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PWDs declares support for Aiyedatiwa

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PWDs declares support for Aiyedatiwa

A group under the auspices of Persons with Disabilities Odatiwa Odirorun Forum have thrown its weight behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Ondo State is preparing for the governorship election coming up in November.

The group said the impact and inclusion of PWDs in the governance of the state in the last seven and half years of late governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Lucky Aiyedatiwa administrations could not be taken for granted, hence their support for him.

The chairman of the group, Mr Sola Aiku, stated this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Akure, the state capital.

The statement read, “It is our expectation that the good things and dividends of democracy will continue even much better under this Aiyedatiwa administration, and that is why we are promising to mobilise members of the disability communities, their families and friends to vote en masse for Lucky Aiyedatiwa come 16th November 2024.

“While we are playing our parts to support the government, we also need to reiterate our calls for more gains of democracy from the government. We need more employment opportunities for our numerous qualified graduates, reasonable empowerment packages for our artisans, traders and others who have acquired various skills and also seeking continuous palliative packages to cushion the effect of this harsh economy that is seriously biting on all Nigerians.

“We encourage every eligible voter with disabilities to fully participate in all the electioneering activities before the next election, and that they should ensure going out to vote for the winning candidate, who is the luckiest one among all the contestants, Governor Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa so that people with disabilities can continue to enjoy more political inclusions in government, and have the full implementation of the Nigerian Disability Law (2018) in Ondo State during his full tenure in office. Truly, Ondo State is very lucky to have Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

The group also disassociated themselves from a protest by some people whom they described as unknown faces among the disability last week, maintaining that Aiyedatiwa had been doing well for the PWDs.

“As a good and progressive forum, PWDOOF is very much aware that the present administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made a great significant of about 50 per cent increment to the 2024 budget of the agency so that it will be able to meet up with its activities knowing fully well that welfare of persons with disabilities is a priority by any government, especially at this critical situation in the country when we are battling with socio-economic challenges.”

Floating corpse causes scare in Plateau community

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Floating corpse causes scare in Plateau community

A dead human body was found floating in a stream, near Alama community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday.

A resident, John Philip, who spoke to our correspondent said the corpse was stuck on a wood in the middle of the stream with the victim’s head and shoulder afloat while the rest of his body was buried beneath the stream.

Philip disclosed that the attention of other residents of the community was drawn to the floating dead body by some women working close to the stream.

Philip said, “We are still in shock over the discovery of a corpse in our Alama community today, Monday. It was some women splitting stones in the area near the satellite market that raised the alarm when they first saw the corpse in the morning. Behold, it was a man’s dead body floating in the stream. We can’t tell what happened or how the dead body got there.

“The whole place was even smelling and people avoided coming very close but standing on the road, one could see that the corpse was that of a man with what looked like wound on his shoulder. But I learnt that some policemen who were alerted later came and evacuated the corpse ”

The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred said he was yet to get the report of the incident when contacted

“I’m not aware. It is not every incident that gets to my office. If such an incident actually happened, I’m sure the DPO in charge of the area might have commenced an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is after they are done with their investigation that they can inform us,” the PPRO stated

The According reports Monday’s discovery of the floating corpse was not the first such gorry incident that occurred in the community.

On 20th March 2024, a sack bag containing human parts was found near the same stream in the Alama community.

An eyewitness said it was street cleaners who discovered the bag that contained the dismembered human body in the morning and raised the alarm.

Nigeria needs an ethical, highly professional police system

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Nigeria needs an ethical, highly professional police system

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that Nigeria needs an ethical and highly professional Police system that respects and protects civil rights, adding that recruiting more officers will not solve the various problems facing the country presently.

Delivering the annual distinguished Personality Lecture organised by the University of Ilorin Department of Political Science on Monday, Bamidele said that the establishment of state police would, however, go a long way to mitigate Nigeria’s current security challenges with the proper control mechanisms put in place.

In the lecture, ‘ Constitutional Amendment and Political Dynamics of State Policing in Nigeria,’ which was organized in conjunction with the Institute of Legislative Studies of the University, the senator said that security affairs should be decentralized in the country.

He said, “The numerous problems of the Nigerian Police are well known. However, simply recruiting more officers will not solve the problem. Nigeria needs an ethical and highly professional Police system that respects and protects civil rights. While this requires proper training, the Police needs to be adequately funded to achieve this and improve the living conditions of the members of the force.”

