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NSA tasks defence spokespersons to engage Nigerians

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NSA tasks defence spokespersons to engage Nigerians

National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, says spokespersons in the defence, security and response agencies must change their approach in engaging with the public and countering disinformation from enemies of the country.

Ribadu, at a meeting with the spokespersons under the umbrella of Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee on Monday in Abuja, said they must be proactive and strategic in national security communication management.

The NSA said they must also adopt a plan of action to engage Nigerians, build trust and counter violent extremism.

He also charged them to synrgise and coordinate efforts in denying media space to criminal elements like Boko Haram, IPOB and other subversives bent on denying citizens freedoms to life, dignity and security.

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According to him, the spokesmen must also address the worrying use of the media and social media platforms to create a divide between citizens and governments at various levels.

Other threats he said, were the preponderance of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

”Across the world, we have also assessed the adept use of social media platforms by those who seek power to shape public opinion against citizens.

”This threat is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority.

”The urgency to prepare and be proactive in our national security strategic communication management is now, and the spokespersons have a critical role to play,” the NSA said.

According to him, the National Security Strategy 2019 currently under review, identified strategic communication as an element of national power.

He therefore said that the strategy should be integrated into all aspects including information operations, psychological operations, public diplomacy and public relation, so as to project the country’s national power and values.

Ribadu said it was imperative for the spokesmen to adopt a plan of action to engage Nigerians, build trust and counter violent extremism, taking into account the personal sacrifices of service personnel.

”Upon the sweat and blood of service personnel and the men and women who protect us daily, we must build a narrative of resilience and mobilise our people.

”We must tell their stories and sing their praise as part of a broader national strategic communication programme.

”As spokespersons, you have a critical role to play in effective governance communication to project our results and reach audiences at home and abroad.

”Countering fake news will require that we are ahead of the news and proactively update the public.” he added.

Ribadu promised to ensure that going forward, government communication align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision and directives, and the messages well-coordinated and in line with national security strategic objectives and values. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Power outage in FCT due to technical fault on some feeders -AEDC

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Power outage in FCT due to technical fault on some feeders -AEDC

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), has attributed the power outage currently being experienced in parts of Abuja to technical fault on some of its feeders

The company’s management in a statement on Monday in Abuja listed the feeders affected as L36, H23, H33 and 8.

“This is to inform residents in parts of Abuja that the power outage currently being experienced is due to technical fault on feeders L36, H23, H33 and 8 respectively.

“Locations affected: are feeder L36-Entire Idu industrial, CITEC Estate, Efab Global, Babaginda Estate, Nizamaye Hospital and its environs.

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“FH 23-Airport, River Park, Shoprite, NIPCO, Dunamis Church, NIGCOMSAT and its environs,’’ it said.

The company said that Feeder FH33 was also affected and this  comprises Apo Mechanic Village, Waru  Village and its environs

The company also said that Feeder 8 which has Jabi, Parts of Utako, Life Camp, Kado, Efab, Zango Daura, and Mbora Estates and its environs was also affected.

According to AEDC, its technical team is working tirelessly to rectify the fault and restore power supply as quickly as possible and regrets any inconvenience caused. (NAN)

By Constance Athekame

Nollywood produces 274 films in Q1 2024 – Official

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Nollywood produces 274 films in Q1 2024 – Official

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) says it received and classified 274 movies produced by the Nigerian film industry in the first quarter of the year.

Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the board made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

The NFVCB boss said the figure was provided by the Department of Film Censorship and Classification of the board in its first quarter report, capturing all genres of films approved by the board.

The report is for onward submission to the relevant Federal Government agency as input for the compilation of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product for the first quarter ( Q1 2024).

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As indicated in the report, films in English Language constitute the chunk of the films produced during the period under review.

250 films out of the numbers verified and approved   were produced in English, while others include films in Yoruba, gbo,Hausa and Hindi languages.

According to the report, classification by viewing audience indicates that films classified ‘18’, meant for matured audience, constitute over 50 percent of the total films produced.

