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Ajaka rejects Appeal Court’s verdict on Kogi gov poll

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Ajaka rejects Appeal Court’s verdict on Kogi gov poll

The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, has alleged that the Appeal Court judgment in the governorship poll dispute between himself and the state governor, Usman Ododo, was influenced by some irregularities and manipulations.

Ajaka and his party, SDP, had approached the Appeal Court to set aside the judgment of the state election petition tribunal which upheld the election victory of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress.

While delivering judgment in the appeal on Thursday, the appeal court upheld the tribunal judgment which dismissed his petition for lacking in merit.

Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen after the judgment on Thursday, said he will appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal.

He also said the journey to reclaiming his mandate is not limited to the decision of the appellate court.

He said, “We must remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats. Our cause is justice and our determination will not waver. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf.

“I want to assure you, our political followers, that victory is within our grasp. We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices that have been inflicted upon us once again.”

He called on all his supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of disappointment and injustice.

“We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution. We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means,” Ajaka said.

While commending his legal team for working diligently and tirelessly throughout the legal battle, he said their brilliance, dedication and unwavering commitment to justice have been evident at every step of the way not minding the disappointing outcome so far.

“We have tirelessly fought for the rights and interests of the people of Kogi State and we will not let this temporary setback deter us from our mission.

“We understand that this decision may have brought about feelings of disappointment and frustration among our supporters, but we want to assure you that this setback will not stop our determination to use all legal means to reclaim our stolen mandate,” he said

WHO prequalifies first self-test kit for hepatitis C virus

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WHO prequalifies first self-test kit for hepatitis C virus

The World Health Organisation has prequalified the first hepatitis C virus self-test which can provide critical support in expanding access to testing and diagnosis, accelerating global efforts to eliminate hepatitis C.

The product, called OraQuick HCV self-test, manufactured by OraSure Technologies, is an extension of the pre-qualified, OraQuick® HCV Rapid Antibody Test, which was initially prequalified by WHO in 2017 for professional use.

The UN agency, who disclosed this in a press statement on Wednesday, noted that the self-test version, specifically designed for use by lay users, provides individuals with a single kit containing the components that are needed to perform the self-test.

WHO recommended HCV self-testing in 2021, to complement existing HCV testing services in countries. The recommendation was based on evidence demonstrating its ability to increase access to and uptake of services, particularly among people who may not otherwise test.

It said the national-level HCVST implementation projects, largely supported by Unitaid, have shown high levels of acceptability and feasibility, as well as empowering people through personal choice, autonomy and access to stigma-free self-care services.

“Every day, 3,500 lives are lost to viral hepatitis. Of the 50 million people living with hepatitis C, only 36 per cent had been diagnosed, and 20 per cent have received curative treatment by the end of 2022,” says the WHO Director for the Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, Dr Meg Doherty.

Doherty added, “The addition of this product to the WHO prequalification list provides a safe and effective way to expand HCV testing and treatment services, ensuring more people receive the diagnoses and treatment they need, and ultimately contributing to the global goal of HCV elimination.”

WHO’s prequalification programme for in vitro diagnostics evaluates a range of tests, including those used for the detection of antibodies to HCV. The programme assesses IVDs against quality, safety and performance standards. It is a cornerstone in supporting countries in achieving high-quality diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

“The availability of a WHO prequalified HCV self-test enables low- and middle-income countries to have access to safe and affordable self-testing options, which is essential to achieving the goal of 90% of all people with HCV to be diagnosed,” says the WHO Director for the Department of Regulation and Prequalification, Dr Rogério Gaspar.

“This achievement contributes to improving access to quality-assured health products for more people living in low-income countries,” Gasper added.

The global health body pledged to WHO to continue to assess additional HCV self-tests, support evidence-based implementation, and work with communities to expand available options to all countries.

