Committee For the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) Nigeria, has asked governors to conduct local government elections immediately in their respective states.
The pro-democracy group noted that Nigerians have suffered a lot in the hands of state governors who have turned local government allocations to their private wealth, remitting peanuts to the stooges they appointed as caretaker chairmen while using them as tools to deny the grassroots development and accountability.
The organization maintained that enthroning democratically elected government in local councils would bring governance closer to the grassroots and bolster the nation’s democratic fabric.
The group equally commended the Attorney General of the Federation for filing the suit for local government autonomy.
“The judgement of the supreme court favouring the local government autonomy is fantastic.
“Any state governor that didn’t call for conduct of the local government election in his state immediately should be seen as the enemy of the citizens in that state,” CDHR said.
TVN reported that the Supreme Court had on Thursday mandated the Federal Government to begin immediate and direct payment of local government funds to their exclusive accounts.
The apex court faulted the state governments’ decades-long refusal to grant financial autonomy to local governments.
Rights group asks Nigerian governors to conduct LG elections
Rights group asks Nigerian governors to conduct LG elections
Head-on collision kills 14 in Jigawa
The Jigawa Police Command has confirmed the death of 14 passengers and four others injured following a fatal motor accident at Kanya Market on Tuesday in Jigawa State.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, confirmed the incident in a statement, a copy of which was made available to According Online on Tuesday.
“On Monday at about 1120hrs, information at the command’s disposal revealed that there was a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a Daf truck with reg. No. GMB 242 KD, coming from Kanya market.
“On reaching an Immigration checking point, another vehicle, a Toyota Hiace with Reg No. XA 381 GAS was also coming from Kano to Kanya market with overloading and at a high speed,” the statement said.
He said when the immigration officers stopped the driver of the Toyota Hiace, he refused to stop and attempted to get around the checkpoint by veering into the other lane, as a result, he collided head-on with the Daf truck.
“Consequently, four passengers suffered severe injuries, and fourteen others passed away instantly”, the PPRO said.
He said on receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Kanya Division, alongside his patrol team rushed to the scene where the corpses and injured victims were evacuated and rushed to Kanya Babba Cottage Hospital.
“The corpses were certified dead by a doctor on duty, while the injured are currently receiving medical attention.
He added that an investigation had commenced.
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NCDC records 3,623 cholera cases, 103 deaths
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday said as of July 15, it has recorded 3,623 suspected cases of cholera and 103 deaths across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of July 15, 2024.
The NCDC DG, Dr Jide Idris, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja stated that the current outbreak has spread to 187 local government areas, with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8 per cent since the beginning of the year.
Idris noted that the predominant age affected is five years old, while males account for 52 per cent of cases and females account for the rest.
He, however, said there was a 5.6 per cent decline in the number of cases in this reporting week (8th -14th July) as compared to the preceding week.
“As of July 15, 2024, we have recorded 3,623 suspected cases and, unfortunately, 103 deaths across 34 states plus the Federal Capital Territory and 187 Local Government Areas, with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8 per cent since the beginning of the year.
“The predominant age affected is 5 years old while males account for 52 per cent of cases and females account for the rest.
“Furthermore, there was a 5.6 per cent decline in the number of cases in this reporting week (8th -14th July) as compared to the preceding week. We also recorded a drop in the case fatality rate from 2.9 per cent to 2.8 per cent.
“There is a decline in case fatality rate from week 24 when the spike started to the present week.
“Whereas ongoing current efforts at the national and some state levels might have been yielding some results and largely responsible for the decline being reported, however, given the trend from previous years, we know it is not uhuru yet.
“The trend analysis from previous outbreaks shows the peak of the outbreak usually coincides with the peak of the rainy season, which is still some weeks ahead.
“Also, some of the northern traditional hotspot states have been reporting fewer number of cases, which may be connected with the delayed onset of the rainy season in this part of the country,” he said.
