collectively, our aspiration can be fulfilled.

“During the campaigns in the last election, I went to every settlement in the 9 LGAs.
“We saw a particular place in Shani LGA, after crossing three ponds. They told us their daily morning prayer is that God should wake them up early to be the first to reach the pond before animals, because both human and animals drink water from the same pond,” Satumari said promising to give a purposeful leadership if elected.

“For some, their problem is not water. In some places, school children sit on the ground and use blocks as desks to write.
“When given the opportunity, I will hold this office in trust for the people. I may not have the solutions to all the problems, but I will bring developmental changes to the land.

“We will identify the actual needs of the people. For some, their problem is not class rooms, it’s health centres. Some, don’t have good roads and bridges,” Satumari said, adding that “people are suffering, yet, we have members in the National Assembly that have been there for more than five times.”

He promised that: “We will introduce town hall meetings. I want you guys to hold us accountable.

“We’ve given scholarships to hundreds of students in universities. We have built schools, built Mosques, Churches for the teaching of peace and harmony.”

He however called on his supporters to maintain decent campaign strategy.
“I’ve seen the passion and dedication of everyone of you. If this is the way we are going, I will deliver all your aspiration.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended Saudi Authority over compensation of Nigerians who died in the 2015 during the annual pilgrimage to Holy sites in the Islamic country.

Five Nigerians lost their lives and two sustained various degree of injuries, however the Saudi Authority has compensated those affected.

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Faisal Al-Ghamdi, on Wednesday handed over on behalf of the Saudi government the cheques to five representatives of those who lost their lives and the other two Nigerians who sustained injuries.

Director, Consular and Legal Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, led the Nigerian delegation in the company of the Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Zikrullah Hassan, to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja.

The Saudi Arabian Ambassador, who spoke in Arabic, prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and prayed that God continue to console their families.

Ambassador Akinremi commended the Saudi government and appreciated them for the kind gesture and the hand of fellowship extended to the family of the affected Nigerians.

He said: “On behalf of the Nigerian government, we want to commend the Saudi authorities, particularly the Ambassador here who during his own tenure, one year of arrival here, he took this up, I remember several meetings we held together in Foreign Affairs, with His Excellency Geoffrey Onyeama, His Excellency Zubairu Dada, and His Excellency Tanimu Aduda where we brought this to their attention that this is pending.”

He praised the effort of the Ambassador of Saudi, the Ambassador took it up, “even his predecessor, may his soul rest in perfect peace he did his own best. We must also give kudos to Ambassador Yahaya Lawal, our Ambassador in Riyadh, who took up the challenge as well, I think this credits goes to everyone.”

His said: “Nigerian government is saying our friendship with Saudi will continue, we are also encouraging people not to be discourage that one accident is not enough to stop people from performing their spiritual responsibility. We will continue to relate very well with the Saudi authority, we will continue to promote our friendship and we look forward to having good news from the families of the beneficiaries, we don’t expect this to lead to fracas where they will not be able to amicably share this among themselves, but rather going to make their faith in God get stronger and their family bond to get stronger”

Ambassador Bolaji said, “we really excited by this news, we are here we have seen it the checks has been issued in the names of the representatives of the victims, as you know 5 people died, they cannot be here physically, so the families of those 5 people sent representatives, 2 others sustains various level of injuries and they were all compensated. This have great significant, number one, the Saudi Authority fulfilled their promises, also despite the fact that the ugly incident was not called by anybody, the Saudis authorities still compensate the people as they recognized that the people left the country for pilgrimage and not intention to go and die. “

According to the Bolaji, the compensations were in two grades, those who died that is permanent lose, compensation cannot bring them back but they have families and responsibilities, they were given 1 Million Saudi riyal, those who sustained injury are given half a million Saudi riyal.

On his part, Zikrullah Hassan, the Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said, we “7 people were compensated, 5 representatives of the dead and 2 who suffered injuries. I want to commend everyone for this effort, the Hajj Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Ambassador in Saudi Arabia who has worked round the clock to ensure that today becomes a reality.”

The NAHCON Chairman advice those intended to go the Hajj this year to upgrade the techonology skills, in his words, “we advise those who want to go to Hajj to queue in and get ready because Hajj this year will be technologically moderated. It is not going to be as usual, we are ready at the Hajj Commission and all the States are up to it”

In September 24, 2015, during the annual Muslim pilgrimage an accident occurred near the holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, that stands as the deadliest in the long history of hajj disasters.

At least 717 people taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage were killed in a stampede near the Islamic holy city of Mecca, officials in Saudi Arabia says. Another 863 people were injured in the incident at Mina, which occurred as two million pilgrims were taking part in the Hajj’s last major rite. It is the deadliest incident to occur during the pilgrimage in 25 years.

Operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the latest clampdown on drug trafficking, have seized over 1.9 million tablets of Tramadol and Codeine imported into the country from Pakistan and United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

A statement by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said of the total seizures, 40 cartons of Co-Codamol, a brand of paracetamol with Codeine, which is classified as opioid, were seized from a freight agent, Eraikhueme Ehis.

He noted that the seizure made on Thursday, March 10 translates to 349,800 tablets weighing 336 kilogrammes, adding that the consignment came from London, United Kingdom as a consolidated cargo through the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport.

He said the consolidated cargo was declared as personal effects but was discovered to contain some medicaments.

Babafemi also revealed that no less than 1,584,000 tablets of Tramadol were recovered on Tuesday 15th March by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Customs service personnel at the airport.

He said the seizure includes 17 cartons of 250mg Tramadol branded as “Tamra” weighing 669.70 kilogrammes and five cartons of 225mg Tramadol under the brand name “Royal” with a gross weight of 217.15 kilogrammes.

He added that the psychotropic substance, which was imported into the country from Pakistan was smuggled through the airport tarmac using one of the vehicles of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and was intercepted at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Personnel Yard.

He said two suspects: Ofijeh Mova, a SAHCO driver and Nyam Alex who is a security guard with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) have so far been arrested in connection with the seizure.

Babafemi said the previous day, Monday 14th March, a total of 2,160 tablets of Co-codamol weighing 1.95 kilogrammes and 240 tablets of Tramadol were also intercepted in a consolidated cargo from the UK at the SAHCO import shed of the airport, disclosing that follow up operations led to the arrest of the importer of the consignment, Omonijo Temidayo the following day Tuesday 15th March.

He said similar, follow up operations have also led to the arrest of Hajiya Mariam Saliu in Edo state on Monday 14th March after investigations uncovered her as the brain behind attempt to export 1.55 kilogrammes cannabis to Dubai through the Lagos airport on 5th March.