Ebonyi Assembly passes Electricity Bill into law

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Ebonyi Assembly passes Electricity Bill into law

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed into law a bill to establish state electricity and other matters connected thereto.
The passage of the bill into law took place at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Moses Ije-Odunwa.
The law, which is deemed to have come into force on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, was cited as the Ebonyi State Electricity Law 2024.
Speaking on the bill, the Leader of the House, Kingsley Ikoro, urged the members to support the passage of the bill, which he said provides a legal framework to guide the operations of electricity generation in Ebonyi State.
The member representing Ebonyi North West, Aloysius Nwodo, emphasised that the passage of the bill will provide for a holistic integrated resources plan and policy and a competitive electricity market in Ebonyi State.
The bill, which was exhaustively deliberated in the Committee of the Whole was read page by page where errors of syntax and morphology were corrected.
Also, the House equally passed into law a bill to establish the Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited Board.
Consequently, the Ebonyi State Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited Board Law 2024 was deemed to have come into force on Tuesday, July 9.
After the debate on the bill, the Speaker, Ije-Odunwa, put the passage to vote and it was unanimously adopted.
Ebonyi Assembly passes Electricity Bill into law

I’m concerned about Nigerian workers, committed to realistic minimum wage, says Tinub

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I’m concerned about Nigerian workers, committed to realistic minimum wage, says Tinub

President Bola Tinubu has said he is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and that his government is committed to a fair and realistic minimum wage.

According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President stated this on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress led by Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria led by Festus Osifo, at the State House in Abuja.

The President stated that Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation.

President Tinubu said he is concerned about the plight of Nigerian workers and that his administration is prioritizing their concerns.

“I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker,” the President said.

However, the President called for realistic expectations as regards the minimum wage question, stating: “You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalize the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.”

“Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two? Why not three years? What is a problem today, can be eased up tomorrow. There is much dynamism to this process if we are not myopic in our approaches. We can take a surgical approach that is based on pragmatism and a deep understanding of all factors.”

In his remarks, the NLC President emphasized the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage due to the current economic situation of the country.

He said, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”

Ajaero congratulated the President on the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional rights of local governments as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles.

“I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been in the streets protesting for local government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you,” he said.

In his remarks, the TUC President said inflation has adversely affected the value of the naira and that the measures initiated by the government to address the rising cost of food and transportation need to kick in to give citizens relief.

He said the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses will help in checking the high cost of transportation, while the recent directive on the suspension of duty on certain food imports will bring down the prices of food items, if properly implemented.

“We commend you on the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today. With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” the Osifo said.

The statement added that further talks were adjourned until next week to allow for wider consultation with all stakeholders.

140,000 children under 14 living with HIV

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140,000 children under 14 living with HIV

The Federal Government on Thursday, inaugurated a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee to reduce mother-to-child transmission, eliminate HIV/AIDs and scale up the implementation of early testing and treatments for exposed infants.

This was as the FG said 140,000 children under 14 are living with HIV as of 2023, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded among children.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa said the government will be providing high-quality treatment and care for children, and adolescents living with HIV.

Alausa, the Chairman of the committee, noted that the committee is also tasked with ensuring the sustained commitment of all parties involved, including timely implementation of planned activities, addressing implementation bottlenecks, and monitoring performance against set targets.

He said, “A popular maxim states that doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results is futile. That is why the Ministry of Health is focused on a health sector renewal initiative. This initiative is centred on four main pillars: effective governance, an efficient, equitable, and quality health system, unlocking value chains, and health security.

“Achieving these goals is impossible if our children remain vulnerable to HIV. Through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, we will provide effective governance for this programme.

“This will ensure that no child is born HIV positive and that those who are positive receive quality care. We will also unlock value chains by collaborating with those willing to commence domestic production of HIV commodities, ensuring health security for our children.”

In her welcome remarks, the Director General of NACA, Temitope Ilori said Nigeria faces a critical challenge in PMTCT of HIV and ensuring access to care for children living with HIV.

Ilori said, “Our epidemiological estimates say 140,000 children under 14 are living with HIV as of 2023, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths in children. Current PMTCT and paediatric HIV coverage remain alarmingly low at less than 33 per cent, far short of the 95 per cent target.

