The hottest and most trending news articles for this week in all categories are captured in one shot. Find articles ranging from News to Sports, to Politics, to Entertainment, to Economy, to Metro plus, and many other categories. See below the top news for the week:
NEWS
- Second Batch Of Nigerians From Ukraine Arrives In Abuja
The second batch of Nigerian evacuees from Ukraine arrived on Friday in Abuja. An Air Peace flight carrying the 183 evacuees, (180 adults and three children) touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, at exactly 6:35 pm on Friday. The evacuation exercise follows the attack by Russia on Ukraine which has left scores of people killed and many displaced.
Over 5,000 Nigerians, majority of whom are students studying in Ukraine have been caught up in the conflict. Many of them have reportedly fled to neighbouring countries to Ukraine including Hungary, Poland and Romania. Earlier on Friday, the first batch of Nigerian evacuees, numbering 416 arrived in the country from Romania, aboard Max Air at 7:10am.
Meanwhile, as the country ramps up efforts to evacuate citizens stranded after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to continue to defend the interest of Nigerians wherever they may be.
- Global Terrorism Index: Nigeria’s Ranking Improves As Boko Haram Killings Dip By 72% – Report
Nigeria has moved to sixth in the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI), following successes in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents. The country dropped two places from fourth, a position it has occupied since 2017.
The GTI, published by an independent and non-profit think tank, the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) indicated that Nigeria, Syria, and Somalia are the only nations, among the 10 most affected by terrorism, to get an improved score from 2020 to 2021.
According to the report, there was a decline in the number of terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria. It attributed this to the death of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, and the Federal Government’s efforts at defeating the group.
- FG loses out, NASS affirms states’ power to collect VAT
The Federal Government’s plan to retain the collection of Value Added Tax despite a Federal High Court ruling, hit a brick wall on Tuesday as the National Assembly rejected a proposal seeking to shift the collection of VAT from the concurrent to the exclusive legislative list, effectively leaving the decision to the Supreme Court which is hearing the matter. A Federal High Court had last year ruled that states had the powers to collect VAT. However, the Federal Government opposed the ruling and continued to collect VAT while it projected that it will collect N2.2tn in 2022 through the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
The regime of the President Muhammadu Buhari also incorporated VAT collection in its Finance Act 2021 and included it in its 2022 budget, a move that put the government on a collision course with the Southern Governors’ Forum. Also, the Federal Inland Revenue Service was reported to have lobbied the National Assembly by sending a proposal to the House of Representatives seeking to move VAT collection to the exclusive list. Although the tax agency denied this claim, the National Assembly accepted the proposal and sent it to its constitutional amendment committee.
On Tuesday, the National Assembly,voted on 68 amendments recommended by the Joint Senate and House of Representatives’ Special Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. A Bill for an Act to Alter Part I of the Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to include Value Added Tax on the exclusive legislative list failed at the upper legislative chamber
A total of 95 senators registered to vote and 85 voted. While 41 voted in favour of VAT being collected exclusively by the Federal Government, 44 voted against it while no one abstained. In the end, the bill failed because it did not meet the minimum 73 votes.
- No Going Back On Gender Bills Says National Assembly, Women Fume
The Senate has stated that there is no going back on the gender bills which members voted on and rejected in the ongoing amendments to the 1999 Constitution. The Senate spokesman, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said this during an interview with nnewsmen while reacting to the protests embarked on by women groups, which affected activities in some parts of Abuja. While noting that it was the right of women to protest, the federal parliament stated that it could not reverse itself on the decisions taken on the affected bills.
When asked if a gender bill could be revisited, he said, “It cannot! There were 68 bills, 21 of them could not pass, so why should we revisit three bills. They should continue with their lobbying and strategy ahead of another round of legislative amendments. About four-gender related bills failed to pass at the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, which has generated condemnations both within and outside the National Assembly.
The rejected proposals include Bill 35 to “provide for special seat for women in the National and state Houses of Assembly;” Bill 36 to “expand the scope of citizenship by registration;” Bill 37 to “provide for affirmative action for women in political party administration;” Bill 38 to “provide criteria for qualification to become an indigene of a state in Nigeria;” and Bill 68 which to give women a quota in the federal and state executive councils or ministerial and commissionership seats.
The Deputy Minority Whip of the House, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, particularly expressed her disappointment over the non-passage of the bills. While addressing journalists on Wednesday, Onyejeocha, who sponsored the bill seeking to create special seats of women in the National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly, expressed her grievances.
- Male Lawmakers Against Gender Bills Have No Respect For Women – Minister
The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, says male lawmakers who voted against gender bills seeking to amend the constitution have no regard for women. She said this on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
“It clearly shows that the men that were against the bill don’t have any respect for women; it’s clear. But I am not generalising; not all the men in the national assembly. We have the figures — 72 men in the House of Representatives voted in support of the bill,” Tallen said.
According to her, Nigerian women are already strategising on the next line of action.
Wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo, who was also in attendance, said she remains hopeful that it is not the end of the agitation for women inclusion. By Wednesday morning, more women joined their voices to express their displeasure with the development.
- Obaseki flays denial of women representation in Nigeria’s democracy
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has slammed the National Assembly for rejecting five bills seeking affirmative action and inclusion for women in politics and other spheres of the society. The governor, in a statement in Benin City, yesterday said: “The recent development at the National Assembly, in which five bills seeking affirmative action and inclusion for women were vehemently shut down by members, is most regrettable and unsettling.
“It is, therefore, painful and unconscionable that these bills, which provide a fillip for accommodating women, who make up more than 50 percent of the voting population, are subjected to such sorry fate, which: Deny citizenship to a foreign-born husband of a Nigerian woman. In Edo State, we have a healthy mix of women in our cabinet, as they occupy more than 30 per cent of positions of commissioners and special advisers in government. They provide invaluable service to ensure the proper functioning of the engine of government.
