Category: News

Following the outrage that trailed the arrest and arraignment of minors over the #EndBadGovernance protests held in several parts of the country in August, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of all the detainees.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday after the President swore in seven newly appointed ministers cleared by the Senate.

The minister said the President ordered the immediate release of the minors without prejudice to whatever legal processes that are ongoing.

The President also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately see to the welfare of those minors, and also take part to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.

Tinubu also directed that a committee would be set up to be spearheaded by the humanitarian affairs ministry to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of the minors.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Nigerians were enraged and disgusted when the police brought 72 minors before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their participation in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The defendants, who were accused of treason, among others, were arrested in places like Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states. Some of them looked gaunt and poorly fed and collapsed in court.

The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, granted N10 million bail to 72 minors who were arraigned.

Many Nigerians including former presidential candidates, civil society organisations, human rights activists and regional socio-political groups were incensed when they found out that the minors had been detained for over eight weeks since the nationwide protests against hunger and high cost of living.

In the heat of the nationwide condemnation of the government’s action, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, hurriedly released a statement that his “office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to take an informed decision”.

Fagbemi immediately directed the police to transfer the case file to his office and hand over the same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF). Channels TV

…as state gov’t woos diaspora health professionals

Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has pledged to make the state the hub of medical tourism and put an end to the exodus of people moving overseas for health services by expediting the completion of the ongoing construction of the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital.

The governor, who made this commitment on Monday in Enugu during the flag off of the state-of-the-art multi-specialty hospital project, stressed that the state was targeting a substantial share of the overseas medical tourism market which is above $1 billion annually.

He disclosed that top-notch health professionals living in diaspora were already engaging the state government on areas of collaboration in the health sector, saying the state is open for investment, business and partnership.

Mbah, who also called on more health professionals and other investors to see Enugu as a fertile market for business, and assured of returns-on-investment, said the government had already derisked investment flow and would continue to make the state eco-business friendly with the right incentives.

“The Enugu International Hospital is going to be equipped with the state-of-the art facilities and we intend to attract top-notch professionals. We intend to work with our sons and daughters overseas who are interested in coming to express their professionalism on our soil. So, we’ll be taking this opportunity to remind them to come back and know that this place is open for them with the best state-of-the-art facilities they can get anywhere in the world,” he stated.

While expressing delight that the project was a reaffirmation of his administration commitment to reverse medical tourism overseas, Governor Mbah said the hospital would offer advanced and specialized services, research and training.

He said the construction of the international hospital, which had already commenced, would meet the needs of those travelling abroad for healthcare, noting that the administration had committed huge investment in the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services.

“We already know the interventions we made in the primary health sector with the construction of 260-type 2 primary healthcare centres and attending to 22 cottage and general hospitals across the state,” he said.

Governor Mbah further stated that the international hospital will also serve as both training and research centre for medical students from the major tertiary institutions in the state as well as ensuring that patients have access to the best healthcare delivery available anywhere in the world.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Prof Ikechukwu Obi, extolled the governor over the ongoing revolution in the healthcare sector, saying 260 type-2 and 9 type-3 primary healthcare hospitals undergoing intervention at the primary health level, 22 secondary healthcare facilities receiving cutting-edge attention, with Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) and the University of Medical and Applied Sciences Teaching Hospital (SUMASTH) as tertiary hospitals, in addition to the international hospital in the state.

According to him, the international hospital will offer different medical services as soon as it becomes operational which include, general medicine, emergency department, surgical services, obstetrics and gynaecology, intensive care unit, cardiology, oncology, neurology, radiology and imaging, laboratory services, pharmacy, nutritional services, physical therapy and rehabilitation, biomedical engineering and medical gas production, health information services, among other medical services.

Describing the project as one of the landmark initiatives of the Mbah administration, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, as well as the Special Adviser on Project Development and Implementation, Arc..Uche Nwatu, expressed optimism that the world-class hospital will put the state on the regional and global healthcare map with the capacity to set new benchmarks in medical services, education and research.

On the part of the contractor, the chief executive officer of Tanit Medical Engineering, Anthony Nader, promised that the company would deliver the project in record time.

“What makes the hospital different from others is the quality and the uniqueness of the equipment. We’re going to have many equipment that have never been seen in any of the hospitals around. The services that will be offered will be very unique to the extent that none of the hospitals in West Africa has it,” he stressed.

Commending Governor Mbah for the laudable project, the Executive Chairman, Enugu North LGA, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State chapter, Dr. Sunday Okafor, representative of the Ogui Nike community, Hon Emeka Nnamani, former deputy governor of the state, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, and the State PDP Woman Leader, Mrs. Peace Patrick, said the hospital would meet the healthcare needs of the country.

The Governor of Ebonyi State Rt. Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru says effective dispensation of justice can only be achieved only when the judiciary is truly independent.

He was speaking at the 2024/2025 Legal Year in Abakaliki, the State Capital.