“In 2021, national and state-level data analysis with consultations with states led to the development of Nigeria’s Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children Action Plan. This was designed to scale up PMTCT efforts and paediatric HIV addressing the coverage gaps.

“Despite this comprehensive strategy and accompanying financial commitment, our PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remains critically low.

“Consequently, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare constituted this acceleration plan committee to drive the implementation of this crucial initiative in line with the sector-wide approach to health care in Nigeria.”

On her part, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum and wife of the Kwara State Governor, Olufolake AbdulRasaq applauded the Federal government’s efforts and emphasized the role of sub-national initiatives.

“The statistics surrounding the MTCT of HIV and paediatric AIDS in Nigeria from all accounts are alarming; hence the propriety of today’s event as it would no doubt bolster efforts and improve interventions in this regard,” AbdulRasaq said.

While pledging the support of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum to the initiative, she disclosed plans to enrol women living with HIV in the state’s health insurance programme and expand on her earlier initiative that included sickle cell patients.

The Nigeria Coordinator, US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Funmi Adesanya said remarkable progress must be recorded in Nigeria for the world to achieve the global target of eliminating the epidemic.

Adesanya called for increased partnership across all levels of government and between public, and private institutions, noting that all stakeholders must commit to ending the epidemic by 2030.

“No child in Nigeria should be born with HIV and the US Government is committed to our partnership to ensure that this is a reality. Now is the time and we believe we have the right leadership represented in this room to achieve this goal,” she added.

The Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Leo Zekeng assured of the support of UN agencies in Nigeria to the initiative while urging other stakeholders to recommit to the cause and fully support the initiative.

The Chairman of the Commissioners of Health Forum, Oyebanji Filani, emphasised that the goals are achievable if resources are properly invested.

Filani urged stakeholders to remain steadfast in supporting the programme, assuring that sub-national governments would do their part to ensure the success of the initiative.

Bill on national youth welfare scheme fund scales second reading

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Bill on national youth welfare scheme fund scales second reading

A bill seeking the establishment of a National Youth Welfare Scheme Fund scaled second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

The bill was co-sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Makki Yalleman, both members of the All Progressives Congress.

Leading debate on the bill, Yalleman said the Fund when established will manage and coordinate youth’s welfare services to reduce challenges in governance and security in the country and other related matters.

He added, “The general intention of this bill is to cater for the welfare of the unemployed youth to reduce the challenges of governance and security issues in the country.”

While arguing in favour of prioritising the well-being of the larger population of youth in the country, he added that young Nigerians are ever vibrant, always energetic, inquisitive, adventurous, sociable, risk takers and identity seekers; all these make them to be restive especially when they become dissatisfied with the state of affairs.

He said, “Where there is no meaningful or positive engagement of the excessive strength and energy of young men and women for creative and constructive works, the result is the abuse of these potentials in idol thoughts and destructive actions that culminate into youth restiveness.

“Without sugarcoating the situation, our streets are today littered with unengaged youth who are easily and negatively influenced by all manner of people.

“For our female sisters, many of them are on the streets hawking different items for survival when they ordinarily should be in school or engaged with some skills.

“In the process, many of them are molested by some depraved adults. Many of our male youth are being introduced and initiated into cultism and different types of terrorist groups leading to street violence, bomb blasts, insecurity and kidnapping in our society.”

Yalleman who represents Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency, Jigawa State, noted that governance becomes difficult when a large number of youths are restive and insecurity will be on the rise. He noted that any responsible government must put in place policies that will arrest the menace of unemployment and out-of-school problems in Nigeria.

He said, “On our part as the representative of the people, our core duty in this regard is to take a legislative action that will ensure that the wellbeing of our youth is taken seriously and that is the gravamen of this bill.”

He explained that Part IV of the proposed bill, particularly Section 7 Subsection 1 paragraph c) provides that the fund shall be responsible for working out the possible required monetary details that will enhance the welfare of the youth, and working out modalities needed to identify the youth that will benefit from the Fund, when established.

