The Nation News

Category: News

  • ‘It’s time to take decisive action against foreign interference in Nigeria- Group tells Tinubu 

    By, Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The United Civil Society Organizations in Bauchi State on Monday said that there is a need for the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action against foreign interference in our internal affairs. 

    The group made this known in a statement signed by it’s coordinator and the secretary; Aliyu Z. Mukaddas and Mu’azu Bala and made available to newsmen in Bauchi.

    The statement reads in part: “Foreign interference poses one of the greatest threats to national security, our way of life, and our economic prosperity and sovereignty. We must shine a light on these threats, and come together as a country to defend our nation from any interference”

    “Sovereignty is a substantive term designating supreme authority over some polity. Sovereignty is therefore the power of the state to make and apply its own laws and to control its affairs without the interference of other states. It is the full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside source or bodies”

    “Nigeria reserves the right to be insulated from suggestions and or interference with respect to wholly internal affairs and commends international laws, customs and norms that mandate and require nations and the comity to respect this prerogative to all”

    “We have keenly observed a lot of foreign interference by foreign governments and their agents in Nigeria’s domestic affairs. This issue is very critical and we are urging the government to deal with any entity within the country found to have directly or indirectly supported the flying of a foreign flag within the country, during and after the protest”

    “We therefore advocate for a strong and unified response to protect Nigeria’s autonomy and uphold the integrity of our democratic processes. Addressing these foreign influences is essential to preserving our national stability, ensuring that Nigeria’s decisions and policies remain in the hands of its people”

    The group urged the Tinubu’s led administration to take decisive action against those responsible for the provocative, unpatriotic and divisive act to prevent its future occurrence.

    They, however called on the security operatives to continue to maintain peace, law, and order in the country in line with the necessary conventions on human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory, as the safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.

    The group who also spoke on the right to peaceful protest by the citizens in the country said: “These protesters, who are in exercise of their fundamental right to peaceful assembly guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), some of them have crossed their boundaries and we demand the government to take legal action against them to serve as deterrence to others.

    They demanded that the federal government consider the following items, There are several offences created by law that relate to the National Flag and the use of any flag in Nigeria, Nigeria Police to seize and remove any flag that is being used to commit an offence in any part of Nigeria.

    Other demands include: The punishment for offences relating to the national flag is N150.00 only and there is no option of imprisonment. The punishment is unpatriotic and cannot deter offenders. It is a mockery of today’s reality, 

    “The Federal Government to see the need for National Assembly to amend the federal law (The Flag and Coat of Arms Act of 1960) to include only imprisonment as the punishment and to do away with the option of fine and the sixty (60) years old federal law need and urgent amendment as well as other laws relating to affects Nigeria’s sovereignty and collective progress.

    “The presence and use of foreign symbols may be used to undermine national security and stability, giving undue leverage to external entities seeking to exploit domestic issues for their own agendas, we have seen how foreign actors collude with unpatriotic citizens destabilizes many African countries, including Sudan, Libya and Mali to mention but few. 

    “We believe that displaying foreign flags during the protest was an attempt to undermine national sovereignty and we believe that holding those accountable for acts that undermine our country’s sovereignty is essential for preserving the integrity of our democratic institutions and processes” they stated.

  • Crisis: Anambra community gets new monarch after 30yrs

    By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

    Nkwelle-Ezunaka community, Oyi local Government Area of Anambra State, at the weekend, crowned a new traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Anachuna, after thirty years of the demise of its former monarch, Igwe Ralph Nwakoby.

    The new traditional ruler, Anachuna,who marked his maiden new yam festival at his palace in the community expressed satisfaction for the progress that led to his emergence as the new monarch of the community.

     He said: “I am overwhelmed, very glad the people from all walks of life gathered here to witness this first new yam festival of Nkwelle-Ezunaka. I advised them to be united and move Nkwelke-Ezunaka forward”.

    The monarch while paying glowing tribute to governor Chukwuma Soludo, for his rapid infrastructural  development of the state and peace he has restored in the State, stated that, “Governor Soludo is a working Governor, I pray that one day he will remember us and fix our roads.”

    On his advice  to those who are still feeling grudges over his election as the new monarch of the community, he emphasized that, “We don’t have grudges, it is natural, Nkwelle people don’t have any problem, we love ourselves”.

    Expressing satisfaction shortly after being conferred as the ‘Onowu,’ (Prime Minister), of the community by the monarch, the President General, PG, Chief Willie Okafor, thanked God that the election of the monarch happened while he is the PG, lamenting that the community has been denied a lot because  of lack of a monarch.

