Author: Our Correspondent

By Patrick Wemambu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has ended its 8th Triennial Delegates Conference in Owerri, Imo State Thursday with election of new national officers to pilot its affairs for the next three years.

Immediate past National Deputy President of the union, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, polled 436 votes against the 97 scored by his closest rival, Bamidele Atunbi and 39 votes garnered by Mohammed Garba to emerge as the new president of the union.

In an acceptance speech, Yahya pledged to serve “humbly and with the fear of God as well as uphold the Constitution of the NUJ with all fairness, equity and justice.”

Former member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the union, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde, who doubles as General Manager, Radio Nigeria, Bronze FM, Edo State, was returned unopposed as the new Deputy National President. She becomes the first female member to be elected to that exalted office.

Other elected officers include the Treasurer, Victor Ndukwe, who was erstwhile Abia State Council Chairman and Ronke Samo returned as the Vice President of Zone B (South-West). The election which was conducted amidst tight security had over 600 delegates in attendance from 36 state councils across the nation.

Later, in a congratulatory message, the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, who hosted the Conference – rejoiced with the newly elected officials. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguike Nwachukwu, Uzodimma expressed satisfaction that elections to the various posts were peaceful.

Noting that winners capable of delivering transformational leadership for journalists in Nigeria emerged, the governor encouraged the new EXCO to build on the achievements of its predecessor. While highlighting the role of journalism in upholding democratic values, the chief host emphasized the importance of journalistic ethics in combating the menace of fake news. The union was assured of Imo State’s continued support for the body.

It would be recalled that the NUJ had been plagued by crisis leading up to the Owerri Congress with potentialities of scuttling the event. A member, Abdulwaheed Adubi, from the Kaduna State Council had approached the National Industrial Court, Abuja through his counsel, Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, seeking to halt the just-concluded elections on the premise that the tenure of the Chris Isiguzo-led EXCO had elapsed since 6th October 2024.

However, in his affidavit, Counsel to the defendants had contested validity of the claimant’s arguments, questioning the latter’s membership of the union. “The claimant failed to utilize the internal mechanisms for resolving disputes as outlined in Article 7 (vi) (a) and (b) of the NUJ constitution,” Patrick Ediale, lawyer to the defendants claimed, arguing that granting the injunction sought would cause unnecessary disruption to the NUJ’s activities.

Subsequently, during the resumed hearing of Adubi’s application, Wednesday 20th November 2024, the presiding judge in her ruling refused to issue an intermediate injunction. “This matter is adjourned to December 13, 2024, for ruling on the application for injunction,” Justice Olunfunke Anuwe, had declared, rejecting all entreaties by the claimant to secure immediate court intervention.

By Leo Zwànke, Lafia

Farmers in Anyarkeke, Ikyochiha, Shankodi, and China communities of Ribi District, Jangwa Development Area, Awe Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, have raised serious allegations against government officials and traditional leaders.

They claim their rice crops are being forcefully harvested by individuals led by the Chief of Jangwa, Shehu Adamu, allegedly acting under orders from the state government.

When our Correspondent visited the communities on Friday the farmers who are predominantly Tiv farming communities, with a population of over 10,000, was in turmoil as their main source of livelihood has been distroyed. Some farmers alleged that security personnel, including heavily armed soldiers, accompanied the officials to their farms to carry out the illegal harvest.

Narrating his ordeal, Mr. Joseph Faga, one of the affected farmers, said, “The planting season was peaceful, but everything changed during harvest. I found the commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Agriculture, the local government chairman, and the chief of Jangwa harvesting my rice. When I confronted them, they said it was an order from the state government.”

Faga added, “They have been threshing my rice for three days now under tight security. I feel helpless watching my hard work being taken away like this.”

Another farmer, Mr. Vitalis Chiangi, expressed similar anguish, describing the situation as devastating. “This rice is our only source of income and survival. We plead with the authorities to intervene before things escalate further,” he said.

Community leader Iorlaha Aloysius accused the government of acting contrary to a court order and ignoring the farmers’ rights. “The land is not under dispute, and a high court in Abuja had restrained the state government or any party from interfering with the Tiv farmers. If the government wants the land, they should call for dialogue instead of harvesting our crops without notice. This is unjust and inhuman,” Aloysius stated.

The farmers estimated that over 400 bags of rice had already been harvested from their farms, leaving them in dire straits.

When contacted, the chairman of Awe Local Government Area, Hon. Dankano, denied any involvement in the matter. “I am not aware of such an incident, but I will investigate and provide more information,” he said. When pressed about allegations that he was present during the harvest, Dankano maintained, “I have no knowledge of the situation, but I will look into it and revert.”

Governor Abdullahi Sule recently addressed similar concerns during a visit to Jangwa Development Area, where the state government oversaw the harvest of 2,000 hectares of rice. “The state government has no intention of forcefully taking land from anyone. If there is a need for land acquisition, the right processes, including compensation, will be followed,” the governor assured.

The governor also dismissed allegations circulating on social media about the government’s involvement in the forced harvesting of farmers’ crops. “We are committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in our operations,” he added.

