The Nation News

Category: News

  • NAFDAC, others condemn alleged illegal arrest, torture of 7 beverage factory workers in Anambra 

    NAFDAC, others condemn alleged illegal arrest, torture of 7 beverage factory workers in Anambra 

    By Cyprian  Ebele, Onitsha

    The Anambra State Police command has come to the rescue of seven staff of an Nkpor, Idemili North Local government area based beverage factory who were illegally arrested and tortured by Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, Ocha Brigade.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the said 7 beverage factory workers were allegedly tortured by  Ocha Brigade, but were later rescued by police, who took the victims to hospital.

    It was gathered that the victims were camped for days over alleged claims of dealing in fake products.

    It was learnt that based on discrete investigation after the police took over the matter and found out that the factory is registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC), and has NAFDAC approval, that the seven were released and have reportedly been hospitalized over torture meted out to them at Ocha Brigade torture camp.

    Narrating the ordeal his workers went through in the hands of Ocha Brigade, the Director of AliBan De Great Industries, Nkpor, a beverage factory, Mr. Ali Barnabas, described the invasion of the factory and  abduction of his workers by  Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra as unfortunate.

    “I have many products registered with NAFDAC and CAC, on 7th October  Special Anti Cultism Squad, SPACS, stormed my factory, ransacked it and whisked away five of my workers and a vehicle, releasing them with the vehicle the same day.

    “On the 10th October, over 50 masked Ocha Brigade personnel with three SPACS members again stormed my factory, broke the iron protector, removed 2000 plus cartons of finished products,  bottles,  damaged the CCTV camera, laptop removed, among others.

    “They picked nine of the workers but when one complained that she was pregnant two of them were released and seven others detained at the Ocha Brigade torture camp and  days after they were taken to State CID Awka where I met with the DCP who after listening  to my defence and  discrete investigation, asked me to write statement which I did and my staff were released.

    The factory which Ocha Brigade sealed, the DCP has sent his men to the factory to see the sealing as no business has been going on there for seven consecutive days now as it remained sealed and seven released workers are now hospitalized because of torture meted out to them at Ocha Brigade camp.

    “The DCP expressed surprise that the Ocha Brigade would storm my factory and seal it when I have both NAFDAC and CAC documents and immediately ordered that those seven be released immediately. Funny enough I brought out my latest NAFDAC renewal approval which I showed to DCP.,” he stated.

    Condemning the invasion and torture, Dr Martins Iluyomade, Coordinator of NAFDAC, Enugu Zonal office,  said it was not the duty of the quasi security agency to declare a factory illegal.

     Frowning  at the usurping of the function of NAFDAC by Ocha Brigade, he stated that, “It is only NAFDAC that  reserves the legal mandate to approve and regulate importation, exportation, manufacture, sales and distribution of drug, cosmetics, packaged water and chemicals, 

    “OCHA Brigade, a state owned enforcement agency has no right under the law to take over NAFDAC jobs, to condemn food, chemical products or arrest workers of regulated products but could draw their attention to such development.

    He expressed dissatisfaction that despite the factory presenting  NAFDAC certificate as evidence of compliance and approval, OCHA Brigade staff still acted illegally.

    According to him, regulation of food and drugs is in the exclusive list  even as he warned that agencies or organisations should know their limits adding that Nigeria is a country governed by laws and that NAFDAC is the only agency  that can confirm whether a certificate is genuine or not.

  • Bishop Isong denies owing 4 month salaries to teachers 

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    The General Overseer and founder Christian Central Chapel International CCCI, Faith Mansion World Headquarters in Càlabar, Archbishop-elect, Emmah  Isong has dispelled allegations that teachers of Angel School are being owed 4 months salaries.

    Isong debunked the allegations while in a telephone chat

    with The Nations News Nigeria correspondent in Càlabar.

    The cleric who doubles as proprietor,  Seven Angels School reacted after a post by a social media influencer trended on the media space alleging that  teachers of Seven Angels School 8 miles were being owed for four months.

    The post reads”, Teachers of Emmah Isong school Seven Angels 8miles are calling on the Ministry to come to their rescue,no salary for four months.”. 