Stressing that the Assembly missed a golden chance, he said: “It is heartbreaking that the National Assembly members missed a golden opportunity to redesign Nigeria’s political landscape by enshrining landmark legislation that promotes inclusion and provides women with the legal backing to gain equitable representation at the apex level of lawmaking and political participation.
“I, therefore, lend my voice in calling on the National Assembly to reconsider its decision and take proactive and affirmative action in providing more opportunities for women to participate in politics, governance and all spheres of human endeavour.”
- Gender bills rejected on religious, cultural grounds –Reps
The House of Representatives has blamed the failure of gender- related bills to pass during the ongoing amendment to the constitution on late lobbying by the sponsors, civil society organisations and women groups. According to the House, religious and cultural factors also influenced votes against the bills by the lawmakers.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, made this known while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday. Lawmakers in the two chambers had on Tuesday voted on 68 recommendations by the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Special Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. The House’s spokesman, however, stated that the lobbying and sensitisation should have begun earlier.
- Rejection Of Gender Bills By Lawmakers A Setback For Democracy – Wike
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, says the rejection of five gender bills by the National Assembly is a major setback for Nigeria’s democratic advancement. He said this at the inauguration of Ahoada -Odiemerenyi -Ihugbogo -Odieke Road project in Ahoada-East Local Government Area on Friday. He said women, including the wife of the President and Vice President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, had approached, lobbied and secured the promise of members of the National Assembly to act in their favour. But rather than do so, the lawmakers voted against the bills.
“Look at what happened in the National Assembly. I watched it and I laughed when I saw our wives, and women were disgraced. It has never happened anywhere. I saw wives of the president and vice president go to the plenary session of the National Assembly to lobby them, to please help them. They (National Assembly) promised them. The party (APC) promised them. The same party that promised them failed them.”
Governor Wike said such will not be allowed to happen in progressive societies that have continues to harness the potential of women in the advancement of their countries. He blamed the rejection of the bills on President Muhammadu Buhari’s lack of interest in allowing for affirmative action for women in political administration in the country. “APC controls the National Assembly. If Mr. President was in support of this, there is no way they will disgrace women in the National Assembly. Such shameful thing.”
- Nigerians Suffering Under Reckless Misrule Of Elites – Atahiru Jega
A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, says Nigeria is in the process of collapse. Jega said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2022 Workers’ Political Conference organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress. He described the 2023 general elections as critical for Nigeria’s unity and an epochal moment which could pull Nigeria from the precipice.
“While Nigeria may not have totally collapsed, it is in the process of collapsing, as reckless elites in control of the governance process are blindly running the country aground. And the 2023 general elections may be the ‘make or break’ epochal moment. Given this, all hands of progressive forces must be on deck to prevent our country from imminent collapse, and to turn it around on to a trajectory of good democratic governance for beneficial democratic, socioeconomic development, and human security for Nigerian citizens,” he stated.
Jega, who supervised the 2011 and 2015 general elections, said the state of the socio-economic conditions under which the Nigerian working class operates is saddening. He maintained that Nigerians have continued to be victims of the reckless misrule of a tiny, rabid and reckless band of elites. The former INEC boss added that a broad alliance of progressive forces for national rescue and emancipation was required to get Nigeria out of the current unwholesome predicament in which it finds itself.
- Senate passes Bill on Independent candidacy
The Senate on Tuesday passed Bill number 58 which seeks to allow independent candidates to contest for elective positions.
The Upper Chamber however threw out a bill seeking to allow Nigerians in Diaspora to vote during elections. However, a Bill which seeks to provide for the election of Mayor for the Federal Capital Territory was rejected by lawmakers with 62 YES votes.
- Afenifere, Ohanaeze, MBF Tackle NASS Over Constitution Amendment
There were reservations by the sociopolitical organisations, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum, on Wednesday over the ongoing process of amending the 1999 constitution by the National Assembly. Specifically, the groups accused the National Assembly of dodging restructuring, power devolution and fiscal federalism in its amendment of 68 items to the Nigerian constitution.
The mass-based organisations along with pro democracy and rights groups have consistently led the advocacy for restructuring the country into a true federal structure that existed at independence in 1960 before military takeover in 1966.
While featuring on a Channels Television programme on Wednesday night, Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, described the ongoing constitution amendment as deceitful and an exercise in futility. He argued that those behind the amendment are products of a fraudulent process. He accused the National Assembly of self-denial, stressing that it will require a conference of major stakeholders in the Nigerian project, including students, artisans and other progressive elements, to produce a people’s constitution. According to him, there is no way one can amend the current constitution under a hostile environment where violence and all forms of criminality is the order of the day.
Pan-Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, accused the National Assembly of shying away from the root cause of the problems of Nigeria, which it identified as the existing lopsided federal structure. Speaking through its national publicity secretary, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, the organisation said until the issue is addressed based on the yearnings of the vast majority of Nigerians, the agitation for devolution of powers, fiscal federalism and real restructuring will persist.
- Wike Announces Commencement Of ‘Stomach Infrastructure’ In Rivers
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday announced that his administration would soon commence the “politics of stomach infrastructure”. He said the policy would follow a pattern of welfare schemes to cushion the effects of unemployment and harsh economic realities being experienced by Nigerians.
This, Wike explained has been made possible because his government has spent the better part of his administration is working to provide physical infrastructure. Announcing his plan at the inauguration of the Oro-Abali Flyover, at the Kaduna Street Junction along the Port Harcourt -Aba Expressway in Port Harcourt, the governor declared: “Now that we have done virtually everything we have promised Rivers people, this is the time now we have to play politics of stomach infrastructure.