He noted that the NDLEA operatives have arrested one of the kingpins behind the attempt to smuggle 11.93 kilogrammes of cocaine to Accra, Ghana through the Seme land border, Lagos.

He said the 50-year-old suspect, Oyewunmi Ahmed was arrested on Tuesday 15th March at Mile 2 area of Lagos after series of follow up operation following the arrest of a driver, Osagie Anthony with the 11.913 kilogrammes cocaine at Gbaji, Seme-Badagry expressway on January 23.

In Kwara, a drug dealer, Hope John, 30, was arrested on Saturday 19th March at Goodness area of Offa with different quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine, designer drug and cocaine.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen.Buba Marwa (Retd) has commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kwara and Seme Border Commands of the agency for their commitment, dedication to duty and maintaining cordial working relationship with other stakeholders in their areas of responsibility.

For the umpteenth time at the independent Investigative Panel on defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police Force, the orders of the panel were again flagrantly disobeyed by the Commissioner of Police Legal, Mr. Ogbeh Ochogwu, of the Force Head Quarters Abuja.

This time around, the panel has taken a firm decision not to shift ground but to go ahead and do the needful whether or not its orders are obeyed by the police to produce the case file of Mr.John Emeka Alozie.

It would be recalled that In the case of alleged unlawful arrest and detention, torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of one Mr. John Emeka Alozie by personnel of the defunct SARS, the panel had ordered that the case file relating to the matter be produced by the CP Legal.

In a previous hearing on the same matter, the police had admitted to being in possession of the said file.

All efforts thereafter to have the CP produce the case file either in person or through his officers have failed, as he is said to be in Osun State on another assignment.

In an intense argument that ensued between one of the panelists, John Aikpokpo Martins, and lead counsel to the police James Idachaba over the failure of the police to produce the file as ordered, Aikpokpo maintained that the CP had disobeyed the order of the panel with impunity.

Aikpokpo, who is representing the Nigerian Bar Association on the panel argued that the inability of the police to produce the case file of Emeka Alozie or any other relevant information requested from the police would not in any way stall the hearing of any matter before the panel.

According to Aikpokpo, the CP Legal is not a person but an office, and his absence in perpetuity cannot hinder the progress of the matter before a lawfully constituted Presidential Panel.

Counsel to the police, James Idachaba on the other hand consistently maintained that the CP had no reason to hoard the case file and that his absence that was the only reason stalling progress on the matter.

Chairman of the panel, Justice Suleiman Galadima rtd, who was represented by Dr. Garba Tetengi SAN stated that from the conduct of the Police so far in the matter, the panel may be forced to draw an irresistible conclusion.

It would also be recalled that this particular case has suffered daily adjournments just to ensure that the police produces the said case file” We are tired of repeatedly adjourning this case, we have given you enough rope, we are going to adjourn for report, prepare to take whatever comes out of the report” the Chairman informed the police.

He proceeded to adjourn the matter to March 30th, 2022 for written addresses.

Parties to the matter were given two days each to file their addresses; they were also given the liberty to submit documents that may assist their case.

Two hundred and eight (208) million people still openly defecate in Africa with 839 million deprived of basic hygiene services, according to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)/World Health Organisation (WHO) special report focused on Africa.

The report also revealed that 418 million people still lack even a basic level of drinking water service, and 779 million lack basic sanitation services on the continent.

A statement by UNICEF on Tuesday said achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets on water, sanitation and hygiene in Africa will require a dramatic acceleration in the current rates of progress.

According to the report launched on Tuesday at the World Water Forum in Dakar, Senegal, this special report calls for urgent action to be taken on a continent where water scarcity and weak sanitation and hygiene services can threaten peace and development.

The report said between 2000 and 2020, Africa’s population increased from 800 million to 1.3 billion people. About 500 million people gained access to basic drinking water and 290 million to basic sanitation services, according to a report of the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP), launched on Tuesday during a session of the World Water Forum hosted by the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) with UNICEF.

The report said achieving the SDG targets in Africa will require a 12-fold increase in current rates of progress on safely managed drinking water, a 20-fold increase for safely managed sanitation and a 42-fold increase for basic hygiene services, according to the report.

The UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marie-Pierre Poirier was quoted to have said: “Equitable access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene is not only the foundation of health and development for children and communities. Water is life, water is development, water is peace”, adding that: “In a time when water scarcity fuels conflicts and water points are targeted, UNICEF calls for urgent actions. We need water, sanitation and hygiene in schools, especially for girls who may miss school because there are no toilets or because they have to fetch water. Women and children need a safe access to water. As climate change puts additional pressure on resources, we need climate risk-sensitive and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene services for children and their communities. And we need it now”.

The statement lamented that significant inequalities persist within countries including between urban and rural, between sub-national regions and between the richest and the poorest. In urban areas, two out of five people lack safely managed drinking water, three out of three people lack safely managed sanitation, and half the population lacks basic hygiene services. In rural areas, four out of five people lack safely managed drinking water, three out of four people lack safely managed sanitation, and seven out of ten lack basic hygiene services.

The statement noted that worldwide, UNICEF works in over 100 countries to help provide access to safe water and reliable sanitation, and to promote basic hygiene practices in rural and urban areas, including in emergency situations. “We achieve better water, sanitation and hygiene results for children by working directly with schools and healthcare facilities to improve access to these services, providing life-saving support in humanitarian settings. The creativity and commitment of community members supported as agents of change can inspire climate-related collective action, rallying around “nothing about us without us” where community members and government leaders identifying solutions to the challenges they face,” it added.

Hosted for the first time in sub-Saharan Africa on 21-26 March 2022 by Macky Sall, the President of Senegal and Chairperson of the African Union, with the support of many partners including UNICEF, the 9th World Water Forum on “Water security for peace and development” aims to provide a unique platform for the water community and decision-makers to find solutions to increase access to water and sanitation across the African continent by 2030.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has described incessant strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as deprivation of Nigeria’s students enjoyment of their rights to education.

In a statement released to the media on Monday by spokesperson of the Commission, Fatimah Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu expressed deep concern over the incessant strikes by ASUU, lamenting that such actions have become the gravest threat to the Nigerian university system, in particular, and the Nigerian education sector in general.

He observed that Nigerian students have been deprived of the enjoyment of their right to education over the years, and this has made them victims of industrial disharmony between the federal government and ASUU.

He decried that ASUU has been embarking on incessant nationwide strikes, during which students have lost cumulative period of years of the academic calendar.

He said that the effect of ASUU strikes has been devastating to the Nigerian university system by way of watering down the quality of education offered to Nigerian students, while expressing disappointment that the government will allow this kind of situation to linger thereby jeopardizing the future of the youth as leaders of tomorrow.

He lamented that academic performance of these students have been adversely affected, and the entire educational system almost crippled.

