The Nation News

Category: News

  • ‘No jailbreak, sit-at-home in Ebonyi -Reps, Ogah

    By, Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The House of Representatives committee chairman on reformatory institutions, Chinedu Ogah has applauded the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru for assisting the correctional centres in the state to avert jail break.

    Ogah, who made this known during a courtesy visit to the state governor Francis Nwifuru that took place at the old government house Abakaliki, insisted that there is no sit-at-home in the state likewise.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the House of Representatives embarked on inspection of the Nigerian Correctional Services’ facilities across the country as part of efforts to reposition the centres.

    Ogah who led other Committee members on Reformatory Institutions on inspection of correctional centres in Ebonyi state, shortly after the courtesy visit, however decried the poor condition of inmates in the state.

    The Centres inspected by the committee members include; Abakaliki and Afikpo correctional centres.

    The Committee also inspected an ongoing 1, 200 capacity correctional centre embarked upon by the former governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, and nearing 80 percent completion.

    Ogah commended Ebonyi state government support and sought for more collaboration between the stakeholders and government to ensure crime free society.

    He noted that the committee was working assiduously to ensure proper implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Services Act 2019 to ensure that the objectives of Nigerian Correctional Services are actualised.

    “We are working hard to rebuild the centres in general, including decongestion of the various correctional centres in Nigeria.

    “The most important thing is reform, reintegrate the inmates and bring them back into the society, so they cannot indulge in crime,” Ogah added.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Vera Ogwude, Controller of correctional service, Ebonyi Command expressed worry over the congestion of the centres, and urged them to assist in the decongestion of the centres.

    “The capacity of Abakaliki correctional center is 387 inmates but regrettably, the place is currently housing 1, 202 inmates,” Ogwude stated.

  • Enugu Gov’t decries frauds, uncovers 2640 ghost pensioners on payroll

    Enugu Gov’t decries frauds, uncovers 2640 ghost pensioners on payroll

    From, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

    The Enugu State Government has announced that the administration has commenced payment of pensions to local government retirees in the state, even as the pension verification authority said it uncovered 2640 ghost and deceased pensioners still on the payroll.

    Announcing the development on Sunday in Enugu, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia, said the payment was in line with the promise of the governor Peter Mbah Administration to clear outstanding pensions and gratuities inherited by the administration.

    He stated that over 7000 local government pensioners had since received payments following the governor’s approval of the recommendations of the Local Government Pensioners Biometric Verification Committee which conducted the verification exercise.

    “Recall that His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, had earlier promised that his administration was poised to eradicate poverty in the state by clearing inherited backlog of pensions and other liabilities and also keep up with its current fiscal responsibility to the citizens, among other measures.

    “This will improve our people’s standard of living, raise purchasing power and promote strong and sustainable economic growth in the state,” the SSG said.

    He added that a total of 7109 local government pensioners received monthly payments of close to half a billion naira in July, including 989 newly captured entrants who retired between April 2022 and April 2024 but were not accommodated in the pension scheme.

    The SSG, who frowned at the level of fraud in the pensions system, said the record provided by the Local Government Pensions Board indicated that the state had been paying over 8760 local government retirees as of April 2024 against the 7109 verified pensioners.

    Restating the state’s commitment to clear all arrears, Prof Onyia stressed that the payment mode adopted by the state would guarantee that backlogs were phased out within the timeline set out by the government.

    “This administration will continue to support our citizens, particularly our senior citizens who dedicated their time and energy serving the state. We will soon phase out all arrears inherited by the administration.

    “We are reforming the pensions system through strong institutional policies that would make it difficult for corrupt elements to find their way into the scheme. We have been able to digitalize the institution with measures that would make every transaction and payment transparent, accountable and traceable,” he added.

  • Probe minister of Agriculture for late distribution of fertilizers to Nigerians- Nwaebonyi tells Tinubu

    Probe minister of Agriculture for late distribution of fertilizers to Nigerians- Nwaebonyi tells Tinubu

    By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki

    The Senate Deputy Chief Whip and Lawmaker representing Ebonyi North Senatorial zone, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has tasked Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    He however called on President Tinubu to probe the minister of Agriculture and food security, to ascertain why the distribution of fertilizer to farmers by the minister of agriculture was done lately.

    Nwebonyi who made this known while speaking with newsmen shortly after distributing over two thousand bags of fertilizer at his country home in Mbeke Ishieke, Ebonyi local government area, said it’s an insult on the senate for the minister of Agriculture to distribute fertilizer when farmers are already harvesting crops. 

    He said:”I want to use this opportunity to call Nigerians, particularly the youth and the graduates, to see agriculture as the way to go. With agriculture, you don’t need a white-collar job. As I said earlier, our morals towards agriculture are completely zero, hence the need to rethink and move towards agriculture. 

    “With agriculture, Nigeria can come back as the Giant of Africa. And I want to use this opportunity to say, whosoever sources the fertilizer came to us, the fertilizer is coming late. It’s late, and the purpose will be forfeited because when you give farm inputs to farmers on time, it will help them to plan to be more realistic than giving fertilizer when they are harvesting. 

    “It’s completely out of it, and I want to call Mr President to investigate the delay in the distribution of this fertilizer. If it’s from the Ministry of Agriculture or CBN, it must be investigated, because in this part of the country, particularly in Ebonyi State, when you fail to give fertilizer to the farmers between June and July, you are wasting your time. I want to apologize to the people of Ebonyi North Senatorial District for receiving their fertilizer quite” he stated.

    He further called on Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s administration, adding that: “” Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the Nigerians to be patient with Mr President because when you look at his policies and programs, you will see a man who is out to change our narratives as a nation”.

    Nwebonyi further tasked the Minister of Agriculture to take his job seriously, adding that, giving farm inputs, especially fertilizer late is an insult to the Nigeria senate.

    “We just did our new yam festival and started harvesting our yam; where are we going to use our fertilizer if not for the next farming season? So, I want to urge the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to sit up and stop this insult – it’s an insult to the Senate, and it’s an insult to Nigerians. 

    “It means that the Minister is not serious about how he can bring fertilizer when people are already harvesting. It’s uncalled for and Mr President should investigate this. Nigerians want results in all our policies and programs. If we say we are giving farm inputs to the Nigerian farmers, give them inputs between March and June to enable them to plan, not give them inputs in the middle or towards the end of the farming season. 

    “This is not acceptable. This is not the way to go, and we must correct ourselves. We are Nigerians, and God must not come down from heaven to make Nigeria better” he stressed. 

  • Hardship: Tinubu’s wife empowers 1000 women, petty traders in Ebonyi

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

    The wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday, announced the empowerment of one thousand women who are mostly petty traders in Ebonyi state.

    Oluremi revealed that the empowerment of the petty traders, through the Renew Hope Initiative, RHI, is targeted to alleviate poverty and sufferings by women, especially in the rural areas of the state.

    Flagging off the programme at the Banquet Hall old Government House, Abakaliki, senator Tinubu said the gesture was part of the administration’s plan to boost economic prosperity of the country .

    Oluremi, who was represented by the wife of Ebonyi state governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru noted that the initiative was part of the government plan to encourage  small business owners and strengthen the country’s economy.

    According to her: “I’m honored to be here today for the empowerment of 1,000 petty traders across the nation.

    “This programme is part of our continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families”.

    The wife of the President, Oluremi who noted that the programme was going simultaneously across the 36 -states and Federal Capital Territory, explained that thirty seven thousand women petty traders were selected for the fifty thousand naira grants per a person.

     “This event is taking place simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and FCT as we are aware of the challenges faced by Small And Medium enterprises, especially our petty traders who formed the backbone of our local economy.

    “These challenges, however, did not deter the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going to put food on the tables of your families.

    “Today, through the Renew Hope Initiative empowerment programme, we are providing grants to a selected 1,000 petty traders per state with a grant of 50,000 each to re-capitalize and grow their business.

    She added, “A total of one billion, eighty hundred and fifty million naira will be disbursed to thirsty seven thousand women petty traders across the nation. The grants that will be disbursed to our women today is to assist our women who are pretty traders to withstand the challenges faced in their businesses and expand their businesses, create more jobs and contribute more robustly to our economy.

    “Economic empowerment remains a core objective of Renew Hope Initiative and it has consistently delivered on this promise to both women and youths across the six geopolitical zones to support the economic reform of the administration of His Excellency, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR”

    “We recognize that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one as when women thrive, their families thrive and by extension, our communities and nation prospers.

