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Planned Impeachment: Group lambasts state exco for acting against President Tinubu’s order on Fubara

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Planned Impeachment: Group lambasts state exco for acting against President Tinubu’s order on Fubara

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Solidarity and Development Forum has denounced the state chairman of the party over the call for the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The group, which made this known at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, described the utterances by Chief Tony Okocha as reckless, and irresponsible, threatening the very fabric of our democracy.

In a statement co-signed by Comrade Kabir Matazu and Hon. Igwe Ude-Umanta, its convener and co-covener, the group said a call for impeachment is a clear attempt to destabilize the government and create chaos in the state.

The APC Solidarity and Development Forum further criticised the APC chairman for his blatant disrespect of President Bola Tinubu.

“The President himself, in his wisdom, has called for all parties involved in the disagreement to maintain the status quo and work towards a peaceful resolution,” the statement said.

“Governor Fubara has heeded this call and has demonstrated his commitment to the vision of inclusivity and good governance that our dear president has upheld since assuming office.

“In the reality of having to work with people of diverse political affiliations, President Tinubu has successfully built a government devoid of nepotism and marginalization.

“It will be unfair, and unwise for any party member, or individual not to resonate in the same frequency with our president. It is very disheartening to witness Chief Tony Okocha’s unguided utterances, which not only disregard the president’s call for peace but also pose a threat to the stability and progress of our beloved party.

“We are appalled by the Chairman’s unguided fervour and lack of understanding of the complex challenges facing Rivers State. His actions are a dent in the respectable image and good representation of what our party stands for.

“It Is evident to everyone that Chief Tony Okocha has lost sight of the vision and principles of the APC, as his misguided loyalty has compromised the integrity and status of our party.

“By calling for the impeachment of Governor Fubara without justifiable cause, Mr Tony has not only undermined the unity and cohesion of our party but also endangered the very foundation of our democratic system.”

The group, therefore, called on Okocha to resign immediately from his position as the Rivers State APC Chairman, adding that his “continued stay in office will only serve to further destabilize our party and the state at large.”

Kano govt releases N5 bn for pension, gratuity 

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Kano govt releases N5 bn for pension, gratuity 

Gov. Abba Yusuf, of Kano State has ordered the release of N5 billion for the payment of second instalment of pension and gratuity to retired workers in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yusuf gave the directive in Kano on Wednesday during the 14th Kano State Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chamber, Government House.

“It is worth noting that last year the government disbursed N6 billion naira to settle outstanding payments for thousands of retirees who had not received their entitlements during the previous eight years of the immediate past administration“, he said.

The governor emphasised that the payments were made to support retirees and bring joy to their lives.

National growth LS

According to him, many had endured years of waiting without receiving their rightful dues despite their dedicated service to the state during their working years.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of civil servants and retirees in the state,” the governor said.

Yusuf who also said there were plans to clear drainages in the metropolis in anticipation of the rainy season and urged interim management officers of local governments to make similar arrangements.

The governor said that a high-powered committee, led by his deputy has been established to oversee the clearing of drainages across all 44 Local Government Areas to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

He urged the people of the state to be patient as government was working to address the challenges of water scarcity in the state.

“We are seriously working on this in spite of facing mechanical issues and inconsistent power supply which hinder the smooth operation of the state water board’’, he said.

Yusuf expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their support toward his administration.

The governor assured of his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises to enhance the prosperity and well-being of citizens.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, presented an Award of Excellence to the governor given to him by the National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria in recognition of his efforts to improve the sector.( NAN)

By Aminu Garko

No property confiscated in Enugu, Army replies CSO

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No property confiscated in Enugu, Army replies CSO

The Nigerian Army (NA) has dismissed claims by a civil society organisation that it forcefully and unlawfully took over a property in Enugu State.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday in Abuja, said that the property in question belong to the Army.

Nwachukwu said the claim by Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network that the 82 Division Nigerian Army had confiscated the property, was mischievous and a misrepresentation of facts.

He said that the said property belongs to the army and was last occupied by retired Col. Emeka Ugwuoke, when he was in service.

National growth LS

According to him, the senior officer who was allocated the quarter during his service was ejected by the army in April 2023 when he tried to convert the quarter to his private property after his retirement.