Ojukwu who said he was pained by the situation, further stated that “the situation has resulted in half-baked students and graduates who are unemployable and lack the basic skills necessary to survive dynamic environments like Nigeria and the rest of the world”

He however appealed to the federal government to get back to the negotiation table with ASUU and to ensure that the previous agreements reached with the union are implemented honestly to the best of its ability to avoid further escalation of the matter.

Similarly, Ojukwu urged ASUU to think out of the box for other strategies not using incessant strikes to press for their demands as this strike strategy has killed education in this country.

He noted that poor funding of universities, lack of payment of promotion arrears, earned academic allowance, poor funding of state universities etc, as demanded by ASUU are genuine concerns that the government should not overlook, given that they are germane to the growth of the universities.

He advised National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), not to do anything that will violate the rights of other Nigerians, like blocking of federal highways, as its South-West branch allegedly did recently, saying that such action is a clear violation of the rights of other road users.

He further pointed that although students have the right to express their grievances, they should always do so in a most civilised and human right friendly manner where the rights of every one is respected.

Ojukwu said it is necessary to immediately resolve the impasse between ASUU and FG, to prevent further collateral damage to our educational sector.

He said: “As things are today, educational tourism by Nigerians to even smaller countries in West Africa, Europe and Americas is mind bugging,” noting that “all this has resulted in huge loss of resources to other countries. Most students, after a prolonged stay at home, start venturing into unholy acts making some of them not to return to school when the industrial actions are over.

“There are others who out of boredom and want of what to do resort to crime and criminal activities such as advanced fee fraud, drug peddling and use, gambling, robbery and kidnapping as well as other vices. some of the ladies become susceptible to abusive relationships, unwanted pregnancies, prostitution and low morale and esteem.”

He said: “We must prevent all these from happening, let’s join hands to protect our children’s future by advocating for their rights to better education through stoppage of incessant strikes and improvement in attention to education in the country.”

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum on Monday rejected the naming of two blocks of hostel in his honour, at the Ramat Polytechnic in Maiduguri.

Zulum was at the polytechnic owned by the state government to commission the hostels for 1,500 students, which was recently renovated and reequipped by the state’s ministry of higher education, technology and innovation.

The twin-project, which funds internally generated from the polytechnic’s commercial activities, was named “Engr. Professor Babagana Umara Zulum Make Students’ Hostel” but soon as it was announced, Zulum categorically asked that it should be renamed.

He said: “No, no, I will not allow any project named after me while I am in office. It should be after my tenure of office.”

Also while reading a plaque he unveiled to commemorate the commissioning, Governor Zulum skipped the part his name was mentioned and instead said, “in commemoration of the commissioning of male students’ hostel”.

Governor Zulum however paid glowing tribute to the Commissioner of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Dr. Babagana Mustapha for remarkable turn around of the polytechnic’s fortunes.

The polytechnic has been under the Commissioner’s direct supervision since September 2021, when Governor Zulum suspended management of the school.

Zulum took the action when he undertook an impromptu visit to the school and was disappointed with the state of affairs.

He had lamented that some facilities he knew well at the school, including laboratories, were no longer functional.

Zulum was rector of the polytechnic from 2011 to 2015. He was also a student from 1986 to 1988 for National Diploma in Engineering, before going for Bachelors Degree, Masters, and PhD at the University of Maiduguri and University of Ibadan.

A Police witness, DSP Adebayo Jogbo Jogbo on Monday said his name was merely used to deposit the body of late Obinna Jonah at Wuse General Hospital mortuary after he was taken to hospital by one DCP Yari.

Okechukwu Jonah, brother of Obinna had petitioned the panel alleging that the victim was killed extra-judicially by the Police in 2020 and that his body was yet to be released to the family for burial.

Jogbo Jogbo who was second in command at in the defunct Anti-One Chance in the FCT Police Command told the panel presided by Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) on behalf of the Chairman, Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd) that the body of Obinna Jonah must have been deposited by a junior officer (unnamed), using his name, Adebayo Jogbo Jogbo as a senior officer in the Anti-One Chance unit of the Police.

Before Obinna’s death, he said that he was taken to hospital on the 31th of January, 2020 when he took ill but was allegedly rejected at the hospital because it coincided with the period of COVID-19 pandemic, when it was difficult to secure a bed space.

Following his rejection at the hospital, he informed the panel that before Obinna died, he directed that he should be kept at the back of the detention counter since he could neither be kept in the Police cell nor admitted at the hospital.

On cross-examination by counsel to the petition, E.C.Chukwu, the Police witness said he was not the officer that recorded the statement of the victim before his death and that he did not know who was responsible.

Chukwu also said that it was not Obinna that wrote his statement at the Police station when he was arrested and the Police witness replied that he did not know whether it was the victim or another person that recorded the statement.

Besides, Chukwu pointed out that that the testimony of Jogbo Jogbo was contradictory, having said that Obinna was rejected at the hospital on 31st of January 2020 because of COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the pandemic was only declared a national emergency on March 26, 2020.

According to the petition’s counsel there is no way any hospital in Nigeria could have rejected a patient because of COVID-19 as at 31st of January, 2020, when it was yet to be declared as a national emergency, which later happened on the 26th of March, 2020.

He said the witness testified that the victim was not diagnosed with COVID-19 disease and therefore had nothing to do with the pandemic.

Respondents in the petition are defunct SARS FCT, Commissioner of Police FCT, Inspector General of Police, Corporal Abubakar Mohammed (formerly Anti-One Chance unit), SGT. Gambo Mohammed Gadzama (formerly of Anti-One Chance unit), CSP Adebayo Jogbo Jogbo (formerly Anti-One Chance unit).

The matter was adjourned to 23rd of March, 2022.

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) on Monday took a mighty step towards developing a masterplan for the rehabilitation of the crisis-torn North East region with the convocation of a stakeholders consultative forum in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The forum was initiated towards producing a masterplan with credible and comprehensive strategies for recovery and sustainable socio-economic development of the North-East.

At the stakeholders meeting are representatives of the Borno State Government led by the representative of Governor Babagana Zulum, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Jida Shuwa, .dignitaries from the Humanitarian Partners, Traditional, Religious, the Academia, Security Agencies, the Media, Judiciary and Civil Society Organizations.

The Chief Host and Managing Director, NEDC, Alhaji Goni Alkali said, the Commission under the present administration is leaving no stone unturned to address most of the short term and long term challenges in the region, hence, the need to conduct this stakeholders’ engagement based on the needs assessment of the zone to have 10-year North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).

He disclosed that the meeting is to allow for meaningful interaction and inputs from the stakeholders on the various aspects of the Plan before its final adoption as a workable blueprint for the wholesale development and rehabilitation of the North East region ravaged by insurgency.

