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Zulum begins distribution of relief to Borno flood victims

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Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has initiated the distribution of relief materials to victims of the devastating floods in Maiduguri, who are now sheltering in around 36 camps.

The floods, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, displaced nearly 2 million people across the Maiduguri metropolis and surrounding areas.

The distribution, which kicked off on Monday at Bakasi camp along Damboa Road in Maiduguri, includes essential items such as a 25kg bag of rice, a carton of pasta, and N10,000 in cash.

Addressing journalists, Zulum expressed concern that people not directly affected by the floods are entering the IDP camps, complicating the relief operations.

He noted, “We observed that it is no more sustainable to continue receiving people in the camps because many people that were not affected are tripping to the camps.”

The governor also announced plans for a comprehensive assessment of affected areas to guide future relief efforts. “So we decided to mobilise the resources and ensure that each affected victim had the relief items,

“We have also concluded arrangements that we shall do the assessment at the communities to verify the actual number of those that were affected, “he said.

Senator Kaka Lawan, representing Borno Central, praised the governor for his proactive leadership.

“Let me commend the governor for providing leadership since the flooding started; he was out with his entire team trying to carry out search and rescue and assisting his people. I also joined His Excellency in commending our donors and urging others to complement the government in assisting victims,” Lawan stated.

Supports, donations

In a separate development, the UAE donated 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid to support flood victims in Nigeria.

The National Emergency Management Agency, Director General, Zubaida Umar, highlighted her agency’s ongoing efforts, which include providing shelters and mobile water purifiers to ensure clean drinking water for those affected.

The Federal Government has also announced plans to upgrade the Alau Dam in Maiduguri to mitigate future flood risks.

Governor Zulum further acknowledged the receipt of food donations from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, NEMA, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to support those impacted by the disaster.

The event was attended by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, as well as members of the House of Representatives and the Borno State Executive Council.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government opened IDP camps as 70 per cent of Maiduguri remains submerged following the collapse of the Alau Dam.

Thousands of residents have been displaced, while the Nigerian Correctional Service has recaptured three inmates following a jailbreak, with 281 reported missing.

Additionally, 80 per cent of the animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo perished as Borno State experienced its most severe flooding in 30 years.

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One dead, eight injured in crash on Third Mainland bridge

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No fewer than eight persons have been injured and one was reported dead in a head-on collision between two buses on the Third Mainland Bridge, near the Ilaje area of Lagos State on Monday.

The crash occurred as the two Mazda commercial buses, with number plates — LND 624 YE and EKY 804 YH, “recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase from Adeniji Adele,” according to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq.

The statement noted that the intervention of the LASTMA officials “facilitated the rapid rescue of eight passengers, all of whom suffered severe fractures,” adding that this serves as a reminder of the “catastrophic consequences of irresponsible driving practices.”

“The injured were immediately transported to Gbagada General Hospital for urgent medical care, courtesy of the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS).

“Police units from Bariga and Alonge Police Stations were instrumental in providing critical security support during the rescue operation, ensuring order and expediting the efforts to restore normalcy.

“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety and implores all motorists to strictly observe speed regulations and exercise caution while driving,” the statement read.

The agency also sympathised with the family of the bereaved and “wishes the injured a swift and full recovery.”

In another related development, an accident was recorded on Monday, involving a Honda CRV (AKD 743 HV), which overturned on the bridge near the University of Lagos’ waterfront, also inbound Iyana-Oworonsoki.

“The crash, attributed to excessive speeding, resulted in no casualties. LASTMA personnel acted swiftly to clear the wreckage, preventing any further obstruction to the free flow of traffic on the bridge,” it added.

Leadership failure in Anambra, reason for my desire to run for election

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An Anambra State-born businessman, Barth Nwibe, has declared his intention to run for the state governorship election in 2025 on the platform of the Labour Party.

Nwibe made the declaration on Sunday when he addressed political stakeholders in Anambra Central Senatorial District in Awka Etiti, Idemili South Local Government Area.

He said he desired to address the leadership failure in the state, adding that Anambra needs a humble leader who listens to his people and not an all-knowing individual who would not pay attention to the feelings of the masses.

He said, “I want to tell you that I am running for Anambra governorship, and I want your support. There is a need for us to reorganise our society.

“We need security here. Our youths cannot live and work here because there are no jobs. If my brother, the governor, is doing well, I would not have aspired. We expected so much, but unfortunately, we are seeing so little.

