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Restore power supply in Yenagoa, Reps charge TCN

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Restore power supply in Yenagoa, Reps charge TCN

The House of Representatives has charged the Transmission Company of Nigeria to urgently restore power in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Call to resuscitate the power transmission sub-station in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, moved by member request Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, Mr Obuku Oforji.

Leading the debate on the floor of the House during plenary on Wednesday, Oforji recalled that “On September 23, 2023, the 132/33KV transmission sub-station serving Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital and its environs was gutted by fire, throwing Yenagoa in total darkness. Subsequently, the State has been struggling to use only a feeder to supply five feeders.

He added that the operational feeder is getting weak, stressing that “If urgent steps are not taken, the feeder will collapse.”

Cognizant that the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company has been carrying out remedial services to avert the collapse of the weak operational feeder, the House with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen presiding, urged TCN to swiftly intervene “To prevent the complete collapse of power distribution and transmission in Yenagoa.”

It also mandated the Committee on Power to ensure Compliance.

Dirisu Yakubu

Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The According

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Anambra appeal against Obiano’s trial irrelevant — EFCC

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Anambra appeal against Obiano’s trial irrelevant — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said Anambra State Government was not a defendant in the trial of the former governor Willie Obiano, saying that the government’s appeal on the matter was inconsequential.

Obiano had in a motion dated March 3 disclosed that the Anambra state government has filed an appeal challenging the authority of the EFCC to investigate and try him.

“There is an appeal filed by the Anambra State Government challenging the powers of the EFCC to investigate the security vote of the Anambra State Government,” the motion partly read.

The ex-Anambra governor also urged the court to quash the charges against him, adding that the court lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain issues on accountability for security votes funds.

Obiano, who was arraigned on January 24, is standing trial on nine charges bordering on alleged N4bn theft.

The EFCC, in its counter-affidavit to Obaino’s supporting affidavit for his motion on notice, stated that the referenced appeal has no relevance to the charges against Obiano.

The anti-corruption agency also said the charges and evidence presented against him establish a prima facie case against Obaino.

The Counter-affidavit disposed to by one Habu Fari partly read, “Contrary to the depositions contained in paragraphs 5 (v) and (vi) of the Defendant’s affidavit, the charge and the proofs of evidence disclose a prima facie case and link the Defendant with the allegations constituted in the Charge

“That the deposition contained in paragraph 5 (xi) of the affidavit in support of Motion, Anambra State Government is not a Defendant in the instant proceedings and the Defendant is not Anambra State. The appeal alluded to have no bearing or relationship with the Instant Charge. ”

The EFCC also said the charges preferred against Obiano were devoid of witch-hunting.

“Contrary to the deposition in paragraphs, 5(xii), (xii), (xiv), (xv), (v) (xvii) and (xviii), the instant Charge is brought bonafide, Initiated through due legal process, devoid of witch hunting, precise, unassailable and borne out of the process of a serious investigation as a call to duty to fight economic and financial crimes.

“That the counts constituted in the Charge all border on money laundering which this Honorable Court has exclusive jurisdiction to try, “the commission said.

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the counsel for the defendant, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), adopted his processes and urged the court to grant his client’s prayers.

On his part, the EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to dismiss the defendant’s application.

He submitted that security votes could be probed when misappropriated.

Tahir said, “I urge your lordship to dismiss the application of the defendant. This court has jurisdiction to hear the matter. Security votes are like any other funds when misappropriated it can be accounted for.”

The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned till April 18, 2024, for ruling on Obaino’s application.

UK mulls plan to pay migrants to move to Rwanda voluntarily

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UK mulls plan to pay migrants to move to Rwanda voluntarily

The United Kingdom government said Wednesday it was considering a scheme to send rejected asylum seekers to Rwanda voluntarily and will reportedly pay them up to £3,000 ($3,800) to make the move.

The plan, an extension of existing voluntary returns arrangements, comes as ministers struggle to kickstart separate controversial proposals to deport other migrants to the east African nation.

First unveiled in 2022 in a bid to deter tens of thousands of migrants arriving each year on small boats from mainland Europe, that scheme has stalled due to legal challenges.

The government is trying to satisfy a UK Supreme Court ruling that deporting asylum seekers to Kigali is illegal under international law by enacting legislation compelling judges to treat it as a safe third country.

It has also struck a new treaty with Rwanda.

But earlier this year, it also agreed a new deal for the country to receive people whose British asylum applications have failed, The Times reported.

It would see a financial assistance payment worth up to £3,000 — handed out under existing voluntary returns schemes — made to those willing to relocate to Rwanda, the paper said.

Rwanda integration programmes

The plan would be the first time migrants were paid to leave the UK without returning to their country of origin, according to The Times.