He added that although almost all the states in Nigeria have reported cases of cholera, there appears to be an underreporting of the situation as required data from the states are not coming in real-time as expected given the trend in previous years.
“This is largely due to inadequate resources to support surveillance and disease detection activities at the subnational level,” he said.
APGA youths throw weight behind National Chairman, Ezeokenwa
Youths of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, have thrown their weight behind the leadership of its National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa.
They urged him not to be distracted by the purported activities of moles within and outside the party.
The youths wing said the current structure of the party represented the dreams of its founding fathers, which the national chairman emboldened and worked assiduously to entrench.
They stressed that it was foolhardy that unscrupulous elements were scheming to decimate and destabilize APGA as currently constituted.
National Youth Leader, Comrade Eze Onyebuchi-Chukwu, said this in a statement titled, ‘Sly Ezeokenwa we know, Edozie Njoku we don’t know’, which was made available to journalists in Abakaliki, on Tuesday.
Parts of the statement read, “APGA has never been a Youth party until Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo came onboard and found trust in the capacity of the Youths which saw the handing over of the entire party structure to the Youths leadership.
“For the first time in the history of Nigeria politics, a Youth yet to be 40 years was trusted enough to lead a top five National Political Party as it’s National Chairman.
“This of course, is an answered prayer to the Youths of Nigeria who have over the years been marginalized and tactically sidelined in the leadership of any kind in the country. This new turn of events we the youths of APGA will not trade for any political gimmicks.
“We, the youths of APGA are not unaware of the new twist of things where falsehood thinks itself popular enough to outshine the truth. We are in APGA because APGA came to us first. We accepted Barr Ezeokenwa Jr, because he’s one of us and anything short of that is short of us.
“Since inception, Sly Ezeokenwa has constantly reiterated his resolve to turn APGA a Youth oriented political party where aspirants will stand candidates based on age, merit and competence.
“He has in many occasions promised the youths of his first consideration, giving young people the hope they have lost in contesting and winning elections without a Godfather in Nigeria where money replaces competency. This we will not throw away because of desperate politicians.”
APGA youths throw weight behind National Chairman, Ezeokenwa
Osimhen’s £113m price tag stalls potential Premier league move
The future of Nigerian and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen remains uncertain as the summer transfer window heats up.
Despite a dip in form during the 2023/24 season, where he scored 17 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions, the Nigerian international continues to attract interest from top European clubs.
Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with Osimhen, though his £113 million release clause, inserted into a contract signed just six months ago, presents a significant hurdle for potential suitors.
Recent reports suggest Chelsea may be rekindling their interest in Osimhen.
According to CaughtOffside, the Blues are looking to “progress” a deal, potentially involving Romelu Lukaku in a player-plus-cash arrangement.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote via X on Monday, “Victor Osimhen remains on Paris Saint-Germain list in case they sell one striker this summer. No formal proposal on the table but he’s one of the names on PSG list, while also Saudi Pro League clubs are keen. If Osimhen leaves, Napoli plan to go for Romelu Lukaku.”
However, this contrasts with other sources claiming Chelsea have cooled their interest due to concerns over Osimhen’s injury record and tactical fit under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Maresca himself has hinted at a cautious approach to transfers, stating in a recent interview, “I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent. The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season.”
Arsenal’s pursuit of Osimhen faces financial constraints.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio suggests the Gunners are “far from the clause” in terms of their valuation.
Arsenal’s spending last summer has left them navigating Profit and Sustainability Rules carefully, making a marquee signing like Osimhen unlikely.
Di Marzio added, “If he were to leave, and at the moment it is not certain, the very first choice would be [Romelu] Lukaku, the alternative is [Artem] Dovbyk from Girona.”
As the transfer window progresses, Osimhen’s situation remains fluid.
With PSG potentially in the market for a Kylian Mbappé replacement and both London clubs seeking striking reinforcements, the Nigerian’s future could become one of the summer’s intriguing transfer sagas.
