Category: News

No fewer than 77,000 Internally Displaced Persons have been captured through the Biometric Data Registration Exercise currently going on in Benue State by International Organizations.

Head of the Program and Team Leader, Mr Dennis Wani, made this disclosure while presenting interim report to the Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode, at the Government House Makurdi.

Mr Wani, noted that the aforementioned figure which was verifiable and accurate was obtained from the IDP camps and house holds in Makurdi, Logo, Kwande and Guma Local Government Areas, stressing that the exercise was going on in Agatu Local Government Area.

According to Head of the Program, six Local Governments are to partake in the first phase, which is to be completed in December, 2023 with the second phase starting in 2024 respectively.

Receiving the Interim Report, Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode, Implored Ministries, Interagencies and Development Partners to synergize in order to achieve maximum results.

While acknowledging the efforts of Development Partners in their prompt response to Humanitarian Crises in the state, the Deputy Governor, lauded them for the interim report. He urged them to ensure timely completion of the exercise.

Also speaking, Commissioner, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management in Benue State, Mr Aondowase Kunde, said that resettlement of the IDPs by the State Government would be easier with the Biometric Data Registration.

In his remarks, Acting Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Benue State, Mr James Iorpuu, pointed out that the exercise has placed Benue State on Humanitarian map for more responses from international organizations.

Addressing some mistakes of past govts

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani said, his administration is ever committed to right the wrongs and champion genuine reconciliation with the people of Southern Kaduna.

The Governor stated this on Thursday in a message to Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association of Pastor’s Congress, held at the Throneroom Trust Ministry Kafanchan.

Speaking through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Christian Matters who is also the Chairman, Kaduna Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Ishaya Adamu Jangado, Governor Uba Sani explained that his administration has realized some of the mistakes of past administrations and is willing to address them for the progress and development of the state.

He appealed to the Christian community in the area to support and rally round the current administration at all levels in other to achieve the needed development, even as he pledged to continue to operate an inclusive government in the state that will be fair and just to all.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure said the end of year meeting was convened in other to debrief members by way of presenting a mid-term report, reappraise the just concluded general elections, draw up strategies for future engagements, as well as pray for the future of the land.
He announced plans by the Association to organize seminars in different zones of Southern Kaduna, which will improve and further increase the knowledge of Clergies in the area and also raised a special treasury that will be used to assist disadvantaged pastors in Southern Kaduna irrespective of denominations.

While thanking the Governor for seeing the need to bridge the gap created by the previous administration in the state, the SKCLA Chairman pledged the Association’s commitment to continue to support any positive decision that will be to the progress and development of the people of Southern Kaduna.

He used the congress to also clear the air on some misconceptions and rumors that he received monies meant for members from politicians during the build up to the 2023 general elections.

The meeting commiserated with the family of late Reverend General Yakubu Yerima Kure, retired, over his demise.

In a tribute, Apostle Kure eulogized the deceased, describing him as not just a fine soldier, but an evangelist of Christ who went for missions side by side with him and still remained committed even in his last days.

He prayed God to accept his soul and grant the immediate family, the Government and people of Kaduna State, as well as the Nigerian Army and the Nation as a whole the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
During the congress, the pastors who were drawn from ten Local Government Areas in the Zone, passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Association and commended them for the zeal and sacrifices they have been making to take the Association to greater heights and improve the image of the church in Southern Kaduna.

Desmond Akawor, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, has officially resigned from his position. This development comes just hours after his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission.

In a letter dated November 22, 2023, addressed to the PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umaru Damagun, Akawor cited his recent federal appointment as the reason for his resignation. He mentioned that, after consultation with his leaders and family, he accepted the opportunity as a national service and has since handed over his responsibilities to the Deputy Party Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka.

Part of the letter reads, “I am grateful for the opportunity to have steered the ship of our great party, the PDP, at the state level from 2020 to 2023, and especially grateful for your support and the support of the national body during my tenure.”

Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment, Akawor affirmed his commitment to the ideals of the PDP and pledged continued support whenever called upon.

Tinubu’s appointment of Akawor as the Federal Commissioner was announced on Thursday, following the unfortunate passing of the previous commissioner, Asondu Temple. Akawor, with an extensive background in public service, is expected to utilize his experience to contribute to the comprehensive reformation of processes for the efficient utilization of government allocations across all three tiers.

Before this federal appointment, Akawor served in various capacities, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea, Minister of State of the Federal Capital Territory, Sole Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority, CEO of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, and Executive Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (Engineering & Technical Services).

Former APC Chairman in Wushishi LGA, Alhaji Sule Muhammad, Kidnapped by Gunmen in Niger State

Gunmen invaded the historic town of Zungeru in Niger State on Thursday, abducting Alhaji Sule Muhammad, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Wushishi LGA. The assailants, who arrived in the early hours, fired shots before forcibly taking the victim. Residents revealed that the abduction occurred at Alhaji Sule’s residence around 12 am on Thursday, leading to injuries to his daughter and son inflicted by the gunmen. Contact with the family has not been established as of now. Attempts to reach the Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Gunmen suspected to be cultists fatally shot a young man, Akpan, in Port Harcourt’s Rumukalabo area. Akpan, also known as Fregene, was ambushed on his way home after watching a football match. The assailants, who had been tailing him, shot him twice in the neck at close range before fleeing, leaving the victim in a pool of blood. Witnesses described the aftermath as chaotic, with residents fleeing the once-peaceful area. Concerns among locals ranged from potential police mass arrests to calls for a thorough investigation. Akpan, originally from Akwa Ibom State, had been a resident of Port Harcourt for several years. The state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, was yet to provide information from the local police division at the time of this report on Thursday night.

Chaos erupted at the University of Jos in Plateau State today when a woman’s phone was stolen from a village hostel, triggering a mob to form and hunt down the suspected thief. The situation escalated as the crowd brutally assaulted a man, accusing him of the theft, raising concerns about vigilantism and excessive use of force. Authorities are now investigating the incident, and questions are being raised about the need for a more measured approach to such situations.

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A front line rights group, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) has commended Senator Abba Moro on his appointment as the Senate Minority Leader in the 10th Senate describing it as well deserved.

In a congratulatory message signed and made available to journalists in Abuja by Amb. Solomon Adodo, National Convener of RUN in Abuja, the group described Abba Moro as a highly experienced politician, a seasoned administrator, and roundly competent legislator, noting that he has all it takes to succeed in his new assignment.

According to the message, “Comrade Abba Moro is a highly distinguished and prolific administrator. His experience as Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have availed him the requisite experience and and exposure needed to excel in every aspect of public governance. We are therefore, confident that he’ll be an invaluable asset to the actualisation of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.

“While we acknowledge that Senator Abba Moro is a politician, it is our firm conviction that he will put national interest above partisanship and deliver excellently as he has always done in all his national assignments. Our confidence in his abilities as a patriot are unwavering”.

In the same vein, the group also commended the exemplary leadership of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, especially in stabilising the Senate. RUN further maintained that, under Akpabio, the tenth Senate has enjoyed a harmonious working relationship with the executive arm of government for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The Senate under Senator Godswill Akpabio is poised to work for the benefit of Nigerians. The harmonious relationship between the Senate and the Executive has not only paved way for efficient passage of Bills but has also ensured that there is smooth oversight function and efficient policy formulation for the good of Nigerians. This is indeed a pro-people adminstration and it is normal that the Senate is working hand in hand with the Executive”, the statement added.

The group finally urged dissenting Senators and Nigerians who feel dissatisfied with the leadership of the Senate and indeed the adminstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “exercise restraint and patience as real and sustained change takes a lot of courage, determination and above all due process to be attained and in the fullness of time, Nigerians will be glad they had progressives as leaders. As for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, every discerning Nigerian knows that he is a stickler for maintaining Senate rules and upholding the dignity of the legislature. History will judge him favorably”.