    “I can’t ask for more from God for being number two citizen of Nkwelle-Ezunaka. I thank God for me to be the vessel used to give Nkwelle-Ezunaka a king after about three decades of not having a monarch.I am overwhelmed, I am grateful to God. Nkwelle-Ezunaka will ever be grateful to God for this.

    “I will ask those who are still holding grudges that it is time to unite, If you look at Igwe you know that God has just given us a gentle man as a king, a young man, I will ask everyone to come together and let us move our community forward,” he pleaded.

    On the issue of presentation of certificate to the monarch he said, “We know that soonest the governor will issue the certificate to him and then we do our maiden Ofala festival, this is just new yam and the crowd was much, let alone when we celebrate Ofala festival,” he stated.

    In his own contribution, an in-law and indigene of Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Omezie Chukwurah, (a.k.a.Governor Obosi), whose wife, Mrs. Chinelo Lynda Chukwurah, was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of ‘Ocheze Oshia,’ by the monarch, he stated that the Igwe was a man of the people.

    Hear him, “My wife is one of those three women that were conferred today with traditional titles by the monarch and I love my wife because they gave her to me, that’s why I’m progressing.”

    In the efforts to ensure Governor Soludo presents a certificate of recognition to the monarch, he assured that, “I will meet the governor for issuance of certificate to Igwe Nkwelle, he knows me too well and knows that I am a staunch APGA member.”

    Earlier, the community treasurer , Chief Gibson Udeagwu, who was honoured as “Okaka Nkwelle,” stated that, ” We have been conferred with Chieftaincy titles so that we would work with him, (monarch ), I am happy about the Igwe because Nkwelle community suffered for 30 years on the issue of Igwe after the demise of our last Igwe, Dr Ralph Nwakoby.

    ” Since then, Nkwelle has been having problems, the Youths behave badly. This first new yam celebration with our Igwe is a great one, it is we, the Ogbuefi Nkwelle that are managing the new yam festival.

    “I plead with the opposition to join us, we will welcome them, the election of this monarch was free,  fair and credible, Igwe won with 400+ votes, while the second position had 200+, the third 100+. 

    “I plead to government to help and build our roads, this building material road to Nkwo bank,( Oze –Nkwo bank road),if constructed will decongest all the hold ups at Awka road and serve as a bye pass for those going to Awka, Anambra East, West, Ayamelum, and kogi state.

    Also on the issue of certificate, he pleaded to Governor Soludo to present a certificate of recognition to the monarch lamenting that for about 30 years the community existed without a monarch disclosing that both the monarch and his subjects are  APGA faithful.

    In her own contribution, wife to the treasurer, Mrs Amaka Udeagwu,  stated that, “There is light now at Nkwelle, we are now in the modern days and I thank God for giving us life to witness this light in Nkwelle brought by the election of the monarch,” even as she prayed for health, progress, long life in Nkwelle.

    She expressed satisfaction with the traditional title conferred on her husband adding that the monarch has done well for finding him worthy to be so honoured as ‘Okaka Nkwelle-Ezunaka,..”

    Chief John Onwuanyi (Ogbuefi Owulubuego),  in his speech said,  “I am conferred today as the “Ogene” the first in Nkwelle,this is our first Igwe, we used to have warrant chiefs, this is the first contestant out of the four that contested for Igwe, I am the first that canvassed for him, telling our people what he can do, because he is American citizen.

    “When we called him to come and contest he refused, we wrote to him, pleading before he agreed. Before this Igwe, we had several meetings for three years which failed and later progressed, we had an election and he won and became our Igwe.

    “This is his first yam festival, he selected two persons from each village and conferred with Chieftaincy titles, I know he will lead Nkwelle well and I pray God to give him wisdom to lead Nkwelle,” he prayed.

  • Gov, Bala swears in 20 newly elected council Chairmen in Bauchi 

    By: Ajiya Ayuba Bauchi

    The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir on Sunday, swore in twenty newly elected local government area Chairmen in the state.

    The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Rilwanu Adamu Suleiman, Bauchi State Government House, 

    The governor, Muhammed said that they should discharge their duties with the fear of God for the interest of the good people of Bauchi State.

    He urged the newly elected Chairmen of the 20 local government areas of the state to uphold the trust reposed in them and to remain impartial in order to serve with competence and integrity.

    Abdulkadir urged the newly elected Chairmen of the 20 local government areas of the state to work hand in hand with their deputies, party members and people of the local government in order to bring development.