Attack helicopters delivery date on track – NAF
Officials from the US Government’s AH-1Z Programme Management Office and Bell Textron Company have assured the Nigerian Air Force that the delivery date for the AH-1Z attack helicopters remains on track.
The United States Department of Defence had in December 2023 confirmed the sale of the 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and other arms to Nigeria.
According to a report on the US Defence website, the helicopters were expected to be completed in June 2024.
The report partly read, ”This modification increases the ceiling for the production and delivery of an additional 32 H-1 tech refresh mission computers in support of the AH-1Z aircraft for the government of Nigeria. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah (55%); Baltimore, Maryland (25%); and Woodland Hills, California (20%), and is expected to be completed in June 2024.
“No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued.”
But in a statement on Tuesday, the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, said the US government officials gave assurance that the delivery date for the helicopters was on track.
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force has been assured that the delivery dates for the AH-1Z attack helicopters purchased by the Federal Government remain on track.
“The assurance came when the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, met with officials of the United States Government and Bell Textron Company in the first Program Management Review meeting to discuss progress made so far on the supply of the AH-1Z attack helicopters to the NAF.
“The five-day meeting, which began on July 16 2024 at NAF Headquarters, majorly aims at reviewing the progress made so far regarding the manufacture of the aircraft, ensuring a smooth transition as well as providing technical guidance to the NAF.
“This collaboration demonstrates the assurance and strong partnership between Nigeria and the US in enhancing the country’s air power capabilities.”
Speaking during the meeting, Air Vice Marshal Olatunde noted that the PMR meeting underscores the impending delivery of the AH-1Z attack helicopters to boost NAF’s close air support and ground attack capabilities while also enhancing its modernization efforts.
He also stated that the AH-1Z Helicopters, when inducted into the NAF Order of Battle, will surely bolster its firepower and operational capabilities, particularly in counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Speaking earlier, the US Government AH-1Z Programme Management Office team leader, Mr Kevin Stone, noted that the collaboration between the NAF and the US military was a testament to their shared commitment to regional stability, peace and security.
He added that the successful implementation of PMR is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s ability to tackle security challenges and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Plateau PDP congress: Group warns against favouritism, subverting will of party members
Ahead of the local government Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, a group under the aegis of Concerned PDP Members (CPM) has called on the party leadership to avoid favouritism and attempts to subvert the party’s electoral processes.
The group warned against a repeat of the court litigations that led to the party losing seats at both the state and National Assemblies.
Speaking on behalf of the group after presenting a letter to the chairman of the party at the state secretariat, the leader, Arch Macham Makut, said, “We are here as PDP members from across every local government of the state. We have come to see the party chairman to state our concerns about the happenings within our party.
“As loyal party members, we do not want to go back to the times where we suffered litigations in court that caused us to lose many seats.
“We want to help the party grow. We love the party and, as faithful members, we have come to express our concerns before the upcoming elections”, he maintained.
“Our concerns are mainly about inter-party affairs. We are facing challenges within the party regarding leadership in the local governments.
“With congresses approaching on the 27th, issues of favouritism and attempts to subvert party processes are troubling.
“Our letter is addressed to the chairman, and this is a family affair that we will discuss when called upon. There is no problem with the party structure at all.”
TVN recalls that prior to the 2023 general elections, the PDP in Plateau State conducted parallel congresses and went through several ligations, leading to the party losing the national and state assembly seats it won in the 2023 general elections.
Plateau PDP congress: Group warns against favouritism, subverting will of party members
Kumuyi debunks relocation rumours
The General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, has debunked circulating rumours about his alleged relocation to the United Kingdom.
In a message posted on the Facebook page of Cross River State Deeper Life, the cleric described the relocation rumour as misleading.
“You must have read that I relocated to the UK,” he said, before asking, “Did I relocate?”