The report further shown that films classified as ‘15’, ‘!2’ and those that requires Parental Guidance(PG),  as well as those under  ‘General  viewing trailed behind accordingly.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that  NFVCB is a Federal Government agency that regulates the films and video industry in Nigeria.

The board is empowered by law to classify all films and videos, whether imported or produced locally.

It is also the duty of the board to register all films and videos outlet across the country and to keep a register of such outlets among other functions.(NAN) 

By Joshua Olomu

Ighodalo denies alleged involvement in Shaibu’s impeachment

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Ighodalo denies alleged involvement in Shaibu’s impeachment

Dr Asue Ighodalo, PDP governorship candidate in the Sept. 21 governorship election in Edo, has denied any involvement in the impeachment of a former Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu.
Ighodalo made the denial in statement issued by his media campaign team and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Benin.

NAN reports that Shaibu had, on April 8, been impeached, following the adoption of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state House of Assembly to probe allegations of misconduct against him.
The governorship candidate, however, said that he neither played any role nor was he involved in any form whatsoever in the process leading to Shuaibu’s impeachment and his subsequent removal from office by the state House of Assembly.

He urged the public to disregard claims purportedly linking him to the impeachment.
Ighodalo described the allegation as a clear attempt to unjustly tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the actual issues at hand.
He said that he remained focused on running a governorship campaign based on issues and devoid of distractions. (NAN) 

By Kevin Okunzuwa

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Previous articleCourt orders blogger Ikeji to pay Neo black movement N30m damages

Court orders blogger Ikeji to pay Neo black movement

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Court orders blogger Ikeji to pay Neo black movement
Court declares sections of Nigerian Press Council
Court declares sections of Nigerian Press Council

The Delta High Court in Effurun on Monday ordered a foremost blogger, Linda Ikeji, N30 million as general damaged to the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa  for libelous publication.

The NBM and three others slammed a N1 billion law suit against Ikeji, for defamation and libel.

The lawsuit had the Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa, Ese Kakor, Felix Kupa and Mayor Onyebueke as the claimants.

Delivering judgment, Justice Roli Daibo-Harriman, also awarded N300,000 being cost of litigations against the Nigerian blogger

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The court also ordered Ikeji to place a publication in her blog and national dailies retracting the libelous publication complained about.

Furthermore, the judge  ordered Ikeji to restrain from making further damaging publications against the Claimants and members of the NBM of Africa.

In her judgment, Justice Daibo-Harriman clearly described the words, dreaded cultist group, black axe, criminal organusation and others as used by the defendant in her libelous publication as all defamatory.

The blogger in her publication of Oct. 19, 2021.allegedly referred to NBM of Africa as dreaded cult group, black axe, criminal organisation and other names.

Consequently, the claimants prayed the court for an award of N1 billion only and an unreserved apology to be published in her blog and two national newspapers and among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant was not present in court neither was she represented.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the court’s proceedings, lead counsel to the claimants, Mr Kelvin Agbroko said that it was a well deserved judgment.

“This will serve as lesson to bloggers that it is not every item you published. It is good to verify information before making a publication.

“NBM of Africa is a legal organisation duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“The publication made by the defendant against my client has been cleared that is was a damaging publication.

“NBM is good to go, we are going to take all necessary steps to enforce the terms of the judgement against her.

“It was an erudite judgment that is all encompassing and will be difficult to fault,” Agbroko said.

Also responding to the judgement the President of NBM of Africa, Mr Ese Kakor said that the case had been on for about two years.

He said that the judgment was a warning to bloggers and other members of the public not to call people or organisations names that were not ascribed to them in a bid to blackmail or defamed their characters.

“What Ikeji did was just to sell in a bid to defame the character of NBM of Africa, it is very wrong.

“I advised other blogger not to follow same steps as they may also face similar litigation.

“Do not try and defame people’s character. NBM has nothing to do with cultism, black axe. It is not a criminal organisation but a registered organisation,” he said.

Kakor, however, advised the public to be law abiding and do things within the ambits of the law. (NAN)

By Edeki Igafe 

Customs intercepts  241 empty packages  of OTRAVIN nasal

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Customs intercepts  241 empty packages  of OTRAVIN nasal
NCS

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intercepted a passenger with 241 empty packages of OTRAVIN and 80 pieces of OTRAVIN nasal drops.