“Surprisingly, it is on one corner of the property which is No. 7 Abakiliki Lane, GRA, where the Nigerian army ejected the retired senior officer that the trespassers invaded,” he said.

Nwachukwu, therefore, said the petition was completely unfounded and intended to tarnish the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian army to restore peace and tranquility in the South East.

He said the army was a disciplined institution that respects human rights and the rule of law, and urged the public to disregard the narrative that suggested that the army was acting unlawfully or without respect for due process.

According to him, the property remains under the ownership of the Nigerian army until proven otherwise through appropriate legal channels, and any claims to the contrary are based on misinformation.

“Consequently the army calls for a thorough investigation and due process to resolve the matter, and it stands ready to present its evidence of ownership to the competent authorities.

“We also wish to  reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the proper resolution of this dispute in accordance with Nigerian legal standards and provisions,” he said. (NAN) (

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Emir solicits support for NIS in securing country’s vast borders

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Emir solicits support for NIS in securing country’s vast borders

 The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir-Ilyasu, has urged border communities to help the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in securing the country’s vast borders.

Bashir-Ilyasu gave the advice on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi when he received the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nnana-Nandap, who was in the state for official engagement.

“I urge the people of the state, especially those living along the border communities to support the NIS in its efforts to secure our porous and vast borders.

“It is obligatory and incumbent upon us to support you as good and patriotic Nigerians,” he said.

National growth LS

The emir congratulated the comptroller-general for working tirelessly to attain the highest echelon of rank in the service.

Earlier, Nnana-Nandap, told the emir that she was in the state to seek for more collaboration with the traditional rulers because of their role in national security.

“NIS is tasked with border control, border management, border security and migration management.

“Kebbi is very special to the NIS, not only because it is a state that borders two countries of Benin and Niger Republics but because we have a lot of officers stationed at the borders.

“We appreciate the fatherly advice and support that you have been giving us; we still seek more from you,” she pleaded.

On issues of border communities, Nnana-Nandap assured the emir to critically look into the issue towards resolving it.

“We will work hand-in-hand with the border communities because we work as partners.

“To do that, we need your support as the people also look up to you as their father.

“We get our information from these communities, and that has made our job easier,” the C-G said. (NAN) 

By Ibrahim Bello

Court admits Sirika, 2 others to N100m

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Court admits Sirika, 2 others to N100m

A Federal Cap Territory  High Court on Thursday admitted Hadi Sirika, former aviation minister and two others to bail in the sum of  N100 million each.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Sirika, before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama on Thursday.

Also arraigned are Sirika’s daughter, Fatima; Jalal Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, for alleged abuse of office.

According to the charge sheet, Sirika allegedly used his position as the Minister of Aviation to fraudulently award contracts to his daughter, son in-law and associates.(NAN)

National growth LS

By Edith Nwapi

Uba Sani appoints Rufai as MD, Water Corporation

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Uba Sani appoints Rufai as MD, Water Corporation

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, has approved the appointment of Mr Kabir Rufai as the new Managing Director of the State Water Corporation (KADSWAC).

Muhammed Shehu, the Chief Press Secretary to Sani disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna.

Shehu said the new MD holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a Masters of Science in Water and Waste Engineering from Loughborough University, UK

“He is a dedicated and experienced public servant, administrator and engineering professional.

”Rufai has over 3 decades experience in Water Supply services especially in operations and maintenance of water supply facilities, revenue generation, procurement, contract and project management of water supply infrastructure.

“Additionally, he brings to his new position vast experience in the procedures of project implementation of international funding agencies (donors) such as African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and the World Bank.”

Shuhu said prior to his latest appointment, Rufai was the Project Coordinator for the Port Harcourt Water Supply and Sanitation Project since 2019.

While there, he coordinated a $200 million  project for the Construction Source works for raw water abstraction, water treatment plant 144 million litres per day
(MLD) treatment plant.

It also included the construction of transmission main as well as construction of service reservoirs, among others.

He said, “Rufai has also served in various capacities in the Kaduna State Water Board such as General Manager and Project Director from 2011-2015 .

”He was also the Project Manager / Assistant General Manager (Projects), 2008-2011 and Procurement Officer / Chief Water Engineer 2002-2008, among  others.