He said he had to prioritise laying a solid foundation for the state through the provision of quality social services and delivery of infrastructure that should engender socio-economic growth. He claimed that the expected economic growth of the State has been secured as the infrastructure provided by his administration has been attracting more investors to the state asserting that nobody can say that his administration has not delivered projects, improved the security situation and promoted peaceful coexistence within the State.
- Oyo State Government Sues EFCC For Questioning Security Vote, Contingency Fund, Others
Justice U. N. Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday, ordered both the Oyo State government and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to refrain from any action that will render final determination of the case instituted by the state government against the EFCC nugatory. Agomoh gave the order after hearing the application of the Oyo State government that the 1999 constitution (as amended) which established the Consolidated Revenue Fund and Contingency Fund, has Security Vote as an integral part, superseded the powers of EFCC as contained in the EFCC Act of 2004.
The Oyo State government had, last Friday, instituted the case noting that the EFCC had since August 2021 been constantly requesting for financial documents that could be interpreted as auditing and investigating the expenditure of funds such that it denudes powers of the state governor as contained in section 176 of the constitution as Chief Security Officer of the state. It argued that Section 80 to 88 of the 1999 constitution created Consolidated Revenue Fund and Contingency Fund and put disbursement of the funds within the purview of the president while investigation into the disbursement and expenditure of the funds is the duty of the National Assembly.
To this end, the state government argued that as long as the Auditor-General of the State House of Assembly had not complained to the EFCC, it could not continue to request for state documents tantamount to conducting an investigation into how the state expended Consolidated Revenue Fund and Contingency Fund, that is inclusive of security vote. In particular, the state government had frowned on alleged intermittent molestation, quizzing of top state officials since August last year, with last Friday’s quizzing of the state Accountant-General, Mr Gafar Bello, being the latest.
- Police Permit Women Officers To Wear Stud Earrings, Headscarf
The police on Friday said it has approved a new and improved dress code for women officers. According to a statement signed by police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the new dress code permits women officers to “wear stud earrings, and headscarf under their berets or peak caps as the case may be while in uniform”.
“The IGP noted that the Nigeria Police workforce has officers from every local government in the country with a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, and an increased inclusion of female folks,” the statement added. “This has informed the improvement for effective global workforce diversty management.
“Other countries that have adopted same dress code include Canada, the United States of America, Sweden, Turkey, Australia and the United Kingdom amongst others. The dress code is optional and Senior Women Police Officers have been tasked by the IGP to ensure compliance with the approved standard for women police officers who have opted to adopt the dress code.
“The Inspector-General of Police noted that this development, which is in line with international best practices addresses the growing concern for gender mainstreaming and respect for culture and diversity.”
POLITICS
- Rise Against ‘Devilish Alliance Of Exploiters’ In 2023, Jega Tells Nigerians
AHEAD of the 2023 general election, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has asked Nigerians and particularly Labour to rise for the emancipation of the country from what he described as the devilish alliance of exploiters. Jega, speaking at the 2022 Workers’ Political Conference organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja, said the 2023 general election may be the make-or-break epoch moment for Nigeria, adding that all hands must be on deck to prevent the country from imminent collapse.
He said the issue of national emancipation for credible national development, which is beneficial to the Nigerian people, requires being raised higher on the frontburner of national discourse by patriotic Nigerians. He, therefore, urged the citizens to get involved in broad political engagements towards improving the leadership recruitment process to elect good and popular representatives in governance and, by so doing, catalyse good democratic governance.
“The sorry states of this circular economy conditions under which Nigerian working people and indeed the overwhelming majority of Nigerian citizens live and work, the reckless misrule and misgovernance by a tiny rabid, reckless band of elite and collaborators and the manner by which these may have picked so-called elected, so-called leaders and their collaborators, have devastated the Nigerian economy, heightened insecurity and virtually destroyed the basis for national cohesion and integration,” he said.
- Constitution Review: Senate, Reps Support Independent Candidacy, Devolution Of Powers
Out of total of 68 bills recommended by the special ad hoc committee on constitution review, only 45 clauses successfully scaled through at both the Senate and House of Representatives. While members of the House of Representatives voted in support of 56 clauses, the senators voted in support of 47.
Both chambers unanimously rejected the proposals to expand immunity to the legislative and judicial arms of government; provide pension for presiding officers of the National Assembly; provide for diaspora voting; further define Acts that constitute torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and the bill seeking to provide criteria for qualification to become an indigene of a state in Nigeria.
They also rejected the proposals to provide for special seat for women in the national and state houses of assembly; include Value Added Tax on the exclusive legislative list; provide for the procedure of removing presiding officers of the legislature; and the bill to change the name Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The outcomes of the voting pattern showed that the Senate and House of Representatives unanimously voted in support of the amendments of the 1999 Constitution which seek to establish local government as a tier of government and guarantee their democratic existence, tenure and abrogation of the state joint local government account and provide for a special account into which shall be paid all allocations due to local government councils from the Federation Account and from the government of the state.
Other proposals unanimously supported by both chambers were those on financial autonomy for state legislature and state judiciary; enforcement of legislative summons; inauguration of senators and members of the House of Representatives; institutionalisation of legislative bureaucracy in the constitution and uniform retirement age and pension rights for judicial officers.
- What PDP Must Do To Win In 2023, Says Tambuwal
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has indicated what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must observe and accomplish if it will wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections next year. These came against the backdrop of the outcomes of recent bye-elections in Abuja Municipal Area Councils (AMAC), Cross River, Imo, Ondo and Plateau states.
According to a statement issued by Muhammad Bello, Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor, Tambuwal said what the party needs include intensive voters’ education, campaign against rigging, mobilisation of rural voters, guiding votes cast and exploiting the schisms threatening the cohesion of the APC in many parts of the country.
Tambuwal, who made these observations on Monday when a presidential bid contact and consultation committee of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, paid him a courtesy call, said PDP leaders are united in the quest for a credible, strong, virile, purposeful and focused leadership “with the objective of rescuing Nigeria.” He urged President Muhammadu Buhari, who benefitted from the conduct of a such elections superintended by the PDP in 2015, to “improve the process and the electoral system in Nigeria.
- 2023 Election: Outcome Of PDP Presidential Primaries Will Shock Many – Wike
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries will shock many Nigerians. He added that any candidate that wins the presidential ticket should be assured that the members will rally around and make sure that he wins the 2023 presidential election. The governor’s media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, disclosed this a statement signed on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Wike also reacted to the comment by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar where he expressed confidence that he will clinch the party ticket. The governor said Atiku’s comment could amount to taking convention delegates for granted. Wike said he is committed to doing anything to ensure PDP returns to power in 2023 and begin once again the process of rebuilding the nation after years of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The Rivers State governor urged PDP members to resist making divisive utterances. Speaking on the timetable just released by the Independent National Electoral Committee (INEC) timetable over the weekend, Governor Wike expressed confidence that the National Executive Committee (NWC) of the PDP will ensure the party abides by the timetable.
- 2023: I’m contesting to make our children’s future great – Tinubu
Former Governor of Lagos State and presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said, on Thursday, that Nigeria needed a competent leader who could unite the people, tackle insecurity and rejig the debilitating economy and as well benefit the masses this time around.
Tinubu, who was in Ekiti State as part of the ongoing consultation for the 2023 presidential election, said that he decided to consult with the traditional rulers before declaring because of the enormous respect he placed on culture and tradition. He said, “I’m contesting this race to renew the hope and make the future great for our children. For Nigeria to stand united and develop, we require patience and wisdom. We have to be united, that is the only way we can be great.”
It was carnival-like at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, as people gathered for hours singing, dancing and praising the All Progressives Congress National Leader to the high heavens, as they awaited his arrival to meet with the revered monarch.
ECONOMY
- FG Reaffirms Commitment To Ease Of Doing Business
The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to make the business environment more friendly for all investors in the country. Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, stated this on Thursday at the official commissioning of Chartered Institute of Bankers building, the Bankers House Abuja.
He said Nigeria is primed and ready for new depths of economic growth and development, and with a “population constituting the largest market on the continent, a swelling demography of ambitious, tech-savvy young people, accelerating regional integration and connection to new markets, we are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to launch the country into a new decade of sustained prosperity.”
He affirmed that this presents an opportunity, which the government is fully committed, to translating into lived realities for millions of Nigerians across the country. Prof Osinbajo added that the government understands what the challenges are and have continued to meet them head-on.
- Governors fume over falling FAAC funds, carpet NNPC
State governors on Thursday lambasted the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for not remitting any funds at last month’s Federation Accounts Allocation Committee meeting. The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, also wondered how the oil firm was bold enough to declare profit when it had not been meeting its obligations.
Fayemi spoke alongside other governors during the Nigerian Governors’ Forum session on natural resources at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2022 in Abuja. In August last year, the NNPC declared N287bn profit after tax for its 2020 financial year, which was the first profit ever made by the oil firm in 44 year.
While speaking at the governors’ natural resources panel session on Thursday, Fayemi wondered how NNPC was able to make a profit when it had not been meeting it obligations in terms of remittances to the Federation Account over the years. He specifically pointed out that in the last Federation Accounts Allocation Committee meeting in February, the NNPC made zero remittance to the federation. He stated that state governments were anxious to see that the Nigerian oil sector thrived, as the bulk of the country’s earnings came from the industry.
The NGF chairman stated that governors were aware of the fact that the rise in oil prices had not been favourable to Nigeria due to issues of fuel subsidy. On transparency issues in the oil sector and the inability of the NNPC to meet its obligations despite declaring profit, the NGF chairman said this was baffling.
BUSINESS
- Umahi woos Lagos-based computer village merchants with free land
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has allotted three hectares of land to the Lagos-based Computer Village Merchants free of charge to enable them to invest in the state. Umahi announced the gesture on Tuesday during the foundation-laying ceremony for the computer village estate in Abakaliki.
He said the state government would assist them with the necessary incentives and facilities to help them succeed in the state as they did in Lagos. He said, “The three hectares of land you acquired opposite the state international market will presently be allotted freely to you. This is, however, with the provision that you develop it within the next three months.
“We will sign the agreement to this effect within the next seven days if you are ready, because I am usually impatient when it comes to developing the state.” The governor urged the merchants to establish other technology-inclined activities within the estate to facilitate its rapid development.
- Lagos spends N10bn to boost employment – Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, announced a 100 per cent increment in capital subvention to Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. The governor also said his administration, in the last three years, had committed over N10 billion in grant to strengthen LSEFT’s activities, supporting 34,000 MSMEs through the intervention.
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the second edition of Lagos Employment Summit organised by LSETF. The event with the theme: “Sustainable Job Creation Strategies: Collective Action and Prosperity for All”, is being held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, according to a statement by Sanwo-Olu’s media aide, Gboyega Akosile.
The intervention, the governor said, was instrumental to the 6.7 per cent drop in the unemployment rate, as recorded by the National Bureau of Statistics before the disruption occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sanwo-Olu said that the agency needed to rejig its activities, with the aim to extend the financial assistance to more businesses in the state, stressing that COVID-19 could no longer be used as an excuse for not assisting productive people in creating wealth through entrepreneurship.
HEALTH
- 1 Billion People At Risk Of Hearing Loss Due To Loud Music — WHO
World Health Organisation (WHO) says over one billion people, aged 12 to 35, risk losing their hearing due to prolonged and excessive exposure to loud music and another high volume of recreational noise.
WHO gave the warning in new international safety advice on Wednesday to tackle the rising threat of hearing loss. The new international standard for safe listening at venues and events was launched ahead of World Hearing Day, which was marked on March 3, with the theme, “To hear for life, listen with care!’’
Over 1.5 billion people globally live with hearing loss, and according to recent estimates, this number could rise to over 2.5 billion by 2030. WHO estimates that 50 per cent of hearing loss can be prevented through public health measures. According to the UN health agency, many common causes of hearing loss can be prevented, including over-exposure to high volume sounds. The new WHO standard aims to better safeguard young people as they enjoy their leisure activities.
The new standard was developed under WHO’s Make Listening Safe initiative, which was launched in 2015, and seeks to improve listening practices, especially among young people. WHO alerted that hearing loss due to loud sounds is permanent, underlining that exposure to loud sounds causes temporary hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing sound interference in the ears), and prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to permanent hearing damage, resulting in irreversible hearing loss.
- COVID-19: WHO approves new medicine for Omicron variant treatment
The World Health Organisation on Thursday approved a new antiviral medicine, molnupiravir, for the treatment of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. This is the first oral antiviral drug to be included in the treatment guidelines for COVID-19.
Aside from its new approval, the global health body also recommended that casirivimab-imdevimab should not be used for patients infected with the Omicron variant. The new treatment guidelines were contained in the WHO’s ninth update on COVID-19 therapeutics made available on its website on Thursday.
The health body also urged stakeholders and health workers to ensure active monitoring for drug safety, along with other strategies to mitigate potential harms as the approval was based on conditional recommendation.
- Stay away from unregistered drugs, consumables, NAFDAC urges Nigerians
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has urged Nigerians to desist from patronising unregistered drugs and other consumables. The Coordinator of the agency in Sokoto State, Mr. Garba Adamu, made the call on Thursday during a street sensitisation campaign Organised in collaboration with the Community Development Service group of the National Youth Service Corps in Sokoto.
Adamu said that the agency would intensify efforts to safeguard the lives of the people by ensuring that products and services complied with stipulated production laws and regulations. He explained that surveillance, patrol and inspection were routinely conducted by the agency’s officials at all levels.
He appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with the agency by ensuring that they patronised only registered drugs and consumables, as well as observed expiry dates at all times.
EDUCATION
- Minister walks out on students protesting ASUU strike
Students of tertiary institutions under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students on Monday protested in parts of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, against the ongoing waning strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
In Abuja, protesting students grounded activities at the secretariat of the Federal Ministry of Education after the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, walked out on them during a meeting.
The students, who were demanding an immediate end to the ongoing strike by ASUU had stopped at the National Assembly, demanding to speak with the leadership of the Assembly but the security operatives on the ground shut the gate against them. The protesting students then decided to take their protest to the ministry and demanded to speak with the minister, a request that was granted
At the meeting with the minister, President of NANS, Sunday Ashefon, demanded an immediate end to the ongoing strike while negotiations continue. He also called for the inclusion of the students in the negotiation process, threatening that students may ground activities nationwide as done during the #EndSARS protest.
The visibly angry minister said he was disappointed with the NANS leadership, adding that the government had done what was expected of it since the commencement of the strike. “I must begin by telling you that I am very disappointed if this is the way you want to put your case across to us,” he said. He then staged a walk out of the meeting. The protesting students shut the gates of the ministry for hours to deny the minister and workers of the ministry entry and exit. They marched round the building chanting songs such as “Adamu must go”.
- ASUU’s demand mustn’t violate wages commission procedure – Ngige
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, on Tuesday in Abuja said that the Federal Government was committed to enhancing the remuneration package of university lecturers. Ngige spoke to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the status of FG’s current engagement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities. Ngige noted that a timeline had been given for the draft proposal the union submitted at the Ministry of Education for their conditions of service and wages to be concluded.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria on Tuesday knocked the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, for walking out of the discussion held with the representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students on the lingering strike by ASUU. The union described the minister’s action as ridiculous just as it threatened to embark on a solidarity strike with ASUU if the impasse was not resolved in two weeks. The union made its position known in a statement signed by its National President, Quadri Olaleye.
- FG has no funds to meet ASUU’s demands – Ngige
The Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, has stated that the Federal Government does not have the funds to meet its obligations in the agreement signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities. Ngige said the government was considering a renegotiation of the terms of the agreement with ASUU, in the effort to end the ongoing strike by university lecturers.
The minister made this known while appearing on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television monitored from Abuja on Thursday. When asked if he agreed that the government had failed to fulfill its side of the agreement with ASUU, Ngige said no. On when the conflict would end, the minister said, “I am hoping that ASUU should do the right thing and contact their members on the renegotiations that we have had in the last two weeks.
Ngige said the government is now calling for renegotiation of the agreement with ASUU, “unless you want us to go and take money from TETFUND and deceive you as it was done in that period, and place it for you on the table.” Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has constituted another committee to renegotiate the 2009 agreement with ASUU.
- Again, Reps reject bill to bar public officers’ children from foreign schools
The House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to regulate how children of public officers enroll in schools outside the shores of Nigeria. It faced stiff opposition at the second reading on Thursday. The legislation is titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Regulate International Studies for Wards and Children of Nigerian Public Officers, to Strengthen Indigenous Institutions, Provide Efficient Educational Services for National Development; and for Related Matters.’ It was the second time within four years that the lawmakers would reject the bill sponsored by a member of the House, Sergius Ogun.
Leading the debate on the bill at the second reading, Ogun noted that the proposal would strengthen indigenous educational institutions to meet global standards; boost the economy by reducing cash flight and foreign exchange; reduce brain drain and institute good welfare conditions for indigenous academics, experts and professionals based abroad to come back home and develop their country with their skills and expertise.
The lawmaker added that it would build a better society by developing formidable educational institutions; and facilitate the realisation of the fundamental objectives and policies of state as enshrined in Chapter Two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Cap C23, LFN, 2004. The lawmaker also stated that the proposal was not discriminatory but regulatory, while stressing its developmental and economic benefits.
- JAMB To Register 1.5million Candidates By March 26 – Registrar
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to register 1.5 million candidates by March 26, the deadline set for the registration of candidates.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday after monitoring the exercise in Bwari and Dutse on the outskirts of the nation’s capital, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, said the board has so far, registered over 500,000 candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Professor Oloyede says the board also plans to register at least 50,000 candidates per day. In a statement issued earlier in the year, the examination body announced that the “UTME/DE registration starts 12th February 2022 and ends 19th March 2022. Mock examination holds on 20th April 2022. UTME holds from 20th to 30th April 2022”.
WORLD
- Macron Seeks Second Term In French Election Next Month
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that he will seek a second term in office at elections next month, with Russia’s war in Ukraine likely to eclipse the campaign but boost his chances. Macron formally announced his attempt to become the first French president to be re-elected in 20 years in a letter to the French people published online by numerous news sites.
There was little suspense about the 44-year-old’s intentions, but the announcement has been repeatedly delayed because of the crisis in eastern Europe that has seen Macron take a prominent role in diplomatic talks. Macron acknowledged that the election would not be a normal one due to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
- Protect Ukraine Civilians ‘for God’s Sake’, Pleads UN Aid Chief
The United Nations’ aid chief pleaded Thursday for the protection of civilians in Ukraine and for unhindered humanitarian access amid the spiralling violence, in an interview with AFP. UN emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths said he had the resources ready to go, following a flash appeal for funds, but that the warring forces needed to allow the delivery of urgent aid. “Protect civilians, for God’s sake, in Ukraine; let us do our job”, Griffiths said.
He launched an appeal on Tuesday for $1.7 billion — of which, he said, a “remarkable” $1.5 billion had already been received. “We have the resources to do the job. Now we need the parties to allow us in to do that, and to adhere to their responsibilities under international humanitarian law,” the British diplomat told AFP.
As Griffiths made his call, Ukraine demanded Thursday that Russia provide humanitarian corridors to allow in much-needed supplies to cities wracked by war, as Moscow’s full-scale invasion entered a second week. Griffiths voiced concern that the fighting was intensifying, with Russian forces closing in on Ukraine’s major cities.
- UK Sanctions Russian Oligarchs Alisher Usmanov And Igor Shuvalov
The UK government said Thursday it was imposing sanctions on billionaire businessman Alisher Usmanov and former Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov as part of punitive measures over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The pair, who are worth a combined $19 billion (£14 bn) and have “significant interests in the UK and close links to the Kremlin”, are “sanctioned with immediate effect, the Foreign Office said.
- ‘All Of Humanity’ At Risk From Nuclear Threat Over Ukraine, Says UN
The UN human rights chief on Thursday slammed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, warning millions there were seeing their rights trampled, while the rising nuclear threat put all humanity at risk.
Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Michelle Bachelet warned that Russia’s full-scale invasion launched a week ago “is generating massive impact on the human rights of millions of people across Ukraine”.
In her opening speech during an urgent council debate on rights violations in Ukraine, she pointed to numerous casualties in a conflict that has already forced more than one million people to flee the country. During the debate, countries considered whether to approve the creation of a high-level investigation into abuses committed in the war.
- At Least 30 Dead In Suicide Attack On Pakistan Shiite Mosque
At least 30 people were killed and 80 wounded in a suicide attack at a Shiite mosque on Friday in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, where rescuers frantically ferried the dead and wounded from the scene. One witness saw the attacker enter the mosque before Friday prayers and open “fire with a pistol”, picking out the worshippers “one-by-one”. He “then blew himself up”, Ali Asghar said.
The attack comes on the first day of a cricket Test match in Rawalpindi — around 190 kilometres (120 miles) to the east — between Pakistan and Australia, who haven’t toured the country in nearly a quarter of a century because of security concerns.
Muhammad Ali Saif, a spokesman for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government, told AFP “more than 30” were killed and some 80 others wounded in the blast near Peshawar’s Kocha Risaldar, a similar distance west of the capital Islamabad. “It was a suicide attack,” he said.
- BBC Suspends Work Of Its Journalists In Russia
The BBC said Friday it was suspending the work of its journalists in Russia after Moscow backed imposing jail terms on media publishing “false information” about the military. The corporation’s director-general, Tim Davie, said the new legislation was “unwelcome” and “appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism”.
“It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwelcome development,” he added. Davie said BBC News in Russian will continue to operate from outside Russia.
The announcement comes after a surge in demand for BBC content on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the last week. The broadcaster has said that the audience for its Russian language news website more than tripled its weekly average, reaching 10.7 million in the last seven days. Davie said that staff safety was “paramount” and the new legislation not only targets Russian journalists but also foreigners.
ENTERTAINMENT
- Kim Kardashian Divorce From Kanye West Finalised
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian officially became single again on Wednesday, after a Los Angeles judge finalised her divorce from rapper Ye, whom she married in 2014. Kardashian appeared before the court virtually but Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, was represented only by his lawyer, who brought no objection to the end of the marriage.
Ye had publicly fought the separation, including with social media posts imploring Kardashian to reconcile. Kardashian filed for divorce last year after months of press reports about marital strife and as Ye battled with mental health issues.
The couple have four children: eight-year-old daughter North, son Saint, six, daughter Chicago, four, and two-year-old son Psalm. The pair, who began dating in 2012 and married in a lavish ceremony in Italy two years later, rapidly became one of the world’s most instantly recognizable couples. But their union ran into trouble with reports of bizarre outbursts from Ye, 44, who suffers from bipolar disorder.
- Kim Kardashian removes ‘West’ from social media profiles
Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian, has removed the surname of her estranged husband, Kanye West, from her social media profiles. On her Instagram and Twitter pages, the business mogul who was once ‘Kim Kardashian West’ has simply become ‘Kim Kardashian’. This comes shortly after Kim was declared legally single, one year after filing for divorce from rapper, Kanye West.
Judge Steven Cochran of Los Angeles Superior Court had declared Kim single during a hearing on Wednesday, granting her the permission to return to her maiden name. In her petition to be declared single filed back in December, the SKIMS founder requested that the court separate issues of child custody and property from her marital status. However, in February, her petition was challenged by West who claimed that the declaration might have adverse consequences, especially pertaining to the custody of their four children and marital assets.
Kim’s removal of West from her social media names, however, had not stopped her from promoting her KKW fragrance brand, which bore an initial from her estranged husband’s surname. Also, the removal was against her earlier decision to keep Kanye’s last name, which she made when the rapper filed to officially change his name to ‘Ye’.
- Meghan Markle sued by sister over Oprah interview
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has been sued by her half-sister, Samantha Markle over her popular interview with Oprah Winfrey. Samantha, who was suing Meghan for defamation, noted that the ‘rags to royalty’ narrative that the duchess presented about herself was simply false. This is coming barely a year after Meghan spoke out about her life in a now-famous interview with Oprah, which immediately became one of the most extraordinary chapters in recent royal history.
In the court document obtained by TMZ, Samantha claimed that Meghan trashed her and spread outright lies in order to talk down on their family members. She pointed out that Meghan told Oprah that she (Meghan) was an only child, whereas they both share the same father, Thomas Markle. According to Samantha, Meghan also lied when she told Oprah that she last saw her (Samantha) “at least 18, 19 years ago and before that, 10 years before that.”
Samantha further claimed that Meghan was wrong when she told Oprah that she (Samantha) only changed her surname to Markle after Meghan started dating Harry. Speaking to TMZ about the suit, Meghan’s attorney, Michael Kump, said, “This baseless and absurd lawsuit is just a continuation of a pattern of disturbing behaviour. We will give it the minimum attention necessary, which is all it deserves.”
- Adultery: Daddy Freeze’s N5m damages appeal for hearing May 17
The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has reserved ruling in a suit filed by a broadcaster and radio talk show host, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, seeking to set aside a judgment ordering him to pay the sum of N5 million as damages for allegedly committing adultery with one Benedicta Elechi.
Recall that a High Court sitting in Port Harcourt had on February 18, 2021, ordered Daddy Freeze to pay the sum to Paul Odekina, who was married to Elechi at the time the said act was committed. The High Court also issued an order of injunction preventing Daddy Freeze from having access or dealing with the children of the marriage until they attain the age of maturity, before dissolving the marriage between Paul and Benedicta due to the woman’s adulterous act with the broadcaster.
However, when the appeal was mentioned on Tuesday, the appellant’s lead counsel, Ola Faro, told the court that his team was ready to argue the case as it had filed all necessary documents and served the parties involved. Following the submissions from all the parties, the three-man panel led by Justice T. Y. Hassan declared that the court would reserve a ruling on the appeal to a later date.
- I’m happy being second wife, Mercy Aigbe tells critics
Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, has begged trolls to stop criticising her for being a second wife to movie marketer, Kazim Adeoti. According to her, she made the choice to be a second wife and she was extremely happy about it. In a recent interview, the ace actress warned critics to leave her alone so that she could enjoy her marriage in peace.
Pleading, she said, “Please, I just want to tell Nigerians. Please, I’m not the first person to be a second wife. It is my choice to be a second wife. And I’m happy with it. Please, everybody should just leave me alone. Let me just be happy.
This is as the couple graced the front cover of the March 2022 issue of Media Room Hub magazine, marking the first time Adeoti opened up on their quiet marriage. In the interview, Adeoti revealed that he and Mercy had been business partners for 10 years, and he had always noticed something special about her.
SPORTS
- World Rugby Suspends Russia and Belarus Membership Until Further Notice
World Rugby has reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine and the facilitation of this action by Belarus.
In an official statement, the sport’s governing body stated that the global rugby family is united in standing in solidarity with everyone affected by these deeply disturbing events and joins the global community in calling for the restoration of peace.
The statement confirmed that the decision has been taken with the interests of rugby’s values of solidarity, integrity and respect at heart. World Rugby also remains in contact with colleagues at the Ukraine Rugby Federation and has pledged its full support to the rugby community in the country.
- Russia Expelled From World Cup As FIFA, UEFA Hand Down Bans
Russia has been expelled from the World Cup after being suspended from all international competitions “until further notice”, FIFA and UEFA announced in a joint statement on Monday, while European football’s governing body also ended its partnership with Russian energy giant Gazprom.
The men’s team had been due to play in qualifying play-offs in March for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, while its women’s side had qualified for the European Championship in England, to be held in July. The announcement also affects Russian clubs involved in European competitions.
- Russian, Belarusian Athletes Banned From Winter Paralympics
Russian and Belarusian athletes were on Thursday banned from the Beijing Winter Paralympics over the war in Ukraine, with organisers bowing to international pressure and threats of a boycott. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) had just a day earlier said athletes from the two countries would be allowed to compete as “neutrals” in the Games, which start on Friday.
It said that was the “harshest punishment” the IPC could dish out under its rules. But organisers reversed that decision less than 24 hours later. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov swiftly condemned the 11th-hour decision to impose the ban. “This is a monstrous situation, it’s a shame,” he said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier this week urged sporting federations across the world to exclude athletes from the two countries. Multiple Paralympics committees around the world, teams and athletes had threatened not to compete if the Russian and Belarusian athletes were present, which was “jeopardising the viability” of the Games, organisers said.
- Abramovich To Sell Chelsea With ‘Net Proceeds’ Going To Ukraine War Victims
Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich said on Wednesday he had made the “incredibly difficult” decision to sell the Premier League club, pledging that proceeds would go to victims of the war in Ukraine. The billionaire believes it is in the “best interest” of the Champions League holders if he parts ways with the club he has transformed since he bought it in 2003.
The dramatic development comes days after Abramovich said he was handing over control of Chelsea to trustees of its charitable foundation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is a seismic moment for English football after nearly two decades during which Abramovich’s team has consistently challenged for the sport’s top honours. Chelsea have won 19 major trophies in the Abramovich era, including their first two Champions League crowns and five Premier League titles.
The 55-year-old’s reign will come to an end in the fall-out from Russia’s invasion of its neighbour. Abramovich, alleged to have close links to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has not been named on a growing British sanctions list targeting Russian banks, businesses and pro-Kremlin tycoons. But the Chelsea owner’s concern about potential seizing of assets is understood to have sparked his move to off-load the Blues.
- Premier League Captains To Wear Ukraine Armbands In Show Of Support
Premier League captains will wear armbands in Ukraine’s national colours this weekend to show support for the war-torn country after Russia’s invasion. All 20 skippers in the English top flight will don the yellow and blue armbands for this round of fixtures.
Fans will be encouraged to join players, managers, match officials and club staff in a moment of reflection and solidarity before kick-off. The large screens at grounds will display “Football Stands Together” against a yellow and blue backdrop.
The words will also be shown on LED perimeter boards during games, which start with Leicester against Leeds at 1230 GMT on Saturday through to Monday’s fixture between Tottenham and Everton.
At Sunday’s League Cup final, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson carried yellow flowers onto the pitch before kick-off, while there was a minute’s applause for Ukraine ahead of the match at Wembley. Manchester City’s Ukraine defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was given the captaincy for his team’s FA Cup fifth-round win at Peterborough on Tuesday.
- NFF Mourns Passing Of Sports Journalist, Sunny Ojeagbase
The Nigeria Football Federation has described as “shocking” the death of Emmanuel Sunny Ojeagbase, the Chairman of Complete Communications Limited, who passed on at the weekend in the United States of America.
President of the NFF and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick stated that the prolific sports journalist carved a bold niche for himself in the profession,
Pinnick also described the icon as having made a profound impression on the terrain as he tutored and mentored those who came to be the forebears of the following decades and left giant footprints in the sands of time.
- WCQ: Onazi On Standby, Ighalo Returns As Nigeria Name Squad For Ghana Clash
Midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has been put on standby as Nigeria on Friday named their squad, which included Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 absentee, Oghenekaro Etebo, for the World Cup play-off against regional rivals Ghana later this month. The long-time absentee was part of the Super Eagles side that won the AFCON in 2013.
Leicester City forward Ademola Lookman was also included in the provisional squad. Nigeria take on Ghana at the 20,000–capacity Cape Coast Sports Stadium on March 25, with the reverse leg set for Abuja four days later. The winners from the tie will earn one of Africa’s five tickets to the World Cup finals in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.
Lookman has been cleared by FIFA to play for Nigeria after he represented England at various age-grade levels. He is one of three uncapped players selected by Nigeria, along with Calvin Bassey of Scottish champions Rangers and FC Copenhagen youngster Akinkunmi Amoo.
METRO PLUS
- Igboho begins fresh negotiation with Beninese govt over health status
Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has begun a fresh negotiation with the Benin Republic government over his health status. Counsel for the detained activist, Chief Yomi Aliyyu, made this known on Thursday. He explained that Igboho is negotiating to be moved to another detention facility over his health status. According to Aliyyu, reports that Igboho has fled to Germany is not also true.
In a statement titled, ‘Re: Purported release of Sunday Igboho’, the lawyer said, “Kindly discountenance any news about the release of Chief Sunday Adeyemo or that he is on his way to Germany. It is not true, please. “With the assistance of a worldwide renowned professor and prof Akintoye and lawyers (Falola and myself), we are negotiating for something more comfortable for him than prison to meet his health demand. I advise you to remain calm and prayerful.”
- Police nab Delta school principal for allegedly defiling six-year-old pupil
The Delta State Police Command has nabbed the principal of Royal Children International School, Asaba, Mr. Emmanuel Okafor, for allegedly raping a six-year-old pupil at the school toilet in Asaba, the state capital. Sources told newsmen that the principal was arrested, on Tuesday, at the school premises by police officers attached to A Division Police Station in Asaba, where the pupil’s mother reportedly lodged complaint against the school and the suspect.
It was gathered that the principal was conducting early morning devotions for the students when he was summoned to the proprietor’s office for questioning over the rape allegations against him. At the proprietor’s office, the six-year-old pupil narrated how the suspect defiled her at the school toilet, and asked her to keep it a secret or she will be sent out of the school, and nothing will happen.
Meanwhile, the family source said the secret was made open when the victim’s mother observed that her daughter movement had suddenly changed while walking around, and her attitude also changed. This strange discovery was said to have prompted the mother to question the girl who confessed the alleged rape by the principal.
It was also learnt that a test had already been carried out on the pupil and her hymen was damaged.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, adding that the police is carrying out a thorough investigation on the matter and thereafter will charge the suspect to court.
- Collaborate with sister agencies, IGP urges police officers
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has called on his men to work in collaboration with other security agencies in the country to tame insecurity. He added that all agencies are servicing the same purpose which was to ensure the safety of Nigerians. Alkali spoke during an official visit to the FCT Command on Tuesday.
He said, “All agencies of government whether NSCDC, FRSC, the Military, Customs, Immigrations are serving the same government. We are all doing things that will make citizens sleep with their two eyes closed. He also urged officers of the FCT Police Command not to convert security measures put in place to tackle criminal elements into money-making ventures or avenues for fleecing citizens.
He said challenges facing the Command include inadequate manpower, inadequate barracks accommodation for officers and men and inadequate patrol vehicles, trackers, drones, APC’s, Tear Gas Smoke, arms and ammunition.
