Home Blog Page 2601

Atiku’s witness can’t remember date of presidential election

-
0
Atiku’s witness can’t remember date of presidential election

The 13th petitioners’ witness, Audu Sani, told the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, on Tuesday that he could not remember the date of the last presidential election.

Sani, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s collation agent in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State for the presidential election, had alleged that there were incessant incidents of thuggery and sporadic shootings in many parts of the area, preventing and disrupting voting.

The witness appeared before the five-man panel led by Justice Garba Usman, to testify at the instance of the PDP, and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who are challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the February 23 poll.

He said, under cross-examination, that he submitted the results he collated in his local government to the state collation agent of his party.

Asked by the All Progressives Congress’ lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), when he submitted the results, he said he did on “the 26th”.

Asked which month, he said “April 26”.

Asked when did the election hold he said “23rd”.

When asked to mention the month, he said, “I cannot remember.”

Breaking: 2 officers shot as shi’ites invade National Assembly, set cars ablaze (Graphic photos)

-
0
Breaking: 2 officers shot as shi’ites invade National Assembly, set cars ablaze (Graphic photos)

Members of the outlawed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi’ites on Tuesday  broke into the National Assembly premises destroying properties worth billions.

Television Nigerian gathered that the sect broke down the first gate and proceeded to the second, which serves as the main entrance to the complex.

A police officer and a personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC have received gunshot wounds and are in critical condition.

However, security operatives on ground repelled the protest with gunshots fired into the air to disperse the protesters.

They are protesting the continued detention of Ibrahim Elzakzaky, their leader.

The Shiites are currently burning some vehicles parked close to the gate while more security operatives are being deployed to the scene.

Graphic: 2 streetlight technicians electrocuted in Kaduna

-
0
Graphic: 2 streetlight technicians electrocuted in Kaduna

 

Two streetlight technicians have been electrocuted and burnt to death while conducting maintenance of some streetlights along NNPC/KRPC way in Kaduna.

Television Nigerian gathered that the cause of the electrocution may be as a result of safety negligence as the victims were using metal scaffolds as against a towertruck.

 

 

UNDP partners Nigerian Army for Stabilization Programme in North East

-
0
UNDP partners Nigerian Army for Stabilization Programme in North East

The United Nations Development Programme UNDP has sought the partnership of the Nigerian Army to commence its stabilization and development programme for Nigeria’s North East Communities ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.

 

The Resident Representative Designate for Nigeria office of UNDP, Mr. Mohammed Yahya disclosed this during a courtesy call to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai at the Army headquarters in Abuja.

Yahya stated that the partnership can only be achieved if the Nigerian Army provides support and creates the enabling environment for proper entrenchment of the programme.

“We are about to embark on the programme with regards to the stabilization of the North East. I feel I have to come see the Army Chief to inform him because the Army has done a lot in tackling the insurgency and unless the Army gives us the support to do our work, it will be very difficult”, he said.

He further emphasized that the support of the Nigerian Army was crucial for the stabilization programme to succeed while noting that the programme entailed re-establishment of livelihood in deserted communities, provision of critical infrastructure and ensuring enablement of the rule of law.

Emphasizing on the need for other critical stake holders in the stabilization efforts to key into the speed and pace of work to be embarked upon by UNDP, Yahya said, “The programme would also involved reconstruction of towns and communities. UNDP really needs the Nigerian Army’s support for its personnel to access difficult communities”.

In his response, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai assured the UNDP representative that the Nigerian Army will give the UN all the support it requires for the stabilization programme to succeed.

Buratai said the Nigerian Army was ready to support NGOs and the UNDP in the area of provision of peace and security to enable them carry out their programmes.

He also used the occasion to inform the UNDP representative that the Nigerian Army had already commenced its own stabilization and reconstruction programmes in certain areas and was working seamlessly with several NGOs in this regard adding that such experience will come to play in the assistance to the UNDP efforts.

Senior officers present at the visit were the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Ali Nani, Chief of Training and Operations, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, Chief of Logistics, Major General Enobong Udoh, Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General SA Adebayo, Chief of Administration, Major General Ishiaku, Chief of Civil-Military Affair, Major General Shehu Mohammed and the Director of Policy, Department of Policy/Plans, Brigadier General Sawyer.

Rights Abuse: Coalition describes UN’s report on Nigeria as compilation of hearsay

-
0
Rights Abuse: Coalition describes UN’s report on Nigeria as compilation of hearsay

The Coalition of Civil Society on Conflict Resolution and Human Rights in Nigeria has labelled the United Nations’ (UN) report on human right abuse in the country as “compilation of hearsay”.

The Coalition made this known in a special report on how the UN’s Committee on Human Rights failed to act in the best interest of women and children at the mercy of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist.

According to the group, the UN’s assertion is not a reflection of the issues on the ground as it concerns high level of corruption, killings, and human rights violations.