The command apprehended passenger who arrived from Cairo via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Monday.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer(PRO), Mr  Saidu Nuruddeen,described the seizure as “significant.”

“At approximately 01:00hrs today, a passenger arriving from Cairo via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 was intercepted during a joint security check.

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“The examination of the passenger’s luggage revealed that 241 empty packages of OTRAVIN and 80 pieces of OTRAVIN nasal drops.

“NAFDAC, a key partner in the joint security check, has expressed interest in the seized items, particularly the nasal drops.

“In accordance with due process, the items have been detained, and a smooth transfer to NAFDAC is being facilitated,” Nuruddeen said.

He said the successful operation was a testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the commitment of their personnel to combating smuggling and ensuring national security.

He said the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Dauda Ibrahim Chana, commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their leadership and support always.

“He equally appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the personnel of the service and those of NDLEA, NAFDAC, and NQS who worked together to achieve this remarkable outcome,”he said.

The PRO added that the command remained committed to protecting the nation’s borders and ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens.(NAN)

By Aminu Garko

NUJ urges SOSG to stem tide of biting fuel scarcity

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NUJ urges SOSG to stem tide of biting fuel scarcity

The Sokoto State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged the state government and relevant authorities to promptly address the current fuel scarcity crisis, which has resulted in severe hardship for the populace.

In a statement on Monday signed by Mr Dalhatu Abdullahi and Mr Muhammad Bello, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, the council described the situation as the ‘most dire fuel scarcity in the state’s history’.

The NUJ emphasised the urgent need for intervention, stating, “The scarcity has crippled daily commuters, with many unable to afford transportation due to the skyrocketing fares of commercial motorcycles, tricycles and taxis.

“Furthermore, the limited availability of inter-state transport vehicles exacerbates the challenges being faced by those attempting to leave the state,” it observed.

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The council also observed that fuel stations were overwhelmed with long queues.

The union said, “This is leading to some public allegations of irregular operations and accusations of fuel diversion to black marketers, further exacerbating the situation.

“The black market price for fuel has soared, with a gallon costing from N12,000 to N15,000, placing immense strain on the populace both socially and economically,” it said.

”In the light of these challenges, NUJ appeals to all the relevant authorities and stakeholders in the state to take decisive action urgently to alleviate the suffering of the public.” (NAN)

By Muhammad Nasir

Court warns FG against lack of diligent prosecution

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Court warns FG against lack of diligent prosecution

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, warned the Federal Government (FG) against lack of diligent prosecution in the charge filed against former terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the warning following the disappearance of the FG’s lawyer, David Kaswe, in court prior to the resumed hearing in the case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mamu was arraigned, on March 21, 2023, on 10 counts of terrorism financing, among others, but pleaded not guilty to the counts.

Justice Ekwo, on April 27, 2023, declined to admit him to bail on the grounds of ill-health, after the Department of State Service (DSS) opposed the bail application.

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However, the judge, on Dec. 19, 2023, granted Mamu’s plea to have access to his own personal physician due to his alleged deteriorating health condition.

Justice Ekwo, in the ruling, ordered that Mamu’s medical doctor should be allowed to treat him subject to the supervision of the DSS’ team of physicians.

When the case was called on Monday, Kaswe, who entered his name on the cause list for the prosecution, was not in court.

Mamu’s counsel, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, urged the court to stand down the matter to await Kaswe’s return.

When the case was called again after the judge had delivered a judgment, the prosecution lawyer was still not in court

Mohammed then said he would have applied that the charge be struck out because Mamu, since arraignment, had not been admitted to bail and that the court directed accelerated trial of the case.

The senior lawyer added that despite being in court this morning, Kaswe was not in court even at 10am.

The lawyer then notified the court of their motion on notice which he said the prosecution had responded to.

Justice Ekwo granted his prayer to move the application.

Mohammed said the motion, dated and filed Feb. 23, sought an order transferring Mamu to Kuje Correction Centre for proper medical attention.

