All Posts in "Day: May 21, 2024"

Certificate Forgery:Court Remands Ekiti Oba-Elect

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oba-Elect of Araromi-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State,Babalola Babatunde,was on Monday arraigned at Federal High Court sitting in Akure for allegedly committing forgery.

The accused was arraigned on two- charge.

He was docked for allegedly forging a certificate of University of Ibadan and presented same to University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti for job in 2008.

He was also alleged to have forged discharge certificate of National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) and presented same to the University Teaching Hospital for job.

When the charges were read to him, Babalola Babatunde, he told the court that he was not guilty.

The charged sheet NO:FHC/AK/16/2024 reads inter alia: “That you Babalola Babatunde on or about the 15th day of January, 2008 at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make and uttered a forged University of Ibadan Result which you knew to be false and with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine by the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti to offer you a job and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

“That you Batalola Babatunde on or about the 15 day of January, 2008 at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make and uttered a forged National Youth Service Corps Certificate which you knew to be false and with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine by the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti to offer you a job and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1[2](c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.”

The counsel to the defendant, Attah Paul told the court that he had filed and application on notice and prayed the court to give the application hearing.

But,the prosection counsel,Itunun Osobu told the court that he was yet to read the issues raised by the defendant’s counsel in his reply to the counter-affidavit he filed.

Osobu told the court that he would be presenting two witnesses before the court to prove the charges.

The defendant’s counsel prayed the court to release the Oba-Elect on bail, promising that he would not jump bail.

Justice Owoeye asked if the defendant has any surety and Attah answered that the defendant has a you get brother who is a business man based in Akure, Ondo State capital.

He also told the court that the defendant’s in-law was in court.

According to Attah, the defendant’s in-law has a property in Akure.

However, Attah prayed the court to present the defendant to nearest police station pending the adjournment date.

In his ruling, Justice Owoeye ordered that the defendant, Babalola Babatunde be detained in the office of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 17, Akure, while he adjourned the hearing till Thursday, May 23, 2024.

admin by — May 21, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Poor Representation:Constituency Moves To Recall Reps Member

Mohammed Shosanya

The Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency in Zamfara State has begun moves to recall a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji over alleged insensitivity and clueless representation in the House of Representatives.

In a statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Bello Mahmud Birnin Magaji, and the Secretary, Comrade Mustapha Ibrahim, the Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji federal constituency coalition for sustainable democracy, said that the recall process became necessary following Jaji’s suspension by the Birnin Magaji Ward Executive of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was upheld by the Birnin Magaji local government area executive and ratified by the APC State Working Committee in Zamfara State.

Disclosing that henceforth the lawmaker ceases to be a card carrying member of the party in his ward, local government and state respectively, the statement revealed that so far mobilisation of registered voters’ signatures in the two local government areas has begun in accordance with the provisions of section 69 of the 1999 Constitution.

The cited section of the constitution stated that “A member of the Senate or of the House Representatives may be recalled as such a member if “there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member’s constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member.

The petition is thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member’s constituency.”

It further lamented “our two local government areas are among the areas mostly affected by frequent attacks of armed bandits, many people have been killed, kidnapped for ransom, cattle rustled, houses and property worth millions of naira burnt down, while many people are internally displaced from their communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Sakajiki, Kasuwar Daji, Rututu, Kurya Madaro, Dogon Kade, Kungurki, Sabon Garin, Kiyawa, Danisa and in Birnin Magaji local government area respectively.

“Also many people are kidnapped for ransom, houses, shops were burnt down, many killed, many others are displaced from their communities and towns in Gora, Chigama, Shamushalle, Billashe, Modomawa, Nasarawa Mailayi, Sabon Birnin Danalli and Birnin Magaji town.

Hon. Jaji has never thought it appropriate to visit the internally displaced persons to sympathise with them let alone providing relief materials to alleviate their sufferings.”

It accused the member, House of Representatives of corruption and diversion of constituency projects for personal enrichment, non fulfillment of the electoral promises and other “sundry behaviours unbecoming of a lawmaker.