    He also urged them to work with their newly elected ward councillors and management members in order things to move correctly.

    The governor, Abdulkadir also tasked them to cooperate with the state government, saying that “Without state their will be no local government and without local government their will be no state”

    He congratulated all the newly elected Chairmen and the councillors for winning their election in their various local government areas and wards.

    He also congratulated the 3 opposition parties that won councillors in the just concluded local government election.

    According to the governor, “As the supreme Court has granted autonomy to the local government to run their affairs, that’s why our party PDP nominated and presented knowledgeable and competent candidates to run for chairmanship and councillorship during the last yesterday election”

    He urged them not to disappoint the good people of their local governments, Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

  • Plateau: HoS tasks over 3000 newly employed staff to obey govt. policies

    From Justine Davis, Jos

    The head of Civil Service in Plateau state, Rauta Dakok has tasked over 3000 newly employed staff to learned about the core values of the Civil Service, and familiarize themselves with the procedures that guide their work as civil servants towards productivity.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the state government led by governor Caleb Mutfwang recently recruited over 3000 workers to fill in some vacancies and inject new bloods, to boost productivity in the civil service of the state.

    Dakok made this known while declaring open a two days courses for the newly employed staff held at Crest Hotel in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

    She charged them to bring to bear their fresh ideas to further grow the civil service which is in needs of innovations as the engine room of government.

    According to her, “The Civil Service is built on a foundation of excellence, teamwork, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the State we serve. You are joining us at a time when we are poised to achieve greater heights, and your contributions will be integral to our continued success.

    “As you go through this orientation program, you will have the opportunity to meet with leaders from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within and outside the state, learn about the core values of the Civil Service, and familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures that guide our work.” She charged them

    Dakok noted that the program was designed not only to equipped them with the knowledge and tools they need to perform their roles effectively but also to help them feel a part of the civil servants community where every individual is valued and every idea is welcomed.

    “We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Your fresh perspectives and unique experiences are invaluable assets that will enrich the Service and help us grow. 

    “I encourage you to be curious, ask questions, and take full advantage of the resources available to you. Remember, you are not just joining the Service; you are becoming a part of a team that is committed to achieving excellence together.” She reminded them

    She however applauded governor Caleb Mutfwang for given much attention to human capital development in the state as well as remaining passionately committed to the welfare of workers to the full extent of the resources available.

    Permanent Secretary Establishment Mr. Patience Dongjur in her remarks noted that the orientation program is the first of it’s kind in the history of Plateau State which armed newly employed persons with basic knowledge of the civil service as they undertook their journey in lives into the service.

    The participants across ministries, department and agencies were exposed to various topics ranging from; “Politics and loyalty in the Civil Service. Preparation for retirement of a Civil servant. Health insurance for civil servants. Synopsis on an ideal Civil servant. Procedure of appointment and exit from the civil service. Housing for civil servants; Communication and branding, and the Role of Civil Service Commission.” Respectively 

  • Hardship: Ebonyi senator, Eze warns constituents to shun patronizing medical quacks, flags-off 250m outreach 

    By Uchennaa Okeh, Abakaliki

    The chairman Senate committee on information and orientation, sen. Ken Eze representing Ebonyi Central senatorial zone has warned his constituents to shun patronizing medical quacks in the state.

    Eze, flagged off 250 million medical outreach to cushion the health challenges and hardship facing the people of the area.

    He said he was poised to embark on the medical outreach to forestall the increase in patronizing quacks by rural dwellers, which according to him, results in unnecessary deaths recorded in the various communities of the zone.

    The Lawmaker, Eze made this known while speaking with newsmen shortly after the flag off, which took place at Onueke township studium, Ezza South local government Area of Ebonyi state .

    Eze said that the medical outreach was part of the constituency briefing, which according to him, is aimed at reducing the high cost of health challenges facing his constituents.

    The lawmaker, however, revealed that the medical outreach is targeted at providing medical care to his constituents, considering the recent economic hardship in the country, which according to him resulted in the escalation of diseases, and vowed to enroll 10,000 persons into his foundation to enable them have access to good medical care.

    “I said it the last time I had a constituency briefing that we are going to flag off 250 million medical outreach at Onueke township studium .

    “This medical outreach is born out of my Passion to my people to have access to medical care and i discovered that my constituency considering their background, sometimes go down with common diseases but because of their inability to access functional medical or fund and seeing them going red on daily bases I have to come up with this program.

    ” You can imagine where somebody dies because of common malaria, you can agree with me that if you have malaria without treatment, it can lead to death in most cases, this people can not afford common malaria drugs because of difficulty and  economic hardship  .