He said the motion had a 24-paragraph affidavit and Exhibits A to G.

He said the court, recognising the fact that the defendant must be alive to face trial, ordered that he should be granted access to medical officers of his.

Mohammed alleged that the order had not been complied with.

“This application is brought so that we will take the defendant to the prisons because they always obey court order there, so that if we go there, he will have access to his medical officer.

“It is completely within the discretion of the court and we do not want to bring application for contempt as that will take time.

“Therefore, we want the court to vary the order and the defendant will stay in the Kuja Correctional Facility. That is what we are asking for,” he said.

The judge, who deemed the counter affidavit of the prosecution filed on Feb. 27 as being adopted in compliance with the rules of the court, said he was aware that the prosecution was informed of the hearing date by the court registrar.

Besides, he said he was also aware that Kaswe, who was to appear for the prosecution, was in court in the morning.

Justice Ekwo, however, expressed surprised over “the miraculous disappearance” of the Federal Government’s lawyer in court.

“I am also aware that the prosecution was in court this morning, but as to the miracle of disappearance of the prosecution as at the time this matter comes up for hearing is beyond my understanding,” he said.

According to him, the prosecution understand that this is a court that stands on the side of justice and if you bring a person to stand trial, you should be bold enough to face the person during trial.

“This antic of the prosecution is only being tolerated in today’s proceeding.

“If the prosecution demonstrates that they are not ready to prosecute this matter either diligently or expeditiously, the court will make the right decision at that point,” the judge warned.

Justice Ekwo, subsequently, adjourned the matter until May 20 for ruling on Mamu’s application to be transferred to Kuje Correctional Centre.

NAN reports that Mamu, who is standing trial over his alleged relationship with terrorists that were involved in the March 28, 2022 attack on an Abuja-Kaduna-bound train, was arrested on Sept. 6, 2022, by Interpol in Cairo, Egypt, on behalf of the Nigerian government.(NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

Oyo LG election mockery of democracy – APC

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Oyo LG election mockery of democracy – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described the outcome of Saturday’s local government elections in the state as a mockery of democracy.

APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Olawale Sadare, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ibadan, said that the election was ‘a script poorly written and poorly executed.

NAN reports that the results of the election announced by the Chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Isiaka Olagunju, had indicated that PDP won the chairmanship and councillorship in all the 33 local governments in the state.

But, Sadare said it was regrettable that OYSIEC had made itself available for such manipulations.

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While rating the election, Sadare said that it fell below standard and lacked any semblance of a real election.

He said that the state government just wasted the state resources and people’s time.

“As a party, we have done our part; the ball is now in the court of public opinion.

“I believe the general public will not want the situation to remain like this, in the interest of our state,” he said.

Sadare said that APC stakeholders would meet before the end of the week to review the exercise.

“Leaders in the APC in the state will soon meet to deliberate and take collective stand on the election.

“Whatever decisions we arrive at will be made available to the public,” he said.

NAN reports that Gov. Seyi Makinde, while commenting on the elections on Saturday, had said the security report about the elections had been excellent, indicating that it was violence-free.

He noted that his administration had successfully eradicated caretaker administration at the local government level, which had made people not to have a say in who should govern them.

The governor also urged people who might notice any untoward activity to report to relevant authorities for redress. (NAN) 

By Olatunde Ajayi

FRSC cautions motorists against carrying fuel in jerry cans

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FRSC cautions motorists against carrying fuel in jerry cans

 The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, has warned motorists against carrying jerry cans containing petroleum products during distance travels.

Mr Anthony Uga, Sector Commander, FRSC, Ogun, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ota, Ogun.

Uga, who spoke while reacting to the current fuel scarcity in the state, said that carrying containers filled with petroleum products by motorists could cause explosion.

According to him, FRSC officials have been given directive to check all vehicles in order to prevent avoidable mishaps on the road.

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He disclosed that motorists found carrying jerry cans containing petrol would be arrested and handed over to the police if he refused to empty the petrol into his vehicle tank. (NAN) 

By Ige Adekunle

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