Bamidele said that Nigeria must explore state policing as the next available option for the central police force and added that the central police force had failed to effectively manage the nation’s security challenges.

The Senate Leader, however, said that the move towards State Policing is not without its political complexities. He added that one of the primary concerns is the potential for abuse of power by state governors, who he said might use State Police forces to suppress political opposition or violate human rights.

“This fear is not unfounded, given Nigeria’s history of political tensions and abuse of power.

“To mitigate such risks, any constitutional amendment must be accompanied by stringent checks and balances. There should be robust mechanisms for oversight and accountability to ensure that State Police forces operate within the bounds of the law and respect citizens’ rights. Federal oversight, independent review boards, and clear legislative frameworks are essential to prevent misuse of power.

“Another critical aspect to consider is the economic feasibility of State Policing. Establishing and maintaining State police forces requires significant financial investment. States must be prepared to allocate adequate resources for training, equipping, and remunerating their police personnel.

“The Federal Government, on its part, can support this transition through grants and technical assistance, ensuring that no State is left behind due to financial constraints. The path to constitutional amendment and establishing state policing in Nigeria must be carefully navigated. It requires broad consensus and collaboration among Federal, State, and Local Governments.

“Stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and the general populace, must actively participate in the discourse to ensure the transition is transparent and inclusive.

“Public education and awareness campaigns are also vital to garnering support for this significant change.

“The benefits of State Policing, such as enhanced security, improved community relations, and more effective crime prevention, must be communicated to the Nigerian people.

“In other words, a constitutional amendment to introduce State policing represents a transformative shift in Nigeria’s security landscape. While the political dynamics and challenges are substantial, they are not insurmountable. With careful planning, robust safeguards, and a commitment to democratic principles, Nigeria can build a more responsive, accountable, and effective policing system”, he said.

In his welcome address, the acting HOD, Political Science, Dr. Adebola Bakare, said that the department settled on the topic of Constitutional Amendment and the Political Dynamics of State Policing in Nigeria because of the conflicting trajectory of State Policing among levels of Nigerians.

“While some people argued for the establishment of state police to complement the federal policing architecture to cover the nooks and crannies of the country adequately, others are afraid of what will become of the state police in the hands of tyrant Governors.

“Our intention is to use today’s lecture to stimulate further discourse on the subject matter. We plan to organize a two-day roundtable subsequent to today’s lecture where stakeholders (security officials, CSOs, farmers, herders, marketers, and the media, among others) will be invited to deliberate on the way forward.”

Other dignitaries at the lecture were Senator Lola Ashiru, who represented Deputy Senate President; Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Saliu Mustapha of Kwara Central; Senator Sadiq Umar, representing Kwara North; Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin; Professor Wahab Egbewole, among others.

State policing requires consensus, cooperation between FG, other govts – Senate Leader

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State policing requires consensus, cooperation between FG, other govts – Senate Leader

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has called for the application of caution in the path to constitutional amendment and state police.
He spoke on Monday while delivering a lecture series organised by the Department of Political Science of the University of Ilorin in conjunction with the Institute of Legislative Studies, titled.
In his lecture titled “Constitutional Amendment and Political Dynamics of State Policing in Nigeria,” the Senate Leader said security affairs should be decentralised in the country.
He averred that with proper control mechanisms put in place, state policing will be a success.
“Another critical aspect to consider is the economic feasibility of state policing. Establishing and maintaining state police forces requires a significant financial investment. States must be prepared to allocate adequate resources for training, equipping, and remunerating their police personnel.
“The Federal Government, on its part, can support this transition through grants and technical assistance, ensuring that no state is left behind due to financial constraints.
“The path to constitutional amendment and the establishment of state policing in Nigeria must be carefully navigated. It requires broad consensus and collaboration among federal, state, and local governments,” he said.
State policing requires consensus, cooperation between FG, other govts – Senate Leader

14 survivors discharged as Shettima pays condolence visit

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14 survivors discharged as Shettima pays condolence visit

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Monday, paid a condolence visit to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the suicide bombings in the Gwoza area of Borno State.

This was as 14 of the 42 injured persons were discharged from the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Shettima described the incident as pathetic, rehashing the words of the late Dele Giwa, saying, “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the VP’s visit in a statement titled, ‘VP Shettima in Maiduguri, consoles victims of Gwoza suicide bombings.’

Shettima spoke to journalists immediately after meeting and commiserating with victims of the attack at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, conveying the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the Borno State government and the people of Gwoza.