“That is why I am offering myself a four-year term. The statecraft has collapsed due to insecurity, high youth unemployment, collapse of businesses and absence of vision for strategic development.”

According to him, Anambra has a rich deposit of natural gas which could be harnessed for industrialisation purposes but he regretted that the current administration was not doing anything to activate it.

“We should no longer have a system where the governor determines who should be the traditional ruler, president general, kindred heads and market associations. All these things have been politicized.

“We have significant business presence in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt. While our state is deserted, I will create employment. We cannot continue to have our children run away from here and expect the state to develop.

“You can build roads and make all the promises, but if there is no security, it makes no sense. The problem we face can not be solved by grammar.

“In the South Senatorial District, we have massive insecurity. Everywhere there is occupied, we can no longer visit home like we used to,” he added.

In his remarks, the Coordinator of the ‘Barth Nwibe for Governor Movement,’ Gaius Ezeh, said Nwibe was a successful businessman and a proven philanthropist who is best suited for the task of rebuilding Anambra.

According to Ezeh, Nwibe is a disciplined man, and he has grown businesses. He sponsored thousands of youths at various levels of education through his Ugo Igbo Foundation.

“He is in the class of leaders, and we need to redeem ourselves from our current economic situation in Nigeria. With him, Anambra can still return our days of glory like the days of Peter Obi.

“Anambra is a state known for entrepreneurship. We need a man who understands us, and Barth fits into this. He is the best man for the job. Let us support him for the sake of our children and the future of Anambra,” Ezeh said.

Four injured in Plateau building collapse

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Four persons, on Monday, sustained injuries after a residential apartment collapsed in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Residents said that the building collapsed after heavy rainfall which began on Sunday evening and lasted several hours till the early hours of Monday.

A resident of the community, Dusu Judith confirmed the incident to The According to in Jos on Monday .

Judith said that the house located around Government College, Riyom collapsed in the early hours of Monday while residents were asleep, injuring four persons.

Judith said, “The people were just sleeping in their house last night when the building caved in. Luckily, no death was recorded but four persons were injured.

“Those injured were mostly children and are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.”

Another resident, Bot Rwang, described the collapsed building as shocking

“We really thank God that several family members living in the house escaped death when the house caved in on Monday morning.

“It is God that saved them because it is shocking how they escaped, looking at the structure which collapsed completely with debris on the ground,” Rwang said

The According to reports that there have been several major building collapses in the state in recent months with stakeholders blaming a mix of bad workmanship, poor quality materials and corruption.

In July this year, 22 school children died and at least 132 others were injured after a school building collapsed in the Busa Buji community, Jos North Local Government Area of the state

Following the incident, the state government responded by shutting down the school identified as Saint Academy in the state capital and demolished other buildings within the school premises while warning residents to always maintain safety standards and obtain the necessary approvals when erecting structures in the state

APC Reps caucus donates N200m to campaign council

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Ahead of the Edo State Governorship Election slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024, the All Progressives Congress caucus in the House of Representatives has donated N200m in support of the party’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.

The Chairman, APC Reps’ Fundraising Committee for Edo Governorship Election and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Okpebholo and Idahosa, both members of the APC represent Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency respectively.

The statement read in part, “In a strong demonstration of solidarity and loyalty to the party, the APC Reps Caucus contributed a sum of ₦200 million towards the party’s campaign for the September 21 governorship polls. The donation, made by individual members of the APC in the 10th House, was coordinated under the leadership of Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

“The All Progressives Congress caucus in the House of Representatives has pledged its unwavering support for Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon Dennis Idahosa, the party’s candidates for the upcoming Edo governorship election. Both Senator Okpebholo and Hon. Idahosa are sitting members of the National Assembly.

“The caucus expressed its determination to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the party’s victory in Edo State, emphasising their commitment to supporting Sen Okpebholo and Hon Idahosa, two esteemed colleagues who have consistently shown capacity and competence in their public service.”

The statement added that the cheque for the donation was presented by the Leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, at a ceremony witnessed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Yahaya Danzaria, a member of the House from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, and the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Prof Jake Dan-Azumi.

No favoured political party or candidate, ANSIEC tells Anambra residents

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The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission has insisted that no political party or candidate will be favoured during the local government election coming up on September 28 across the state.

Recall that some major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, have threatened to boycott the local government elections, citing “massive irregularities and non-adherence to due process” as enshrined in the Electoral Law 2022.