“During his time as General Manager from 2011-2015, he coordinated several projects financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the World Bank.

”They included the Zaria Water Supply Expansion and Sanitation, Zaria Water Supply Expansion Project and the National Urban Water Supply Projects for the Rehabilitation of Kaduna, Zonkwa Kafanchan, Saminaka Water Supply Schemes.”

Shehu said that Rufai is a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria, Nigerian Society of Engineers and National Water Supply Association.

He added, “While congratulating the new Managing Director KADSWAC,  Sani urged him to carry out his duties with diligence,commitment to excellence and dedication to service.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Rufai succeeded Mr Sanusi Maikudi, who had served in the same capacity. (NAN

 

We must be guided by ethics in adopting Artificial Intelligence – CBCN Newsdiaryonline

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We must be guided by ethics in adopting Artificial Intelligence – CBCN Newsdiaryonline

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) says the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (Al) must be guided ethical principles, in spite of its enormous benefits.

The President, CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji said this in Abuja at the Maiden Communication Week (COMWEEK) Public Lecture by Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) with the theme ‘’Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for Evangelisation and Social Development’’.

‘’Artificial Intelligence is a subject of debate and labeling it as artificial suggests a replication or limitation, as it is derived from human intelligence,’’ he said.
Ugorji, also the Archbishop of Owerri, said that in spite of its versatility and technological prowess, the AI remained a facsimile of the original, namely human cognition.
“AI is a term born from advances in computer science and digital technology. It endows machines with the capacity for intelligent behaviour through sophisticated algorithms.
“Today, computers can perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognising patterns, learning from data, and making decisions.

“This has turned out to be a cause for joy and a reason for worry at the same time.
“It is a thing of joy because of the enormous positive possibilities as a result of the digital technology and worrisome because of the grave life-defining dangers they pose at the same time,” he said.
Ugorji added: “We must strive for a balance that prioritises human welfare alongside technological progress, being mindful of ethical and moral dilemmas as well as risks such as job displacement.”
He said that the church had ceaselessly emphasised that collaboration between Al experts and social development practitioners was crucial, saying that the Al could significantly contribute to the common good of the people.
“At this gathering, we hope to learn from experts the responsible and ethical use of Al not only to benefit the society but also to support the Church’s evangelisation efforts,” he added.
He said that the Al should be a tool for empowerment and progress and not a source of division or destruction.
He said that the CBCN plans to create a forum for experts to discuss issues concerning not only the church and its mission, but also the broader welfare of the society.

National growth LS

The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, in his goodwill message, said the position of the Pope had been in line with the constant magisterium of the church that all scientific progress was gift from God to humanity and to be used for human well-being to the glory of God.
“The latest in the world today is bringing out machines that try to imitate human thinking. We don’t know how far developments in this regard will go.
“But the warning of Pope Francis remains valid: that it is not everything that we can do that we should do. Even scientific progress must be subject to human, moral and ethical control.
“This is a responsibility that humanity abdicates at its great peril,” he said.
Delivering his paper, Rev. Fr. Anthony Akinwale, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos, said that artificial was not intelligence because it lacked self-determination.
“My argument so far has been, if it is intelligent, it is not artificial and if it is artificial, it is not intelligent.
“Artificial intelligence is not intelligent because of its privation of self-consciousness and self-volition. That raises a question: where does this lead us?
“The submission in the preceding section of this paper neither diminishes nor denies the astounding accomplishment of science and technology in the area of computational informatics.
“It only serves to call attention to a misnomer conventionally taken for granted. This misnomer, if ignored, will have, and in fact, is already having precautions in the arena of ethics in which we human beings find ourselves, the arena of inter-relationship.
“The pertinence of these remarks stems from the fact that artificial intelligence is a tool and not a substitute for the human person,” he said.
He however, added that the technology could be used properly if well understood because communication was not just about dissemination of information.(NAN)

By Philomina Attah

Governor Ododo Condoles with  NSA Ribadu over brother’s death

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Governor Ododo Condoles with  NSA Ribadu over brother’s death

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed deep sadness over the demise of Ahmadu Salihu Ribadu, elder brother of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

In a condolence letter signed by the Kogi State Governor, Governor Ododo noted that he was shocked by the death of the late Ahmadu Salihu and shared in the grief of the National Security Adviser and the entire Ribadu family.

