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With prayers Nigeria will overcome her challenges- NCPC boss
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
In a new year message, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam has said that a sure for the country to overcome it’s security and COVID-19 challenges is with the prayers of the Saints.
This was contained in a press release signed by Celestine Toruka,
Head Media and Public Relations NCPC and made available to Daybreak today.
According to the release Rev Pam urged Church leaders to work closely with the Government in order to bring the dividends of democracy to the people.
He prayed that Nigeria would bounce back economically this year because the Lord rules in the affairs of this great nation.
The Reverend also said that the COVID-19 pandemic COVID 19 pandemic would be contained globally this year and commended the Presidential Task Force on COVID 19 pandemic for their selfless and untiring efforts at mitigating the spread of the Virus in the country.
Meanwhile he commended the Nigeria Armed Forces for their gallantry efforts at combating the menace of insurgency, particularly in the North East and North West.
He posited that Nigeria would continue to play a leading role in Africa and in Sub- Saharan Africa, considering its numerical strength and abundance natural endowment.
The NCPC Chief Executive tasked Nigerians to look up to God this year and pray for those in authority at all times so that they would be able to provide quality leadership for this nation.
January 2, 2021
Gbajabiamila visits Zazzau emir, condoles with monarch over death of princes
…as Zaria Rep’s daughter, son wed
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmed Bamalli, over the death of two prominent princes in the emirate.
The two personalities, Alhaji Bashir Aminu (the Iyan Zazzau), and the Talban Zazzau, Abdulkadir Iya-Pate, had died on Friday.
Gbajabiamila, who visited the emir’s palace in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Saturday, with a delegation of over 20 members of the House, including the House Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, offered his sympathies to the Emirate Council and the immediate families of the deceased.
He also prayed to God to grant the souls of the late princes eternal rest.
The speaker, who had earlier commiserated with the emirate council through a condolence message he issued in Abuja prior to his visit, also seized the opportunity to congratulate Bamalli over his elevation to the throne.
He noted that though he did not physically attend the installation ceremonies, he was with the emirate in heart and soul.
Gbajabiamila stated, “I was here with my heart, with my soul. The only thing that was not here on that day was my body. May you grow over us your subjects, and that includes myself, with wisdom and with fatherly love.
“Having said that, it is ironic that at the same time, I am coming to offer commiseration on the loss of two prominent members of your council. I only heard yesterday, then I was given the details this morning. What can we say? May Allah grant them eternal rest. May their souls rest in peace.”
The Speaker thanked the royal father for his support for the House of Representatives, particularly the 9th Assembly and prayed that God would continue to guide the emir.
Gbajabiamila said his visit had three points rolled into one, noting that he was also in Zaria to celebrate with a member of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, who gave out his daughter in marriage and his son, who was taking a wife.
“We are here with other 20 members – a very large delegation – to pay homage before you, to rejoice with you, even in spite of what happened yesterday. Everything comes from Allah. He has done what He needs to do and we must be grateful and thankful to Him.”
Responding, the emir thanked the Speaker for the visit.
He said the entire emirate was in shock over the death of the two princes, though they submitted to the will of God.
He expressed the hope that the next time the Speaker would visit the emirate, it would be for full social interactions and not for condolences.
“We thank his Excellency for coming and we pray Allah to take you back home safely. Next time you will come not for condolences but for social visits”, the emir added.
January 2, 2021
A’Ibom Police refutes resignation of officer who rejected N864M bribe
The Police in Akwa Ibom has refuted news in the media that one of it’s most trusted officers, CSP Francis Erhabor has resigned from the Force.
Erhabor, who is also the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘D’ Division, Itam in Akwa Ibom claimed to have rejected more than N800 million bribe over three years while serving as a pipeline protection Commander in Edo State and have won many international and national awards for his exemplary conduct in his duties is quoted to have resigned due to lack of promotion.
A statement endorsed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon in Uyo on Saturday said appointments and promotions in the Force is not done on social media.
“The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to a write up making the rounds, that the Divisional Police Officer ( DPO ), of ‘D’ Division, Itam, CSP Francis Osage Erhabor has resigned from the Nigeria Police Force on the grounds of lack of promotion.