He said: “We are here as Critical Stakeholders in Borno State, to have our own state-wide Consultative Meeting on the draft of the 10-year Stabilization and Master Development Plan of the NEDC.

“The Meeting is to allow for meaningful interaction and input from all stakeholders on the various aspects of the Plan before its final adoption as a workable blueprint for the wholesale development and rehabilitation of the North East region devastated by insurgency.”

He enjoined all participants to feel free, cross-fertilize ideas that would contribute towards realizing the goals and objectives of the Masterplan.

The Lead Consultant, Dr Kassim Gidado in his presentation said the North East region is one of the most impoverished and educationally backward in Nigeria, adding that, the lingering Boko Haram crisis has worsened the situation which needs to be addressed holistically.

He noted that the Commission has conducted similar and separate engagement with stakeholders in Gombe, Bauchi and Yobe states, while after finishing with Borno, the Commission will move to other states of Adamawa and Taraba for the same purpose that will help alleviate poverty and create prosperity in the region as well as come out with some pillars for sustainable development.

He said some of these pillars according to Gidado include rehabilitation, reorientation and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, peacebuilding, Law and Justice, socio-economic development in the primary, secondary and tertiary education, healthcare, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene.

Others are adequate funding, housing, transportation, climate mitigation and adaptation as well as waste management, agriculture, food security and agribusiness, monitoring and evaluation among other pillars of institutional changes.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, ably represented by Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu (Rtd), commended NEDC, Borno State Government and security agencies for their unflinching support and collaboration efforts defeat insurgents in the region.

She assured that her ministry will continue to support the Commission to realize its aims and objectives to salvage the North East and its people as a result of the over decade Boko Haram crisis.

While declaring the meeting open, Governor Zulum, represented by Borno SSG, Alhaji Usman Shuwa thanked the Commission for organizing a very crucial meeting that would provide opportunities to brainstorm on the way forward.

He said, “Borno State Government has since constituted a high powered Committee to come up with inputs on the extent of physical and psychological trauma inflicted on the people of the state.

“This meeting is timely as it will help the State Government in coming up with strategies to address challenges associated with thousands of repent Boko Haram sect and reintegrate them into the society”.

By Austen AKHAGBEME:

It is noteworthy, intriguing and comforting that history has just been made in Anambra state, nay Nigeria, as Prof Charles Soludo stands before Justice Onoche Anyachebelu, the Chief Judge of the state, to be sworn in as the new Governor of Anambra State.

It is fascinating and particularly so because of the personality of the new governor and the bags of expectations from both local and international spheres from a great public servant, renowned liberal economist, public intellectual and teacher, theorist, central banker and grassroots politician.

Anambra state, in recent past, have had the rear privilege of being governed by some serious minded political leaders. It is equally a ground of political theatrics, fierce power play by fathered political blocs and their cronies.

In the recent past, former Governor Chris Ngige and the quintessential Sir Peter Obi readily comes to mind. Despite Ngige’s turbulent tenure, it was on record that he sure did well in terms of physical infrastructures.

Peter Obi on the other hand, was the prudent and meticulous spender of state resources such that he left behind an enviable balance sheet for his successor to improve upon.

Today, the stakes and public expectations are higher not only because a Daniel has come to judgement but also because opportunity has come to meet with preparedness. Like a round peg in a round hole, Soludo seems to be all that ndi Anambra were waiting for.

These feelings and expectations puts Governor Soludo on an edge to pull out of his rich arsenal, all that is necessary to reposition Anambra state on the right trajectory of growth and development.

His call for peace and the dire need to interrogate the purpose of IPOB and ESN vis-a-vis what he called the “conspiracy of silence of stakeholders” is a step in the right direction to stem the tide of the raging insecurity bedevilling the State. For Professor Soludo, the time to match political theories and political thoughts with action are now.

• Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

Leaders and stakeholders of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State have rejected concensus arrangements for aspirants to the House of Assembly.

This move is contained in a 10-point communique issued at the end of two editions of meetings of Aniocha-North PDP Leaders/Stakeholders meeting held on Saturday 5th February and Saturday 25th, 2022 respectively, at the country home of Professor Sylvester Monye, MFR, and Senior Policy Adviser to Governor of Delta State.

The communique states as follows:
“The two editions of Aniocha-North PDP Leaders/Stakeholders meeting held at the country home of Professor Sylvester Monye, MFR, the Senior Policy Adviser to His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa retrospectively considered our past performances in both primaries and general elections, characterized by intrigues, group clashes, in-fighting, alleged rigging and almost permanent enmity which have always resulted to low voters turn-out as a concomitant effect of apathy at the polls, thereby contributing very little to the overall fortunes of the party in Delta State.

“In the two meetings, which were also well attended by aspirants of mostly House of Assembly, unanimously resolved as follows:

‘That we shall not rush to adopt any gubernatorial aspirant, unless the leader of PDP in the state, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa gives us a direction. Any leader or stakeholder doing otherwise, will be doing so on his or her own without our support.

‘That for House of Assembly primaries, we shall no longer accept any form of consensus arrangement under any guise.

That we shall no longer accept any form of manipulation, geared towards rigging.

‘That all aspirants who have purchased nomination and expression of interest forms from PDP shall be entitled to participate in the primaries.

‘That the primary election shall be free, fair and transparent.

‘That all aspirants shall undertake to support whoever that emerges from the primaries.

‘That all aspirants shall continue to support PDP in all activities whether they lose or win.

‘That leaders/stakeholders shall continue to support PDP by upholding her policies, guidelines, directives and the constitution of the party’.

The communiqué, signed by 20 leaders and stakeholders including Prof. Sylvester Monye, Emma Bazim Chineye, Chief Val Okafor, Hon. Barr. Callistua Ibe, Hon. Anyasi, Barr. Nwaokwu, aspirants among others.was copied Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Chairman, PDP, Delta State, Chairman, PDP, Delta North Senatorial District, Chairman, PDP, Aniocha North LGA, all PDP House of Assembly aspirants

Wife of Delta State Governor and founder, O5 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa has flagged off the free grassroots medical outreach for the Warri Federal constituencies.

During the ceremony which held on Wednesday 16th March, 2022 at the Central Hospital Warri, Dame Okowa said “Due to the success recorded in the second phase where 4,304 patients were seen, 497 surgeries were done, 3,030 eye glasses given and 1,998 eye drops were dispensed; this third phase promises a lot more.”

She expressed joy and privilege at you to the flag off of the third phase of the Free Grassroots Medical Outreach for the Warri Federal Constituency at the General Hospital Warri.

According to her, “Four years ago precisely in 2018, the O5 Initiative in partnership with Restore Sight Africa and the State Ministry of health sailed out with the good news of Free Eye care round the 25LGAs and in 2021; we went round the three Senatorial Districts.”

She emphasised that, “Everyone that came with a challenge now have a testimony, we are still celebrating the victories recorded; this can only be God at work through the hands of the Doctors, may His name be praised forever Amen.”

She added that “To a large extent blindness has ravaged a lot of people irrespective of gender especially in the rural areas, depriving them of the beauties of life.

“The eyes are the most treasured sense and the light of the body, it is also the window to the world therefore we must keep it healthy.

“It is true that we have gone round the state in different capacity but there is still need to reach out once again so that Deltans can enjoy life to its fullest.

“To this end I say that blindness will soon become history among our folks in Jesus name.

“Provision has been made for COVID 19 tests as well as free eye screening, free eye Surgery, distribution of free reading glasses and free eye drops.

“The need for every Deltan to be healthy and benefit from the Prosperity Agenda is of utmost importance even as this administration rounds off soon, no one will be left behind.

“I want to thank the lawmakers, the Chairmen and the good people of Warri Federal Constituency for this large turnout, I am hopeful that at the end of this visit, the testimony will be “I was blind now I can see.

“Also, may I specially acknowledge and thank Dr Ernest Ogbedo and the Restore Sight Africa team; you are passionate about this outreach thank you for giving your time and resources to this work, you have done it before and I have the assurance that the Lord will use you again for the restoration of the sight of our people.

“Dr Mordi Ononye the Honourable Commissioner and the Medical personnel of the Ministry of Health, thank you for assisting us, God bless you.

“In conclusion, I thank everyone for being part of this project, I urge you to look out for one another. Spread the word to those who have not heard, there is room for them. Be part of this train as we Change Our World One Person at a time.

“It is now my honour to flag off the 2021 Free Grassroots Medical Outreach for the Warri Federal Constituency to the glory of God.”

She also charged beneficiaries and Deltans to be close to God while prioritising their health, stressing that it was good for everyone to pursue their salvation through Jesus Christ.

Also speaking, Coordinator, Restore Sight Africa Initiative, Dr. Ogbedo, commended the Delta First Lady for her commitment towards bringing succor to people of state through her 05 Initiative.

Ogbedo noted that through the scheme many Deltans without resources to cater for their eyes were now sharing testimony of “I can now see.

Similarly in his welcome address, the chairman of Warri South, Dr. Michael Tidi, who spoke on behalf of the three Warri council chairmen, thanked the wife of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the choice of Warri for the flag-off of the programme.
Tidi assured Mrs. Okowa that he would mobilise residents of Warri to take advantage of the programme to ensure that their eye defects are corrected through the free medical outreach.

“What we are witnessing today, and the level of impact the 05 Initiative has had is only made possible by an uncommon vision which is fueled by the passion to impact humanity.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the seamless execution of the five-fold agenda of the 05 Initiative and the massive impact in the 25 Local Governments is simply amazing. When you look at the army of beneficiaries of the Free Eye Treatment alone, you can imagine what would have been if this Initiative hadn’t come to their rescue.

“I salute the visioner, the initiator and founder of the 05 Initiative, Her Excellency, Dame Edith Okowa for bringing succor to our people. I commend the energy and drive that has kept the programme going since 2015.

“I appreciate all the partners that have, and are still collaborating with the Initiative. And not forgetting the amazing 05 Initiative team that have shown so much zeal in the discharge of their assignment”, the Warri South chairman added.

The event also featured health talks by health practitioners who enjoined people of the state especially women to prioritized their wellbeing through regular checkups to guide against growing deceases such as cervical cancer.

Mrs. Okowa was accompanied to the flag-off by the wife of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori; wife of the Chief of Staff to Governor Okowa and Coordinator of 05 Initiative, Mrs. Kevwe Agas; Chairmen of Warri South and Warri South West, Dr. Tidi and Hon. Taiye Tuoyo and wife of commissioners in the state.

Nigerian government, European Union and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Tuesday celebrated a decade collaboration to advance drug use prevention and control in Nigeria.

The Government of Nigeria and the European Union, to mark the occasion, organized a side-event during the 65th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to present their collective achievements of ten years of joint work towards improved drug control in Nigeria.

Nigeria and the European Union turned a new leaf in their partnership towards improved drug control in 2012 when they signed a €35 million agreement for the implementation of the project Response to Drugs and Related Organized Crime.

The project, which is being implemented by UNODC, is the largest EU funded initiative of its kind. It aims to support the efforts of the Nigerian Government and its various specialized agencies as well as civil society actors in curbing drug production, trafficking and use, and tackling related organized crime.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Shadrach Haruna, the Secretary of the agency, commended EU for providing financial support and UNODC for implementing activities across the full spectrum of drug control, including support for the formulation and implementation of two National Drug Control Master Plans (2015-2020 & 2021-2025), launching of several research studies including the 2018 Drug Use Survey, developing the training curriculum for the NDLEA Academy, delivering training to more than 3000 law enforcement officers, and support for strengthening prosecutorial capacities.

He further highlighted how the measures taken under the joint partnership has helped Nigeria in adopting a balanced approach to drug control with equal emphasis on areas of drug demand reduction, treatment and care.

Representing the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Clement Boutillier, Head of Democratic Governance and Migration Section, emphasized on the role of narcotic drugs in fueling violence and conflicts and spoiling peace and reiterated EU support in curbing drugs and related organized crime in West Africa.

He revealed that some of the initiatives under the project like UNPLUGGED, a drug prevention programme for school childen, and At-Risk Children programme align with with EU’s priorities of supporting youth and children. Mr. Boutillier encouraged Nigeria to consider hosting the 2023 HONLEA Africa meeting with a view to utilizing this platform to share the policies, tools and good practices developed under the framework of the project with other countries in the region.

Dr. Salaudeen Olawale Jimoh, from the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) highlighted the critical contribution of the project in supporting the development of numerous assessments, guidelines and training materials on drug use counselling and treatment. It helped establishing eleven model treatment centres providing services to drug users across the country and helped sensitizing and training thousands of primary health professionals, law enforcement officers, community leaders and other stakeholders frequently interacting with drug users and their families. Moreover, the project supported the establishment of the Nigerian Epidemiological Network on Drug Use (NENDU) which has considerably augmented national data collection and, thus, the capacity for evidence-based drug policy making.

Dr. Musa Umar, Director, Narcotics and Controlled Substances Directorate, National Agency for Drug and Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) appreciated project’s technical and advisory support in boosting Nigeria’s capacity in management of controlled medicines and estimation psychotropic substances. In particular, he valued project’s support in the development of a number of policies and guidelines, training FMOH and NAFDAC personnel in appropriate skills, and in conducting two national estimation and quantification survey reports (2017 and 2019).

Dr. Ebiti Nkereuwem William, Coordinator, Community Intervention Network on Drugs (CIND), a network of 178 CSOs, highlighted the project’s contribution in training CSO staff in treatment and counselling, as well as in establishing eight drop-in centres which have provided treatment, counselling and referral services to thousands of drug users. He further informed that some of the professionals trained under the project played a critical role in launching DrugHelpNet, a network of medical specialist who provided much needed access to drug treatment and counselling services during the COVID-19 related restrictions.

Moderating the event, Mr. Oliver Stolpe, the UNODC Representative, stressed the need to sustain and build on the achievements of the project, including by ensuring that the National Drug Control Master Plan will be included into the 2023 national budget.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has began a renewed clampdown on all child traffickers including those involved in buying and selling of human beings.

The agency in the last one year has rescued no fewer than 30 babies from criminal elements, traced the parents and reunited the babies with them while those arrested are facing prosecution in different courts across the country for child trafficking, according to a statement issued it’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Stella Nezan

According to the statement, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi has directed all Zonal and State Commanders of the agency across the country to commence surveillance operations within their jurisdiction to ensure that all child traffickers including those involved in buying and selling of human beings are apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.

Waziri-Azi also directed that all homes where buying and selling of babies are suspected to be going on (also known as baby factories) should be unearthed, shut down and the operators apprehended for prosecution.

She directed the Zonal and State Commanders to liaise with sister law enforcement agencies within their areas of operation for joint actions to stem the tide of child abduction, trafficking and buying and selling of such children.

The Director-General who recalled the recent case in the Shongatedo area of Lagos State where a dispatch rider had a child in his dispatch box apparently meant to be delivered to someone, said that such cases should not be allowed to fester in Nigeria.

She expressed confidence that the Nigerian Police Force who is already handling the case, will get to the root of the matter, while stressing the readiness of the agency to work with the Police to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators.

She said: “We cannot allow this type of evil to continue in our country and before our eyes. The Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 empowers us to deal with all cases of human trafficking including the buying and selling of human beings as well as cruelty to children. Who knows the intentions of that dispatch rider and those that sent him? Who knows the state of the mother of that baby right now?

‘’We have already rescued many of such children over the years, traced the parents and reunited the children with them while prosecuting those involved, but we must do more as the crime is not abetting. Every day, the criminals are devising new strategies and we must in collaboration with other sister law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders including members of the public so that we can get ahead of this national crises. That is why we are being paid by tax payers, to protect them by delivering on our mandate.“

She lamented that: “These criminal elements do not mean well for the children and their parents. What drives them is the money they make from such sales while the agony of such parents and what becomes of the children do not matter to them. There is currently an entire value chain for the buying and selling of children in Nigeria.”

She also called on members of the public to be vigilant to the happenings within their environment as the criminals involved in the abduction and trafficking of the children are not strangers but people they know. “We are not saying that the members of the public should take the law into their hands by going after the criminals but rather, they should share intelligence with relevant agencies.”

She however, advised law enforcement agencies to make themselves trustworthy before the people so that the members of the public can have the confidence to share information and intelligence with them, noting that: “If the members of the public are not sure that you will protect their identities or bring the criminals before the law, they will not come to you.“

By Austen AKHAGBEME:

Every ardent follower of Nigeria politics especially in the recent past up until now, knows Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his idiosyncrasies.

He is not the type that hides his emotions but would rather choose to shoot straight from the hips, no matter the target. His husky but hoarse voice does not belittle the enormity, weight and effect of his venom.

In his characteristic mien, he took on the embattled governor Obaseki of Edo state and his deputy, Philip Shuaibu. Wike called them out with a tongue-lashing, daring them to declare who their “Father” is while promising them a dirtier battle in time to come.

Wike’s constant vituperation has become a source of worry to every lover of decorum, maturity and peace needed to drive the ship of the Nigerian state to belt on a comfortable anchor. His frequent outburst has become uncharacteristic of a self-acclaimed God-father, mouthpiece and “defender” of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

Why is Governor Wike so easily vociferous, agitated and verbally vindictive on anything that looks like an assault on his Party, PDP or his egoistic persona?

Here’s Wike, who once called the entire Party apparachik out, berated them and threatened fire and brimstone in the days of the ensuing subterfuge that swept out the reign of Uche Secondus from the PDP as the Chairman. But today, with the risk of offending morality and modesty, Wike is shouting hoarse against those he felt are unduly threatening the finger that fed them.

PDP as a party is supposed to be a home of equal joiners and owners. Therefore, to insist that others are “Tenants”, inadvertently shows how possessive some party leaders can be. Even at that, tenants still have rights as long as their “tenancy” subsist. In this case, the political tenancy must have been hugely purchased at a very high price; therefore the”tenant” deserve some space to express himself.

It is high time the PDP elders at the national level call these “Landlords” and “tenants” to order while ensuring a final stop to these infantile jabs by both parties.

Twenty-eight (28) years after winning the African Cup of Nations, the Federal Government has redeemed it’s housing pledge to the Super Eagles 1994 Set.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the Housing Project under the National Housing Programme (NHP) Phase 1 in Abere, Osun State, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said houses are now available to the conquering Super Eagles Set of 1994 to pick from.

He said the motive of the Federal Government was beyond improving the human condition of living through the provision of houses like the project being commissioned, but by also providing opportunities to fulfil its pledge to her citizens.

The Federal Government had promised each of the members of the Super Eagles captained by the Late Stephen Keshi, which also paraded Late Rasheed Yekini and present Super Eagles handlers Augustine Eguavoen and Emmanuel Amunike house in any state of their choice
after winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations.

Aregbesola while saying the allocation of house was better late than never, added that: “But there is more to our message of change and improving the human condition in these housing projects. They make possible, that which had seemed impossible. It provides an opportunity to remember our heroes, the valiant Super Eagles, to whom our country made a promise of providing housing for winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations, which has remained unfulfilled before now.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is a great honour for me to redeem the promise Nigeria made to these patriotic Nigerians, even if belatedly. Anyone of them can pick houses from any of the 36 states, I invite you to pick from that which is being commissioned today.

The Minister while representing the President, said: “As the saying goes, it is better late than never and I have approved allocation to redeem the outstanding allocation to 22 members of the Super Eagles in National Housing Estate located in their state of choice, and their keys and title documents will be handed over at the commissioning in their state while the remainder of the housing is allocated to willing members of the public.”

The Federal Government also reiterated the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to improving the conditions of the mass of the Nigerian people with her programmes and policies.