    But in a swift reaction to the allegation Isong said, “Even though I am not part of their management, info from the Accountant is that  staff and students are all very happy, well paid and the School is growing strong.  But if there is a “Ghost staff” not paid, he can simply resign or quit the job.

    “There are ample employment opportunities everywhere now in Nigeria even with better pay. He does not need social media or bloggers. He or she can quit the job  for a  better job.”. Isong maintained.

  • Flood: NEMA deploys team to rescue victims in Kogi, other states 

    By Daniel Usman 

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed an emergency response team to Kogi and other states to ensure proactive monitoring of flood situations and rescue victims.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the team comprises staff with specialization in search and rescue to provide technical support to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other stakeholders in conducting rescue and evacuation operations, including assessments in the affected communities. 

    The Director General NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar who made this known in a statement signed and made available through the agency’s X-handle, said the Agency has also deployed mobile water purification equipment to help in providing emergency clean water for the impacted families.  

    Recall that NEMA had recently alerted states identified to be at risk of flooding to be prepared ahead of any eventuality. The Director General, NEMA while alerting the states also announced that the Agency had activated all its Zonal, Territorial and Operations offices and prepositioned critical equipment for timely response, search and rescue as well as evacuation of persons to safer higher grounds. 

    The frontline states identified to be at risk of the flooding were Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Kwara. With the activation and deployment, NEMA offices nationwide and technical officers will work with the relevant State Ministries, Departments and Agencies to establish Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) for coordination and activation of local actors for the emergency response.

    “These will include advocacy to communities at risk, evacuation planning, identification of safe high ground for temporary shelters and prepositioning of equipment for evacuation and rescue. Sector leads have also been alerted to provide priority needs to the impacted persons in the event of displacement of persons into Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and other safer locations.

    “NEMA is coordinating with the Military Disaster Response Units (DRU), Nigeria Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) to deploy their Disaster Response personnel, Police Marine and Disaster Management Units operatives respectively where necessary and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to also activate its volunteers.

    The Director General NEMA advises residents in flood-prone areas, especially communities along Rivers Benue and Niger to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency service providers as the Agency continues to monitor the situation c

  • Ex-LP Presidential Candidate, Obi speaks on national grid collapse

    By Daniel Usman

    The former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party LP in the last general election, Mr Peter Obi on Tuesday said the collapse of the national grid plunged the whole nation into darkness and thereby exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. 

    Obi made this known in a statement signed and made available to the public through his X-handle.

    The statement reads in part: “For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. 

    “This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.

    “How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society? 

    “This latest power grid  collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people. 

    “We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable.

    “Today, we are the fourth largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies.

    “South Africa, which is now the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of about $400 billion and 30% of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity.

    “Secondly, Egypt, the second largest economy with a GDP of about $350 billion and half of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts.

    “Algeria, the third largest economy, with about 300B GDP and 20% of our population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts of electricity.

    “Nigeria, with less GDP but with more population than the 3 countries combined, generates and distributes less than 10,000 megawatts, and even that is riddled with frequent collapses and crises of failure.

    “This disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit  that continues to hold back our growth and potential.

    “It is time for urgent, comprehensive reform. Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development” he stated. 

  • Poverty: ‘Why I donated #70m to improve Nigeria’s poor health, educational standard – Obi 

    Daniel Usman

    The former Presidential candidate of Labour Party LP in the last general election in Nigeria, Peter Obi, on Monday revealed why he donated over seventy million to improve the nation’s poor health and educational standard.

    Obi, the former governor of Anambra State made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Monday.

    The statement reads in part: “In furtherance of my commitment to help in building a future society rooted in good Health and Education, I visited three Educational and Health institutions today and made varying donations totaling N70m in support of these institutions.

    “Firstly, I had the honour of participating in the commencement of the new Shanahan University in Onitsha, which was launched today. 

    “I spoke to the students about the importance of prioritizing their education, as it remains the surest path to success. In support of the university, 

    “I made a token donation of N50 million towards the infrastructural development of the institution.

