Home Blog Page 419

41 feared dead in Zamfara boat accident

admin
-
0
41 feared dead in Zamfara boat accident

Forty-one persons are feared dead in a boat accident in Gummi town, the headquarters of Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

An eyewitness, who is an indigene of the town, Abubakar Muhammad, told According to Online that the deceased were going to their farms in the early hours of Saturday when the boat capsized.

Mohammed said there were 53 farmers in the boat, and only 12 were rescued alive, including the captain of the boat, and the remaining 41 were dead.

He said, “When the boat capsized today, Saturday morning, I was one of those who were present near the river close to Gummi town.

“Immediately, the boat capsized. It sunk into the river with all the passengers.

“We did our best to rescue them, but unfortunately, we were only able to bring out 12 persons alive, including the captain of the boat.

“The bodies of the other 41 passengers were evacuated out of the water.”

Confirming the accident to According to Online on the telephone, the Sole Administrator, Gummi Local Government Area, Alhaji Na’Allah Musa, said the boat was overloaded.

According to him, the captain of the boat told the passengers that some of them must come down, but all of them refused to listen.

He said, “There were many people on the boat, and the captain did all he could to reduce the number, but nobody wanted to be left behind.

“When he did all he could to reduce the number but failed, he was left with no option but to start going.

“As he moved forward, the boat capsized and sunk into the river due to overloading.

“Only four of the passengers were able to swim out of the river, while the rescue operators were able to save others.

“There were many casualties, but actually I can’t say exactly how many of them have died because we are still looking for other missing passengers.”

Anambra LG election a fraud, offensive, says LP

admin
-
0
Anambra LG election a fraud, offensive, says LP

The Anambra State Chapter of the Labour Party has rejected the nomination of certain members and current Local Government Transition members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance as Labour Party candidates for the upcoming Local Government election.

The party has reaffirmed its stance of non-participation in the election, scheduled for September 28, 2024, calling it a “sham” and “obnoxious.”

In a press release signed by the LP’s State Publicity Secretary, Theo Egbe, obtained by our correspondent on Saturday and dated September 14, 2024, the party accused the Anambra State Government and the State Independent Electoral Commission of orchestrating a fraudulent election process.

According to the party, the local government election has been marred by “illegally packaged” candidates, many of whom are affiliated with the Charles Soludo faction of APGA, the ruling party in Anambra State.

The LP Anambra chapter claims that the recent publication of these so-called Labour Party candidates by ANSIEC is misleading and reflects a larger issue of compromised governance.

Specifically, the party highlighted that key figures in the ANSIEC list, including the current Transition Chairman for Orumba North LGA, Nwafor Chinonso, are APGA stalwarts and should not be associated with the Labour Party.

The party also disclosed that it has initiated legal proceedings against the Anambra State Government and ANSIEC.

Their court case, A/265/2024: Labour Party vs. Anambra State House of Assembly & Others, challenges the legitimacy of the election. The suit, already served, is still pending in court.

The statement read in part, “This our unchanging position that LP is not participating in the charade has officially been conveyed to ANSIEC, and the entire Anambrarians were unmistakably and unequivocally put on the same notice too.

“Our suit with NoA/265/2024 has been duly served on the commission and is still pending in Court.

“Our official letter to ANSIEC is copied to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Director of DSS, and other relevant bodies, dated 9th September 2024; Labour Party remained unequivocal about our total lack of faith, trust, and confidence in both ANSIEC and the shabby illegal process they adopted, for being at complete variance with due process and the Electoral Act, 2022.”

The statement further added, “It is very worrisome, criminally egregious and outlandishly absurd that Labour Party that sued the commission never sold nomination forms nor conducted any primary elections, and never submitted its register not to mention submission of any list of candidates to ANSIEC, was dubiously published and held out to have ‘sponsored’ candidates for the farcical Local Government Election.

“A careful perusal of the commission’s list of these fangled LabourParty “candidates” reveals that the names belong to known members of the defeated Soludo faction of APGA, including the name of a current APGA Transition Chairman,(Orumba North LGA) Mr.Nwafor Chinonso, CharlesMary Casimir and that of both past and current Transition Councilors of APGA extraction.”

The LP further accused ANSIEC of violating the Electoral Act of 2022, highlighting that the commission neither sold nomination forms nor conducted any primary elections to select legitimate Labour Party candidates.

The party stressed that this irregular process undermines the principles of due process and electoral fairness.

In the press release, the Labour Party described the actions of ANSIEC and the Anambra State Government as a “criminal assault” on the electoral process and an affront to the law-abiding citizens of the state.

The Labour Party, Anambra State Chapter views this conduct of ANSIEC and Anambra State Government as a criminal assault on due process and a rape of the Electoral Laws of the land, as well as unwarranted provocation of the law-abiding members of the Labour Party at large.

The party further condemned the Anambra government for engaging in what it termed a “farce,” accusing them of “sponsoring” the nomination of individuals who do not belong to the Labour Party.

“The Labour Party, Anambra State Chapter views this conduct of ANSIEC and Anambra State Government as a criminal assault on due process and a rape of the Electoral Laws of the land,” the statement stated.

Despite the harsh criticism, the Labour Party still extended an olive branch to the state government, urging it to postpone the September 28 election and save Anambra from what they describe as a costly sham.

The party argued that rescheduling the election would provide an opportunity for a legitimate, well-organized process that adheres to electoral laws, where all political parties can meaningfully participate.

“Anambra state has absolutely nothing to lose by rescheduling this unacceptable and inglorious proposed sham called LGA Council election,” the Labour Party stated, adding that rescheduling would allow for a proper and lawful election in the future.

The LP, however, pledged to remain law-abiding and diligent in its fight against what it views as the unlawful election process.

Group urges INEC to conduct free, fair exercise

admin
-
0
Group urges INEC to conduct free, fair exercise

A civil rights group, under the aegis of Talakawas, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a credible, transparent, free, and fair governorship election in Edo State to avoid a political crisis in the state.

The group also called on the police to discharge their responsibilities in line with the provisions of the constitution and the Police Act by providing security for the voters and other stakeholders during the exercise.

The President of the Talakawas parliament, Kola Edokpayi, who disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Benin, said the provision of adequate security would ensure the people cast their votes without intimidation.

Edokpayi, who also expressed worry over the proliferation of arms in the state, urged security agencies to with immediate effect disarm those with illegal possession of firearms.

He also cautioned “desperate politicians” to desist forthwith from fanning the embers of discord and beating the drum of war.

He said, “The political class take cognizance of the fact that power is transient. The election is not a declaration of war. Let brotherly love continue.

“We don’t see any reason for arming the people with weapons to unleash violence and mayhem in the 21st century.

“As critical stakeholders and advocates of peace and justice, it would amount to tomfoolery if we keep silent in the midst of incipient political conflagration engulfing the state ahead of the poll,” Edokpayi added.

Edokpayi urged eligible voters with Permanent voter cards to come out en masse and cast their vote on September 21.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Alimikhena dumps PDP, rejoins APC ahead of Edo poll

admin
-
0
Alimikhena dumps PDP, rejoins APC ahead of Edo poll

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, former Edo North Senator, Francis Alimikhena, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress.

A Chieftain of the APC in the Etsako West Local Government Area, Zibiri Muhammed, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Saturday.

He said, “Yes, Senator Alimikhena is now a member of the APC. So, he has joined the APC and will officially decamp today.

“Alimikhena would be received by the National Chairman of our party, Abdullahi Ganduje, at our grand finale rally at the UNIBEN sports complex.”

Muhammed said the former senator is already on his way with other party leaders to the campaign rally.

Alimikhena, who served two terms as a Senator under the APC, dumped the party for PDP when he lost the Edo North senatorial ticket to Senator Adams Oshiomhole at the primary election for the 2023 general election.

He then moved to the PDP, where he contested the National Assembly election under the PDP, losing to Oshiomhole.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Atiku, govs, others in Edo for PDP final campaign rally

admin
-
0
Atiku, govs, others in Edo for PDP final campaign rally

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Acting National Chairman, Iliya Damagum and state governors have arrived in Benin City, Edo, for the Peoples Democratic Party final rally ahead of the gubernatorial poll on September 21.

Also, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers; Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa; Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State among others, arrived in the state for the event.

The PDP chieftains were received at the airport on Saturday by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Asue Ighodalo.

See photos of Atiku’s arrival below.

Image

Image

Image

Image

In a related development, the former Vice President, PDP Governors, National Working Committee members, and other national leaders paid a birthday visit to the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Gabriel Igbinedion, at his residence in Benin City.

In a post via his official X handle on Saturday, the party said the visit was a show of respect and admiration for Igbinedion.

The party said the delegation joined family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate Esama’s 90th birthday, marking a lifetime of remarkable achievements and contributions to Nigerian society.

“The post added, “We honour a statesman, a bridge-builder, and a symbol of unity. Sir Chief Dr. Igbinedion’s selfless service to Nigeria deserves to be celebrated.

The visit underscores the PDP’s commitment to honouring esteemed leaders and fostering unity among Nigerians.”

Image

Image

Image

Image

12-year-old girl tortured for two years rescued in Akwa Ibom

admin
-
0
12-year-old girl tortured for two years rescued in Akwa Ibom

The operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, have rescued a 12-year-old girl, Bright Sunday, who was allegedly locked up in a dilapidated building by her father.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Uyo, the state capital, on Saturday.

He said the victim was locked up by her father, Ndifreke Sunday, in connivance with her stepmother, Mrs Victory Sunday – 28 years old, both from Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom local government area of the state.

He said that the victim’s rescue and subsequent arrest of the suspects followed a complaint from the State Ministry of Justice about the suspects torturing the victim.

Eluwade added that the suspects were arrested for child deprivation and abuse in line with Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.

“The arrest was made on Tuesday, September 10, at Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom State, following a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice about the suspect subjecting his daughter to inhumane treatment.

“The suspects admitted to locking up the child because she confessed to being a witch and responsible for his afflictions,” Eluwade said.

The commandant noted that the victim would be handed over to Gender-Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation,
condemned the act of subjecting the young girl to inhumane treatment, describing it as barbaric, callous and heinous.

He warned parents to desist from such acts, under whatever guise, as the agency of government would not relent in apprehending offenders.

He said that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action.

Sharing her ordeal while speaking with newsmen, the victim lamented that she was kept locked up in a dilapidated room, denied food, bathing and subjected to consistent beating from her stepmother.

She also said she was fed once in two days, allowed to bath a maximum of twice a month and denied education.

Police beef up security in Bauchi ahead of Eid-El-Maulud

admin
-
0
Police beef up security in Bauchi ahead of Eid-El-Maulud

Bauchi State Police Command has disclosed the increase in patrols and strengthening of security throughout the state ahead of the celebration of Eid-El-Maulud.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, disclosed this on Saturday in a press statement issued on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Auwal Mohammed.

The statement read, “In line with the command’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful celebration, the commissioner of police has instructed all area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical units to increase patrols and strengthen security throughout the state.

“Additional resources have been deployed, and intelligence efforts have been heightened to address potential threats to public safety proactively.”

The PPRO maintained that, “The commissioner also urges all Muslim faithful to take the opportunity to promote peace, unity, and tolerance within the diverse society.

“He calls upon all citizens to stay vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and abide by the law.”

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According to.

Contact: [email protected]

Students trapped as building collapses in Edo

admin
-
0
Students trapped as building collapses in Edo

The student community at Ekosodin, Edo State was thrown into panic on Saturday morning when a storey building on Ekhator Street, Benin, the state capital, collapsed during the early morning downpour in the state.

Ekosodin borders the University of Benin and has a huge student population as those who cannot get accommodation in the school opt to live in the area.

According to Online gathered that some of the trapped students have been rescued while the search for others continue.

One of the students at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that a university rescue team managed to evacuate some of the trapped occupants, though several were severely injured.

He stated that the injured victims were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

“The rescue team is still searching for one of the victims who remains trapped inside the rubble, called from inside and the rescue team has continued its search to locate and rescue her and others who are still trapped,” the student said.

The Dean of Student Affairs is said to be on the scene, coordinating rescue efforts alongside the university team.

As of the time of this report, the university management has yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of individuals affected by the incident.

When According to Online contacted the State Fire Service, an official in the control room, who identified himself as Sylvester, said that three of its trucks were there to assist in the rescue.

“Our men are on ground to help in the rescue mission,” he added.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According to.

Contact: [email protected]

2027: I’m open to working with other candidates

admin
-
0
2027: I’m open to working with other candidates

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said he is open to partnering with those who share his vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.

In a series of posts via his official X handle on Saturday, Obi emphasized he is not desperate to become president or any position but is determined to see Nigeria develop.

He was reacting to an alleged misinterpretation of his recent television interview, claiming that some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.

The former Anambra State Governor said he does not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

He said, “I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV. In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail. However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.

“Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record. I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

“I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture. I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.”

The former governor stated that he remains committed to the Labour Party, adding that he is committed to bringing millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms.

“I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election.

“I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.

“My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words. For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal.

“I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria. My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing, ” he added.

Kogi gov meets Shaibu, galvanises support for Okpebholo

admin
-
0
Kogi gov meets Shaibu, galvanises support for Okpebholo

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, as a true representation of the aspirations of the people of the state.

He, therefore, promised to use his contacts and cultural ties with the people of Edo State to ensure the victory of the party and its candidate in the Edo governorship election.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Special adviser to the governor, Ismaila Isah, stated that Ododo made the declaration at the APC youth rally in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, on Friday.

Ododo, who was received by the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, promised to galvanize support among the large population of youth and women in the area for the victory of the APC candidate in the September 21 governorship election.

He appealed to the people of Akoko-Edo to shun all acts of violence but to resist intimidation by defending their votes for the APC in the election.

“The APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, will replicate the outstanding performance of the past APC leadership in the state led by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, stressing that the APC and its governorship candidate will deliver on their campaign promises by giving topmost priority to the welfare of the people as currently being exemplified in Kogi State under leadership, ” Ododo said.

He said that Ododo, who spoke in English and Ebira languages, commended the people of Akoko-Edo for their peaceful conduct in the course of the campaign and assured them that their support would be rewarded by the APC and its governorship candidate once the party emerged victorious in the September 21 governorship election.

Ododo has since arrived in Benin City, the Edo state capital, ahead of the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally on Saturday, where he is expected to address the rally along with other leaders of the party in the final push for the party’s victory in the Edo state governorship election.

1...418419420...2,807Page 419 of 2,807
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv