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APGA knocks Ganduje over comment on Anambra state

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APGA knocks Ganduje over comment on Anambra state

The All Progressives Grand Alliance has replied to the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, over his comments that Anambra State has remained politically dislocated from the centre by remaining in APGA.

The National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Ejimofor Opara, who reacted to the comment by Ganduje said Anambra, though a minority party, has remained better than most states which claim to have connected to the centre.

Ganduje, during the South-East APC colloquium held in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Friday, said Anambra is not making the expected progress because it has remained in APGA and has also refused to connect to the centre.

The APC chairman also noted that former governors who ruled Anambra State under APGA ended up leaving the APGA after ruling the state, which, according to him, further demonstrated that the party had no bearing in national importance.

The colloquium was organised by the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

But in a response on Saturday, Opara berated Ganduje, saying that his activities in Kano as governor were some of the reasons Kano chose a governor from the New Nigeria People’s Party.

Opara said, “First, I wonder the level of progress Kano State made under Ganduje’s APC that resulted in a revolutionary and historic rejection of the party by the people in 2023 as the people opted instead to vote for the NNPP and were ready to stake their lives to defend their votes.

“Ganduje should understand that the South-East and Ndi Anambra in particular are more interested in why Kano State, after him, decided en masse to disconnect from the APC-controlled centre.

“Well, the APC is non-existent in Anambra, I am sure Ganduje himself knows this for a fact. Again, the continued existence of APGA in Anambra is performance-based.

“Anambra, and indeed the South-East is APGA land. There is no doubt about this, and even where the region decides to negotiate a handshake with the Centre, the APC has proven not to be such a viable alternative. I sincerely hope that Ganduje will seek to see that which is not hidden than opting for deliberate ignorance.”

He added, “From Peter Obi to Willie Obiano and now Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra has remained on a trajectory of progressive growth, and it is for this reason even a political neophyte would state without double checking that Ganduje was either speaking to impress his host or he is sincerely ignorant of the facts.

“Anambra under APGA has remained a state of many firsts, and in recent times the state under the Soludo government has won many awards.

“Recall that Anambra has won the award as the state with best deployed ICT, and Anambra State ICT Agency under Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata won that award. Anambra has also been named as the state with the least out-of-school children record.

“If all these awards are what it takes to be disconnected from the centre, then Anambra will gladly remain disconnected.”

Opara added that it is appalling that a political party that proposed a colloquium turned it into a political rally and ended up conducting a primary election, where the host senator, Ifeanyi Ubah was declared the candidate of the party in the next election.

Two dead, oil refinery on fire after drone attacks in Russia

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Two dead, oil refinery on fire after drone attacks in Russia

Multiple air attacks on the Russian border region of Belgorod adjoining Ukraine on Saturday killed two people and injured at least seven, the governor said.

Further east, an overnight drone attack on the Samara region caused a fire at a major oil refinery, the latest in a series of strikes against Russia’s fuel industry.

Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram that two districts in his region as well as the regional capital, also called Belgorod, had been hit in drone and air attacks.

“It’s shaping up to be a difficult morning.

“As a result of an air attack by Ukrainian armed forces on Belgorod, three balconies collapsed in an apartment building. One of these apartments was occupied by a married couple. To much grief, the man died from his injuries on the spot,” Gladkov said.

He posted a photo of a residential building with the facade partially destroyed.

Another person was killed in a drone attack on districts outside the city, he said.

In the Samara region – 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) away from the front lines in eastern — the local governor reported “several drone attacks” on local oil refineries.

One of them caused a fire at the Kuibyshev refinery, governor Dmitry Azarov said in a statement on Telegram, noting that there were no casualties.

The refinery, run by Russian oil giant Rosneft, is one of the largest in the region, with a production capacity of seven million tonnes per year, according to its official website.

A drone attack on another refinery in the region, Novokuibyshevsk, “was repelled without damaging the technological equipment”, Azarov said.

The attacks came 24 hours after Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial barrages of the two-year conflict, hitting dozens of Ukrainian energy sites and leaving more than a million temporarily without power.

Ukraine’s air force said it had downed 31 of 34 Russian drones fired at its territory overnight, while Russia’s defence ministry said it had intercepted 12 Ukrainian drones.

Ukraine, which has been facing a Russian offensive for over two years, has stepped up its attacks inside Russia in recent weeks, targeting energy sites in particular.

Russia has also launched a barrage of what it calls “retaliatory” attacks, targeting Ukraine’s energy sector and the capital Kyiv in recent days.

AFP

Renewable energy key to tackling global water crisis -IEA

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Renewable energy key to tackling global water crisis -IEA

The International Energy Agency is seeking the reduction of the amount of water used in generating energy across the globe.