The President’s representative said: “The Micro, Small and Medium size businesses that drive our economy were the ones who won the contracts to build these houses. Not only did their successful bids offer an opportunity for these companies and their employees, through them we have unleashed a value chain of economic activities that improved the conditions of the mass of Nigerian people.

“They engaged suppliers who benefit from sub-contracts for the supply of building materials from sand to cement, roofing and plumbing material to doors and electrical fitting. In the process, Nigerians at the bottom of the pyramid such as artisans, builders, skilled and unskilled workers and food vendors were not left out of this economic value chain.

“These are some of the people our country remains committed to move towards prosperity and away from poverty and we are already reaching them by providing opportunities for employment for those who were hitherto unemployed.”

In his welcome address, the Zonal Director (South West) National Housing Programme, Dr. M.K. Muhammed, noted that the land the project was built on was donated by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola when he was governor in the state.

He said: “The project is a testament to the popular saying that ‘what goes around, comes around’, the land for this project if you recall representative of the President sir, the land for this project was awarded by you when you were governor in this Osun State. Today, you are here commissioning the project.

“The National Housing Project is promoting local content in line with the Executive Orders 3 and 5. The use of available local building materials in the National Hosuing a programme (NHP) has stimulated the economy through the production and use of the materials.”

The project commissioned today named Inumidun National Housing Estate, consist of 72-units of Housing comprising, 24-units of condominium (1 bedroom-4, 2bedroom-16, 3 bedroom-4), 28-units 2 (Two) Bedroom and 20-units 3 (Three) Bedroom bungalows.

Also at the event were the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, represented by the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Hon. Nathaniel Agunbiade; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, represented by the Director of Urban and Regional Development of the Federal Ministry of Works and House, Mr. Moyoade Olasunkanmi Dumoye; the Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa1; Zonal Director (South West) NHP, Dr. M.K. Muhammed amongst other dignitaries.
Photo Caption:
L-R: Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa1; Representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Zonal Director (South West) National Housing Programme, Dr. M.K. Muhammed; and Director, Urban and Regional Development of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Moyoade Olasunkanmi Dumoye, at the Commissioning of Inumidun Federal Housing Estate, Abere, Ede, Osun State on Monday.

Photo Caption:
L-R: Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa1; Representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Zonal Director (South West) National Housing Programme, Dr. M.K. Muhammed; and Director, Urban and Regional Development of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Moyoade Olasunkanmi Dumoye, at the Commissioning of Inumidun Federal Housing Estate, Abere, Ede, Osun State on Monday.

In line with the core mandate of the NSCDC to provide adequate and effective 24hours Security and protection of life and property, assist in maintaining peace and order in the country amongst others, our numerous functions, duties, programmes and impact are positively felt in the societies, individuals, federal, state and local government levels including private institutions.

The Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun disclosed this to newsmen in Asaba the Delta State Capital while parading 19 suspects, 2 tankers and 7trucks arrested for various crimes across the State.

Akinsanya while parading the suspects and exhibits at the NSCDC State Headquarters yesterday in Asaba, stated that the morale booster by the all performing Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Dr Abubakar Audi Ahmed PhD(mni) has yielded meaningful and significant results in the past and present.

The Award winning Commandant, said that two(2) of the suspects Odiaka Divine (m) 22yrs and Monday Bakwana (m) 28yrs were arrested by the Tactical Squad of the Anti-Vandal Unit in Patani LGA of Delta State on the 9th of March 2022, they were conveying petroleum product suspected to be illegally refined DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosine) in polythene sacks inside a Mercedes 817 mini truck.

Also paraded were 17 suspects, 2 tankers and 6trucks loaded with illegally refined petroleum products suspected to be AGO (Diesel) that was arrested in Ozoro the headquarters of Isoko North LGA of Delta State by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad in less than 48hours on arrival and operations in the state. The names of the suspects are:

(1) Zuhairu Muhammed (m) 32yrs.

(2) Masahudu Usman (m) 42yrs

(3) Zakari Kano (m) 35yrs

(4) Alex A. M (m) 25yrs

(5) Dalamin Bako (m) 30yrs

(6) Gambo Abudlahi (m) 20yrs

(7) Muhammed Mamuda (m) 25yrs

(8) Rabiu Saidu (m) 25yrs

(9) Shuaibu A Shuaibu (m) 20yrs

(10) Abudlahi M. Adamu (m) 24yrs

(11) Zakariya Haruna (m) 20yrs

(12) Abudlahi Sani (m) 22yrs

(13) Salisu Abubakar (m) 27yrs

(14) Isa Haruna (m) 23yrs

(15) Ibrahim Adamu (m) 25yrs

(16) Ali Usman (m) 25yrs

(17) Salisu Zakaria (m) 20yrs.

While assuring Deltans of the resilience and commitment of the NSCDC, the Commandant maintained that the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, general vandalism and all round criminality has been taken to an enviable and achievable pedestal in the state.

In a professional and conscious steps to rid the state of vandalism, crime and criminality, Akinsanya warned and advice all criminals and enemies of the state to either Repent or Relocate hence, they will be brought to justice soon. He assured the public that upon investigation, the suspects will be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others. Commandant Akinsanya said.

Dsc Emeka Peters

Image Maker

NSCDC Delta

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in conjunction with stakeholders in Nigeria has developed a holistic, integrated coordination mechanism to enhance efforts in the protection and security of Nigerians.

The ECOWAS mechanism for protection and human security for the Nigerian Government was adopted after a three-day capacity building workshop for multiple stakeholders in Abuja.

The Head, Human Security and Civil Society Division, ECOWAS Commission Hajiya Raheemat Momodu,, speaking at the closing of the workshop at the weekend, said that effective collaborations of all stakeholders is key to effectively tackle protection and human security challenges confronting member states.

Momodu said that in a bid to achieve this, the ECOWAS Commission brought together stakeholders across sectors to discuss their individual mandates, challenges and how they can work for effectiveness.

She also said that the resolutions from the workshop were developed into a consolidated and holistic approach mechanism which would be presented to the Nigerian government for implementation.

Momodu noted that the COVID-19 has exposed how fragile many countries of the sub-region are in protection and human security issues like Sexual and Gender Based Violence amongst others.

She said: “The final resolution is that there is a need for all ECOWAS Member States, Nigeria in this case, to institutionalise a whole of government and a whole of societal approach to protection and human security.

“And that it is very important that we do not all work in silos and the fact that every sector of the society is equal stakeholders.

“The media, you were fully represented, the private sector, government establishments and other persons.

“What next after this is the establishment of ECOWAS protection and human security integrated coordination mechanism in a place that the Nigerian government wants.

“We are not going to dictate to the Nigerian government but we prefer that such a mechanism since it is going to coordinate other stakeholders should be in a central office that will be accessible to everybody.”