    “Most of the request I receive each time I come back to meet with my constituents is on medical ground and I have been paying medical bills running in million I have gone to hospitals to pay their bills because some of them after being discharged are not allowed to go home because of their inability to pay bills I pay that bills  and I now decided that seems this case is a general problem let me have a package where everybody will be captured and have access to medical care .

    “Here today, we have so many departments of medicals being represented, even in the cancer area, as we just left the cancer area facility where they are being screened of cervical cancer, prostate cancer and all other health challenges that our people cannot afford to treat on their own .

    “The program is continued because you can’t say this is the number you want to target. We will be pumping more funds to sustain this program. 

    “we bulgeted 250 million naira, we will be putting in more funds because before now, we already have a foundation that helps people in need. so  I think it is one of my primary assignments to help people to survive. That is why we allowed it to open as many that come, we will attend to them no matter the case their presents, the one that cannot handle on this ground has already transferred to the teaching hospital.

    “Some operations that were conducted yesterday were part of this program and some are in the mile hospital in the way of child delivery. These people also captured them in this scheme”, he stated.

  • Gov. Alia inaugurates committee to mitigate against child trafficking in Benue 

    From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

    The governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia on, Friday inaugurated the State steering committee of Save the Benue Child ‘project to mitigate child trafficking’ in the State

    Alia, who spoke during the inauguration ceremony in Makurdi, said that Benue children have faced serious challenges over the years and all hands must be on deck to change the narrative.

    Represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, Alia said the Benue child has over the years faced issues of lack of quality education, healthcare amongst others.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that Mnyim is the State Chairman, “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking”.

    The Governor said that the government aimed to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community outreach and engagement, provision of support services.

    “Today, we acknowledge the stark reality that many Children in Benue are faced with challenges that no child should ever endure. 

    “From inadequate access to education, healthcare, to the harsh impacts of crisis, poverty and neglect, these young lives are at risk. But we also recognize an immense opportunity—an opportunity to effect meaningful change and to forge a path towards hope and opportunity. 

    “The ” Save the Benue Child” project is not just a response to these challenges; it is also a commitment to action. Our goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of these children holistically. 

    “We will focus on improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, Identifying and rescuing child victims of human trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, providing support services for vulnerable rescued children, prosecuting perpetrators and holding them accountable, raising awareness and sensitizing communities on human trafficking and child exploitation and providing the necessary support to safeguard their well-being.”he said

    Gov. Alia said they would join forces with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the efforts are both impactful and sustainable. 

    In her remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Mrs Gloria Bai said the agency needs all stakeholders to help save the future of the Benue child.

    Mrs Bai who is also the co-chair of “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking” said the number of traffic incidents were on the rise in the State.

  • Registration: Plateau varsity VC, Best vows to prosecute UTME candidates that provides fake data 

    Registration: Plateau varsity VC, Best vows to prosecute UTME candidates that provides fake data 

    From Justine Davis, Jos

    The Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, Shedrack Best on Friday, cautioned UTME candidates seeking admission into the varsity to shun any attempt of providing false information during registration.

    He vowed to ensure that candidates found to have provided false information will not be registered and may face prosecution.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Best, however announced that the online Post-UTME and Direct Entry (DE) screening exercise for the 2024 admission will be held from August 19th to September 9th, 2024.

    He maintained that the exercise is open to candidates who chose the university as their first choice in the 2024 JAMB UTME and Direct Entry applications.

    In a statement signed by the Registrar of Institution Yakubu Ayuba on Friday said UTME candidates must have scored 160 and above, while direct Entry candidates must have a Degree, HND, ND with a minimum of Lower Credit, or IJMB/JUPEP with a minimum of 6 points. 

    The Vice Chancellor noted that candidates are advised to visit the university’s website for registration and payment procedures. Stressing that candidates must upload their SSCE or ‘A’ Level results on the JAMB portal to be considered for admission. 

    The statement also cautioned that any candidate found to have provided false information will not be registered and may face prosecution.

    He reiterated that for further information on the exercise, the public can contact the Office of the Registrar, Plateau State University, Bokkos at all times for clarification and guidance.

  • ‘Tinubu committed in boosting the nation’s economy through road infrastructure, tourism – works minister, Umahi

    ‘Tinubu committed in boosting the nation’s economy through road infrastructure, tourism – works minister, Umahi

    By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

    The minister of works, David Umahi has reiterated the commitment of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to boost the nation’s economy through enhanced agriculture, job creation, regional integration, tourism, transportation ecosystem and industrialization.