In place of fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal, the IEA said embracing renewable energies like wind and solar panels would reduce water use in the energy sector.

In a documentary to commemorate the 2024 World Water Day held on Friday, the agency noted that energy consumes a substantial amount of water, even as the world suffers a huge water problem.

“The world has a huge water problem. If you are one of the one-third of the world’s population that does not face water scarcity for at least one month a year, then you can consider yourself lucky, the IEA stated.

According to the organisation, it was estimated that the global energy system withdrew about 370 billion cubic metres of water in 2021.

“If you want to put it in terms of swimming pools, it will be about 150 million Olympic swimming pools. That’s perhaps more than there are swimming pools in the world,” it said.

It was explained that as energy demand goes up, it is likely that the demand for fresh water will also go up.

“We need water for cooling when we produce fossil fuels, we need water to refine critical minerals that go into some clean energy technologies like batteries, or wind generators. Some of these clean energy technologies that have low emissions like concentrated solar power carbon capture or storage or nuclear power plants, all have relatively high water footprints.

“If we transition to a system that relies more on wind and more on solar panels, then water use by the energy sector is going to decrease,” the agency noted.

It added that when there is competition for water, people will come first, stressing that if there is a water shortage, one of the first things that could be cut is water for energy for cooling.

“The energy sector needs to be prepared to use less energy so that it is not constrained in its capacity to deliver reliable energy,” IEA warned.

The According reports that the IEA had been calling for a transition from fossil fuels to alternative cleaner sources of energy.

However, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and some African countries said the world would still depend on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs.

Kano gov warns against mismanagement of resources

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Kano gov warns against mismanagement of resources

The Kano State Governor,  Abba Yusuf, on Friday expressed dismay over the ongoing Ramadan feeding programme in the Kano metropolis.

Yusuf expressed his disappointment with the programme during a surprise visit to one of the feeding centres in Gidan Maza, Municipal Local Government Area.

Recall that the state government budgeted over N5 billion for the Ramadan feeding programme.

He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the programme handlers, whom he believes are depriving the intended beneficiaries of the meals.

“We will not accept dishonesty and mismanagement of public resources. It is imperative to note that the allocated funds for this initiative are meticulously documented at each centre” the governor cautioned

The governor conducted the inspection following intelligence reports implying deficiencies in the management of the feeding programme at various centres across the metropolis.

He threatened to deal decisively with any government official found wanting in the misappropriation of the funds earmarked for the programme.

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37,874 defectors join PDP in A’Ibom

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37,874 defectors join PDP in A’Ibom

No fewer than 37,874 members of opposition political parties in Akwa Ibom State were, on Friday, received into the Peoples Democratic Party by the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

Receiving the returnees who hitherto were members of the All Progressives Congress, Young Progressives Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, and Social Democratic Party among other political parties, the governor cautioned them against disrespect to leaders, especially at the centre.

“We welcome you sincerely into our party, The PDP is not a party that insults leaders, as you come back, one of the things I want you to drop is an attack on leaders. For example, the President of the country, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have to show him optimum respect and support.

“The PDP I run doesn’t attack leaders. We have to support leaders and not fight them because as a pastor, I am trained to respect people. We must show the character of humility, compassion, and respect to constituted authorities. That we will continue to do as a party, “the governor stated.

He stressed that growth and progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, love and unity, urging them to collapse all past structures in their possession to the PDP structure to show sincerity of purpose and seriousness.

Eno promised the returnees equal opportunities to serve in the party and the state, as the PDP umbrella is large enough to accommodate everybody in the state.

“If we truly love our state, if we truly love the people, let us realise that we have no other than Akwa Ibom and we need to work together as a people irrespective of ethnic affection.

“Thank you for coming to this realisation, we receive you today because we are one, we come from one stock, thank you for understanding that it is only in the atmosphere of peace and unity that there can be progress. We have accepted you wholeheartedly, without segregation. We have spoken to the leadership of all the units, wards, and local government areas to receive and work with you for the growth of the PDP, “he maintained.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the state PDP chairman, Aniekan Akpan, described the reception rally as the mother of all rallies in the state, only second to what was witnessed in December 2022.

The party boss assured that returnees who are mostly former leaders of the PDP of full reintegration into the family.

Presenting them to the governor and the people of the state, Akpan pledged to work together in unison, to ensure the growth of the PDP in the state, noting that being former leaders of the PDP, their action amounted to an expression of confidence in the achievements of Umo Eno’s led administration in just nine months.

He noted that a compilation of the data of all the returnees was available to show facts in the figures presented from all the units, wards, and local government areas where they came from.