Governor Ododo who reflected on the inevitability of death said it was painful for a family to lose a loved one especially when the deceased is dear to the family and the community like the late Ahmadu Salihu Ribadu.

The Governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the  late Ahmadu Salihu Ribadu and urged the family to take solace in the knowledge that the deceased led a life full of personal fulfillment and impact in the community.

The late Ahmadu Salihu Ribadu died on Sunday in Yola, Adamawa state and has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites

Law on documentation, protection of domestic workers,

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Law on documentation, protection of domestic workers,

A law that will address the issue of employment, regulation and management of domestic staff for the security of Nigerian homes is underway in the Senate.

This followed the passage for second reading a “Bill for an Act to provide for the documentation and protection of domestic workers and employees” by  the Senate at plenary on Wednesday.

The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Hussaini, Babangida Uba (Jigawa North West), intends to address the issue of employment, regulation and management of domestic staff on one hand and deal with the matter of the rights of the employers on the other hand.

Senator Hussaini, while briefing journalists in the National Assembly said “it is a two way bill that seeks to address the regulation and the operation of the informal sector of the economy” and curb domestic  violence between domestic staff and their employers.

National growth LS

He went down memory lane to say in 1998, there was a senior flight officer of the Nigeria Airways, Hadiza Obo; she was almost becoming a Captain at the age of 39, highly cerebral. She  was murdered by her domestic employees. It was highly reported, but up till today, the culprits have not been found because  records had it that they were workers from Togo or Benin Republic that she employed and they connived to kill her.

“There are lots of unreported cases of attrocities committed by our domestic workers.

“Secondly, on the part of employers, there are reported and unreported cases of employers maltreating, sexually harassing and even some times killing domestic workers in their employ.

“Therefore, the intendment of the bill is to bring the two sides of the coin together so that we can have a harmonized, regulated, documented and properly articulated approach to domestic employee-employer relationship”.

He said most of the people we employ, we hardly even ever know them. “The security guard you see and you say bring guard for me, driver, cook, etc you don’t know his history, psychology, background, you don’t have any record of him. In case of any  problem, you find out that you can trace him.

“Cases of kidnappings, burglary and house thefts are usually as a result of internal collision of your domestic staff and outsiders.

Senator Hussaini said the intendment of the bill is to set up an agency, a department, a directorate, or preferably a commission. 

He said, “if you look at the Philippines, more than 40% of their GDP is strictly coming from those informal sectors by supplying the larger number of nurses and house helps to Europe and other countries because it is properly regulated”.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio commended the sponsor of the bill and those that spoke in the importance of the bill and referred it the committee on Labour and Productivity to report back to the Senate in four weeks.

By Haruna Salami 

Army upgrades medical facility to tackle maternal deaths

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Army upgrades medical facility to tackle maternal deaths

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Wednesday inaugurated facilities at the upgraded 401 Special Forces Brigade Medical Centre in Makurdi.

Lagbaja said that the upgrade of the facility was to tackle infant and maternal mortality within and outside the cantonment.

“The labour and maternity wards have been upgraded to eradicate maternal and infant mortalities often occasioned by lack of essential equipment.

“With the new facility, women of child-bearing age in the cantonment should have no cause for alarm,” the COAS added.

Lagbaja also said that the Intensive Care Unit of the centre has been equipped with basic life support machines to save lives.

He disclosed that similar interventions had commenced at medical centres in Lokoja and Ikeja cantonment, while that of Yola would be next.

According to him, the deliberate intervention in Nigerian Army medical facilities is one of the numerous efforts being made to enhance the welfare of soldiers and their families.

Lagbaja said providing adequate support for the home front through good welfare packages would strengthen the fighting power of troops in the frontline.

“When the troops are well-led and well-catered for, they will fight well to secure the country from internal and external threats,” he added.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Nigerian Army.

In his remarks, Commander of 4 Special Forces Command, Maj.-Gen. Hillary Nzan, said that the upgrade of the medical facility would bring succour to residents of the cantonment and surrounding communities.

Nzan lauded the COAS for initiating and completing the project. (NAN)

By Nicholas Dechi

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