She said: “ Once the mechanism is created, ECOWAS will continue to interface with that mechanism when it comes to protection and human security so that we work together with Nigeria and with the support of partners.

“To ensure that the mechanism is functional in terms of remaining focus on issues of protection. When it comes to protection, we need to have something like a protection web that covers everybody,” Momodu said.

On implementation of the mechanism, Momodu urged the Nigerian Government and that of other Member States to implement the mechanism which emanated from the people themselves.

“Implementation has always been a problem not just in Nigeria but generally. It is so easy to write, to say I am committed to doing this.

“But now, we have got to a stage in Nigeria and elsewhere that we begin to pay more attention to implementation and execution.

“What we write on the text does not automatically turn out to reality so that is why ECOWAS is advocating that not just Nigeria.

“But that all our Member States begin to see the issue of protection and human security as beyond paper commitments to actually coordinate and implement,” Momodu said.

The General Overseer of Christ Living Hope Church, Rev. Ugochukwu Ekwem has been arrested with 54 sticks of drugs wrapped around his body by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos while on his way to a three-week crusade in Nairobi, Kenya.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the youthful and popular preacher who has his church headquarters in Isuaniocha, Mgbakwu road, Awka in Awka North local government area of Anambra state with two other branches in Lagos and Abuja, was arrested last Monday during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight to Nairobi via Addis Ababa.

According to Babafemi, when tested, the 54 sticks found on the clergyman proved positive to cannabis. He subsequently confessed during preliminary interrogation that he packed that quantity of illicit substance on his body to use during his three weeks crusade in Kenya.

The spokesman of the NDLEA also said on the same day, another passenger, Nnakeanyi Chukwuka King who arrived the airport on Ethiopian Airlines flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa was intercepted during the inward clearance of passengers at the E-Arrival Hall of the Lagos Airport.

During a search of King’s luggage, 40 parcels of cocaine concealed inside bottles of body cream with a gross weight of 9.7 kilogrammes were recovered from him.

Babafemi said three days later on Wednesday, another passenger on Ethiopian Airlines flight to Italy, Mr. Edo Blessing was intercepted at the Departure Hall of the airport with 2,090 tablets of Tramadol 225mg and Flunitrazepam. The suspect who hails from Edo state but lives in Italy has claimed ownership of the recovered psychotropic substances.

On the same day, operatives arrested a freight agent, Rafiu Abbas at the NAHCO Export Shed of the airport when he presented a cargo containing 19.15 kilogrammes cannabis going to London. The illicit substance was concealed inside plastic containers labelled as “African Dishes” and packed in a bag.

In a related development, a 63-year-old Vincent Obimma was last Friday arrested with 350 grammes of cocaine and 150 grammes of heroin by NDLEA operatives at a park in the Apapa seaport corridor in Lagos. The drugs were hidden in industrial torch packets heading to Kano, Kano state.

Also a suspected drug dealer in Kaduna state, James Okenwa has been arrested in a follow-up operation at Central Market, Kaduna. He admitted the ownership of 1,807 bottles of cough syrup with codeine that were earlier recovered from two suspects at the tollgate.

Babafemi said at the point of his arrest, another 152 bottles of the drug were recovered from his vehicle. He has accepted ownership of all the 1,959 bottles of the codeine syrup.

In Yobe state, two fake security agents: Akalonu Justin and Azimbi Festus who were coming from Onitsha and heading to Maiduguri, Borno state have been arrested with 25 blocks of cannabis dative weighing 12 5 kilogrammes and 1,598 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 159.8 littes, while 85 kilogrammes of cannabis was also recovered from the warehouse of a notorious drug dealer in Pawari area of Damaturu, the state capital last Thursday.

In Anambra state, a total of 38,605 tablets of assorted opioids were recovered from a 29-year-old drug dealer, Awoke Friday at Nkwelle junction, Onitsha last Friday with the support of men of the Nigeria Police.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Apapa Port, Kaduna, Yobe and Anambra Commands of the agency for the impressive seizures and arrests in the past week, charged them and their colleagues across the country to stay focussed and intensify efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and substances.

Embattled Commander of IGP-Intelligence Response Team (IRT), DCP Abba Kyari is in another legal battle, as the Independent Investigation Panel on Human Rights Violations by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police Force, on Friday ordered the Chairman of National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) to produce him before the panel to explain his role in the case of missing persons.

Abba Kyari, before now is facing prosecution in the United States for his alleged involvement with Ramon Abbas, commonly known as Hushpuppi, Hush, or Ray Hushpuppi, who is facing criminal charges in the United States for conspiracy to launder money obtained from business email compromise, and another case in Nigeria over involvement in drug.

In the latest battle, a Representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the panel, John Aikpokpo Martins, while presiding over the panel on behalf of the Chairman, Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd), made the order that Abba Kyari should be presented before the panel on the 22nd of March, 2022 to explain his role

Martins noted that the presence of Abba Kyari before the panel is very necessary owing to the fact that a witness of the petitioner had earlier testified that Abba Kyari allegedly promised to reach out to him in respect of the missing persons, and till date nothing was heard about them.

Also, the panel ordered the new Commandant of the IGP-IRT, Tunde Dirsu to do the needful to ensure that Abba Kyari whom he succeeded in office is produced before the panel on the aforesaid date.

The above orders were made in respect of three persons who were allegedly arrested and detained by the IGP-IRT detention facility and till date, their whereabouts is still unknown. The trio are Yakubu Danjuma, Ibrahim Daniel and Choji Dung.

The order of the panel followed information from Panel’s counsel, Halilu Adamu that Abba Kyari is in the custody of the NDLEA and Police Counsel James Idachaba told the panel that the Police can no longer produce Kyari since he is no longer in Police custody, having been suspended.

It would be recalled that the panel had on the 8th of March, 2022 ordered the office of the Inspector General of Police to unfailingly produce the aforementioned three victims before it.

Before the panel’s order, a Federal High Court, FCT sitting in Gudu had ordered for the release of the mentioned persons but till date the order was not carried out.

Earlier in the proceedings at the panel, lead counsel for the Police, James Idachaba informed the panel that he personally made some efforts to produce the case file in respect of the matter from the IGP-IRT Office.

According to him he went to the Office of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and that till date, he is yet to get details of the whereabouts of the three persons in question.

He went further to say that the disbandment of IRT somehow affected their search for the three victims, adding that all the officers of the defunct IRT have been transferred to different Police Commands.

He, however, promised to do the necessary things within his powers to ensure that documents and information about the missing persons are supplied to the panel.

The families of the missing persons in a petition had alleged that their breadwinners were arrested and detained in 2019 by the Police and nothing has been heard about them till date.

The matter was adjourned to 22nd of March, 2022.