The affected farmers have called on the state and federal governments to investigate the incident, return their harvested rice, and ensure that such occurrences are prevented in the future.

From Rhoda Godwin

The Bayelsa State Director of the
(NOA) has reiterated it’s call for value orientation and the National Value Charter, aimed at fostering community development and social responsibility

Mr. Edwards Banigo, the Bayelsa State Director of the (NOA), came up with this when he recently led a delegation to the Bayelsa Non-Governmental Organizations Forum (BANGOF) for an advocacy /courtesy visit I. Yenagoa Capital.

Banigo presented various strategies to promote civic education and community involvement, seeking BANGOF’s support in disseminating these messages across Bayelsa State.

According to him, the partnership aims to tackle pressing social issues, including youth engagement and environmental sustainability.

The delegation highlighted various strategies to promote civic education and community involvement, seeking BANGOF’s support in disseminating these messages throughout Bayelsa State.

During the meeting, BANGOF Chairman Mr. Taritein Boco expressed his commitment to collaborating with the NOA to effectively implement these initiatives.

Boco stressed the importance of engaging local communities in value reorientation efforts to enhance societal cohesion and progress.

He expressed his commitment to collaborating with the NOA to implement these initiatives effectively.

He emphasized the importance of engaging local communities in value reorientation efforts to enhance societal cohesion and progress.

Boco pledged to work closely with the NOA, recognizing that collective efforts are crucial for achieving meaningful change.

The meeting concluded with plans for future collaborations, underscoring a shared vision for a more informed and responsible citizenry in Bayelsa.

Highpoint of the meeting was handing over of educational materials from NOA boss to BANGOF Chairman and a group photograph.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Commissioner of police Kaduna state command, CP Ibrahim Abdullahi has said there were significant achievement in curbing crimes since he assumed office as 44th CP in the state, attributing it to strategies adopted under current leadership in collaboration with other security outfits.

The CP who disclosed this while briefing newsmen Monday in Kaduna on achievement recorded said he prioritized Proactive Policing, Community Engagement and Collaboration with other Security Agencies to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kaduna State.

“Since my assumption of duty as the 44th Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, On 21st October 2024, I CP Ibrahim Abdullahi, psc, mni, have prioritized Proactive Policing, Community Engagement and Collaboration with other Security Agencies to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kaduna State.

“I am pleased to inform you that the strategies we have implemented have resulted in significant operational successes, with the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our Officers and men.

According to him, “A total of 523 suspects have been arrested for involvement in various criminal activities, including: 26 kidnappers, 12 Cattle Rustlers, 97 Phone Snatchers, 17 Car Snatchers, 10 Rape Suspects, amongst others”.

“As we embark into the ember months, efforts have been intensified to tackle crime across the State. Black spots known for criminal activities were raided, leading to the arrest of over 350 suspects.
“Among those apprehended are suspects involved in phone snatching and Sara suka, demonstrating a firm commitment to improving public safety and reducing crime during this critical period.

“The Command has also recovered: Five (5) AK47 Rifles, Two (2) Pistols, One (1) Submachine Gun (SMG), 283 Rustled Cows and 20 Sheep, 105 Rounds of Live Ammunition and 102 Kidnap victims were rescued”, he said.

He also said highlights of major operations include “Foiled of kidnapping, rescue of eighty- nine (89) victims, recovery of one (1) fabricated AK 47 rifle and five (5) alive ammunition respectively.

He explained that “On 24th November, 2024, Kaduna State Police Command received a distress call reporting the suspicious activities of armed bandits in large numbers attempting to kidnap farmers harvesting beans in a farm via Idasu Village, Kidandan in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.

“Upon receipt of the report, combined teams of Police Mobile Force and Conventional Police men stationed at a nearby village, swiftly mobilized to the location and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

“The firepower of the joint teams forced the bandits to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds. The Operatives successfully rescued eighty-nine (89) kidnapped victims and recovered one (1) fabricated AK47 Rifle and five (5) rounds of live ammunition.

“The victims have since been reunited with their families while during the operation, one (1) of the Police Operatives sustained bullet wound on his cheek and currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital”, he stated.

The CP, on a case of armed robbery and causing grievous hurt explained that “On 10th November, 2024 one Isah Musa ‘m’ while returning on foot from Ung/Shanu to Ung/Sarki along Ali Akilu highway, Kaduna was attacked by one Abdulmalik Aliyu ‘m’ of No.1 Layin Yan’Wanki, Ung/Shanu, Kaduna who was armed with a sharp matchet and cut off the wrist of Isah Musa and robbed him of his VINO Motorcycle, valued at Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand (N450,000:00) Naira .

“Upon receipt of the report, Police Operatives swung into action and arrested the suspect. During interrogation, the suspect asserted that he was a dismissed Soldier and case is still under investigation”, he said.

He spoke on arrest of a suspected gun runner & recovery of one SMG, adding “On 13th November, 2024, at about 4:30 hours, Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, of Kaduna State Command led by the Officer in Charge (OC), executed a targeted Operation at Gidan Sani around Jere Area of Kagarko, Kaduna State.