Lawmakers present at the Green Chamber unanimously voted in support of the bill when the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the plenary session, subjected it to a voice vote.

Military says it has uncovered a planned attack on critical infrastructure

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Military says it has uncovered a planned attack on critical infrastructure

Nigerian authorities said on Thursday that they had successfully thwarted a potential catastrophe after the military uncovered plans for an attack on critical infrastructure, according to a statement released by the Defence Headquarters.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, said the appropriate agency responsible for the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure had been alerted.
Buba noted that some of the plans had already been frustrated.
Read Also: Court rules Ganduje, wife’s corruption trial will continue despite their absence
He said, “We are aware of some of the plans to target some critical infrastructure in the country. Accordingly, we have placed measures to forestall such plans.
“Security agencies responsible for securing critical infrastructure and facilities have also been placed on alert. Accordingly, some of such plans have been frustrated.”
The exact nature of the targeted infrastructure and the group behind the plot remain undisclosed, citing ongoing investigations.
This development comes amidst heightened security concerns in Nigeria. Recent months have seen a rise in incidents targeting vital infrastructure, including attacks on power lines and communication towers.
The military’s preemptive action is a significant success in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure. Disruptions to power grids, communication networks, or other essential services can have crippling effects, impacting everything.
The post Military says it has uncovered a planned attack on critical infrastructure appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Lawyer slams Aiyedatiwa over appointment of transition committees for LCDAs

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Lawyer slams Aiyedatiwa over appointment of transition committees for LCDAs

An Ondo State-based lawyer and human rights activist, Tope Temokun, has described the appointment of transition committees for the Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, in the state by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as illegal.
Temokun, who stated that the appointment was a directed attack on the people, stated that any committee constituted other than a democratically elected body is a caretaker committee in disguise.
The committee was constituted following the postponement of the local government election in the state by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC, a few days ago.
The constitution of the caretaker committees was coming amid the nullification of the creation of the LCDAs by an Ondo State High Court, which described the establishment by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as null and void.
The lawyer, in a statement, said: “Any other body, committee, or whatever name so-called, constituted to oversee the affairs of the local governments, other than a democratically elected body, is a nullity to the extent of its conflict with the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“A system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is what the constitution recognises and guarantees.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa owes the people many explanations on this new path of deliberate illegality he has chosen to toe and should address the people why he is building the new foundation of Ondo State government on a notorious illegality.
“The governor should be careful in his eclectic choice of political tutorials from experienced veteran violators of the constitution who ruled without elected government at the local councils.
“That system is no longer fashionable. It receives knocks and condemnation from the people and the court at every opportunity.”
Lawyer slams Aiyedatiwa over appointment of transition committees for LCDAs

Rivers caretaker chairman under fire for appointing 100 aides

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Rivers caretaker chairman under fire for appointing 100 aides

The Caretaker Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has faced backlash from netizens after announcing the appointment of 100 special assistants on Wednesday.

“As the Caretaker Chairman of Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State, I have approved the appointment of one hundred Special Assistants,” he wrote on his X handle.

Ihunwo then listed the names of the 100 appointees without specifying their portfolios.

He stated, “While congratulating the appointees, I charged them to work effectively and key into my developmental agenda, and inline with the vision of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.”

The post gained media attention on Thursday, shortly after the Supreme Court ruled that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and that a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.

“The judgment stated that the use of caretaker committees to run local governments is a violation of the Constitution, as it constitutes an attempt by the state government to take control of local governments.

Nigerians, reacting on X, criticised Ihunwo for the seemingly excessive appointments.

Ben Samuel, who tweets as, @flourish007, said, “Guess this is a joke taken too far? Otherwise, I would like you to define their job responsibilities or if they would be working free of charge?? Who are these people for God’s sake?”

On X.com, Julius Adegunna, who uses the Twitter handle @adegunna_julius, “This is wasteful. How many wards and towns do you have in your local government ?”