It aims to remove tens of thousands of migrants who are not authorised to remain in Britain but cannot be returned to their home country.

“We are exploring voluntary relocations for those who have no right to be here to Rwanda,” an interior ministry statement said.

It noted that 19,000 people were removed voluntarily from the UK in the past year, and such schemes were “an important part of our efforts to tackle illegal migration”.

Rejected asylum seekers cannot work legally in the UK but would be allowed to do so in Rwanda and be eligible for five years of additional support agreed in the 2022 deportation plan.

That includes housing and access to integration programmes to help them study and train.

Rwanda — home to some 13 million people in the Great Lakes region — lays claim to being one of the most stable countries in Africa.

But rights groups accuse President Paul Kagame of ruling in a climate of fear, stifling dissent and free speech.

The country has drawn praise for its modern infrastructure but sparked unease over its record on human rights.

Britain’s main Labour opposition said the latest plan showed the government’s contentious deportation scheme “has no chance of succeeding”.

AFP

Senate meets Wike, FCT CP behind closed-door

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Senate meets Wike, FCT CP behind closed-door

The Senate is currently meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe

The Senate at the Wednesday plenary resolved at about 12:20 pm to move the first order of the day to another legislative day to allow for a meeting with the duo in a Committee of the Whole in a closed-door session.

Consequently, a motion was moved by the Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru, and seconded by the Minority Leader in this respect.

Ashiru said, “The minister and the commissioner will brief us on the modalities of security in the FCT.”

The Senate, on Wednesday, February 28, summoned Wike, and the Commissioner of Police, Igwe, over the murder of Chris Agidy, an aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, by some kidnappers.

The Senate resolved that the FCT Minister and the police commissioner should appear to brief the Red Chamber on the increasing cases of kidnapping in Nigeria’s capital city.

The Senate resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Nwoko on the kidnapping and killing of his senior legislative assistant, Agidy.

Agidy was reportedly kidnapped along with 19 others in the Galadimawa area of Abuja in November 2023.

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Kudos, knocks trail government delay of student loan initiative

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Kudos, knocks trail government delay of student loan initiative

The suspension of the highly anticipated student loan scheme introduced by the Federal Government has sparked mixed reactions from professional groups and Nigerians on social media platforms.

Some netizens and groups have knocked the decision and expressed frustration and disappointment, seeing it as a setback for students anticipating financial support for their education. They also criticised the government for what they perceived as incompetence and lack of commitment to fulfilling promises.

Some Netizens and groups have, however, hailed the decision, noting that the delay was necessary to ensure the proper implementation of the scheme.

The launch of the Nigerian Student Loan Scheme was indefinitely postponed by the Federal Government on Tuesday.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyer, made this known during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday.

This postponement, occurring just 48 hours before the scheduled launch of the scheme was attributed to necessary corrections being made.

The scheme, initially proposed by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, was intended to provide interest-free loans for higher education.

Despite preparations, including the creation of a dedicated website, the launch was delayed multiple times.

Meanwhile, various stakeholders, such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and concerned citizens, have voiced their concerns and criticisms regarding the suspension, highlighting issues of transparency, government accountability, and the impact on students.

While some viewed the delay as necessary to ensure effective policy execution, others criticized it as indicative of broader governance issues, including a lack of transparency and accountability.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) while reacting to the suspension of the scheme renewed its call for free education, saying Nigerian students do not desire the FG’s education loan.

ASUU UNILAG stated this on its X handle on Wednesday.

ASUU_UNILAG said, “📢 The message is simple and clear 🔊🔊🔊
#WeShallOvercome #AlutaContinua #VictoriaAscerta #SolidarityForever #ASUU.”

Also, an X user, Omaconsultant03 while reacting wrote, “Really confused government.
-CNG buses not yet seen
-Student loan cancelled
-Civil servant Palliative not consistent
-Conditional cash transfer failed
And yet the claim of subsidy is gone stand
Please God intervene in Nigeria’s issues.”

“FG assumes all Nigerian students are perhaps making money from online frauds and all! The interest and well-being of Nigerians never bother these politicians.

oredolalaide, another netizen wrote: “If a politician goes around acting like ‘fighting for the people’, he’s just fighting for his ambitions and relevance,”

DeborahToluwase on the other hand wrote, “The Federal Government honestly needs to come clean on this student loan thingy. Ajuri came out two days ago to say that the Student Loan scheme will be launched on Thursday (Tomorrow);

“only for the Executive Secretary of the Loan Fund, Akin Sawyerr to say that some corrections still needed to be made and hence he can’t commit to a certain date as regards the launch. This is not a good image at all. Why give a launch date for a half-baked policy?”

akomscopy while also reacting on the X platform wrote, “The reason why this delay in the student loan scheme is generating mixed reactions is because the policy, when implemented, will be beneficial to mostly the poor and middle class. It’s important for the government to get it right, once and for all.”