    “I will like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our RHI state Coordinators and first ladies and everyone that makes this programme a reality, particularly the effort in identifying the traders, this is really commendable and to the 1000 petty traders who’re the beneficiaries of this programme I say you are the heart of our local economy and foundation of our communities and unsung heroes of our nation because you have shown the incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses.

    “Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination, let’s all continue to work together to build a Nigeria where every woman has the opportunity to succeed, where every small business needs to grow and contribute to our nation’s prosperity”. she said.

  • LEBOKU 2024: Gov. Otu tasks Yakurr LGA to promote food security, peace in C’River

    LEBOKU 2024: Gov. Otu tasks Yakurr LGA to promote food security, peace in C’River

    From, Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu on Thursday, tasked citizens of the Yakurr local government area of the State to promote food security as a way to tackle the prevailing economic challenges in the nation.

    Otu made this known while addressing the people of the council area during the occasion of this year’s annual Leboku festival that took place in Ugep, Cross state.

    The governor, Otu who was represented by the deputy governor, Peter Odeh emphasized the need of maintaining peace and sustaining growth in the community with the aid of leboku International new yam festival.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the theme for this year’s leboku International new yam festival is “Community mobilization for sustainable growth”.

    The governor, however used the event which marks the annual celebration of new yam  harvest of the Yakurr people in Central senatorial district of the state, to applaud the  Obol  Lopon of Ugep, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng for maintaining peace within his domain.

    He said that the area has recorded inter-communal harmony, peace and socio-economic development, since HRM Obol Ofem was enthroned as the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr nation.

    Otu acknowledged the deliberate initiative of successive administrations in the state to use the Leboku festival in encouraging food production and showcase the rich cultural endowments of the Yakurr people. 

    “My administration is poised to sustain the momentum of the event and even surpass its achievements”

    The Governor added that this administration is intentional in transitioning from subsistence to mechanized agricultural practice with the procurement of light and heavy duty machinery to enable small farm holders and agricultural entrepreneurs embark on large scale production of rice, cassava, oil palm, cocoa and yams to ensure food security in the state. 

    In his remarks, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ofem Obana expressed his appreciation and that of the Yakurr nation to the governor and members of the Cross River State House of Assembly and others for attending the festival.

     

  • ‘Stop associating IPOB, ESN with  Autopilot -IPOB warns Gov Mbah

    ‘Stop associating IPOB, ESN with  Autopilot -IPOB warns Gov Mbah

    By Cyprian  Ebele, Onitsha 

    The indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Thursday, warned Governor Peter MBA of Enugu State to stop associating IPOB and her Eastern Security Network, ESN, with Autopilot known for its criminal activities in the Southeast zone.

     The spokesperson of the group, Emma Powerful, made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Thursday.

    The group was reacting to an alleged report coming from the Enugu State Governor’s media office, purporting that the Nigerian Police neutralized 27 kidnapping gangs of ESN members loyal to the Finland based buffoon at various locations in Enugu State. 

    It described the claim as not only false but also a cheap propaganda against IPOB and ESN, stating that  seen the police admitted that those killed belonged to Autopilot, why the link with IPOB

    ” The Nigerian Police and Enugu Government said that some of the neutralized criminals are pro-Biafra agitators loyal to the Finland based double agent. Then why did they turn around and associate these  criminals with  the noble IPOB family? In the usual malicious intent of the Nigerian governmental bodies, the police claimed that the so-called neutralized criminals were ESN Operatives loyal to Autopilot IPOB. 

    “For a long time, IPOB has maintained that there is nothing like Autopilot in IPOB. Moreso, the criminal gang leader in Finland has no relationship with ESN from the formation of ESN to date or with IPOB. 

    “The criminals and kidnappers have nothing in common with IPOB, ESN, and the Biafra struggle. The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mba and the Nigeria Police in Enugu State should stop being maliciously mischievous. 

    “They should stop the unnecessary blackmail against IPOB and call the criminals by their name. Already, the criminals captured said where they belong, and it is not with the IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    “We are warning the Enugu State Governor’s Media office to desist from linking ESN and IPOB to the self acclaimed Autopilot leader, a double agent in Finland, and his criminals in Enugu, and anywhere else in Biafra Land. All ESN Operatives are under the command of the Directorate of States (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

    “There are no ESN operatives loyal to the Nigerian government’s double agent in Finland. IPOB has no faction nor any affiliates. If not IPOB, it’s not IPOB. The group by themselves have stated that they do not belong to IPOB and ESN, why is the Nigerian government and her murderous Security Forces forcing them on IPOB and keep associating them with IPOB and ESN.

    “ESN Operatives don’t get involved in any criminal activities. They are disciplined vigilantes who are strictly focused on their mandate of dislodging the Fulani terrorists nicknamed herdsmen from destroying our farmers and farmlands. 

    “Biafrans can testify that ever since the ESN was formed, ESN Operatives have never been involved in  crimes, nor have they threatened the peace and security of Biafrans that they vowed to protect. The Nigeria government and her murderous Security Agencies should stop blackmailing IPOB and ESN by associating our hallowed ESN with the autopilot gang and their leader,” the movement warned.

  • NSCDC gets new commandant.in Adamawa 

    NSCDC gets new commandant.in Adamawa 

    By, Yagana Ali Yola 

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Adamawa State Command on Thursday, welcomed a new State Commandant, Idris Bande. 

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that Bande, was transferred from Zone B Headquarters, Kaduna, replacing Ibrahim Mainasara, who has served as the State Commandant for one year and three months. 

    Bande who is the 15th State Commandant of the NSCDC in Adamawa State, was handed over to by the former commandant, Ibrahim Mainasara at the NSCDC State Headquarters in Yola.

    Mainasara, who spoke during the handover ceremony, urged the management, officers, and men of the command to extend their full support to Bande, ensuring a seamless transition and fostering a conducive environment for the corps to continue its excellent work in the state. 

    He expressed confidence in Commandant Bande’s ability to lead the command effectively and uphold the high standards set by the NSCDC.

    In his response, Commandant Bande expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and pledged to build upon the successes achieved by his predecessor. 

    He emphasized his commitment to implementing strategies that will further enhance national security and contribute to the overall well-being of the people of Adamawa State.

    The NSCDC Adamawa State Command is confident that Commandant Bande’s leadership will bring new ideas and innovative approaches to the corps’ operations, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness in safeguarding the state and its citizens.

  • Gov. Otu inaugurates State Independent Electoral Commission, ready for LG polls


    By  Ene Ene, Calabar 

    The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu has tasked the Chairman and members of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC, to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible local government area election in the state.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the Chairman and members of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC, was inaugurated by the governor, shortly after they were constituted and ratified by the State House of Assembly.

    The State House of Assembly has confirmed nominees, namely, Ekong Edet Boco as Chairman, Rose Banku Atep, Adogah, Joseph Ipuole, Eutendala Eno, Daniel Edet, Eyo Otu Eyo, Jerry Adie Akabisong as Members, while Lawrence Edu is to serve as secretary of the Commission. 

    Inaugurating the team, Governor Otu tasked the members to uphold the principles of integrity, fairness and dedication to credible elections that will midwife the return of local government administration; a tier of government which he described as “closest to the people.”

    “It is with a sense of purpose that I swear-in members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) as a gesture to strengthen the democratic institution and the third tier of government”.

    INEC

    “There is a disconnect between the local government councils of states and the people in rural areas due to lack of communication. Whereas the local government is the closest to the people, hence the heartbeat of the people,” Otu stated, stressing that the situation inhabits participatory democracy.

    In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of (CROSIEC), Ekong Edet Boco thanked the Governor for the opportunity given to him and other members to serve the state promising to discharge his duties creditably to the best of his ability and with the fear of God, promising a level playing field for all the contestants

  • Bogoro council boss, Sumi resumes office, vows to prioritize transparency, accountability.

    By, Ajiya Maffi, Bauchi

    The chairman of Bogoro local government area of Bauchi State, Yakubu Lawi Sumi on Tuesday, resumed office and vowed to prioritize transparency and accountability.

    Sumi made this known while addressing staff, management members and stakeholders of the council during the official handover ceremony that took place at the council headquarters, Bogoro LGA, Bauchi state.

    He stressed the importance of collective effort in driving the local government while pledging to prioritise transparency and accountability.

    The council chairman said that with the little resources that the local government will be getting, he will make sure that he upgrades the standard of education, health care facilities, to also make sure that the local government will be providing fertilizer to the farmers in good time since most of the people of the local government are farmers.

    “Am very happy that the 13 ward councillors are all young, that you will use your strength as youth in order to bring development to the local government.

    “We’ll not only be staying in our offices but also going to our constituency to work for your people and to also supervise what you are doing by yourself.

    He charged all the councillors and the management of the local government to cooperate with him in order for things to move forward.

    The executive chairman of the local government, Lawi Sumi said that by God’s grace, he will work hand in hand with his cabinet and the entire management for the development of the local government.

  • Ebonyi commissioner, Oge Ali to restore electricity in Afikpo, blames lawmaker of attempt to hijack fund

    Ebonyi commissioner, Oge Ali to restore electricity in Afikpo, blames lawmaker of attempt to hijack fund

    By, Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The commissioner for power and Energy, Peter Oge Ali has vowed to do everything within his reach to ensure that electricity is restored fully in Afikpo community and the entire Ebonyi south zone soonest.

    Oge Ali who briefed newsmen in Abakaliki shorty after the inspection of the level of work done in Afikpo electricity power plant, however blamed the lawmaker, Ukie Ezeali representing Afikpo North East Constituency of attempt to hijack the contract and fund meant for the restoration of electricity in Afikpo.

    He equally blamed the lawmaker for executing the installation of street lights along Ndibe Beach Road in Afikpo North LGA with substandard materials, and revealed the preparedness of the ministry to always award contracts to professionals who will do good jobs and not unprofessionals.

    According to him: “However smart those desperate overtures with rather ulterior motives may have seemed, it is only wise to state that Ukie Ezeali as a pretentious “lover of Ehugbo community” was not only being clever by half but may perhaps also be on a vendetta voyage.

    “We strongly believe he merely wanted to paint the Ministry black before his people and position himself as having done more than other stakeholders because there is nothing about the release of funds and the project’s feedback that he is not fully aware of.

    “This is to the extent that as a Legislator, though not a member of the House Committee on Power, Ukie Ezeali as the people’s representative had the exclusive privilege of being invited to be a part of the Committee when it visited the Ministry on oversight to make enquiries on the said Power project. And the committee was reasonably satisfied with the way and manner the project had been dutifully executed.

    “Therefore, when a supposed leader in his class and caliber speaks about issues pertaining to government and governance as though it is a mere Beer parlour affair,his people should be worried and wary that there could have been a lot of devils in the details he has been furnishing the public with since the resurgence of his people’s rage. 

    “Otherwise, apart from the distinctive roles of the Executive and legislative arms of government, he knows that all the key people handling the project are from his hometown and Afikpo Local Government Area. Even more so is the fact that the Governor had directed the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila to supervise and ensure diligent execution of the project upon the said release of funds to the ministry.

    “It is trite therefore to inform the world that we.know Ukie’s deep-seated grouse with the project and that is the fact that he desperately wanted to execute it as the sole contractor and perhaps supervisor. But he was denied because the Ministry wanted and eventually got someone with a superior knowledge and expertise in the Power field to handle the project to a superb finish and that it exactly got.

    “Knowing his own personal antics for the meeting and also being abreast that the key figures handling the project are mainly his Afikpo town’s men, why didn’t Ukie Ezeali request the contractors and the Ministry staff who are from his Afikpo hometown to also be present in the meeting to at least clear the air on the roles of the Ministry regarding the baseless allegations he heaped on it on the said released fund? 

    “This is even when it has been proven that he saw some of them in Afikpo just a few days before the general assembly meeting. To this end therefore, it is obvious and can reasonably be concluded that he is only attempting to fight back. But before that, Afikpo people should first of all ask him what is wrong with the street lights the government contracted him to install along Ndibe Beach Road in Afikpo?

    In a swift reaction, the lawmaker, Ukie Ezeali said:  The governor, Francis Nwifuru released the funds to the Ministry of Power and energy to handle the rehabilitation of about 15 transformers within Afikpo Urban and with 2 at Unwana Community. 

    “I had personally engaged the ministry of power to accelerate the completion of the rehabilitation of the 15 transformers as approved. The good news is that the  governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has stepped into the matter and braced all the bottlenecks to conquer them” he stated