The Vice President made a personal donation to all the victims of the attacks and condoled with the families of those killed by the multiple explosions, saying the heart of the President is with them.

“The heart of President Bola Tinubu is with the victims, and he specifically instructed us to come and offer our condolences and commiserations to the victims of this incident.

“We are here with the Director General of NEMA, with the Minister of Agriculture, with the Minister of Transportation and, of course, the Chief Whip of the Senate, a son of the soil from Gwoza, who was here since yesterday (Sunday), and the Acting Governor. They have been working round the clock to provide succour and support to the victims,” Shettima stated.

Shettima pegged the death toll at 32, noting that while 42 persons injured in the suicide bomb attacks were rushed to the Specialist Hospital, 14 have been discharged after receiving treatment, with 26 still receiving treatment.

He said, “It was a very pathetic scene. Our hearts go out to the victims. So far, we have recorded 32 deaths; 42 of those injured were brought in from Gwoza, and about 14 have been discharged, while about 26 are currently receiving attention.

“I want to use this forum to most sincerely register our profound gratitude to the Borno State government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency and ICRC for rising to the challenges of the times and giving their best in terms of support.”

President Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday by the Presidency, said his administration would redouble its efforts “to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed.”

A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, told According Online that the bomber, later identified as a young lady in her early twenties, detonated her explosive device in the middle of the gathering, causing chaos and destruction.

Intelligence sources told Makama that the victims, who were all civilians, were returning from a wedding celebration when the attack occurred near a busy motorpark.

Emergency services rushed to the scene to rescue those injured and transport them to the hospitals in Gwoza.

Saturday’s bomb attack is the first in years since Boko Haram began bombing raids across the country in 2009.

Notable among such raids was the bombing of the United Nations building in 2010 and the busy Nyanya motor park, both in Abuja, in 2014.

Tinubu strongly condemned the bomb attacks, describing them as “desperate acts of terror and a clear manifestation of the pressure mounted against terrorists and the success achieved in degrading their capacity to launch offensives.”

According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu said the purveyors of wanton violence “shall have a certain encounter with justice.”

He said the “cowardly attacks” were an isolated episode vowing that his government “will not allow the nation to slither into an era of fear, tears, sorrow, and blood.”

In the statement titled, ‘President Tinubu condemns bomb attacks in Borno State, says purveyors of terror will pay a heavy price,’ Tinubu said his administration was taking necessary measures to secure citizens.

He condoled with the victims of the attacks, the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Borno State.

While in Maiduguri, the Vice President also attended the funeral prayer for the late mother of former Borno Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Hajiya Aisa, at the family residence of Late Galadima Modu Sheriff along Damboa Road.

The mother to the former Governor died in Abuja on Sunday at the age of 93 after a protracted illness.

In the Shettima’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur; Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda; the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, and other top government officials.

Makinde constitutes coronation committee for new Olubadan

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Makinde constitutes coronation committee for new Olubadan

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced the constitution of a committee for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin.
Makinde made this declaration on Monday.
Olakulehin had earlier been nominated and appointed as the 43rd Olubadan by the kingmakers in April this year.
The governor, a few days ago, approved the appointment.
Governor Makinde has now announced the constitution of a committee for the coronation, which is expected to take place on Friday, July 12, 2024.
The committee, according to a statement made available to TVN on Monday, is headed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, while Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ramota Agberemi-Dabo, among others, are members of the committee.
Makinde constitutes coronation committee for new Olubadan

Abians jubilate as government postpones restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

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Abians jubilate as government postpones restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

The Abia State Government has shifted its plans to restrict the operational hours of tricycles and motorcycles earlier slated for July 1, 2024.
This is coming a few days after it announced the July 1 restrictions.
In a statement signed by Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, the state government said August 1, 2024, is the new date to commence the enforcement of the 6 am to 7 am order.
The state government, however, said that the enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in the transport sector in Abia will commence on July 1, as scheduled.
According to Kanu, the adjustment was to accommodate the numerous pleas by the Abia people for more time to prepare for the effective implementation and enforcement of the policy.
The news of the adjustment was celebrated by the Keke NAPEP riders, passengers and traders, who said the adjustment saved them from transportation crises.
At Isi Gate, the busiest part of Umuahia, some Keke NAPEP riders and traders were seen exchanging banters of relief on Monday evening because of the postponement.
Abians jubilate as government postpones restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

Six drowned students: lawmaker visits families in Kaduna

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Six drowned students: lawmaker visits families in Kaduna