“On the order of the governor, we collated the data of all those that wanted to defect to the PDP from other parties.

“Following what we did jointly with the political Adviser to the governor, Prince Godwin Ntukude Ph., we have a record of over 37,000 members of other political parties who indicated interest to return to the PDP today”, Akpan explained.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, leaders of other parties,  including former state secretary of APC, Nkereuwem Enyong Ekere, and Emmanuel Uko Etteh of YPP among others, expressed their sincere readiness to collapse all their structures and work for the PDP.

They, however, expressed gratitude to the governor for the huge investment in agriculture and other live-touching projects within just nine months in office.

Current economic hardship will soon be over

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Current economic hardship will soon be over

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, has said that President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the current economic hardship in the country is temporary and will soon become a thing of the past.

The minister made this known when he paid a courtesy call on the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, at the Government House Kano on Friday.

According to Idris, Tinubu’s government will ensure that Nigeria and Nigerians are better in the next couple of days through the various programmes and policies of his administration.

The minister said the government is redoubling efforts to achieve the campaign’s promises and make lives better for Nigerians.

The minister said, “We are tasked by the President, myself as a minister and my team to explain the efforts of the government and what we are doing to tackle the economic hardship and assure the people that the reforms are temporary and the difficulties will soon go away and Nigerians will enjoy.”

Earlier in his remarks, the governor lauded Tinubu for heeding the calls to reopen the nation’s borders, explaining that with the action, the suffering among the masses will soon go away.

He applauded the minister for his efforts in amplifying the policies and programmes of the Federal Government, assuring him that the state is committed to supporting the Federal Government in tackling the challenges of insecurity through the use of technology.

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Insecurity can worsen Nigeria’s water crisis -UNESCO

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Insecurity can worsen Nigeria’s water crisis -UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation on Friday called on the Federal Government to address the ongoing armed conflict in the country as it threatens water availability.

Nigeria has been grappling with armed conflicts such as terrorism, banditry, and clashes between farmers and herders, among other issues, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.

However, speaking during an event organised by FordMarx Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources to commemorate World Water Day in Abuja, the Head of the UNESCO office in Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, said Nigeria was already facing a water crisis, adding that the ongoing conflicts in many parts of the country could compound the situation if not urgently addressed.

He said, “Conflict can exacerbate the existing water crisis in the country. The linkages between water and armed conflict are complex. Sustainable water management leads to prosperity and peace depending on the decisions taken by the government.

“We will continue to support the Nigerian government in the sustainable water management of its water resources for peace and prosperity as well as achieving the SDG goal six.”

The Executive Director of FordMarx, Oforbuike Nnaji, also said Nigerians had no reason to be in a water crisis but for insecurity and corruption.

He noted that the activities of terrorists and other non-state actors were affecting his company’s drive to provide potable water to some rural communities.

Nnaji said, “Governments have come and gone, water projects have been established here and there, policies have been made, including ones not implemented, all aimed at tackling the challenge of availability and affordability of safe water, but regrettably these have not addressed the issues in the Water sector.

“Insecurity has also drastically affected the provision of water to citizens most especially in rural areas. I plead with the terrorists and bandits among others for a ceasefire. Their activities are making it difficult for people to adequately have access to potable water.”

Nnaji noted that he planned to create 50 million jobs through solar-powered irrigation and increase access to potable water for all Nigerians.

He said, “Subject to the requisite cooperation of the various Governments throughout Nigeria, it is our ultimate desire to create a minimum of 37 Million jobs in our industry, across the States and the FCT.

“The initiative when accomplished would increase access to good potable water, good health, and food security, through the modem solar-powered irrigation infrastructure.

“In fact, without doubt, solar-powered irrigation infrastructure alone can create more than 50 million jobs nationwide, in just one year alone!”

He further expressed willingness to partner with security agencies in their efforts to address the issue of insecurity.

Moscow concert hall attack death toll hits 93

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Moscow concert hall attack death toll hits 93

The number of deaths including children in the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, the Russian capital, has reached 93.

The Investigative Committee of Russia made this known on Saturday on its Telegram channel.

Earlier, some gunmen attacked the concert hall, killing at least 60 people and wounding 100 more, Russian security services say.

According to BBC-verified video, at least four attackers clad in camouflage gear took part in the attack, in the north-west suburb of Krasnogorsk.

The gunmen burst the Crocus City Hall while it was about to host a rock concert with parts of the building engulfed by fire and part of the roof collapsed.

Details later…

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Over 200 houses built on water lines in Enugu- Official

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Over 200 houses built on water lines in Enugu- Official

Mr Dan Nwaomeh, the Senior Special Assistant on Mainstream Media to Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has said that over 200 houses in some parts of the state are built on water lines.

Nwaomeh disclosed this on Friday in Enugu at the maiden edition of the CSO/Media Exchange organised by the Network of Water Rights Initiative in partnership with the Global Society for Anti-corruption, Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Media Unit, Government House, Enugu.

The event was part of activities marking the 2024 International Water Day in Enugu with the theme: “Water for Peace”.

The governor’s media aide noted that the development made it difficult for engineers to work in those areas.

He said, “These houses were built illegally and the governor said he cannot demolish the buildings rather than find an alternative ways of solving the water problems in the areas.

“As a result of this hindrance, the State Water Corporation does not have the capacity to do so many things that they needed to do.

“But this will not stop us from providing water to every home in the state as the governor is working day and night to ensure that water is made available.”

Nwaomeh said that the governor promised to make water available 180 days after his inauguration as a governor, and he was able to meet the target.

According to him, work is seriously ongoing, and we are making progress in replacing rustic water pipes and valves in some parts of the state to ensure that all homes have access to portable and hygienic drinking water.

In his remarks, Mr Tony Adibe, who spoke on behalf of the Correspondent Chapel, urged residents of the state to support Gov. Peter Mbah to succeed in providing water for all in the state.

Adibe lauded the governor for tackling the age long water challenge in the state especially in Enugu metropolis with commitment and political will.

“The issue and challenge of water is one thing every resident of Enugu metropolis carries as a burden; but thank God for Gov Peter Mbah coming to lift the burden from our shoulders,” he said.

In an address, the Coordinator of Network of Water Right Initiative, Amb. Amaka Nweke, said investing in water infrastructure and technology could empower communities, laying the groundwork for prosperity and harmony.

Nweke said the event was aimed to foster a deep understanding of water-related issues, promote peace-building initiatives, and strengthen collaboration between media practitioners and civil society organisations in ending water scarcity.

According to her, we should reflect on the profound role that water plays in fostering peace and unity across the globe even in our communities.

She said that it was incumbent upon water stakeholders to recognize the interconnectedness of water and peace, “for where there is access to clean water, there is a foundation for stability and cooperation.

“In countless regions, water scarcity exacerbates tensions and fuels conflicts. Today, let us commit to transforming water from a potential source of contention into a catalyst for cooperation.

“By prioritising sustainable water management practices and fostering equitable distribution, we can mitigate conflicts rooted in water scarcity and pave the way for peaceful coexistence.

“We will not fail to recognise what the administration of His Excellency, Gov. Peter Mbah is doing to end water scarcity in Enugu State.

“We appreciate the fact that Enugu State can boast of having 120 million litres of water per day.

“We also have seen the ongoing fixing of modern new ductile pipes to replace the age long asbestos pipes to enable hitch free transportation or reticulation of clean water to our homes,” she said.

NAN

Edo CJ constitutes panel to probe Shaibu 

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Edo CJ constitutes panel to probe Shaibu 

Impeachment: Edo CJ constitutes panel to probe Shaibu

From Adeyinka Adedipe, Benin

 

The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has constituted a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations levelled against the state deputy governor,  Philip Shaibu, by the state House of Assembly.

This is part of the processes initiated by the assembly to impeach the deputy governor.

The panel was constituted on Friday via a statement, with reference number: CR/4837 /Vol. I/131, endorsed by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B. O. Osawaru.

According to the statement, the panel is headed by a retired justice, Justice S.A. Omonua.

In the statement, the Chief Registrar stated that the CJ was acting in accordance with the powers vested on him by Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

The  statement read, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice D. I. Okungbowa, has constituted the panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.

“The said panel of seven persons is comprised of the following persons: Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) – Chairman, Professor Violet Aigbokhaebo- member, Professor Boniface Onomion Edegbai -member, Professor Theresa Akpoghome – member, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu – member, Andrew Oliha- member and Idris Abdulkareen- member.”

The Edo State House of Assembly, it would be recalled, had on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, vide a resolution passed by 19 out of the 24 members, directed the CJ to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate Shaibu.

The same day, Shaibu approached an Abuja Federal High Court, asking the court, through an ex-parte motion, to restrain the assembly, the CJ and his principal ,Governor Godwin Obaseki, from taking further action on the impeachment process pending the determination of the substantive matter before the court.

In the motion dated and filed on March 18, the deputy governor, through his lawyer, Prof Oladoyin Awoyale, also joined the Edo State Government, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Clerk of the Assembly, the Director General of the Department of State Security and the Inspector General of the Police

The court, presided over by Justice James Omotoso, however, turned down the request, insisting rather than all parties being put on notice and but granted the request that the parties be served by substituted means. It adjourned the matter to April 15, 2024.

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