    Umahi made this known while addressing stakeholders during a courtesy visit to the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammed, held at the state government  House, Bauchi state,

    According to him: “The Federal Ministry of Works has designed the fourth Renewed Hope road infrastructure legacy project that passes through  States  of  the North East known as the Akwanga – Jos – Bauchi – Gombe road.

    “I want to thank you very highly, and to let you know that the shortfall in terms of road distribution was not done by President Tinubu, it wasn’t done by me, but Mr. President is addressing it, 

    “And that’s why we have injected the fourth legacy project of the President that runs from Akwanga to Jos to Bauchi State, and we are happy to see that you have intervened progressively and critically on a good percentage  of the road in your State”

    The Minister, Umahi emphasized the importance of the four Renewed Hope legacy projects which he said was not only strategic in terms of seamless connectivity to the 6 Geo-Political Zones.

    “President Tinubu has a strategic architectural master plan that would stimulate the economy of the Nation through enhanced agriculture, job creation, regional integration, tourism, transportation ecosystem and industrialization., 

    He spoke of the President’s determination to ensure that funding was made available for the legacy projects through different intervention mechanisms.

    “The President is taking us to China, because there was an agreement before, when this project was listed for funding on EPC + F, and the Chinese people were supposed to inject foreign financing on the roads, but they didn’t immediately do that. So the President is reviving it, and we will be in China soon. 

    “We are very sure that we’ll be able to get that funding, and this road will  not only be constructed, but  it will also be dualized.”he stated.

    Responding,the governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed* commended the President of Nigeria for promptly sending the Minister of Works to visit and assess the damaged sections of the road in the State with a view to providing intervention. 

    He said that the State government and the entire Emirate Council were gratified by the rare proactiveness and sense of responsiveness demonstrated by the Federal Government at this difficult  moment of the State.  

  • Poverty: Gov. Fintiri launches 2nd batch women empowerment program in Adamawa

    By Yagana Ali Yola 

    The Governor of Adamawa State Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has flagged off the disbursement of the second batch women empowerment program, aimed at reducing poverty and promoting entrepreneurship among women in the state.

    Fintiri who spoke during the ‘Fintiri Business Wallet’ flag off that took place at Muhammad Ribadu square in Yola, emphasized the significance of the program, which is part of his administration’s 8-Point Agenda to roll back poverty, unleash prosperity, and promote growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) among women in Adamawa State.

    The Fintiri Business Wallet provides a grant of ₦50,000 to each beneficiary to support or start up trading. The program has already empowered 10,000 women petty traders in the first batch, and an additional 10,000 women are expected to benefit from the second batch.

    The governor noted that the program is designed to institutionalize poverty alleviation and wealth creation, avoiding the old unsustainable route of dishing out handouts to a politicized minority in the name of palliatives.

    He also highlighted other initiatives of his administration aimed at empowering women and youths, including the Skill Development corridor, which has trained over 45,000 youths in various trades, and the social investment corridor, which has kept over 30,000 beneficiaries on a monthly stipend of ₦10,000.

    In addition, Governor Fintiri announced the procurement of 31 mass transit luxurious buses to cushion the effect of transportation hardship on citizens, with a substantial number allocated to schools to fix transportation hardship experienced by students.

  • Ebonyi Assembly summons council boss, Uburu, 5 others over election crisis 

    Ebonyi Assembly summons council boss, Uburu, 5 others over election crisis 

    By, Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Public Petition, Justice and Judiciary headed by Innocent Chikaodili Nomeh on Wednesday, summoned the council chairman of Ebonyi LGA, Chinedu Uburu and five others to appear and answer over election crisis in the council.

    The state House of Assembly made this known in a statement signed by the committee Clerk, David Nwovu and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.

    The statement reads in part: “The committee hereby  invites the following people to appear before  the Committee in respect of petition written to the House Committee on Public Petition , Justice and Judiciary :

    “Chairman Ebonyi Local Government Area Hon Chinedu Uburu, Mr Kingsley Ajogu, Mr Romanus Ebem,, Kinsley Omogo,  Mr Jeremiah Ofoke and Mr Jeremiah Nkwuda and other stakeholders of Ohagelode village in   Mbeke Ishieke Community.

    “The parties are  hereby ordered   to maintain status quo that existed as at 11th August 2024 and mandatorily forbidden from carrying on any further election or meeting of any kind in  Ohagelode village pending the determination of the matter before the Committee” the statement stressed.