The House of Representatives member from Kauru federal constituency, Mukhtar Chawai, has visited Ribang village to sympathise with the families of six students who drowned in the Mbang River last week.
The tragedy occurred while the students were returning from GSS Fadan Chawai, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where they went to write their junior WAEC exams.
Mukhtar, who offered condolences to the Chief of Chawai, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, at Tarya Village en route to Ribang Village, lamented the dilapidated state of the nine-kilometre road and the lack of a bridge, school, and hospital.
At Ribang Village, he assured the community of his readiness to work with the federal and state governments to ensure that a bridge is constructed and other basic social amenities are provided to prevent future occurrences.
He said: “The governor has shown remorse over the sad incident, and I have told him to assist this community with anything that will bring succour. I am glad that he has responded by instructing his Special Adviser on Rural Infrastructure to visit and assess the community to see how the state can help. The governor’s aide promised to come next week. The world and the government share in your pain over the unfortunate incident that befell you.”
He expressed concern over the untimely deaths of the students, describing the situation as disheartening and painful because they were willing to go to school against all odds.
The village head, Timothy Nda, lamented that the community had not experienced any government projects since the return of democracy.
He said the only primary school was built through community effort and that the only borehole in the community stopped working 20 years ago.
He appealed to the government and their representatives to assist them with basic social amenities like roads, schools, and healthcare facilities to ease their livelihood.
The two surviving students, James Emmanuel and Shedrack Musa, who narrated their ordeal, disclosed that their drowned colleagues held onto small trees in the water for almost four hours before they finally gave up.
Six drowned students: lawmaker visits families in Kaduna

Dan Ashworth joins Man Utd as sporting director

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Dan Ashworth joins Man Utd as sporting director

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director after reaching an agreement with Newcastle.

The two Premier League clubs issued a joint statement on Monday announcing that Ashworth had been released from his contract at St James’ Park.

The 53-year-old was placed on gardening leave by Newcastle earlier this year after expressing a desire to move to Old Trafford.

No compensation details have been disclosed but it is understood Ashworth will be able to begin his new role at Old Trafford with immediate effect.

The statement read, “Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United.

“The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.”

United’s interest in Ashworth became apparent after Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS company completed the purchase of a minority stake in the club and subsequently took over the running of football operations.

There were reports Newcastle were seeking £20 million ($25 million) compensation to release Ashworth, a figure Ratcliffe described as “a bit silly”, but a compromise has now been reached.

Ashworth, previously technical director at the Football Association, is the latest arrival at United, who have overhauled their backroom staff.

Omar Berrada is joining from Manchester City as chief executive and Jason Wilcox, previously at Southampton, is the new technical director.

Speaking earlier this year when a deal for Ashworth was still to be struck, Ratcliffe said: “I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world. I’ve no doubt he’s a very, very capable person.

“And he’s interested in the Manchester United job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.”

A disappointing campaign last season ended with United winning the FA Cup by beating Manchester City in the final.

Manager Erik ten Hag came under huge pressure during the season but the Dutchman is to remain at the club, preparing for a third season in charge.

AFP

Aliko Dangote University faces shutdown after power disconnection despite partial payment

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Aliko Dangote University faces shutdown after power disconnection despite partial payment

The Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, is confronting a potential shutdown after the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) disconnected its power supply despite the university paying N20 million of its N60 million monthly electricity bill.
The abrupt disconnection has plunged the university into darkness, posing significant challenges to its operations, particularly in supplying water to the campus, according to Prof. Abdulkadir Dambazau, the Dean of Students’ Affairs.
Speaking to reporters in Wudil on Monday, Prof. Dambazau revealed that the university administration is now contemplating three options amidst the crisis: shutting down the university, advising students not to return after their semester vacation, or requiring them to endure living without electricity.
“The management has been diligent in meeting its financial obligations, but KEDCO’s decision to escalate our monthly bill from N16-17 million to N50-60 million, along with an accumulated debt of N248 million, has placed us in a dire situation,” Prof. Dambazau stated.
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He further appealed for assistance from the government, philanthropists, and concerned citizens to prevent a complete shutdown of the university, emphasizing that the institution cannot operate effectively without uninterrupted power supply.
“The university community is hopeful that with support from stakeholders, we can overcome this challenge and continue providing quality education,” Prof. Dambazau concluded.
Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil belongs to the Kano State government.
The post Aliko Dangote University faces shutdown after power disconnection despite partial payment appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

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