The APC, PDP and LP had, at different interactions with the media, alleged that ANSIEC is working to favour the candidates of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, and therefore described the forthcoming LG elections as a “sham”, while also calling for it’s postponement.

However, the Chairman of ANSIEC, Genevieve Osakwe, during the last day of the Commission’s sensitisation tour of local government areas with a visit to Awka North and South, Dunukofia, Anaocha and Njikoka LGAs, on Monday, urged Ndi Anambra not to fall for “cheap propaganda” peddled by the opposition regarding the local government election in the state.

The tour was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders from the local government areas drawn from political parties, candidates, religious leaders, representatives of town unions and traditional institutions.

Osakwe said, “The essence of the tour is to interact, educate and cascade the commission’s plan for free, fair and credible polls in two weeks to the grassroots using community and opinion leaders. We believe this will help the commission achieve success as the electorate will, themselves, play the leading role as major stakeholders in the electoral process.

“Ignore the rumour making the rounds that the commission has endorsed some candidates and political parties ahead of the election. It is cheap propaganda which is targeted at discouraging the electorate from speaking through their votes and insisting on quality representation.

“ANSIEC under her watch is determined to deliver the freest, fairest and most credible local government elections ever witnessed in the country.”

The participants commended the commission for bringing them up to speed through the local government sensitisation tour.

One of the stakeholders and President General of Awba-Ofemili, Fidelis Chukwunedu, thanked the commission for being dogged in ensuring that the various communities in the 21 local government areas of the state are being carried along, assuring that they will sensitise the electorate in their communities to ensure full participation.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has also restated that nothing would stop the local government election scheduled for September 28.

Soludo urged ndị Anambra to participate in the election, assuring them that movement would be restricted on election day.

He made this declaration during an interactive meeting with APGA candidates at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center in Awka.

Attendees included local government chairmen, party chairmen, state working committee members, and State Executive Council members.

Tinubu repositioning Nigeria in global politics

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A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for their patriotism, noting that their dedication to service has earned Nigeria a respected position on the global stage.

Agbese stated this on Monday on the sidelines of the Pan-African Parliament’s Extraordinary session in Midrand, South Africa.

The lawmaker, a delegate at the conference, commended Tinubu for what he called his exceptional leadership as President of the Economic Community of West African States and his promotion of human rights and respect for the rule of law.

According to him, President Tinubu’s commitment to these values has strengthened Nigeria’s position as a beacon of hope and a key player in regional and global politics.

He said, “President Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous and integrated Africa is inspiring, and his leadership has earned Nigeria a respected position on the global stage.

“His dedication to African development and integration is unwavering, and his influence is being felt across the continent.

“I commend President Tinubu for his tireless efforts in promoting African development and integration.

“His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s position on the global stage, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the Pan-African Parliament to achieve our shared goals.”

Agbese who doubles as the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives also lauded Speaker Abbas’ “Revolutionary approach to governance, inspiring of a new generation of African leaders and driving progress across the continent.”

He continued, “Speaker Abbas has strengthened continental solidarity, cooperation, and development, promoting peace, security, and stability, and pursuing a common economic recovery strategy that benefits all Africans.

“As a key player in the Pan-African Parliament, Speaker Abbas has strengthened continental solidarity, cooperation, and development. He has promoted peace, security, and stability, and pursued a common economic recovery strategy that benefits all Africans.”

The lawmaker noted that the Pan African Parliament’s objectives align with the vision of President Tinubu and Speaker Abbas, adding that their leadership has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s position on the global stage.

He pledged his readiness to continue working with the duo to achieve shared goals and promote a better Nigeria and Africa.

He further urged other African countries to support Nigeria’s leadership in promoting tinental development and integration.

Troops kill terrorists, recover arms in Kaduna

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Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two terrorists and recovered dangerous weapons during an operation conducted in Kaduna State.

The troops who were acting on credible intelligence laid an ambush against terrorists who were moving along the Birnin Gwari-Manini axis.

According to a post on X on Monday, the Army said the ambush led to a fierce gun battle with the terrorists.

The post read, “The Nigerian Army continues to demonstrate its resolve in dismantling terrorist networks across various theatres of operations, delivering heavy blows to the fleeing villains. In the latest encounter, troops successfully expunged and destabilized terrorists attempting to escape military action, aborting their mission and putting them on the run.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops deployed at Kwaga village of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, positioned an ambush against terrorists transiting along the Birnin Gwari-Manini axis, leading to an intense firefight. In the ensuing clash, troops neutralised two terrorists with overwhelming firepower, while others fled in disarray.

“The operation also led to the recovery of some arms and equipment, including two AK-47 rifles, three rifle magazines, one Baofeng radio, and three motorcycles used by the terrorists.’’

The Army said it remained resolute in its mission to rid the country of terrorism and ensure the safety of all citizens.

“Troops are still on the trail of the wounded terrorists,” the post added.

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Otti orders road expansion at Umuahia mega bus terminal

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has ordered the contractor handling the Umuahia mega bus terminal project to expand roads around the terminal for easy vehicular movement.

The governor who spoke on Sunday while on an inspection visit to the project site also expressed satisfaction at the pace of work ongoing construction on the site.

He pointed out that there were some areas the contractor needed to make some minor adjustments.

He said, “I think the contractors are doing very well. They have been known to perform very well. They are working according to the Schedule.

“But then, there are a few areas that I observed that they have to go back and make some adjustments. We needed the roads to be wider than they are with the junction improvement and the traffic lights. So, I have asked them to stop around the Cooperative roundabout so that we can take a look at it again”

“But, so far, so good. I am impressed with the quality of work”, Otti stated.

Explaining some of the features of the Transport Terminal and what it intends to achieve, Otti said that something similar was done in Oshodi, Lagos State and that’s exactly what is being replicated in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital.

According to him, “Exactly what they did in Oshodi is what we want to replicate here. The railway, the buses, everything will terminate here. Shopping Centers, Hotels, just where people can come, meet, and have fun, children’s playground, everything will be here.”

The governor explained that the project will help organise the capital city very well and bring to an end the multiplicity of parks all over the place. He added that a lot of businesses will move in there because there is provision for hotels, shopping plazas, playgrounds, etc.

Otti further disclosed that the project may not yield money immediately but in the long run, it will generate a lot of money. He noted that the most important thing is for the Capital City to look like a Capital.

Speaking earlier during a Sunday worship at the Dunamis Church, Umuahia Otti thanked the church members for their support during the election and up till now. He assured the congregation that his administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of the people by putting the people first, which he said is the mantra of his administration.

“We believe that government that is worth its name, should focus on the welfare of the people. And, that is what we promised you. That is what we are doing. So, when you see us defray arrears of salaries owed by our predecessors, it’s not that we have too much money, but because we believe that a worker deserves his wage”.

“Our mantra in this government is that the people will come first. You know before now, the Government has been about big men. Big men were taking more and more, sharing our money. We said no, money in Abia cannot be shared.

“And, I can commit in the presence of the Almighty God, that, in so far as I remain here, your money will not be shared. Your money will be used to work for you”, the Governor assured.

In a sermon titled, “The Profit and Dividends of Wisdom” the resident Pastor, Pastor Anthony Itodo, said that wisdom is key to stability, creativity, innovation, productivity, good decision-making, and direction in everything we do in life. He led the congregation in a fervent prayer for the Governor, his entourage, and the state.

Gov. Otti was joined in the worship by the lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmerekini, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba (PhD), and some other top government officials.

Police repel attack on Imo Divisional police headquarters

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Operatives of the Imo State Police Command on Sunday repelled an attack on the Njaba Divisional Headquarters by hoodlums suspected to be affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed militia, the Eastern Security Network.

According to a release signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the attackers, arriving in three SUVs, launched a violent assault on the headquarters with sporadic gunfire.

“In response, the ever-gallant operatives swiftly took up defensive positions and engaged the assailants, resulting in the neutralisation of three attackers. The remaining assailants, who sustained various gunshot injuries, fled into nearby bushes.

“During the operation, our forces recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, one AK-47 rifle, and three vehicles — a Toyota Lexus 470, a Mercedes GLK, and a Toyota Venza.”

Okoye noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, is currently leading an “intense operation” to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The police commissioner lauded the brave efforts of the operatives and assured the public that the command remains committed to enhancing the state’s internal security and will continue to take decisive actions against any threats to public peace.

In early September 2024, gunmen killed two vigilante members guarding Isiala Mbano Local Government Area headquarters and a policeman after setting ablaze the Obowo Police Station in the state.

According to Metro gathered that the gunmen also burnt some vehicles parked at the council premises.

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