“If you study the body language of Mr President, you will know he wants to give it all, and he (president) said ‘nobody should be left behind” when it comes to this scheme’.

“Not leaving anyone behind means there must be due diligence in getting many things right before launching,” he stated.

ashman_babane wrote, “🤣🤣🤣🤣 They have nothing to offer, it’s just a mouth-washing promise, Nigeria is so easy to predict in terms of the governance policies.

“The first day we heard this my boss said all na lie, and here we are🤣. The system is not to make life okay is set up against citizens.”

“The pitfall in this loan is one big issue, transparency in its administration and implementation is another. But one troubling part in all this is the back-tracking of this government’s policies. It seems that all their campaign promises were not realistic and well thought out,” VictorIbetoEsq wrote.

darligton_ stated, “Lol…they just used it as an excuse to increase school fees. This govt is full of scammers.”

Diaspora Nigerians seek consulate office in Chicago

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Diaspora Nigerians seek consulate office in Chicago

The Nigeria Diaspora Initiative has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently approve the establishment of a Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, United States, to increase Nigeria’s annual Foreign Direct Investment and boost its economic status.

This is coming after the Federal Government announced that the FDI for the third quarter of 2023 stood at US $59.77 million.

The move, the group claimed in a statement on Wednesday, would attract investments that could bring growth to the Nigerian economy, especially when other nations are currently facing challenges.

They stressed that preventing Nigerians and other investors around the US from traveling long distances to access services provided by the nation’s embassy office will scale up FDI yearly.

Among those advocating for the creation and establishment of the consulate are Prof Shaffideen Amuwo, a Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Chicago, Alh. Tunji Quadri, a US-based cyber security expert and the General Coordinator of Nigeria Diaspora Initiative, Mr. Tolani Banire, a Manager with vast experience in the Aviation Industry, Dr. Oluwagoke Ajayi, a seasoned Engineer and contractor with the US Department of Defense, Dr. Victor Onafuye Jonathan, an Information Technology expert, and Hon. Femi Odere.

In the statement signed by NDI Coordinator, Alhaji Tunji Quadri, the group maintained that the consulate office would not serve as merely a bureaucratic expansion, but a symbolic avenue for the Federal Government to engage with the Nigerians abroad especially those in the United States.

“At its core, the issue of access to any consular services is a fundamental human right. All people have the right to consular services in a timely and effective manner. Yet, for Nigerians especially those in Chicago and Midwest cities, that right has been denied.

“This denial by the Federal Government has created significant barriers, making it difficult for people to travel, do business, and even access vital documentation.

“It is crucial that the Tinubu-led administration ensure that Nigerian Americans are given the support they need to succeed. The establishment of a consulate in Chicago would be a powerful symbol of that commitment,” he added.

On his part, Tolani Bamire argued that the population of Nigerians in the U.S., especially in the Midwest area is a key factor in establishing another Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois to serve the needs of our citizens.

He added that the clamour for a new consulate office will decongest the number of Nigerians and investors traveling to the other offices in New York and Atlanta, Georgia for consular services.

According to him, the office will be a platform for a strengthened bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the US.

Police order patrols around Kano schools

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Police order patrols around Kano schools

The Kano State Police Commissioner, Hussaini Gumel, has directed Operational Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify patrols around all the primary and secondary schools as well as all tertiary institutions in the state.

This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations, SP Abdullahi Haruna, on Wednesday.

He said the measure was in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on ensuring the safety of schools under the Safe Schools Initiative.

Haruna said the directive was aimed at improving the security of lives and property, most especially the safety of schools and students.

“The measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff and to boost the overall educational sector in the state.

“The intention of increasing the presence of police personnel in these areas is to further deter criminal activities and provide a secure environment conducive to learning and teaching.”

He urged members of the public, particularly school administrators, teachers, parents, and students, to cooperate fully with the Police and other security agencies and report any suspicious activities for prompt action.

While thanking the people of the state for their support, cooperation, and understanding, the commissioner urged them to keep reporting any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest Police station.

The According reports that over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State were abducted by bandits last Thursday, triggering national outrage.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Amnesty International, the Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the House of Representatives condemned the attack and asked the government to rescue the victims immediately

The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.

The According reports that the secondary school was relocated to the primary school on account of the insecurity in the council.

The incident occurred barely 24 hours after insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno State.

The women were kidnapped in Ngala, the headquarters of Gambarou Ngala in Borno State while fetching firewood in the bush.