In the report carefully signed by Chijioke Ude and Kolawole Oso, Secretary-General and Head Civil Military Affairs respectively, the Coalition commissioned four sub-themes including human rights violations, extra-judicial killings and corruption.

After extensively examining the various issues raised by its report, the Coalition concluded that the United Nations is indeed guilty of defaulting in its core mandate.

Being an intergovernmental organization tasked with maintaining international peace and security, especially as it concerns women and children, the group believes these critical aspects were neglected in the compilation of its report.

“ The plight of women and children in the theatre of operations in North East Nigeria has received extensive attention especially with the new strategy of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist using women and children as sex slaves, suicide bombers and also a human shield to perpetuate violence.

“ The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) whose operations in Nigeria has been dogged with a lackadaisical approach has been reluctant and in most instances unperturbed by the actions of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists towards women and children. It is instructive to state that the bulk of the suicide bombings are carried out by young boys and girls that have been either brained washed or threatened with death by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

“ This anomaly has been reported by a substantial number of civil society organizations, and yet the United Nations have not risen to the occasion to enact measures that would see to the protection of women and children from the hands of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

“ The position of the UN on this critical issue is suspect and an indication that it is either shying away from its responsibilities or it is in cahoots with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist. That the United Nations Human Rights Committee didn’t highlight the plight of women and children is also a worrisome aspect that should not be swept under the rug. It sufficiently indicates that there are political undertones to its recently released report, hence a need for members of the unsuspecting public to tread with caution.

“ The Coalition of Civil Society on Conflict Resolution and Human Rights in Nigeria having extensively researched on the various issues canvased by the United Nations Committee on Human Rights states that the United Nations are indeed the guilty party having for inexcusable reasons defaulted in his core mandate to Nigeria been a member state of the United Nations.

“ The critical aspect women and children were highly neglected by the United Nations Committee on Human Rights in the compilation of its report. It also for inexplicable reasons didn’t touch on the threat posed by ISWAP fighters along the fringes of the Lake Chad basin region that is capable of putting Sub Saharan Africa at risk.

“ The United Nations Committee on Human Rights acted in haste and without recourses to the peculiarities of the war and the commitment of the Nigerian Authorities in the areas above.

“ The Coalition of Civil Society on Conflict Resolution and Human Rights affirms that the Nigerian Authorities since 2015 have exhibited a commitment to upholding the human rights of its citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, or sex. Though contrary to the position of the United Nations Committee on Human rights, it is sufficing to state that all the information provided herein are first hand derived from years of research work that engaged directly with the relevant actors in offices and on the field. As against relying on rumours, and second-hand information. “

NADCEL 2019: Nigerian Army a truly professional and responsive force. – Buhari

-
0
NADCEL 2019: Nigerian Army a truly professional and responsive force. – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the Nigerian Army as a truly professional and responsive force.

President Buhari gave the commendation on Saturday at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration at the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos.

Represented by the Vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, President Buhari said, this has been true for the past 156 years and expressed confidence that this will continue for another 156 years to come and beyond.

He reiterated government’s commitment to continue the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country.

“You the members of the armed forces have continued to put in your best on behalf of our country with several of your colleagues paying the supreme price in other to keep us safe and secured”

“We acknowledge and appreciate these sacrifices and pray for the repose of the souls of the departed. Our hearts are with their families and loved ones”

President Buhari said it is the responsibility of government to ensure that they do not die in vain.

He expressed confidence that the Army and indeed the armed forces have been equipped to tackle headlong, the security challenges of the country.

In his remarks, the chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai said the Nigerian Army Day Celebrations is an opportunity to remind personnel of the Nigerian Army on combat readiness and show case its combat capabilities as an army.

Similarly it is aimed at projecting the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national power, unity integration and development.

“This years celebration has given us the opportunity to honour some of our deserving personnel”

He restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to continue the fight against insurgency and other forms of insurrection threatening the stability of the nation.

High points of the event was the decoration of deserving officers and men of the Nigerian Army who have distinguished themselves in their areas of responsibilities. Also awarded were ex-service men among whom is a veteran Private Amuda Aluko who is 104 and fought the Second World War.

The President also inspected newly manufactured combat vehicles constructed by the Defence Industries Corporation.

In attendance were top dignitaries including former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon, Chief of Defence Staff Gen AG Olanisakin, Chief of Air Staff, representatives of the CNS, IGP, DG SSS, Acting Chairman EFCC Mr Ibrahim Magu and Chairman NDLEA attended the event.

The Governor of Kwara State, Deputy Governor of Lagos State represented the Governor, while Osun State Governor and Head of Civil Service of the Federation were equally ably represented at the occasion.

Others are former CDS and Service Chiefs Gen ML Agwai, Lt Gens Akinrinade, Alwali Kazir, AO Ihejirika and KTG Minimah respectively. On the whole, many senior military officers both serving and retired, Captains of industries, Royal fathers including Oba of Lagos and other notable personalities attended the historic event.