Factionalisation of the party executives, supporting opponents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in demarketing his policies and administration in the North.”

This is as it pointed out that the performance of the lawmaker was below expectation, as he has allegedly failed in providing good representation for the constituency.

“Jaji lacks the political sagacity and tenacity of purpose required of a lawmaker representing a state under bandits’ siege.

“We call on all lovers of democracy, good governance, security and effective representation in the National Assembly to come out en masse and endorse the recall of Hon. Aminu Jaji from the House of Representatives. It is a patriotic duty and a giant step forward in rescuing our constituency from further slide to insecurity, anarchy, lawlessness

“We made a mistake by electing Hon. Jaji who uses our mandate to work against his constituency and APC at all levels while hobnobbing with the ruling PDP in the state where he has concluded plan to defect after destabilising our great party.

“As democrats and grassroots politicians, we shall resist reactionary forces bent on undermining our constituency. Hon. Jaji must be recalled from the House of Representatives to pave way for a competent, capable, reliable, pragmatic, visionary, resourceful and compassionate lawmaker. Join us to recall him now,” it added.

admin by — May 21, 2024 in Politics 0
Gbarain Ubie Gas Plant Explosion: Our Operations Intact, Says NLNG

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited,says its operations was not impacted by an explosion at a gas processing plant in an upstream facility at Gbarain Ubie, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Tuesday.

Its General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh,clarified in a statement on Friday.

He said:”Please note that this does not impact the gas supply to the NLNG plant or our operations”.

Fire erupted after explosions at the gas processing plant run by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) in Gbaran, on Tuesday.

Shell had said the fire was extinguished on Wednesday to facilitate a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to determine the cause of the incident.

A spokesperson for SPDC, Michael Adande, stated: “We are pleased to report that the fire outside our Gbaran Central Processing Facility in Bayelsa went out last night and a regulator-led Joint Investigation Visit is being planned to determine the cause and impact.”

admin by — May 21, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Oyo To Employ 7000 Teachers

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo State government says it is set to recruit 7000 teachers into public primary schools, across the 33 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran,announced this at a press briefing in Ibadan on Friday.

The state government also said One hundred (100) caregivers will be employed into the special needs sub-sector in the state.

Dr. Adeniran said efforts were ongoing before now to recruit the teachers, in fulfilment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise.

“In fulfilment of his electoral promise and the yearnings of the people of Oyo State, occasioned by the gap of Teachers in our public primary schools, Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the recruitment of 7,000 teachers in our public primary schools. In addition, he also approved the recruitment of 100 caregivers in our special schools”, he said.

Adeniran said the recruitment needs to be brought to the public domain, to avoid misleading information by scammers.

He appealed to intending applicants not to fall victim to fraudulent people, and be wary of scammers.

Dr. Adeniran stressed that the Board has not appointed anyone to be an agent to the Board, adding that the Board has just started preliminary work on the recruitment process.

“The stages to follow to have a free, fair, credible exercise will emanate from this Board, signed by me”, Adeniran said.

He advised applicants not to hesitate to come to the Board to make enquiries and not rely on third-party information.

He added:”No staff member has been empowered to collect money from applicants. We thank His Excellency for living up to his words. He fulfilled his promise and may God give him divine wisdom to navigate the affairs of the state.”

He said at the next stage, the Board will announce when applicants can apply, saying the Board is working with other relevant agencies for a seamless exercise.

Dr. Adeniran said the Board will comply strictly with the Governor’s directive to conduct an exercise, based on merit.

———- Forwarded message ———
From: OYOSUBEB
Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 5:02 PM
Subject: Oyo Gov’t Set To Recruit 7,000 Teachers
To:

Dear Editor, this is a relieving story from the Oyo State Government. The Governor has approved the employment of 7,000 Teachers.

PRESS RELEASE

Oyo Gov’t Set To Recruit 7,000 Teachers

The Oyo State government has announced that it is set to recruit Seven thousand (7,000) teachers into public primary schools, across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State.

This announcement was made by the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, during a press briefing in Ibadan on Friday.

The state government also said One hundred (100) caregivers will be employed into the special needs sub-sector in the State.

Speaking during the briefing, Dr. Adeniran said efforts were ongoing before now to recruit the teachers, in fulfilment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise.

“In fulfilment of his electoral promise and the yearnings of the people of Oyo State, occasioned by the gap of Teachers in our public primary schools, Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the recruitment of 7,000 teachers in our public primary schools. In addition, he also approved the recruitment of 100 caregivers in our special schools”, he said.

Adeniran said the recruitment needs to be brought to the public domain, to avoid misleading information by scammers.

He appealed to intending applicants not to fall victim to fraudulent people, and be wary of scammers.

Dr. Adeniran stressed that the Board has not appointed anyone to be an agent to the Board, adding that the Board has just started preliminary work on the recruitment process.

“The stages to follow to have a free, fair, credible exercise will emanate from this Board, signed by me”, Adeniran said.

He advised applicants not to hesitate to come to the Board to make enquiries and not rely on third-party information.

“No Staff member has been empowered to collect money from applicants”, he reiterated.

“We thank His Excellency for living up to his words. He fulfilled his promise and may God give him divine wisdom to navigate the affairs of the State.”

He said at the next stage, the Board will announce when applicants can apply, saying the Board is working with other relevant agencies for a seamless exercise.

Dr. Adeniran said the Board will comply strictly with the Governor’s directive to conduct an exercise, based on merit.

E-signed:

Media Team,
Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board,
OYOSUBEB,
MAY 17, 2024.

admin by — May 21, 2024 in Education 0
NDDC Set To Commission N84bn Projects In Niger Delta

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,will in two weeks begin the commissioning of 92 infrastructure projects executed at a cost of N84 billion across the nine mandates states in the region.

The Commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday,explained that the projects symbolises the impact the Commission is making in changing the development narratives of the region.

The projects include;,the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, which creates a road link to the ancient city of Nembe, for the first time in living memory. The star project also includes 9.15 km of pre-fabricated vertical drains on the swamp and seven Bridges executed at a cost of N24 billion.

According to the statement, the completed road would cut down the travel time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital from three hours on dangerous water routes to a mere 45 minutes. It also opens up 14 communities for development.

The statement added that the project was executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, and is hailed as a model in NDDC’s partnership approach to tacking the development challenges of the region.

The statement reads: “The projects include the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, which creates a road link to the ancient city of Nembe, for the first time in living memory. The star project also includes 9.15 km of pre-fabricated vertical drains on the swamp and seven Bridges.

“Executed at a cost of N24 billion, the road cuts the travel time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital from 3 hours on dangerous water routes to a mere 45 minutes. It also opens up 14 communities for development.

“The project was executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, and is hailed as a model in NDDC’s partnership approach to tacking the development challenges of the region.

“Also slated for commissioning is the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV Substation electrification project, executed at a cost of N8.3 billion to optimise power supply to local government areas in the southern part of Ondo State.

“The project covers the construction of 45km double circuit 33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station (Hook-up point) to Okitipupa and two 30MVA, 132/33KV Injection Substations with breakers, gantry and substation automation. It also includes the construction of a 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters.

“The capacity of this power station is optimized with the provision of 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV transformer and other ancillary works at Okitipupa Injection Substation, rehabilitation of 35km 33/11KV transmission from Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Ugbonla and environs and the construction of 1km rigid pavement.”

The statement further states, “The electricity project will complement the Federal Government’s effort in the power sector by improving power supply to Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other neighbouring communities in Ondo South Senatorial District with direct value chain in small and medium scale industries, job creation and consequently engender growth and development in Ondo State.

“In Akwa Ibom State, NDDC will commission the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Iwuochang road in the southern part of the state. The road project consists of two-lane single carriage way, a 600-metre bridge and side drains.

“The N10 billion virgin road project links 20 communities, hitherto separated by the Qua Iboe river.

“In Abia State, NDDC will commission the Obehie to Oke Ikpe-road reconstructed at a cost of N3.5 billion. The nine-kilometre road restores the road link between Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, through Abia (Ukwa East/West).

“It involved the reconstruction of seven kilometres of failed section of the road and the construction of three kilometres and 8 kilometres of drainage.

“Other projects include roads, electrification, a police station, health centres and school blocks.”

admin by — May 21, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
My One Year Achievements Better Than Wike’s 8-Year Record-Fubara

Mohammed Shosanya

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara,says the success of service and project delivery achieved within his first one year in office is better than the eight years spent by some other administrations.

He spoke at Ngo Town during the official inauguration of the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project, in Andoni Local Government Area on Saturday.

The Governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi on Saturday, explained his assertion, saying that the accomplishments were secured within three months that his administration had actually settled down to work, given the festering political crisis.

Disclosing what will be done soon in the health sector, Governor Fubara said it was appalling that recent statistics had classified Rivers State as below the set benchmark in terms of enrollments and health facilities availability.

Governor Fubara,who explained that the statistics, not specific to any particular administration’s lifespan, covered over a period of time, which indicates unacceptable level of neglect to the sector.

He, however, assured that in the next six months, Rivers’ people should expect to see evidence of significant investment that his administration has made to change the narrative.

He said, “I was at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting on Wednesday, and we were given an update from the chart on the medical position of all the states. It was in zones.

“You won’t believe that in that chart, everything that has to do with enrollment, even the level of facilities that is on ground in that assessment, Rivers State was classified as below benchmark. It is a pity.

“It is not something that just happened in a day. It is not something that just happened within my time in government. No, no. It is a statistics collated over a period of time. So, it means when we tell you that our target is education, healthcare and agriculture, we didn’t make any mistake.

“We might have done other things, but those key areas have not been adequately attended to. And we promise our people this afternoon that by the special grace of God, in the next six months, there will be a total change in the health sector of Rivers State.”

Speaking on the project, Governor Fubara said the project has been delivered successfully, and applauded the initiator of the project, former governor, Dr Peter Odili and successive administrations that contributed their quota in realizing the Unity Road, for the people.

Governor Fubara stated that his driving principle remains putting the people first, which is why he will not renege on the promise of internal roads that he made to Andoni people during electioneering campaigns.

The governor directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, to liaise with Monier Construction Company (MCC) to do scoping for commencement of reconstruction of Ngo internal roads and new contract for extension of the road to Oyorokoto Town.

He said, “But, I just want to say this: what is important today is the section of the Unity Road that connects Andoni to Ogoni and Opobo/Nkoro has come to reality. That is the important thing.

“We have to thank first, the initiator, Dr Peter Odili. We have to thank other successive governments which also contributed before we finally made this day to be.

“It is important we set this record straight. The Permanent Secretary has mentioned the cost of the job and the review cost. The beauty of it is that we are not owing any dime on this particular project,” he added.

Governor Fubara said: “We are happy that it is happening in our own time. Our motto remains: ‘The People First’, and anything that has to do with the people, we must take it very seriously.

“I know that if it is this road, we are already done with the road. The politicking of the road is already done. I don’t want to politick on this road anymore.

“I want to say here that we need to develop our own, and if we have to do it, we have to do it ourselves. So, I promise my people that we are going to do more jobs, more connecting roads for the Andonis by the special grace of God.”

Governor Fubara further said: “I remember when we came for campaign, we did promise our people that when you support us, we are going to give you the internal roads. And by the special grace of God, the Andonis gave us their support, and the election was won.

“So, let me use this opportunity to thank you, first for that support. Thank you, that even after the election, you have continued to support the government, not minding the situation that we find ourselves.

“A lot of people were thinking that this place will be empty today. Some people had other plans. But to the glory of God, we are getting natural support, people that we didn’t pay money are here to say that they are identifying with this government, we appreciate what this government is doing.

“For that alone, I want to direct the Permanent Secretary to immediately liaise with the contractor to ensure first, that the internal roads in Ngo, and connecting this road to Oyorokoto is immediately awarded.”

Governor Fubara urged the people to have good faith in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, and appealed for their total support to the Federal Government so that it can continue to undertake life-changing programmes that will trickle down to the State and Local Government Areas.

He said, “I am also aware that we have issues in the other communities in Andoni. Some of them are flooding issues, which is even the more critical issue.

“I know of a place called Oronija. They are having very serious erosion and flood issues, and other places. We are going to do something about it. It is my promise to my dear people today.

“I also want to say in this gathering, please, support the government at the centre. I am happy when our leader was mentioning the activities of the oil companies here, and said that there is no interruption. I was impressed by that.

“It shows that we are contributing positively, and we understand the meaning and importance of peace. So, let me enjoin you: continue to show this good faith, and be a good host.

“In the governance of this country, the success of the centre is the success of the sub-national. And when the sub-national succeeds, which is the state, the local governments will succeed. And when the local governments succeed, it means, more projects, more life-changing activities will be seen in your domain.”

Governor Fubara said further: “I also remember that another vital area that we need to touch in our governance was mentioned: the issue of hospitals. We are coming here, and we will make sure that we attend to that need.”

In his welcome address, the member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said the road is less than 30Km long but regrettably took three different contractors: Rivigo Construction Company; RAFFOUL Nigeria Limited; and eventually Monier Construction Company (MCC); to deliver it after 24 years.

Abiante explained that this was the first time, since the dawn of the current democratic dispensation, that the Andoni people will gather for an inauguration of a development project within Ogbolo land.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for making it happen, and remarked that more critical infrastructure projects were needed in the area to place the people in good position to be part of activities in the blue economy sector, whose potentials abound in the area.

Abiante, who expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for accomplishing the feat and making it possible for them to drive on land from the city to their various communities, assured that the people will work to ensure the success of his administration.

Also speaking, former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, said it was important to explain that the Unity Road, initiated by Dr Peter Odili, had its inaugural foundation stone laid on the 3rd January, 2005, and not in 2004.

Prince Secondus thanked Governor Fubara for completing the project, which now serves as a miracle, enabling the people to drive on land to Andoni from the city.

Providing the description of the project, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Engr Atemea Briggs, said the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni/Opobo Unity Road project is 27.5Km long, 7.3 meters width size, and has side drains of 2.5Km in length.

Engr Briggs emphasised that the project, which was re-awarded on July 13, 2023, by Governor Fubara to MCC, had the contract sum reviewed from N9.984billion to N11.1billion because of escalation of prices of materials and petroleum products.

“Many of us know the story of this road, but it took the bold step of His Excellency to finally deliver the road that the Andoni people have long yearned for.

“The road project was initially handled by RAFFOUL Nigeria Limited until July 13, 2023. At that time, the project was re-awarded to Monnier Construction Company, MCC by His Excellency to ensure its speedy completion.

“The original contract sum of the project was N9.984 billion, but was later reviewed upward to N11.1 billion due to fluctuation and escalation of the prices of working materials and petroleum products. This contract has been fully paid and completed for commissioning today.

“This road is 27.5kilometers long, and it has the width of 7.3 meters. The asphalt thickness, you can see, is 100 millimeters; that is made up of 60 millimeters of binder course, and 40 millimeters of asphaltic wearing course.

“It has side drainages within the community, totaling 2.5kilometers long. It has side case totaling 12.6 kilometers, and a bridge of 3 spans of 20, 20, 20 meters long being a total of 60 meters.

“Today marks a special occasion as this road stands as a significant gift to the Andoni people. It fulfills His Excellency’s promise and commitment to deliver it within his first year in office. Now, that promise has become a reality, delivered within a record time of 5 months”, he added.

Presenting the traditional kola nuts, the chiefs of Andoni, led by the Okan-Ama of Ikuru Town, King Aaron Ikuru, conferred on Governor Fubara, the Njenyisi 1 of Ogbolo Land (meaning the champion of development of the people).

admin by — May 21, 2024 in News 0