“For the avoidance of doubt, appointments and resignations of the NPF are not done on social media.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Amienghene Andrew, fdc, is not in receipt of any letter of resignation from the Senior Officer and has not in anyway communicated same to the Force Headquarters.
“Let it be known, that the publication making the rounds is a figment of the imagination of the writer.” It said.
The release advised members of the public to disregard the said publication as Erhabor remained a bonafide member of the NPF and still the DPO of Itam Divisional Headquarters.
January 2, 2021
ASUU lampoons Gov Umahi over threat to life of chairman
The Calabar Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has said that it would hold Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State responsible for any harm on it’s branch chairman at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Comrade Ikechukwu Igwenyi.
It has also blamed Umahi for the deteriorating welfare of staff of the university and the proscription of ASUU in the insitution in a bid to administer the university with impunity without checks.
Calabar Zonal chairman of ASUU Dr Aniekan Brown told newsmen weekend in Uyo that the Governor has already mobilized the Ohaozara kinsmen of Igwenyi to attack him and his family after he (Umahi) had threatened the chairman to leave his post and resign from the University for refusing to back down on issues partaining to the welfare of union members in the University.
Brown recalled that the nationwide ASUU strike was suspended in Ebonyi State University on 24th December, 2020 after the announcement by Igwenyi to members at the Faculty of Agriculture, CAS Annex of the University and as a result,
EBSU staff members were ready to go back to work immediately school reopens and EBSU Management has been notified by the Branch.

“It has became a cause of concern and worry to the Union that as political stakeholders in Ohaozara, led by the Local Government Chairperson, Princess Nkechi Iyioku and the Commissioner for Local Government and
Chieftaincy Matters, Bar. Samuel Okoronkwo visited Governor David Umahi in the spirit of Christmas at his country home in Uburu on 28th
December, 2020, the outcome was a threat to mobilize youths and traditional rulers from the area to occupy the family home of Comrade
Ikechuku Okorie Igwenyi in Abakaliki, who is the Acting Chairperson of ASUU, EBSU Branch to force him to resign and leave Ebonyi State or face
some consequences. Similar instruction was given to youths, Technical Advisers and Faculty Presidents in EBSU on 29th Decemeber, 2020 when they paid a Christmas visit to the Governor.

“Governor David Umahi, who is supposed to be the Chief security Officer of the State with a primary obligation of protecting lives and properties of the citizens stated that Comrade Igwenyi is the reason there is no peace in the State and in the University and urged the people of Ohaozara Local Government Area to raise 1000 youths and
occupy the residence of Comrade Ikechuku Igwenyi at Abakaliki for seven days, apprehend his parents in their family home at Okposi and
occupied the place for another seven days while the traditional rulers should initiate plans to ostracize the Igwenyi family from Okposi
Community, should he fail to leave the seat as ASUU Chairperson and resign his appointment as a Lecturer from the University, stating that
his APC government will not tolerate any perceived enemy of the party and would knock any perceived opposition in the mouth to paralysis.

The zonal chairman wondered how Igwenyi has become a threat to peace in Ebonyi State for advocating for workers welfare that a “Governor is
ordering such an illustrious son to leave his appointment and employment in EBSU in his own interest or face the consequences. Has
he done any other thing than represent the interest of EBSU staff that he serves diligently and vowed to represent their interest satisfactorily.” He queried.

“On this note, it has become imperative that the life of Comrade Igwenyi and family is under intense threat by Governor David Umahi and
all concerned should take note and save the situation before it gets out of control. Should anything happen to Comrade Ikechuku Igwenyi and family, everyone should hold Governor David Nweze Umahi responsible.” Brown warned.

The Union reminded the Governor that he has no right to suspend or proscribe ASUU aso labour matters remained in the exclusive list of the Nigerian constitution while ASUU-EBSU was part of the just suspended Nationwide Strike Action as
an affiliate branch of ASUU, from where she derived her charter of operations, and therefore duty bound to abide by the directives of ASUU.