    “From Shanahan University, we proceeded to Waterside Midwifery, Onitsha, where I made an additional donation of N10 million to support their progress and improve the quality of training for personnel who are crucial in reducing Nigeria’s unacceptable levels of infant mortality.

    “My next stop was the Borromeo School of Nursing Sciences, Onitsha, where I reaffirmed my  belief in the vital role that nursing schools play in our healthcare system. 

    “To further this cause, I donated another N10 million to assist in their continued efforts.

    “Continuing with my unwavering commitment to advancing health and education, my upcoming visits to Anambra State will be to the University of the Niger and Iyienu College of Nursing Sciences. 

    “We must build our society by improving measurable indices of development.

    “A new Nigeria is possible through greater education and enlightenment” he stressed.

  • Panels attribute foundational failure as cause of Onitsha school building collapse

    By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha 

    The two panels set up to investigate the true cause of the sudden collapse of the Dennis Memorial Grammar School, (DMGS) Centenary Building, Onitsha, Anambra State, have finally made their independent findings public.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the panels had in their separate reports said that the empirical cause of the building collapse was “FOUNDATION FAILURE due to POOR SOIL CONDITIONS that could not have been foreseen by the engineers or the statutory inspection”.

    The panels had in their findings stated among other things, that the architectural and structural designs of the building were carried out by qualified professionals registered with their respective regulatory bodies in Nigeria .

    The reports also assured that Soil Testing was done before the structural design and construction, and that approval was equally received from the Anambra State Physical Planning Board(ANSPPB).

    In their estimations, the steel rods used in the construction underwent proper quality assurance testing at the Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory, Awka.

    The panels also reported that the construction was inspected at appropriate intervals by mandated regulatory authorities who deemed the work satisfied at the end, adding, “At no point during the construction stage were any negative queries raised nor work orders issued to stop work or effect any remedial corrections”.

     It was equally observed from the findings of the panels that the post-disaster forensic testing “confirmed that the quality of the steel rods and concrete castings met the expected standards”.

     In his response while receiving the reports, the Bishop of Niger, the Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, expressed profound gratitude for the work of the two panels.

    “We are sincerely grateful

     to the panels for their sacrifice and diligence in carrying out their tasks”, he said, hoping that DMGS would soon rise above the tragedy.

     He prayed that the Old Boys of the school would also continue their efforts towards creating a lasting legacy for the centenary celebration.

    Bishop Nwokolo consequently directed the school’s Centenary Committee to commence work on what he described as “This landmark Centenary Project”, while entreating the committee to diligently take “necessary steps in accordance withthe findings and recommendations of the two panels”.

    The panels were separately set up by the Anambra State Government and the Nigerian Society of Engineers following the sudden collapse of the multiple-storey Centenary Building of the DMGS, Onitsha, in the early hours of June, 12, 2024.

    The building collapse which furiously ignited various mind-blowing assumptions and conspiracy theories finally ebbed when the panels were set up.

  • Group calls for overhauling of EFCC, says it’s an institution operating on illegalities

    Group calls for overhauling of EFCC, says it’s an institution operating on illegalities

    By Mark Akudu, Kogi 

    A group, Movement for true federalism has called for the scrapping of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC) claiming the institution was founded on illegality and for long being used to legally fight illegality.

    Spokesperson of the group, Abdullahi Sanusi in a statement on Friday noted that the  anti-graft agency has been operating on illegality since the agency was established in 2004 with the aim to mitigate corruption.

    He recalled that the EFCC which is an act was enacted pursuant to a treaty known as United Nations convention against corruption ( UNCAC)  which was brought into force by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 58/4 of 31st of October, 2003.

    Sanusi, who has vast knowledge of the Nigeria Constitution asserted that Kofi Anan the then United Nations Secretary General at the said convention noted that the convention introduces a comprehensive set of standards, measures and rules that all countries can apply in order to strengthen their legal and regulatory regime to fight corruption.

    Making reference to the constitution, Sanusi said “Section 12 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended which is the Apex Law of the land provides; No treaty between the Federation and any other country shall have the force of the law except to the extent to which any such treaty has been enacted into law by the National Assembly.