10 health tips for Ramadan fasting

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10 health tips for Ramadan fasting

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred time for Muslims worldwide. It commences and concludes with the sighting of the crescent moon. Due to the Islamic calendar’s shorter duration compared to the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan shifts earlier by 10–12 days annually, allowing it to traverse all seasons within a 33-year cycle.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, devoting themselves to increased prayers, introspection, and acts of charity.

Taking care of your health during fasting in Ramadan is, however, very important. In this piece, According Online highlights steps to take care of one’s health while fasting

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours, especially during Suhoor and Iftar, to prevent dehydration.

2. Eat Nutritious Foods: Always eat a balanced diet with foods rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to provide sustained energy throughout the fasting period.

3. Avoid Overeating: While breaking the fast at Iftar, avoid overeating or consuming large amounts of sugary or fatty foods. Opt for moderate portions and balanced meals.

4. Include Suhoor: Have a nutritious pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) that includes complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to provide energy and keep you feeling full throughout the day.

5. Reduce Intake Of Caffeine and Sugary Drinks: Reduce consumption of caffeinated and sugary beverages as they can lead to dehydration and energy crashes.

6. Take Short Naps: If possible, take short naps during the day to help alleviate fatigue and maintain energy levels.

7. Exercise Moderately: Engage in light to moderate physical activity, such as walking or gentle stretching, during non-fasting hours to maintain fitness and energy levels. Avoid strenuous exercise during fasting hours.

8. Monitor Health: Pay attention to your body and any signs of dehydration, fatigue, or health issues. Seek medical attention if needed.

9. Get Sufficient Sleep: Aim for adequate sleep during the night to ensure your body’s overall well-being and energy levels during fasting hours.

10. Break Fast Gradually: Start Iftar with dates and water, followed by a light meal, and gradually consume more substantial foods to prevent digestive discomfort.

By taking these steps, Muslims can maintain their health and well-being while fasting.

However, if there are any underlying health conditions or concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.

15 missing as armed men attack passenger bus in Taraba 

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15 missing as armed men attack passenger bus in Taraba 

No fewer than 15 persons, including women and children, are said to be missing after armed men suspected to be vigilante personnel attacked an 18-seater bus conveying passengers from Zaki/Biam in Benue State to Maihura in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the incident happened at Gankwe village along the Donga- Mararaban-Baissa road in the Donga Local Government Area of the state.

Narrating the incident to journalists on the phone, the driver of the bus, Mr. Mpuuga Mbaave, who escaped death by the whiskers with machete cut wounds, said the armed men in vigilante uniform attacked his bus.

“I loaded 18 passengers from Zaki/Biam in Benue State to Maihura in Taraba state, and on our way close to Mararaba, I saw many people in Vigilante uniform. I suspected something was wrong, so I parked the vehicle.

“One of the villagers who was passing by told me that I should proceed. According to him, two members of the Vigilante personnel were killed by kidnappers, and the vigilante came to carry their corpses.

“As I moved closer, some of the Vigilante personnel started shouting, ‘kill all of them,’ kill all of them,’ it’s their people (Tiv) that killed our members, and they started attacking the passengers and cutting them with machetes,

“They ordered the passengers out of the bus, forced them to lie facedown. I refused to come down, but when I discovered that it was getting out of hand, I decided to jump out of the bus and ran away. My conductor too followed me. They came after us cutting us with a machete, but we ran for our dear lives,” he narrated.

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Doonga Local Government Council, Hon. Ezra Voka, said he was already in the nearby forest searching for the missing persons.

“Please my friend, I am already in the bush in search of the missing people. We cannot talk much now till when I get more information from here,” he said.

Charles de Gaulle’s eldest son dies at 102

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Charles de Gaulle’s eldest son dies at 102

The eldest son of French World War II Resistance leader and first postwar president Charles de Gaulle has died aged 102, his family said on Wednesday.

Philippe de Gaulle heeded his father’s call to join Free French forces in the fight against Nazism in World War II and later had a successful naval career, rising to the rank of admiral, and also becoming a senator.

He was a more low-key figure than his father but devoted himself to preserving the memory of Charles de Gaulle, notably through numerous books.

His son Yves de Gaulle told AFP he died overnight Tuesday to Wednesday in the Invalides in central Paris, the French military institution where he had lived for two years.

“Philippe de Gaulle anticipated to father’s call to join the Resistance. Sailor, admiral, and senator, he never came up short when courage and honour were required. A century of French bravery,” President Emmanuel Macron wrote in a tribute on X.

He joined the Free French Naval Forces in 1940 and fought in the North Atlantic until 1944, then in France itself when the Resistance joined the Allies in pushing the Nazis out of France.

AFP

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