“Consequently, no state has a prerogative or constitutional preserve to take any action
on it. What that translates to is that the purported proscription or suspension of ASUU EBSU by the Government of Ebonyi State is ultra vires, inconsequential and of no effect. In this regard, ASUU has approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria to challenge the authority of Ebonyi State Government to make such an utterance. Meanwhile, it is a misplaced priority and spells doom for the people of Ebonyi State for Government to embark on cosmetic infrastructural
development to the detriment of education and human capital development.” He said.
It also opposed a political group called Divine Mandate Professors (DMPs) raised by the Umahi’s government to run the affairs of the University, proscribed the Unions and dissolved the University
Governing Council to allow the DMPs take over from the University Council.
“This is choking the Management of EBSU and in their communiqué to the State Government, the DMPs accepted 20% deduction of staff monthly salaries at source to support the State Government in her fight against Covid-19. They also accepted that staff strength must be reduced without pension and gratuity beginning from
Implementation of the result of a Medical Board while the leadership of the Unions must be disbanded by the removal and expulsion of ASUU
Chairman, who also doubles as the Chairman of Joint Committee of Trade Unions.
“The resistance mounted by the Union under the leadership of Comrade Igwenyi and because he refused to dance to the tune of government and the DMPs is the reason he has become endangered and classified as a threat to
Government. Comrade Igwenyi has been severely disturbed by security agencies and several allegations put on him. This has culminated to
the recent threat to his life and family by the Governor of Ebonyi State during the Christmas visit by Ohaozara APC political stakeholders, which was also attended by Igwenyi Family members.” The chairman concluded.
January 2, 2021
TUC Deputy National President, Chika Onuegbu is dead
The Deputy National President of the Trade union Congress, TUC, Chika Onuegbu is dead.
He died today in Port Harcourt after a brief but undisclosed ailment.
Chika Onuegbu was the immediate past Chairman of TUC in Rivers State between December 2012 and July 2016.
He also served as National Industrial Relation Officer of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN between May 2011 and June 2014.
Mr Onuegbu was a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) with over 22 years post-ICAN & CITN qualification experience.
Until his death, Chika Onuegbu played a very active role in labor related matters in Rivers State and the country.
January 2, 2021
Seven Killed In Niger State On New Year’s Eve
Seven farmers have been killed in Baban Rami in Mashegu Local Government Area of the state by bandits.
The Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Matane confirmed on Saturday that the incident occurred on New Year’s Eve.
He said the bandits had laid ambush on the farmers who had gone to their farms to harvest their produce.
According to him, the bandits had earlier demanded ransom from the farmers before they could harvest their produce.
But the farmers refused to give in to their threats and decided to seek for the protection of some vigilante members.
Matane explained that after the harvest, one of the drivers, however, decided to move ahead with some farmers, and in the process were attacked by the bandits who killed seven of them.
Asked why the information was just coming to public domain, the Niger state SSG said government had wanted to be sure of the numbers before making any pronouncement.
“We were not sure of the number of the persons killed. We wanted to be sure. So, we just got the accurate figure,” he said.
It is the first time that bandits would launch attacks on Baban Rami.
Matane said the state government would set up a coordinated operation in Mashegu to dislodge the bandits.
He said the state government condemned the attack and other attacks recently carried out in the state.
At least over fifty people have been killed by bandits in Niger State since renewed banditry attacks in January, 2020.
The latest attack comes barely one week after the district head of Madaka in Rafi Local Government Area of the state, Ya’u Idris was killed by gunmen days after he was abducted from his home by the same people.
At the moment, many farmers are not able to go to their farms to harvest their produce due to insecurity.
January 2, 2021
Unemployed youths will rise against govt, Rev. Fr. Mbaka warns
The Spiritual Director, Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Nigeria, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, has urged the Federal Government to provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.
Mbaka, who stated this during a crossover service early Friday, advised the regime to take swift moves to create jobs to prevent uprising that may consume the government.
He said “The Holy Spirit of God asked me to warn the government of the day to be very careful; to change policies and take care of the youths without politicising their (youths’) condition.
“That the government should rise and urgently create jobs and innovate opportunities that would benefit the youths of the nation because they have suffered so much.
“Don’t politicise the condition of the youths, otherwise, they will arise and end the political system.
“Should the government fail to do so as soon as possible that time is coming when the youths will rise against the government, and that any attempt to stop them will end the government.”
He added, “Those who should be serving the country have looted the country dry for their personal aggrandisement such that our children and grandchildren no longer have a future.”
January 2, 2021
COVID-19: Over 4,000 Lagos Residents Undergoing Home-Based Treatment
At least 4,176 persons infected with COVID-19 in Lagos State are currently undergoing home-based treatment in the wake of the second wave of the infection in the country.
This was made known by the state Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi in a tweet via his verified handle, @ProfAkinAbayomi.
He also noted that 115 cases were in isolation and three new COVID-19 related deaths were recorded bringing the total COVID-19 induced fatalities in the state to 240.
“Total number of #COVID19 recovery in communities – 22,789; cases currently under isolation – 115; active cases under home-based care – 4,176; new #COVID19 related death – 3; total deaths – 240,” Professor Abayomi tweetd on Friday.
He also disclosed that the number of COVID-19 cases discharged from Lagos care centres stands at 2,901 and the total number of COVID19 recovery in communities stands at 22,789.
The commissioner also identified five top high burden Local Government Areas in the state with COVID-19 cases as Eti-Osa, Ajeromi, Surulere, Amuwo-Odofin and Mushin.
He appealed to residents to stay safe, avoid crowded places and celebrate responsibly, warning that those who have no reason to move around should stay at home.
In his earlier tweet on December 30, 2020, Abayomi said the total cumulative number of COVID19 tests conducted stands 219,664.
January 2, 2021
#JusticeForDonDavis: Parents Of Young Boy Allegedly Molested At Deeper Life School Demands N100m as Compensation
The parents of 11-year- old Don-Davies Archibong, A JSS1 student of Deeper Life High School Idoro Uyo, who was allegedly sexually molested by his school mates two months after he resumed school, have demanded the sum of one hundred million naira as compensation from the school.
The parents made the demand in a letter addressed to the Principal of the School and written by their solicitors, Eagle-Eyes Network Chambers, and signed by David Okokon (Esq).
The letter which is entitled “Gross Child abuse, palpable molestation, serial bullying, criminal starvation, malicious oppression, and dubious maltreatment of master Don-Davies Archibong (11years old) by the Principal and Boarding Master, of Deeper Life Secondary School, Uyo” and dated December 22, 2020, reads in part
It is indeed provocatively heartbroken, morally suicidal, religiously hypocritical that our client’s 11-year-old son was torrentially bombarded with physical, and inhuman torture of debilitating dimension with resultant castration of his human person, dignity, and childhood innocence.
We respectfully demand the payment of N100,000,000 within 21 days of the receipt of this letter as compensation to assuage the dehumanizing, horrendous torture and indignity our client’s son was subjected to and for his medical checkup and medication.
We demand that Deeper Life High School Idoro, Uyo to publish an unreserved apology to our clients in two National Newspapers; PUNCH, THISDAY, and any other two local Newspapers circulated within Akwa Ibom State and its environs”
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State government has withdrawn from investigating the incident and has left the investigation to the police and other relevant institutions. The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Ini Ememobong who disclosed this, said the State Government will upon receipt of the investigation report and take necessary actions thereafter.
January 2, 2021
5 Women Killed As Blast Hits Yemen Wedding Hall
Five women were killed in war-torn Yemen when a projectile exploded at a wedding held on New Year’s Day in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, officials said Saturday.
The government and Huthi rebel forces blamed each other for the Friday night bombing of the hall near Hodeida’s airport, a frontline between the warring sides on the edge of the Huthi-held town.
It came just two days after at least 26 people were killed in blasts that rocked the airport of the southern city of Aden as government ministers got off a plane.
General Sadek Douid, the government representative in a UN-sponsored joint commission overseeing a truce, condemned the Hodeida blast, which also left seven wounded, as “an odious crime committed by the Huthis against civilians”.
Hodeida’s Huthi-appointed governor, Mohammed Ayache, said on Al-Masirah television, which is run by the Shiite Muslim rebels, that “the forces of aggression never hesitate to blame others for their crimes”.
Saudi-backed government forces launched an offensive in June 2018 to retake Hodeida, the main entry point for humanitarian aid to poverty-stricken Yemen.
But a ceasefire has been partially observed since December of the same year.
January 2, 2021