    ” Section 12 (2) states that the National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to matters not included in the Exclusive Legislative List for the purpose of implementing a treaty.

    “SECTION 12 (3)A bill for an Act of the National Assembly passed pursuant to the provision of subsection (2) of this section shall not be presented to the President for assent and shall not be enacted unless it is ratified by a majority of all the Houses of Assembly in the Federation,Our emphasis here is subsection (3) as underlined.

    “I have carried a background check and have consulted various statute books and gazette and have not found where and when the majority of all the Houses of Assembly ratified the ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (ESTABLISHMENT BILL) prior to when same was presented to the President who signed same into law as EFCC Act, 2004 within the contemplation and intendment Section 12 (3) of the Constitution.

    “If my finding is true and correct, which I reasonably believed to be true and correct, then it’s high time our judiciary rose up to the occasion to scrap and disband EFCC now and save this nation a sure to happen National embarrassment or disaster in the future”.

    He called on the Federal Government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to leave the above board and do the needful to put an end to what he described as national embarrassment occasioned by the operation of EFCC without a constitutional validity for over 20 years .

    “I am fortified by this clarion call on the Federal Government of Nigeria  to either overhaul, scrap and or disband EFCC by the extant principle of Nigeria Constitutional jurisprudence that all laws must take its validity from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

    He added that ” corruption and crime are not on the exclusive legislative list and as such the majority of the house of assemblies should have been made to back the EFCC bill before it’s enactment by the National Assembly in line with section 12 of the constitution a process not done making establishment of EFCC , a moral institution to be  founded on illegality to chase illegality “

    The spokesperson of the group also went further to state that since the constitution backs the House of Assembly to make laws regarding taxations, charges and finances of all states , the assemblies also should have superior power regarding investigation, conviction and punishment of diversion of such funds.

    He urged  the House of Assembly across the Country to rise up to their legislative duties to avoid duplication of functions by the EFCC.

  • Ebonyi: Go back to site, support gov Nwifuru by delivering quality jobs – Obichukwu tells contractors 

    Ebonyi: Go back to site, support gov Nwifuru by delivering quality jobs – Obichukwu tells contractors 

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

    Ebonyi state commissioner for aviation and transport technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu has tasked contractors handling various projects at the Chuba Okadigbo international airport to go back to site, and should support governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration by delivering quality projects in the state.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the commissioner, Obichukwu inaugurated a 5-man committee led by the permanent secretary, Mrs. Linda Alo to inspect and scrutinize the quality of work done by the contractors at the airport.

    Obichukwu who spoke to newsmen shortly after a close door meeting with the contractors at her office located at the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, Onueke Ezza South LGA, however gave ultimatum of 30th October, 2024

    for all contractors to submit a letter/proof of award of contract to them by the state government.

    She further urged the contractors to be patient and should give maximum support to the governor, Nwifuru, to succeed in his administration, just as she assured them of the government’s readiness to pay them funds owed to them by the previous administration.

    According to her: “Airport management is not like other transport services, there are aspects of it that will last many years. Some of the contractors had an agreement with the state government that will last for five to ten years.

    “And now that Chuba Okadigbo airport is ready, we wait for the approval to commence flight operation. We invited the contractors we engaged, and we want them to go back to site and complete what they had a contextual agreement with the state government to complete, especially the airfield lightning to enable flight to land at night. We want them to complete the air-condition installation, solar panel installation, and others.

    Obichukwu however reiterated the committed efforts of the governor, Nwifuru to complete and put the Chuba Okadigbo airport in perfect use; “The governor, Francis Nwifuru wants the Airport to be of good international standard, and so, we are pleading with the contractors to go back to site, and complete what they had an agreement with the former governor to complete. They will equally be paid the balances owed to them by the previous administration.

    She noted further: “the fear that the governor may terminate their jobs, this is one year and four months, the governor will not terminate their jobs, he is equally interested in them to complete their jobs. But they have to show proof that contracts were actually awarded to them, and that they are real contractors that should be trusted. They should work hard at the same pace as the governor, who wants all the jobs to be done perfectly well” she stressed.

    Earlier in an acceptance speech, the permanent secretary, Mrs Linda Alo vowed not to leave any stone unturned in ensuring that quality jobs are done at the airport by the contractors.

    According to her: “we were charged to come up with a reason and need to pay the contractors balances who did different projects at the Chuba Okadigbo’s airport. 

    “We are going to interface with the contractors and they have to bring all the necessary documents beginning from the bill of quantity, stages of payments etc, and we will represent the governor to ensure that quality of work is delivered by the contractors at the airport” she said.

  • Crisis: Olumba Obu assures Gov Fubara of peace in Rivers State 

    Crisis: Olumba Obu assures Gov Fubara of peace in Rivers State 

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    Following the sociopolitical crises that have bedeviled Rivers State in recent times, the spiritual leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu has assured Governor Sim Fubara of protection, restoration of peace and success of his administration. 

    To this end, the spiritual leader has ordered his teeming faithful to converge in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State for what he described as Peace and Unity Feast, which one week activity commenced last Monday in the state. 

    It is billed to climax on Saturday 12 October 2024 with a 3-hour procession round the city centre with prayers to avert further untoward developments. 

    It is learnt that the spiritual leader despatched a delegation from the headquarters of his organisation in Calabar led by Patriarch Amah William’s who is spokesman of the organisation as well as the administrator of the fold Rivers state, Archbishop Amaewhule Ogwutum to visit Governor Fubara 

    Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo received the delegation on behalf of the governor. 

    Addressing the governor, Amah Williams stressed the importance of global peace, particularly in the state and why all should sheath their swords, reminding that the spiritual leader had declared Port Harcourt as the port of peace.

    He assured that the pronouncement still stands, emphasizing that Peace will certainly return.

    He also assured that their organization as a development partner in peace-building and sustainable projects, will work to enthroned peace in the state.

    Also speaking, the administrator of the organization in the state,  Archbishop Amaewhule expressed gratitude for the governor’s warm reception.

    He said the Peace and Unity feast is an annual event by the organisation but that this year’s celebration will bring about spiritual intervention in the State.

    Secretary to the State Government, Danagogo regretted the unavoidable absence of the Governor and expressed gratitude for spiritual interventions of BCS in the state and assurances of peace and protection.

    “The assurances of peace, unity and protection of the governor  and safety in Rivers State are heart warming.  The assurances from the influential spiritual leader are very important to the Governor at this moment in the State.” he stated.

  • Kogi speaker,Umar speaks on boosting security in Assembly complex

    By Mark Akudu, Kogi 

    The management of Dangote Cement Plant ,Obajana has handed over a Security House worth millions of Naira to Kogi State House of Assembly as a way to prevent insecurity in the area..

    Speaking during the handing over of the Security House, the Speaker ,Kogi State House of Assembly, Yusuf Umar appreciated the gesture and described the fire incident that previously razed down the assembly complex as unfortunate.

    The Speaker who stressed the importance of security to lives and properties , said the gesture would go down well in history, saying the company has written its name in gold in the anal of Kogi State.

    While stating that the facility would go a long way to enhance the security of the assembly complex, he said the gesture would not be taken for granted.

    Responding, the Plant Director of Dangote  Cement Plant Obajana ,Hazard Nawabudeen who was represented by the General Manager Human Assets, Mr Adeniyi Azeez, described the gesture as one of the corporate/ social  responsibilities of the company towards host communities.

    He also  stressed the importance of security, pointing out that interacting with a porous organisation is not safe .

    Nawabudeen assured  that this  gesture was not the end as he assured of more cooperations and support  for Kogi State and the state assembly in particular.

    He added that this gesture would engender a robust relationship between the company and Kogi Assembly.

    In a remark, the Clerk and Head of Legislative Service of Kogi Assembly, Alh Chogudo Sule Ahmed reiterated the appreciation of staff and management but requested for furniture and office facilities for the security house.

    He said the requests were urgently needed , saying they are needed to enhance the jobs of the security men.