“During the Operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command arrested one Isa Saidu, 25-year-old ‘m’ suspected of involvement in Arms Trafficking and other related criminal activities. When search was conducted in the suspect’s residence, a fabricated Submachine Gun (SMG) was recovered.

“The suspect will be charged to court on completion of preliminary investigations.

Arrest of two -man syndicate of cell phone thieves, recovery of a stolen vehicle and arrest of six suspects, suspected kidnappers informant, recovery of 283 suspected rustled cows, 20 sheep and arrest of five suspects, amongst others. End

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it has launched an extensive initiative to monitor constituency projects valued at N21 billion throughout Kaduna State.

This strategic move is designed to promote transparency and accountability in the execution of public-funded projects within the zones.

Speaking to reporters in Kaduna, Chief Superintendent Haruna Aminu, who’s in charged of Constituency and Executive Tracking Department, under the leadership of ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, detailed the tracking of 60 projects across the state.

The initiative he said commenced last Wednesday with a focus on the Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna axis, where the ICPC was able to evaluate 21 constituent projects.

A significant part of our tracking includes the assessment of solar-powered street lights in Kabala area, among other projects

“A significant part of our tracking includes the assessment of solar-powered street lights in the Kabala area, among other projects,” Aminu stated.

“While we’ve observed some levels of execution on the solar project, we’ve also identified several areas that require attention. These initiatives have a direct impact on the lives of residents,” he added.

Emphasizing the commission’s commitment to ensuring that contractors fulfill their obligations, Aminu stressed, “No contractor will be overlooked as we will not allow any entity to collect government funds without executing their project.

“The era of abandoned projects is over. We are equipped with all necessary directives and support to address those who fail to meet their responsibilities.”

Highlighting the serious consequences of delays, particularly concerning the solar-powered streetlights, Aminu stated that these setbacks have significantly affected the projects’ potential effectiveness within the community.

“These interventions are crucial for enhancing livelihoods in Kaduna State. If they had been completed as scheduled last year, the positive impact would be evident by now,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Aminu disclosed that the ICPC’s next steps include a vigorous crackdown on contractors who neglect their duties in executing government projects. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that citizens receive the expected dividends of democracy in their communities.

“As the ICPC continues its monitoring efforts across Kaduna State, the commission aims to restore public trust in government projects and improve the overall quality of life for its residents. The success of these monitoring activities could set a precedent for similar efforts in other states across Nigeria.

The South South’s apex socio-political body Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Ahmed led federal governmen for not withholding statutory allocation due to Rivers state.

In a media chat with news men at Uyo airport on Saturday, 23rd November, 2024, the new National Chairman of the body, AMBASSADOR GODKNOWS IGALI expressed delight that Mr PRESIDENT took such a statemanly decision which is a relief not only to the people of Rivers State but all of Nigeria.

He stated further that this decision will help ensure that the citizens of RIVERS State will not suffer vicariously from the family feud between some of the political leaders of the state.

He further expressed the hope and optimism that this decision will also aid the reconciliation effort by the Obong Victor Attah led High Level Peace and the Reconciliation Committee recently constituted by PANDEF.

The PANDEF leader again cautioned all political actors and leaders in Rivers State as well as youth and women groups to sheath the sword and follow the step taken by the federal government in de escalating tension while the reconciliation effort is ongoing.

By Mike Odiakose

A security expert of international repute, Dr Jackson Lekan Ojo has called on President Bola Tinubu to probe the top echelon of the military over their alleged involvement in oil theft in Niger Delta.

Speaking to Journalists in Port Harcourt, River State, Dr Ojo said it is disturbing that the Federal Government has not done anything about the outcry of two Niger Delta activists, Asari Dokubo and General Tompolo that military officers, especially the Navy, are involved in the stealing of oil.

According to him, “Tompolo came and said Navy people are sabotaging his efforts and that they are looking for ways to eliminate him because he is standing like a threat to oil thieves.

“He said that there was a time he arrested some people but Navy people were shooting against his men.

“Alhaji Asari Dokubo made the same allegation that the military people are the super oil thieves and that the people that are supposed to protect our oil are the ones behind oil theft.

“I had expected them to come out to the public to refute this allegations. This is very sad and we have National Security Adviser, Minister of Defense, Director General of Department of State Service. Yet nothing has been done.”

Dr Jackson Ojo attributed the myriad of problems confronting the nation to the calibre of people managing the resources of the nation.

“The issue we are having in this country is the managers of our resources. This is the sixth time the management of NNPCL is giving dates that the refineries will start working and nobody has sanctioned anybody.

“Maybe Milee Kyari is satisfying Mr.President more that the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that is why the President has to leave him there.

“Melee Kyari messed up under former President Muhammadu Buhari and he is the first person we expect Tinubu to sack as he assumed office as President and Commander-in-Chief.

He added that Nigerians expect the federal government to privatize security of oil pipelines and oil wealth.

He further stressed that it is a huge indictment for any private security to say the military is involved in sabotaging the oil industry in the country.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, will commence his annual leave from Monday, November 25.

In a statement, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, disclosed that during the period of the governor’s absence, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, will take charge of all state functions.