Lawmakers in the Cross River State House of Assembly have called on the State Government to take steps towards the systematic evacuation of the Fulani herders as a permanent solution to the destruction of farmlands in parts of the state.
There are reports that hundreds of Fulanis have invaded many villages in Bekwarra LGA of the state.
Recently, many farms were destroyed in Ukpada village in Bekwarra Local Government Area of the state by Fulani herders, which resulted in huge losses.
On the 1st of July, 2024, women of Ukpada village carried out a peaceful protest over the wanton destruction of their farms by Fulani herders who had taken possession of their farms.
The lawmakers have now directed the state government to, as a matter of urgency, implement the Cross River State Livestock Management and Grazing Law passed by the 9th Assembly.
The Lawmakers made the resolutions following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by the member representing Bekwarra State Constituency and Minority Whip of the House, Hon. Charles Omang Omang.
He expressed sadness that his constituents, mostly farmers, were now afraid to go to their farms because of the presence of Fulani herders who allegedly carry dangerous weapons.
Also contributing, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi condemned the activities of the Fulani herders whom he said prefered their cattle to human beings, adding that the problem was not peculiar to Bekwarra but in other LGAs across the State.
Both the Majority and Minority Leaders, Francis Asuquo and Samuel Neji Abang, respectively, stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent crises in the area.
Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem decried the activities of herdsmen who allowed their cattle to destroy farms and crops, adding that the implementation of the Livestock Management and Grazing Law would greatly facilitate peaceful coexistence, as well as secure farmers’ investment.
Farm destruction: C’River Assembly urges govt to evacuate Fulani herders
Farm destruction: C’River Assembly urges govt to evacuate Fulani herders
Abia community renews ban on open grazing of cattle
The ban placed on open grazing of cattle on farmlands in various villages of Ibeku ancient Kingdom, Umuahia North LGA of Abia state has been renewed by the people.
The President General of Ibeku Egwu Asaa Development Association (IEADA) Jerry Onyemachi, who announced the renewal in Umuahia, explained that the ban on open grazing was still effective.
He cautioned cattle owners, cattle rearers and their “collaborators” against openly grazing their cattle on people’s farms in Ibeku land.
The President General, who expressed worry on the activities of cattle on farmlands in some Ibeku communities, especially Ajata Amuzu Ibeku, directed the owners of the cattle to remove them without delay.
According to the IEADA President General, “disobedience to the anti-open grazing directive would not be tolerated in any part of Ibeku land.”
Abia community renews ban on open grazing of cattle
Again unknown gunmen murder traditional ruler, son in Taraba
Another traditional ruler has been gruesomely murdered in Taraba State.
The monarch, who was the third class chief of Chanchanji, in Takum local government council of the state, was killed alongside his son.
Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya and his son, Yusuf Kunbiya were said to have been gruesomely murdered by unidentified gunmen on Friday evening.
TVN learnt that the incident took place along the Takum-Chanchanji road as the king was returning from a burial ceremony.
As of the time of filing this report, the area has been enveloped in tension.
It could be recalled that the village head of Usmanu village in Karim-Lamido local government council of the state, Alhaji Auwal Abubakar, and his younger brother, were also recently killed by gunmen.
The State police spokesperson, Gambo Kwache, confirmed the murder to TVN in the early hours of Saturday.
“We got the report that the third class chief of Chanchanji and his son were killed in an ambush in Jakudi village,” he said.
She added that more heavily armed policemen and other security agencies had been deployed to the area to maintain peace and order.
Condemning the killings, the leadership of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, through a statement issued by its President General, Chief James Baka, called on the government and security operatives to bring the perpetrators to book.
He pleaded with the people of the community to remain calm and allow the security operatives perform their constitutional responsibilities.
Again unknown gunmen murder traditional ruler, son in Taraba
FG okays Kogi govt’s Livestock Service Centre
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation on the side of the Kogi State Government for the proposed site for the Livestock Service Centre.
The National Project Coordinator of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES), Alh. Abubakar Sanusi made the remark while briefing journalists shortly after an assessment tour of the proposed site at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH) Osara Kogi State.
He said he was impressed with the leadership quality of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the State L-PRES team, adding that the introduction of mechanized farming in the State was in line with the renewed hope agenda.
He said the Livestock Service Centre when completed would improve productivity and commercialisation of livestock value chain.
“Livestock Service Centre is like a mini-complex having a lot of livestock activities going on. We have a veterinary clinic, processing facilities, abattoir, market for selling livestocks, and training of livestock farmers.
“We have provisions to establish 5 Livestock Service Centres and we want to assess the states.
“Kogi has shown interest that they want to establish the Centre, making it 12 states that have shown interest. We are here in Kogi on assessment and report back,” he added.
While urging the people of the state to embrace the project, Abubakar emphasized that the L-PRES project will reduce the menace of farmers-herders clashes in the country.
The Kogi State Project Coordinator of L-PRES Dr Olufemi Bolarin said about $31.2 million had been earmarked for the development of the Livestock Service Centre.
“The Kogi Livestock Service Centre will significantly contribute to the economic development of Kogi State by creating jobs, enhancing productivity and fostering sustainable practices.
“This project will not only boost the livestock sector but also catalyze broader economic growth and development in the region,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH) Osara Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu expressed delight over the location of the Centre in the Institution, stressing that it was coming at a time the National Universities Commission approved Faculty of Agriculture for the university.
FG okays Kogi govt’s Livestock Service Centre
Islamic scholar advises President Tinubu to address economic hardship urgently
A former Commissioner for Religious Affairs in Zamfara State, Sheikh Tukur Sani Jangebe has called on President Bola Ahamad Tunibu to find a lasting solution to the present economic hardship in the country.
Sheikh Jangebe stated this in Gusau, the State capital while fielding questions from newsmen.
According to him, the common man in the country now finds it very difficult to feed once a day.
“Leprosy and poverty are twins but the difference is that leprosy attacks the body while poverty attacks the mind.
“The economic hardship if allowed to continue the way it is may leave so many Nigerians frustrated which may result in a breakdown of law and order,” he cautioned.
The Islamic cleric advised the federal government not to treat the issue of food security and abject poverty with a mere wave of hand.
Islamic scholar advises President Tinubu to address economic hardship urgently
I stole sacred item from Pope’s apartment – Ex-Playboy playmate, Jenny McCarthy confesses
Jenny McCarthy has revealed she stole a sacred item from Pope Francis during a trip to Italy.
Fox News reports that the 51-year-old TV personality, who was raised in a devout Catholic family, made the confession during a Wednesday appearance on the “Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa” podcast,
“I stole a cross from the Vatican and gave it to my mother,” ‘the Masked Singer’ judge told host Kelly Ripa.
“My mom’s like, ‘You know, this is not okay.’” She added.
However, McCarthy went on to clarify that she didn’t “personally” steal the cross but said it was purloined by one of her girlfriends while they were visiting the Pope’s apartment in Vatican City.
McCarthy then revealed that her mother, Linda, kept the cross, which she said is prominently displayed at her home.
“She still has it on the wall, though, so I feel like it was — it’s in good hands,” McCarthy said.
I stole sacred item from Pope’s apartment – Ex-Playboy playmate, Jenny McCarthy confesses
N70,000 minimum wage: We’ll continue to fight for your rights – NLC assures workers
Following their agreement with the Nigeria Government on minimum wage, the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Friday convened an emergency meeting.
TVN reported that the NLC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa where both parties agreed to have N70,000 as the new minimum wage.
However, during their emergency meeting on Friday, the NLC said it demanded full and strict compliance to the new national minimum wage from both the national and subnational governments.
NLC further commended and applauded the doggedness of the leadership of the Congress on the courage and forthrightness with which they fought for the new minimum wage.
“NEC-in-session concluded that this decision, though challenging and far from our initial demand, was made in the spirit of solidarity and sacrifice for Nigerian masses to avert a threatened further hike in the price of Petrol which would inflict more hardship on the already suffering masses,” a statement signed by Joseph Ajaero, its President, General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, and Treasurer, Ambali Olatunji, said.
“Once again, NEC-in-session restates the commitment of the NLC to continue to stand resolutely in its mission to defend and advance the rights of Nigerian workers and Nigerian people at all times.
“It therefore calls on all Nigerians to unite in this cause and to hold our leaders accountable to the same standards of sacrifice and service,” it added.
N70,000 minimum wage: We’ll continue to fight for your rights – NLC assures workers
Minimum wage: Benue, Osun will pay N70,000 – Govs Alia, Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured workers in the state of paying the new minimum wage of N70,000.
Adeleke assured workers that he won’t default in the payment of the minimum wage because their welfare is his priority.
The governor spoke through his Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi in Osogbo, the state capital.
Adeleke said after the National Assembly might have passed the bill and finalised with every other thing on it, the state government would abide by the rule because “it has become a law”.
He said: “Our governor is a lover of workers; his first agenda is to prioritise the welfare of workers both active and non-active.
“Governor Adeleke will not be among the defaulters of the new minimum wage. Osun State will never deviate from the law on minimum wage.”
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had approved the sum of N70,000 as new national minimum wage during a meeting with the organized labour.
Labour had demanded for N250,000 but representatives of the Nigerian government opted for N60,000.
However, the president approved N70,000 for workers during the week.
Similarly, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State assured workers in the state of his administration’s readiness to pay N70,000 new minimum wage.
Alia gave the assurance while addressing journalists in Makurdi, the state capital.
The governor said his administration has blocked all the leakages, hence can pay N70,000 minimum wage.
According to Alia: “Though with harsh economy things have been stagnated but with all the plans and measures that are in place for things to function, things are moving, even our internally generated Revenue has increased
“It’s now left for us to close all loopholes to see how much we can cash in to do other things, even to pay salary.
“We can pay (minimum wage) with our focus. With all purpose and intent, what is agreed by the Federal Government, we the sub nationals should be able to queue in today.
“Without the workforce, any government will not have any centeredness of governance. So, we need to pay our civil servants with what is approved by the Federal Government and organised labour.”
Minimum wage: Benue, Osun will pay N70,000 – Govs Alia, Adeleke
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Saturday, July 20, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. I did not betray Peter Obi, he was the one who betrayed Atiku —Okupe
Former Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign in the 2023 presidential election, Doyin Okupe, has responded to accusations by supporters of Peter Obi generally known as Obidients, that he betrayed his principal before and after the election.Read more
2. ‘You have become a blind defender of Tinubu’, Dele Momodu blasts Omokri
Veteran journalist and one time presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu has accused former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri of being a blind supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s policies that have plunged the country into an economic crisis.Read more
3. ‘They want to tarnish my father’s image,’ Gov Zulum’s son speaks on murder allegation (Video)
Umara Babagana Zulum, son of the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has broken his silence over an allegation that he killed a fellow student in Indian during a fight over a woman.Read more
4. Reps warn against lopsided recruitment in varsities
The House of Representatives Committee on University Education on Friday warned against lopsided recruitment in the country’s universities.Read more
5. ‘I stand by my statements on Tinubu’s interview,’ Ndume reacts to removal as Senate Chief Whip
The sacked Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has reacted to his removal from the position.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, July 18, 2024
6. APC, police disagree over attack on Okpebholo, Shaibu in Edo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo has accused the state police command of complicity in the attack on its governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and the reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.Read more
7. Tinubu vows Nigeria will become global investment destination
President Bola Tinubu said on Friday his administration would make Nigeria a global investment destination.Read more
8. CBN finally takes over dormant accounts, to invest funds in treasury bills
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh directive to banks and financial institutions operating in Nigeria about dormant accounts.Read more
9. Police dismisses report on abduction of 11 passengers in Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command has dismissed as misleading a report on the abduction of 11 people at the Amechi-Idodo area of the Enugu/Abakaliki Expressway on Wednesday.Read more
10. Actor Chinedu Ikedieze unveils new wife
Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze aka Aki has presented his new wife, Stephanie Promise, to the public.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Saturday, July 20, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
US election: Democrats pressure Biden to drop presidential race
More pressure mounts on President Joe Biden of the United States, US, to drop out of the presidential race.
Five more House Democrats on Friday joined the growing number of congressional lawmakers who asked Biden to drop out of the 2024 election.
The lawmakers are Reps. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., Marc Veasey, D-Texas, Chuy Garcia, D-Illinois and Marc Pocan, D-Wisc.
In a joint statement, they urged Biden to “pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders.”
According to the lawmakers, “Mr. President, with great admiration for you personally, sincere respect for your decades of public service and patriotic leadership, and deep appreciation for everything we have accomplished together during your presidency, it is now time for you to pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders.
“We must defeat Donald Trump to save our democracy, protect our alliances and the rules-based international order, and continue building on the strong foundation you have established over the past four years.
“At this point, however, we must face the reality that widespread public concerns about your age and fitness are jeopardizing what should be a winning campaign.
“These perceptions may not be fair, but they have hardened in the aftermath of last month’s debate and are now unlikely to change.
“We believe the most responsible and patriotic thing you can do at this moment is to step aside as our nominee while continuing to lead our party from the White House.”
Another House Democrat, Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois, separately urged Biden to drop out of the race.
“It’s time for Joe Biden to pass the torch,” Casten wrote.
“Politics, like life, isn’t fair. And as long as this election is instead litigated over which candidate is more likely to be held accountable for public gaffes and ‘senior moments,’ I believe that Biden is not only going to lose but is also uniquely incapable of shifting that conversation.”
US election: Democrats pressure Biden to drop presidential race