Ikeja Cantonment turns into Frenzy as Buratai commissions 288 accommodation facilities for soldiers

-
0
Ikeja Cantonment turns into Frenzy as Buratai commissions 288 accommodation facilities for soldiers

Residents of the Ikeja military cantonment in Lagos were on Friday thrown into a frenzy as the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai stormed the barracks to commission several multi-million-naira accommodation facilities for soldiers.

The Army Chief commissioned 288 flats of soldiers’ accommodation at the Ikeja Military Cantonment.

The renovated buildings were affected during Ikeja Bomb explosions in 2001. Residents of the cantonment told Television Nigerian that the buildings have been in that shattered conditions until the Chief of Army Staff intervened through the Nigerian Army Engineers Direct Project.

Residents of the cantonment could not hide their emotions on sighting General Buratai as some burst into praise singing while others were in tears of joy that these buildings could be commissioned in their life time.

The commissioning is part of activities lined up for this year Nigerian Army Day Celebrations 2019.

General Buratai later proceeded to Bonny Military Cantonment Central Mosque where he took part in Juma’at Service.

Prayers were then offered for the nation and the repose of all those who lost their lives in the course of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Gen Buratai inspecting a guard of honour
Gen Buratai inspecting a guard of honour

 

2019 NADCEL: COAS Team draws 2-2 with Nollywood stars in a novelty match

-
0
2019 NADCEL: COAS Team draws 2-2 with Nollywood stars in a novelty match

The novelty match between the team of the Chief of Army Staff and Actors Guild of Nigeria on Thursday ended in a 2-2 draw.

The match which took place at the Ikeja military cantonment playing ground is part of activities marking the 2019 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The opening goal was scored by the Chief of Training and Operation, Army, Major General Lamidi Adeosun in the first half of the match following a terrific pass from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General O Azinta.

A panting relief came for the Actors Guild team at the last minute of the First Half when Mr Steve Eboh scored an equalizer.

At the end of half time, the commander Nigerian Army Engineers, Major General Malu in the early minutes of second half of the game dribbled the defenders and attackers of Actors Guild team to score the 2nd goal in favour of the COAS team amidst wild jubilation from spectators.

This jubilation however fizzled out when a player from the Guild of Actors team broke the central defence of the COAS team before firing a bombshell shot outside the penalty box to equalize the goal. The match ended in a 2-2 draw by the sound final whistle.

The COAS, represented by the Chief of Army Standard and Evaluation (CASE ), Major General AO Shodunke in his remarks congratulated the teams for playing fair games inline with standard football rules.

He described the novelty match as one of the efforts of the Civil Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army in maintaining excellent civil military relations with Nigerian citizens.

It could be recalled that the Actors Guild of Nigerian recently paid a courtesy call to the COAS at the Army Headquarters, Abuja and requested for a novelty match which was accorded immediate approval by the Army Chief.

Highpoints of the event was the presentation of trophies to the teams and some deserving players who performed very well during the contest.

The event was graced by top military officers, members of Actors guild of Nigeria, captains of industries, military personnel families and well wishers.

80 UTME Candidates Facing Trial For Exam Fraud

-
0
80 UTME Candidates Facing Trial For Exam Fraud

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has said that no fewer than 80 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination candidates nationwide are undergoing prosecution for various cases of malpractice and fraud in the 2019 examination.

The JAMB Registrar, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, stated this in a meeting with journalists in Abuja on Thursday. He added that apart from the 80 standing trial, a number of candidates had been jailed for malpractices in the last two months.

The registrar noted that although the board spent a lot of money on the ongoing prosecution, it was worth it so that the examination system in the country would be sanitised.

Oloyede said, “We believe there is an organised and sponsored campaign against the UTME for whatever reasons. We have no apology for such people who are attacking us.

“The Public Complaints Commission came here a few days ago with a number of UTME cases. We picked them one after the other and we saw that these candidates either had no case or they were fraudsters. We don’t waste our energy on issues of fraudulent candidates, but we have to let the public know so that they will not be misinformed.

“If anyone has any challenge, he should complain through the normal channels. But let the complaint be genuine. If after we have done our scrutiny and we realise that the candidate has been involved in exam malpractice, we will not allow him or her to go scot-free. The law must take its course.”

BREAKING: SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS OYETOLA ‘S ELECTION

-
0
BREAKING: SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS OYETOLA ‘S ELECTION

The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate in the September 2018 election in Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, challenging the election of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress.

The apex court in a split decision of five to two, the apex court’s panel of seven Justices held that the proceedings and the majority judgment of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal which had declared the PDP as the winner of the poll were a nullity.

Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour who read the lead majority judgment of the apex court held that the absence of Justice Peter Obiorah who later read the lead judgment of the tribunal during the February 6, 2019 hearing, had rendered the entire proceedings of the said tribunal and its judgment a nullity.

The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, and three other members consented to the lead majority judgment.

But Justice Kumai Akaahs and Justice Paul Galinje affirmed PDP as the winner of the poll.

1...2,6002,6012,602...2,797Page 2,601 of 2,797
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv