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PDP nominates 31 chairmanship, 368 councillorship candidates  

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The Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State has nominated 31 chairmanship and 368 councillorship candidates in preparation for the state’s Local Government polls scheduled for October 5, 2024.

The candidates were nominated in the party primaries held  throughout the state on Saturday which stakeholders described as “peaceful and successful.”

Speaking in his Nsit-Ubium LG, the state governor, Umo Eno, hailed the peaceful conduct of the primaries ascribing the success to the peace being enjoyed in the state

He appreciated the people of the state, particularly the party faithful, for conducting themselves throughout the exercise, especially in a period when several parts of the country were not still in turmoil generated by the hunger protest.

“I want to appreciate all of us for the peaceful conduct of the primaries. The success of our party primaries is largely due to the peace enjoyed in our state and the general disposition of my administration,” Eno stated.

The governor, who reiterated his commitment to unveil and implement more welfare packages for the youths, congratulated the chairmanship candidate of Nsit Ubium, Mr Alfred Charles and all councillorship candidates who emerged from the nomination exercise.

Eno urged them to be ready to work and maintain the party’s democratic ethos, as well as contribute to driving the community development efforts encapsulated in his ARISE agenda.

In Oron LG, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, hailed the party’s peaceful primaries, saying the PDP has once again shown a good example of “orderliness and peace” in the conduct of its affairs in the state.

In his remarks, the state PDP chairman, Aniekan Akpan, who witnessed the nomination of Uyo Ukpanah in the
Ukanafun LG, lauded the delegates and party faithful for the successful conduct of the exercise, saying it is an indication of the party’s “readiness to win at the polls and continuing to deliver good governance to the people.”

In Abak LG, the primaries ended on a peaceful note as delegates converged on the Independence Hall to elect Mrs Ime Charles as the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming LG elections.

Speaking after the exercise in Abak, the Speaker of the state House Assembly, Udeme Otong; a former National Assembly member, Aniekan Umanah, and other leaders in Abak predicted a massive victory for the party in the October polls.

Adamawa intensifies surveillance after cattle disease outbreak in neighbouring Taraba

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The government of Adamawa State has intensified surveillance against possible outbreak of hemorrhagic septicemia, a deadly cattle disease.
Hemorrhagic septicemia, a bacterial disease that mainly affects cattle and usually causes high mortality, is dreaded in Adamawa State which has a large population of cows.
After the outbreak of the suspected hemorrhagic septicemia in the Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, the Adamawa State Government commenced surveillance and monitoring assessments, particularly along the seven LGAs bordering Taraba.
Disclosing this to newsmen in Yola, the Permanent Secretary of Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, Dr Aminu Mohammed, said in light of the documented case in the Sardauna LGA from where the disease has spread to other LGAs in Taraba State, the Adamawa State Ministry of Agriculture directed all divisional veterinary officers to intensify efforts in conducting thorough examinations to prevent the disease from entering the state.
Mohammed, a veterinary doctor, described hemorrhagic septicemia as a disease that predominantly affects not only cows but buffaloes, goats and pigs, with symptoms that includes high fever, swelling (particularly in the neck area), depression, breathing difficulties, among others, often leading to the death of affected animals within 24 hours.
He disclosed that recognizing the substantial economic and social benefits of livestock, his Ministry has submitted a proposal to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for the procurement of medications for mass vaccinations.
He said although Adamawa State shares borders with Taraba in the seven LGAs of Toungo, Ganye, Jada, Mayo Belwa, Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde, his Ministry has expanded its surveillance to the other Adamawa LGAs of Mubi North, Mubi South, and Maiha.
He urged the general public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspected cases to the Ministry or veterinary clinics or officials.
Adamawa intensifies surveillance after cattle disease outbreak in neighbouring Taraba

Man found dead in Kwara well

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A yet-to-be-identified man was recovered dead in a well in the Manjasurawa area of Ilorin, Kwara State capital.

The incident, according to a statement by the Kwara State Fire Service Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

He noted that residents had alerted the fire service about a man who was reportedly found floating in a well which prompted the firemen to embark on a rescue operation.

Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, Adekunle noted that the man was recovered dead.

He said, “On Sunday, August 4, 2024, at approximately 08:23 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service was summoned to a rescue operation at Aliara Street, Manjasurawa Area, Ilorin.

“An unidentified man, estimated to be about 38 years old, was found drowned in a domestic well. The firemen promptly commenced their rescue operation and recovered the man dead.”

Adekunle noted that the body was handed over to the police in the area for further investigation.

“His body was handed over to DCO Olatunji of the Nigeria Police Force, Ganmo Division. An investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the incident,” he concluded.

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JAMB reaffirms age requirement for admission, cracks down on illegal practices

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reiterated its stance that candidates under the age of 16 will not be admitted for the 2024/2025 academic session.
This follows a directive from the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasizing that only candidates 16 years and older are eligible for admission this year.
At a press conference held at its national headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, stated, “For the 2024 admission cycle, candidates who will be at least 16 years old at the time of admission will be considered eligible.”
He further explained that the decision aligns with Prof. Tahir Mamman’s directive during the 2024 National Policy Meeting, which mandates the enforcement of the 6-3-3-4 education policy starting from the 2025 session.
Benjamin expressed concerns about the rising submission of falsified affidavits and doctored documents, saying, “The alarming avalanche of obviously false affidavits and upsurge of doctored upward age-adjustments on NIN slips being submitted to JAMB to upgrade recorded age is dangerous, inimical and unnecessary.”
Read also: Protesters persist in Kano on Day 4 despite Tinubu’s plea
He added, “Only those below 16 would not and should not be admitted in accordance with the decision of the 2024 Policy Meeting.”
Additionally, Benjamin noted that JAMB will no longer accept admissions under the “Condonement of Illegal Admissions” policy, which had been used to regularize pre-2017 unofficial admissions.
Benjamin criticized the abuse of this policy, which was introduced alongside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) in 2017 to enhance transparency and accuracy in admissions.
He stated, “The Board’s position is informed by the discovery of widespread and unwholesome practice whereby some institutions were colluding with candidates to falsify vital details.”
In response to these abuses, JAMB has instructed all institutions to disclose any illegally admitted candidates from before 2017 by August 2024, emphasizing that such admissions will no longer be recognized if not disclosed within this timeframe.
The Board also denounced unauthorized part-time programs, such as the Daily Part-Time (DPT) program recently advertised by Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic. Benjamin described these programs as fraudulent, stating, “They are fraudulent devices to side-line quality, approved quota for full-time admission, falsify records, and consequently, rake illegitimate income.”
He urged institutions to retract misleading advertisements and warned candidates to avoid unrecognized programs. “Part-time programs are strictly regulated and should not be confused with full-time programs,” he said.
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Nationwide protest: Tinubu hasn’t disappointed Nigerians – Okupe

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A former Presidential spokesperson, Dr Doyin Okupe, says President Bola Tinubu has not disappointed Nigerians in his address to the nation on the nationwide protests on Sunday.
Okupe, a former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, made this while reacting to the president’s broadcast on Sunday.
“President Bola Tinubu’s speech has not disappointed Nigerians in that for the first time, the president clearly stated the daunting economic situation his administration met on ground at inception.
“He also amplified the strenuous efforts made by his government to reduce the prevailing crippling and stagnating debt servicing ratio from 97 per cent of earned revenue to 68 per cent.
“In truth, this has been the major cause of our present economic woes and sufferings.
“It is now self-evident that if the fuel subsidy was not removed, it would have been impossible for the government to function.
“And the government will not be able to meet its obligations, without continuing the profligacy of massive and sustained borrowing to fund the subsequent national budgets,” Okupe said.
Nationwide protest: Tinubu hasn’t disappointed Nigerians – Okupe

Protesters persist in Kano on Day 4 despite Tinubu’s plea

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On Sunday, hundreds of demonstrators continued their protest in Kano, marking the fourth day of the nationwide demonstration against hunger and poor governance.
The protest occurred just hours after President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation, urging the youth to halt their demonstrations, claiming he had heard their concerns clearly.
Simultaneously, the Kano State government eased the previously imposed 24-hour curfew, reducing it by six hours to run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to alleviate its impact on residents.
The protesters, primarily young people, were seen rallying in areas such as Bakin Zuwo and Koki in Dala Local Government Area, Sharada in Kano Municipal, and Gadon Kaya in Gwale Local Government Area.
Read also: Falana criticizes Nigerian govt’s violent response to protests
Observers reported that demonstrators were waving Russian flags, suggesting they might seek assistance from Russian President Vladimir Putin. An eyewitness in Bakin Zuwo, Malam Salisu, described the scene, stating, “I saw the protesters in their numbers around 10 a.m. They were holding the Russian flag. They were protesting against the bad governance issues of insecurity and hardship among others.”
Another resident posted a video on X, using the handle @Tkr__khalifa, showing protesters in Bakin Zuwo with Russian flags and chanting “koya gyara sai ya sauka,” which translates to “whether he adjusts or not, he must go.” The tweet was accompanied by the caption, “Hunger protest continues in Kano for the fourth day. This is coming after the hopeless speech by the President of the country.”
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Kwara seeks army’s help for cleaner environment

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In a bid to ensure a clean and healthy environment across the state, the Kwara State Government has sought the collaboration of the 22 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Olufemi Williams, for the sustenance of a cleaner Kwara.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, disclosed this on Saturday when she paid a courtesy visit to the 22 Brigade Commander at its Sobi headquarters, Ilorin, the state capital.

According to her, “We are here to seek the collaboration of the Nigerian Army to achieve a cleaner Kwara, most especially on the enforcement of laws, during the monthly sanitation exercise as well as curbing deforestation, in order to sustain a clean and hygienic environment, capable of paving the way for healthy living.”

According to a statement by the Press Secretary in the Ministry, Abolarinwa Esther, and made available to journalists on Sunday, Buge revealed that indiscriminate dumping has become rampant in the metropolis, and, if urgent action is not taken, may lead to the outbreak of cholera that is presently ravaging almost 33 states of the country.

She, therefore, reiterated the commitment of the present administration under the leadership of the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to making sure that our environment is safe and healthy for residents.

Responding, the 22 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Olufemi Williams, commended AbdulRazaq for his efforts at repositioning the state to be safe for healthy living and also attractive to investors for even development.

Willians also appreciated the commissioner for taking the right step to tackle the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the metropolis, assuring her of the Force’s readiness to give the ministry all necessary support, to enforce environmental laws and other areas their services might be needed, to achieve a healthy environment in the state.

Imo CP vows to apprehend killers of community heads

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The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, has assured the general public, particularly the residents of the Umucheke community in Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State that the Command under his watch will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the killers of Eze Umucheke’s cabinet members are all arrested and brought to justice.

In a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye and made available to newsmen, said, “The Command’s tactical units, in synergy with the other security agencies and the local vigilantes, are presently combing the surrounding forests in Onuimo communities, for possible apprehension of the fleeing suspects”.

Danjuma gave this assurance during his condolence visit to the Umucheke Community in the early hours of Sunday together with the Sole Administrator of Onuimo LGA, Dr. Emeka Obi, representative of the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Major AI Maikarifi, Commandant NSCDC, Comdt. Mathew Ovye, and other security agencies, for an on-the-spot assessment of the heinous crime.

The Commissioner strongly condemned the tragic killings of the innocent community chiefs, describing it as a barbaric, inhumane, and senseless act of violence. He commiserated with the families of the bereaved and the entire Umucheke community over the unfortunate demise of their loved ones and vowed that their deaths would certainly not go in vain.

He assured that a detachment of the command’s tactical unit would be stationed permanently at the Community to evade any further threat of attack until peace returned to the community.

Meanwhile, preliminary findings revealed that the attack was perpetrated by gunmen, suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN, numbering about six on three motorcycles.

The Police spokesperson said the residents of the Umucheke community allegedly saw the hoodlums but didn’t report them to the police or other security agencies until they perpetrated the dastardly killings and left the community.

Emphasizing the imperativeness of community participation in the fight against violent crimes, the commissioner urged the residents of Onuimo and other communities in the State to continue to support the Police and other security agencies in the State by remaining security conscious and reporting any suspicious person or activity within their vicinity to the nearest police station.

Widow, six kids hospitalized after taking poisoned pap

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A widow, Amina Isah alongside her children and grandchildren numbering six were reported to have fallen sick and were rushed to the hospital after taking a pap at Egba in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The children are identified as; Benjamin, Piko, Esther, Hassan Emmanuel and one other.

A source from the community who identified himself as Adaji told our correspondent on Sunday that the widow and her six family members were vomiting after taking a pap and were rushed to a private clinic in the community.

A resident stated that the elderly widow and three of the children were unconscious at the time they were taken to the hospital.

Speaking to our correspondent on the phone, the doctor who doubles as proprietor of the clinic, known as ‘Dr Gana Clinic’, Dr Oyaje Sule, confirmed that the seven patients were in his clinic.

According to him, three of the patients including the widow were brought in unconscious, adding that the family were reported to have used the remnants of guinea corn already mixed with chemical for planting to make a pap.

Dr Sule said, “It is true they brought a woman who I have known in the community, alongside her children and grandchildren numbering seven to my clinic this morning.

“The woman is a widow with her three children and three grandchildren, their ages range from three to 30 years aside from their grandmother who is elderly.

“As at the time they were brought, the woman and two others were unconscious but thank God they have been revived.

“What I was told is that the family had mixed chemicals with guinea corn they were to plant, after planting the guinea corn, the remaining was brought home and they washed it and went and ground it to make pap.

“It was after they took the pap this morning that they started vomiting and some of them were unconscious before they were rushed to my clinic.”

Falana criticizes Nigerian govt’s violent response to protests

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Femi Falana, a leading Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate, has harshly criticized the government’s handling of the nationwide protests against economic hardships and poor governance.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana accused the government of waging “a vicious campaign of blackmail and calumny” to undermine the valid grievances of the demonstrators.
“Instead of addressing the demands of the youths, the federal government and some state governments embarked on a vicious campaign of blackmail and calumny,” Falana said.
He also took issue with disparaging remarks from senior officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who reportedly said, “while you protest, we shall be eating,” and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who referred to the protesters as “idiots.”
Falana condemned the government’s measures to quell the protests, such as obtaining ex parte orders to limit protest locations and deploying thugs to disrupt demonstrations.
The statement detailed that Nigerian youths had planned protests against bad governance from August 1-10, 2024, presenting various demands to the government. Instead of addressing these demands, the federal and some state governments engaged in a “vicious campaign of blackmail and calumny,” accusing the youths of being manipulated by disgruntled politicians without evidence.
Read also: NCC, Maida deny granting MTN, Glo, others permission to increase tariff
The Senate President’s comment, “while you protest, we shall be eating,” and Vice President Shettima’s description of protesters as “idiots,” were deemed provocative by Falana.
Efforts to prevent the protests included meetings with selected leaders, misleading withdrawals by fake groups, and the mobilization of thugs to either disrupt or stage counter-protests in support of the government, Falana said.
On the eve of the protests, Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory secured court orders to confine protesters to specific areas. Despite these orders not being formally served to organizers, the protesters complied and assembled in the designated locations.
Contrary to the government’s expectations, the protests were largely peaceful in many states. However, the media reported attacks by thugs and overzealous police officers, resulting in several deaths and injuries among protesters. Journalists were also harassed.
Falana criticized the police for failing to protect protesters and allowing thugs to cause chaos. He pointed out that some police officers, lacking proper equipment, resorted to using live ammunition.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has threatened military intervention if the protests continue. Falana argued that such threats are illegal and unconstitutional, citing precedents that restrict military involvement in civil matters unless specifically mandated by law.
Falana also urged the federal and state governments to investigate the killings, provide compensation to the victims’ families, and ensure that peaceful protests are not criminalized. He called for a response to the protesters’ demands, particularly the reversal of the fuel subsidy withdrawal and a commitment to combat corruption in the oil sector.
He concluded by emphasizing that peaceful protests are a fundamental democratic right and criticized the government’s efforts to restrict this right, urging that Nigeria’s democracy be preserved and enhanced.
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