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  • A’Ibom, Savannah Energy sign MOU for technical audit of Ibom Power

    A’Ibom, Savannah Energy sign MOU for technical audit of Ibom Power

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Akwa Ibom State Government and the management of Savannah Energy yesterday in Uyo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct a technical audit of the state owned Ibom Power Plant aimed at repositioning the power plant to operate optimally.

    The Governor had, during the visit, expressed concern at the state of affairs at the power plant, and had promised to ensure that he would do everything possible to make sure the plant operate maximally for the benefit of the people of the State.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Eno emphasized the importance of the power sector in the economic growth of any society.

    “Power is everything, it drives development, ensures a better quality of life and is the engine of growth for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

    “We are determined to continue the great works in the power sector and ensure that, working with stakeholders such as Savannah Energy, we will take full advantage of the resources we have expended in the Ibom Power Plant and make it work for our people.” He said.

    Managing Director of Savannah Energy, Engr. Pade Durotoye in a brief remark promised that his firm would abide by all the terms of the MoU and promised that they would do a thorough job to ensure that the plant is restored to the path of profitability.

    Also present at the event, were the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN, Commissioner for Power, Engr Camillus Umoh, MD/CEO of AKICORP, Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, Chairman of Ibom Power Plant, Engr Etido Inyang and the MD, Engr Mayen Etukudo.

  • ASUU President criticizes haphazard university recruitment

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    ; UNIUYO branch awards N1.7m to 15 students.

    National President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osadeke has raised alarm over the level of indiscriminate employment in Nigerian Universities saying it has now been turned into a ‘constituency project’ without following due process.

    This is even as the University of Uyo branch of the union (ASUU-UUB) has doled out N1.7 million to 15 indigent of the University who excelled in their academics.

    Osadeke who made this known during the Heroes’ Day Celebration at in Uyo yesterday
    said the illegal process has continued to undermine University standards because most of the people employed have no business with the academic world.

    The president commended the six ASUU members honoured by the branch for their outstanding contributions and sacrifices for the union over the years adding that the award was significant because all the recipients were alive to witness the occasion.

    “I must heartily congratulate all the heroes honoured today for the sacrifices they made to the point of termination of appointments, seizure of salaries, demotion among other travails for speaking truth to powers for the benefit of others.

    “Before now, University employment was done through advertisement followed by rigorous interviews before being given the job but now how do people get here? It is through temporary appointments.

    “That’s the problem that we have today. I do not know of any University for the past six to ten years that has advertised, but the staff strength has tripled.

    “Vice-Chancellors just sat down somewhere and packed people from Traditional Rulers, Governors, and all other politicians into the Nigerian Universities and most of them are now scavengers in the system going after money and all manners of things.

    “Unfortunately, University employment has turned into a constituency project and we have to struggle to reverse this misnomer and bring sanity to the system.” He explained.

    In a remark, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo who was represented by professor Ben Etuk, commended ASUU for it selfless service to humanity.

    He noted that role played by the union has contributed immensely to improved wellfare among the University staff.

    In his keynote address, Professor Desmond Wilson, a retired Professor of Ethnocomunicology noted that the struggles of the Union have been made difficult by fifth columnists and other agents employed by the government to cause confusion.

    Wilson, who stressed that heroism was not a blank check to misbehavior, urged all members of the union to be selfless, committed and trusted for the betterment of all and the redemption of Nigerian Universities from its quagmires.

    Acting branch chairman, Prof Opeyemi Olajide in a wellcome address said the union honoured the awardees with the Heroes awards for leading the union firmly through turbulent periods in the history of the branch.

    Olajide said the scholarship award to the indigent students notes for their brilliance in their respective faculties was to help motivate and support them to finish their tertiary education.

    Our correspondent reports that the Heroes awardees were: Professor Desmond Wilson, Professor Edet Peter Akpan, Professor Joshua Ushie, Professor Aniesua Essiet, Professor Ashong Ashong, and Dr. Etop Ndiyo.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu Approves 50% Reduction in Yuletide Transport Fare Nationwide

    JUST IN: Tinubu Approves 50% Reduction in Yuletide Transport Fare Nationwide

    President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for a 50% reduction in interstate transport fares for Nigerians traveling during the yuletide season from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. Additionally, the President has authorized free rides for commuters on all train services within this period. The announcement was made by Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday.

    Alake stated, “Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport, including mini-buses and luxury buses, at a 50% discount of the current cost. All train services on the routes the trains currently serve will be available at zero cost during this holiday season.” The special presidential intervention will be in effect from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.

    The Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, will coordinate the implementation of this initiative. Alake emphasized that all relevant stakeholders in the transportation industry have been engaged, and the necessary preparations are in place for effective execution.

    Air travel is excluded from the initiative, with Alake explaining, “The initiative is for the masses. Air is luxury. The masses don’t use air transport. So they are our main target.”

  • NCS Denies Knowledge of Railway Bombing Kingpin and Other Bandits in Kaduna Prison

    NCS Denies Knowledge of Railway Bombing Kingpin and Other Bandits in Kaduna Prison

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    There is alleged skepticism in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Kaduna Service Centre, following the alleged sighting of some of the most deadly Boko Haram terrorists at the custodian centre.

    But the Service Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abubakar Umar, denied the allegation outrightly when contacted, saying there’s no iota of truth as alleged. He mentioned that he was yet to have any information at his disposal to that effect.

    Umar, however, observed that even though there’s always an attempt to cause a security breach in security architecture worldwide, the inability to succeed attested to the fact that the custodial is doing its best, citing American President Joe Biden’s recent security situation reports.

    He stated that one of the mandates of the Service is to ensure that no inmates escape or are illegally discharged. He added that if there’s an attempt for any security breach, the service has Modus Operandi and an operation unit to investigate and report back to the Comptroller General.

    Umar restated that, penultimate Friday, the Comptroller General organized an Award Night/End of the Year’s Party in Abuja, with the sole aim to motivate the staff and boost their morale and commitment toward their duty.

    He, however, declined further comments on the matter, stating that they are classified information not meant for public consumption. Information about some high-profile inmates yet to be convicted is most times divulged only to the family members on where they’re kept.

    He also explained why names of high-profile terrorist gangs like Killers of Kajuru 1st class Chief, Sen. Na’Allah’s Son are not disclosed while in the custodial.

    Earlier, there were reports making the rounds of alleged skepticism in Kaduna Service Centre, Kaduna convict prison, following the allegation of sighting some of the most deadly Boko Haram terrorists at the Centre.

    The Boko Haram terrorists group, according to an insider source in Kaduna, attempted to blind the eyes of the Warder taking them to Court with pepper a few days ago in Kaduna, with the aim to escape.

    Investigation revealed that those allegedly sighted in the prison include a Kingpin of the Nigeria Railway bombing, the killers of the Kajuru 1st class Chief, and that of Senator. Na’Allah Son’s killers, respectively, amongst others.

    It was also learned that some of the bandits have already made horrible confessions, naming some powerful politicians behind them in terms of sponsorship of their terrorist acts.

    Recalled that the Abuja-Kaduna train attacked occurred in Katari, Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State of Nigeria, on 28th March 2022, with some passengers killed while many other people were kidnapped.

    Daily times gathered that the bandits are currently cooling their fits up at the back Cell inside the custodial to serve as additional punishment for the attempted escape and rubbing pepper in the eyes of the Warder that took them to court.

    “The stories in prison are just too much truly. The Lord will help prisoners. Those who killed the Kajuru 1st Class King are also in prison, so also those who killed the Pilot, the son of Sen. Na’Allah too.

    “I will get their names later. They are currently in the back cell for punishment because they tried to escape by rubbing pepper in the eyes of the Warder that took them to court,” the source revealed.