Clarifying the situation, Pastor Kumuyi explained, “I did not relocate anywhere. I travelled for a crusade and conference, and because of the time difference, the events couldn’t be transmitted back home.
“Some countries, like the one I visited in May, have about five hours of time difference. When it is 7 am here, it will be 2 am there. There’s no way I could transmit that here because of the time difference.”
He further elaborated on his travels, stating, “I visited many countries in the United Arab Emirates preaching the gospel.
“It was a long trip, and after that, I needed a few days to rest to avoid returning weary and unable to preach. So I waited. And because I spent that time, they told you that I have relocated.”
Pastor Kumuyi expressed shock over the rumours, recounting how someone wrote a letter to him addressed to the UK branch of the church, believing he had moved there.
The letter stated, “I need prayers. I need counselling. But I heard you are now based in London.”
Addressing his congregation, Kumuyi urged them to remain steadfast and not be swayed by misleading information.
“You will not believe a lie. In our church, people creeping in are careless and corrupt.
“They deliberately want to poison your mind against your pastor.
“Nobody will do that to you. Someone hears that the General Superintendent of Deeper Life has relocated to England, and you read that without understanding.
“They want to scatter us and say, ‘What are you still doing there? Your pastor has relocated to England.’ They tell other people, and those people tell more people. I did not relocate anywhere,” he added.
Jubaili Bros Earns Top Recognition as First Electric Power Self-Service OEM for Perkins Engines
Jubaili Bros. Nigeria Ltd. has been awarded the prestigious “Perkins Self-Service OEM Workshop Standard” by Perkins, the 90-year-old leading global manufacturer of industrial engines. This recognition signifies Jubaili Bros. Nigeria’s exceptional commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction in the power generation sector.
Jubaili Bros. Nigeria is the world’s first and only Electric Power Self-Service OEM (SSOEM) for Perkins engines, showcasing our unmatched expertise in integrating Perkins engines into power generation equipment. Ensuring only the highest performance and reliability for our customers.
Speaking on the award, Mr. George Kai, Marketing Manager of Jubaili Bros. Nigeria, said: “This award affirms our dedication to excellence in the competitive power generation industry and reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional solutions to our customers.”
Jubaili Bros. Nigeria Ltd is currently offering a special promo on Perkins 15KVA soundproof single-phase generators. Visit to learn more and take advantage of this limited-time offer.
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Rivers crisis: Appeal was authorized – PDP legal adviser counters party leadership
The Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Barrister Kingsley Chuku, has claimed that the controversial appeal filed at the Port Harcourt Division of the Appeal Court with respect to Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024 was authorized by the state chapter of the party.
TVN recalls that the national leadership of the party had disowned an appeal challenging the order of the Rivers State High Court which restrained the state’s Chief Judge and the Clerk of the State House of Assembly from receiving or acting on any resolutions from the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba, PDP said no individual or organ in the party has the the competence to file or engage external solicitors to file or handle cases on behalf of the party.
Reacting, Chuku, in a statement on Tuesday, claimed that the appeal was authorized by the state chapter of the party.
“I reiterate that the Rivers State chapter of the party authorized the filing of the appeal,” he said.
The lawyer cited a judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja, which, according to him, authorized state legal advisers of the PDP to appoint legal representation for the party in relation to the activities of the party at the state level.
“We want to put it on record that the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in the case of Ambassador Desmond Akawo v. People’s Democratic Party & 2 ORS – Suit No PHC/ABJ/CS/112/2023 delivered on the 20th day of September, 2023, had interpreted Article 46(1) of the Constitution of the People’s Democratic Party and declared that the State Legal Adviser of the party is vested with the requisite powers and authority to appoint legal representation for the party in relation to the activities of the party at the State Level.
“It is pertinent to state that the Peoples Democratic Party did not appeal against the said judgment till date,” he added.
Rivers crisis: Appeal was authorized – PDP legal adviser counters party leadership