The Governor, according to a statement by Dr. Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ebonyi State, said the occasion provides an opportunity for Judicial officers to renew their resolve to uphold the integrity of the Bench and to do justice to all men without fear or favour, affection, or ill will.

“Today’s theme, “Law as an Instrument for Social Engineering,” speaks directly to the transformative power of the law in guiding our society towards progress, equity, and justice. I commend the organisers in re-echoing the power of law which our government wholeheartedly believes is critical to social engineering.

“In the context of law, it is critical in shaping societal behavior, norms, and values. As social engineers, legal professionals have the power to advocate for reforms that address the pressing issues of our time, setting the foundation for a society that is equitable and just for all.”

The Governor said the Judicial Arm of the Government remains the only and lasting beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens, adding that the legal profession has a vital role to play in promoting the cause of Justice, protecting human rights and upholding professional standards.

He said his administration has been quite responsive, supportive and understanding in many issues that affect the Judiciary.

“The Ebonyi State Government also gave approval to the Judicial Service Commission to recruit 150 Judiciary staff to boost the manpower needs of the Judiciary. I am able to testify that the present Government of Ebonyi State even though one year in the office has been consistent in the enhancement of the conditions of service of the Judicial officers and staff.”

The Ebonyi State Chief Executive enjoined the Judiciary as an Institution to continue to strive to meet the demands of Courts users and the general public, to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties of adjudications in meeting with the expectations of the society and brace up for the challenges ahead.

He re-stated the commitment of his administration to promote the Rule of Law and regenerate a new era of economic prosperity for the State.

The Nigeria Police Force has said that the #EndBadGovernance minors who slumped in court on Friday did so deliberately to draw the attention of the media to themselves.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

He said Oluyede will hold sway as the COAS pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is said to be indisposed and is receiving treatment abroad.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS),” the statement read.

“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”

Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.

General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday said concerns over the Federal High Court decision that restricted the release of state allocations is “the least” of his problems.

Lagos State Government on Wednesday said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu never sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged plan to arrest and prosecute him after his tenure.

…Sets Timeline for contractors

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has flagged-off multiple road projects totaling about 166.55km in the three senatorial zones of the state.

Mbah who performed these flagoffs within Monday, October 28, 2024 to Wednesday, October 30, 2024 noted that the multiple projects reflected the commitment of his administration to opening up rural areas.

On Wednesday, he flagged of the construction of multiple road projects totaling 78.85km in Nkanu East and Nkanu West Local Governments of state.

At Amodu in Nkanu West LGA, Governor Mbah performed the symbolic groundbreaking for the 9.30km Amodu-Akpugo Road, 5km Amagu-Atakwu-Akegbe Ugwu-Akpasha Road, and 3.12km Obuofia-Obeagu-Akegbe Ugwu Road totaling 17.32km.

Also, at Nara in Nkanu East LGA, the governor flagged-off the construction of the 12.96km Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara Road, 7km Nomeh-Oduma Road, 7.20km Mburubu-Nkereffi Road, 9km Nara-Nkerefi Road, 9.7km Amagunze-Ihuokpara-Ugbawka Road, 8.67km Akpawfu-Akpugo-Amagunze Road with a spur to Umuoma Onicha, and 61.43km Isiogbo Nara-Isu Road, all toalling 61.43km.

Speaking, Mbah said, “In the last few days, we have flagged off about 90km of roads and bridges across these various local governments. Today, we are here to again perform this all important event of the flag off. What you see here at this location may just be project signages indicating a few kilometres of road, but in actual terms, we are here to flag-off the construction of about 90km of roads in both Nkanu East and Nkanu West. But we cannot just go to all the roads one after the other.

“What we are about to witness in our various communities is an agricultural renaissance. As you already have known, we are setting up farm estates in different wards on a minimum of 200 hectares of land each. The farm estate would ensure that we take our agriculture potential to an industrial scale. So, our growth in agriculture will not just be for food. Agriculture for us will be a serious business and a major force for economic growth.

“We equally understand that if we are trying to attract cottage industries in our various rural areas, we must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that we have wide and paved roads.

“These roads are not only going to seamlessly connect Nkanu East to the West, but also Aninri LGA, and Ebonyi State,” he stated.

The governor assured the people that he looked forward to commissioning the roads in a few months’ time.

“We want to assure you that we are not in the business of abandoning projects. We cannot take up projects that we have not budgeted for and projects that we have not secured funding for. We are equally particular about timelines because we have no tolerance for cost and time overrun. We freeze the cost, we freeze the timeline. We agreed with the contactors on when to deliver and if they fail to deliver, they will pay us liquidated damages.”

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects Development and Implementation, Arc. Uchenna Nwatu, assured the people of effective and intensive supervision to ensure quality delivery as demanded by the governor.

The Managing Director of GOWASK Engineering Ltd, Hilary Abaratu, pledged to deliver the projects both in terms of high quality and timeframe spelt out in the contract.

Former Deputy Governors, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi and Bishop Ralph Nwoye; Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji; Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo and his Nkanu East counterpart, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh; Member representing Nkanu West State Constituency, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, and his Nkanu East State Constituency counterpart, Hon. Okey Mbah; Chairman, Nkanu West Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Obiora Igwesi, and the 1st Grand Patron, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Abel Nwobodo; Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, took turns to commend the governor and list the numerous impacts the roads would make on the lives of the people when completed, describing the projects as life-changing.

44km Amah-Eke–Oghe- Iwolo-Olo-Umulokpa Road

Dr. Peter Mbah flagged off the construction of the 44.8km Amah-Eke–Oghe- Iwolo-Olo-Umulokpa Road, traversing the Udi, Ezeagu and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas (LGAs) and also with a spur from Akama Oghe to Aguobuowa, to open the economic corridors of the state.

Performing the groundbreaking at Eke, Udi LGA, on Tuesday, Mbah stressed that the flag-off was also a symbolic event for the numerous other roads awarded in Enugu West Senatorial District, noting that beyond Umulokpa, his administration had equally awarded the contract to make it possible for the people to travel seamlessly from Adani and connect to Nsukka.

“What you see is asphalt and well-paved road that we will have here, but what I see when I do this flag-off or when I go for commissioning is a $30bn economy. I am also seeing the eradication of poverty. I am seeing an enhanced human welfare and capital development. These are essentially what good roads do for you beyond ease of movement and reduction in travel time.

“So, with the roads we have awarded, what you essentially have is a circle, which you can travel in less than one hour. You would also be able to go from Enugu East to West and then to North with ease. That way, we can open up a lot of economic activities,” he stated.

The governor also assured on timely completion of the road, and called on the people to continue to support his government.

“When we award contracts, we are quite focused on timeline and cost. So, in three months, we are back here to cut the ribbon and commission this road. The contractor already knows that we have no tolerance for time overrun. So, he is going to deliver as promised. On our part, we are going to ensure that he is well-funded.

“So, as for the naysayers and skeptics, you can now please go and tell them what you can see because for us, it is not about the talk but the work. We are keeping our own part of the bargain. We would urge you that you continue to support us, support the contractor during this period of construction,” he concluded.

Giving further details, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects Development and Implementation, Arc. Uchenna Nwatu, said that the road would be completed in three months with adequate measures also put in place to checkmate erosion.

“In the new design, embarkment will be built, other hydraulic structures will follow it, drains and culverts of different sizes will be built to protect the road. One unique thing about the road is that both the shoulders of 1.5 metres and the carriageway of 7.3 metres will be asphalted. Everything will be asphalted from drain to drain,” he said

In his remark, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, added that the governor had directed the extension of the road beyond Orie Engine.

“So, the road will run from Orie Engine down to Ebenebe by the Anambra State border with another spur running through Obinaofia Ndiagu to Ugwuoba. This is part of the economic ring that the governor is putting in place, he stated.

Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, commended the governor for connecting the entire state with good roads for socioeconomic prosperity.

Speaking on behalf of their people, various leaders of Udi, Ezeagu, and Uzo-Uwani, including the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chairman, Udi LGA, Hon. Hyginus Agu; and the traditional ruler of Isigwu Umana, who is the Chairman, Ezeagu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, commended the governor for creating a brand-new Enugu State.

“We are delighted to see you champion a new Enugu State. Obviously, the eight years of your administration will be remarkable for Enugu State,” Igwe Anichebe said.

The CEO of Ferotex Construction Company, Chief Festus Onu, reassured the governor and the people that the road would be of the best quality and would be delivered on target.

Earlier, PACESETTER had reported the flag-off of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Road.

The Senate will screen the ministerial nominees forwarded to it today for confirmation by President Bola Tinubu.

Northern governors have raised concern over the blackout in the region and want the Federal Government and related authorities to fastrack the restoration of power.

The Northern Governors’ Forum said this on Monday after a meeting of the union alongside traditional rulers and other stakeholders held in Kaduna.

“Forum resolves to call on the Federal Government and relevant Agencies to urgently address the current electricity power blackout affecting most of the Northern States due to vandalization of electricity transmission infrastructure,” the governors said in a communique issued after the meeting.

“This matter not only underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure but also the need to build additional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply so as to better connect our region and improve our energy resilience.”

The vandalism of a transmission line in the region has thrown the north into a blackout for days.

Businesses in several parts of the region are recounting losses while economic activities have been paralyzed in some places owing to the outage.

Disturbed by the development, President Bola Tinubu mandated the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and other concerned parties to speed up the restoration process.

Tinubu also ordered the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu “to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line”.

While lamenting about the vandalism of the transmission lines, the president warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate “deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities”.

Already, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said it was working to restore power to the affected region.

“TCN would like to state categorically that it is working diligently to restore bulk power supply as quickly as possible despite prevailing security challenges,” the agency’s General Manager of Public Affairs Ndidi Mbah said. Channels TV

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has summoned judges involved in conflicting rulings on political cases in Rivers State.