In a sarcastic comment, Temitope Ayanbisi, who tweets as @AyanbisiAT, said, “100 Special Assistants is too small sha. Obio-Akpor LGA has a population of 665,000 people. 10% of that number, at 66,500 Special Assistants would have been better. Add more numbers please, my able Chairman! ”

Another tweep, Darlington, using the handle @Darling88663948, said, “You and your uncountable funny assistants have lost your positions. You can reappoint them after you are duly elected.”

Lady of leisure, who tweets as @jupresss, said, “100 special assistants to Oga caretaker. With their own assistants and advisory. How can a local government afford such splurge? ”

Onyedịka, who identifies as @khardiy1 on X, said, “I don’t think 100 will be enough. Can you consider making them 10,000. You can even employ everybody you pass on the road.”

FG offers free CNG conversion for commercial vehicles

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FG offers free CNG conversion for commercial vehicles

The Federal Government, on Thursday, declared that the conversion of petrol and diesel-powered commercial vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas is going to be free of charge.

It declared this in Abuja after signing agreements with various companies involved in the conversion of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to operate on CNG.

It said commercial transporters under their different unions including the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, National Union of Road Transport Workers, and Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, among others, would benefit from this.

The Programme Director/Chief Executive, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, disclosed this to journalists after the government agency signed agreements with various companies in Abuja.

He said, “Today we’ve just signed with five partners with us here in the Federal Capital Territory that are participating in the Conversion Incentive Programme.

“The programme is tackling the barrier to Nigerian commercial transport operators to convert from PMS (petrol) to gas. Most of them have said that the cost of conversion is expensive, and so what we are doing here today is basically to respond to that concern.

“What is the government doing about it? First and foremost, for commercial operators that are unionised, I’m talking about the members of RTEAN, NARTO, and NURTW, through their unions they can benefit 100 per cent discount. That is, they will get the kits for free and installation will also be done for them for free.

“And this is going to be done through these certified conversion workshops that we are beginning to identify. We’ve identified about 123 of them, five of them are here with us today that we are going to be working with here in Abuja. As we expand across the country we will be activating more of them,” Oluwagbemi stated.

He said the second group of commercial transporters were the ride-share operators.

“So if you are a vehicle rider that is operating under Uber, Bolt, Lag-Ride, Move, etc, you will be able to also benefit from this programme. Today we have Bolt here with us that is signing and we hope to add the others very soon. Lag-Ride has already signed up and we are going to send the agreement next week.

“They will be able to benefit from a 50 per cent write-off on the equipment and then they will get installation for free. So that means the government will pay for these conversion workshops to install the equipment you will get at 50 per cent off.

“And because of the arrangement we have with these companies, you’ll be able to also get to pay little by little. So you’re not paying any money upfront on day one,” Oluwagbemi stated.

The P-CNGI director said through the implementation of this programme, Nigerians would start paying less for transportation.

He said, “We have over 20,000 kits that are immediately going to be available in the next three months through this programme. We will be distributing them across the states that have some CNG capacity or the other. The states are about 25 in number.

“This will ensure that the citizens within these states, the unions and ride-share operators would-be participants of the 20,000 potential kits that will be made available under this programme. The 20,000 kits were made available under the palliative initiative that was budgeted for last year.

“But the National Assembly has made additional funding available this year, and we will be rolling out additional kits once the necessary acquisition of materials is made available to us by the third or fourth quarter of this year.”

On the agreement that was signed in Abuja, he said, “It (agreement) is saying that in return for giving you these kits, you will also pass on the savings to ordinary Nigerians. So we will begin to have some impact in terms of transportation.”

Asked to state how the government would monitor the conversion centres, Oluwagbemi said, “We have a very strong monitoring mechanism around conversion as well as the enforcement of reduced pricing for Nigerians. The Nigerian gas vehicle monitoring system ensures that they are properly converted and then we can track them.

“Secondly, within the framework of the agreement we are signing with them, we’ve agreed on some significant pass-on of those savings that they will be realising. As they realise the savings, they are under obligation to report to us and make sure that the savings are passed on to ordinary Nigerians so that we do not defeat the purpose of the palliative.”

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