    The PRO spoke extensively on the inmates’ correctional activities in the custodial and their by-products, especially in areas of carpentry fabrications of security doors, VIP chairs, among others.

  • DOAS Director Dr. Baba Gana Adam Faces N500M Libel Suit Over Alleged Defamation

    DOAS Director Dr. Baba Gana Adam Faces N500M Libel Suit Over Alleged Defamation

    From Leo Zwanke, Nasarawa

    In a legal battle unfolding at the FCT High Court, DOAS Director Dr. Baba Gana Adam finds himself embroiled in a N500 million libel suit, accused of defaming businessman Dr. Donald Amangbo. The dispute stems from a press statement featured in the Authority newspaper.

    “Dr. Adam, from the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage under the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration, appeared in court to address allegations of libel,” revealed sources close to the case.

    Daybreak gathered that the lawsuit, registered as FCT/HC/CV/6082/2023, was instigated by Abuja-based businessman Dr. Donald Amangbo. He not only targets Dr. Adam but also directs accusations toward the Authority newspaper for allegedly besmirching his reputation deliberately.

    Dr. Amangbo in a statement sent to Daybreak Correspondent in Lafia on Wednesday seeks reparations amounting to N500 million from both defendants for the purportedly damaging publication. According to his court filing, on March 29, 2023, Dr. Baba Gana Adam allegedly labeled him a “Fake Revenue Kingpin” in the FCT through a press statement in the Authority newspaper, cautioning potential revenue payers to steer clear.

    Initially slated for a hearing on December 14, 2023, the case has been adjourned to March 26 of 2024.

    “We are fully prepared to present concrete evidence substantiating the claims of libel against all defendants during the next adjourned date,” stated plaintiff counsel Mr. Solomon Tunyan and A.J Adagami from Karina Tunyan SAN & Co following the court proceedings.

  • Sokoto Govt Backs FRSC Sokoto Command for Effective Duties

    Sokoto Govt Backs FRSC Sokoto Command for Effective Duties

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    Sokoto state government is ready to render all the necessary support and cooperation to the state Command of the Federal Roads Safety Corp FRSC in the discharge of its mandate.

    State Deputy governor Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir stated this while receiving the new Corp Commander posted to the state who paid a courtesy visit in his office.

    Alhaji idris Gobir said this was aimed at enabling the Corp discharge its mandate effectively.

    Director Press to the Deputy Governor, Garba Muhammad said the Deputy governor would inturn all it takes to assist reduce the rate of accidents on roads.

    He however stressed the need for the corp to always scrunise people applying for driving license.

    This he said was due to the fact that many accidents were caused by unqualified drivers.

    Alhaji Idris Gobir also called for effective measures to address the problem of overload by commercial vehicles.

    In his contribution,the Head of service Alhaji Suleiman S Fulani assured that government would continue to explore ways of educating people with a view to help in reducing the rate of accidents in state.

    Earlier,the corp Commander of the FRSC in state Abdullahi Maikano Hassan thanked the state government for its continued support to the corp.

    He also acknowledged the rehabilitation.construction and reconstruction of a number of roads being carried out within the state capital by the current administration.

    Corp Commander Maikano said this has greatly assisted in reducing the number of accidents in the state.

    He however called for advice and suggestions from the state government as it relates to the conduct of their operations.

  • Sokoto Govt to Compensate Dualization Affected by Sokoto-Talata Mafara Road

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto,

    Sokoto state government will compensate all those to be affected by the dualisation of Sokoto to Talata Mafara Road.

    State Deputy governor Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir stated this when he paid an inspection visit to the site.

    The Deputy governor who is also the overseer of the state ministry of Works and Housing said the federal government has shouldered the responsibility of payment of compensation on the state government.

    Statement by Deputy’s spokesman Garba Muhammad also said Alhaji Idris Gobir said all compensations from Sokoto to Tureta borderline would be settled by the state government.

    He assured of the state government ‘s readiness to give all the necessary support and assistance towards the successful completion of the project.

    The Deputy governor said the importance of the road towards the socio-economic development of the state cannot be over emphasised.

    He expressed appreciation with the progress of the work and thanked the Federal government for awarding the contract.

    Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Engineer Kasimu Maigwandu said project which is from Zaria up to Sokoto was divided into 4 sections and being handle by 4 different construction companies.

    He said the Sokoto-Talata Mafara dualistisation project is being handled by CBC Global Civil and Construction Company.

    Engineer Kasimu Abdullahi said the project which was awarded last year has 60 months completion period.

    In his comment, the representative of the company handling the project Mr Yuan Zi pledged the company’s determination to carry out the project according to specifications.

    The Deputy governor was accompanied by the Permanent secretary of the state ministry of Works and Transport Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmad and some officials of the ministry.

  • Fuel Subsidy: Gov Alia Flags Third Phase Of Palliatives Distribution

    Fuel Subsidy: Gov Alia Flags Third Phase Of Palliatives Distribution

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has Flagged off the third phase of the palliatives distribution provided by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

    The Governor described the palliatives as an effort meant to momentarily cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal to enable people of Benue State to forge ahead to sustain the status of the food basket of the nation through food security.

    According to Governor Alia, Benue State took delivery of 25 trucks of maize, 35 trucks of rice and grains each, which will be distributed across the state devoid of political affiliations. Some of the beneficiaries include; the less privileged people, tricycle riders, women and youths among others.

    He pointed out that apart from the 100 buses procured and handed over to Benue Links Transport Company, the state government earlier procured and distributed fertilizers to Farmers across the state, with plans to register WAEC and NECO for students in Government approved schools.

    He lauded President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government for supporting all the states of the Federation with palliatives to help reduce the effects of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, palliatives distribution Committee and Commissioner of Power and Transportation, Barr Omale Omale, commended President Tinubu, over his intervention towards cushioning the hardship following removal of fuel subsidy. He equally appreciated the Governor for ensuring that the palliatives get to the people.

    Also speaking, the Acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, Mr James Iorpuu, who promised not to disappoint the governor and people of the state, assured that the items would be judiciously distributed.

  • NUJ Sokoto Council Congratulates Wamakko, Tambuwal Over Appeal Court Victory

    NUJ Sokoto Council Congratulates Wamakko, Tambuwal Over Appeal Court Victory

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    The Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) extends heartfelt congratulations to Senators Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, representing Sokoto North and Sokoto South Senatorial Districts, on their well-deserved victory at the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja.

    Statement jointly signed by the Council Chairman and Secretary, Dalhatu Abdullahi S/Magori and Muhammad Nasir Bello said the Appeal Court’s judgment provides a renewed opportunity for the Senators to focus on improving the lives of their constituents.

    The Council encourages Senators Wamakko and Tambuwal to remain committed toward fulfilling their electioneering campaign promises to their political supporters and, by extension, the entire people of Sokoto State.

    In addition, the State Council extends its felicitations to the Members representing Kebbe/Tambuwal, Gada/Goronyo, Binji/Silame, and the Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituencies for their recent triumph at the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja.

    NUJ calls upon all relevant stakeholders to ensure a peaceful rerun election in the 20 polling units canceled in Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency, following the recent declaration of the election as inconclusive by the Appeal Court in Abuja.

  • Tinubu Submits Supreme Court Justice Nominees to Senate for Approval

    Tinubu Submits Supreme Court Justice Nominees to Senate for Approval

    By Daniel Edu

    President Bola Tinubu has officially forwarded the names of eleven nominees for the Supreme Court of Nigeria to the Senate, seeking their confirmation through the required screening process. Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed this development on Wednesday as he read out the letter from President Tinubu during the Senate session in the Red Chamber.