The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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Gov. Mbah charges Enugu youths on embracing entrepreneurship, innovation

Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has charged the youth in the state to embrace entrepreneurial and innovative spirit to move the state and country forward, urging them to see themselves as leaders, who have significant roles to play in the development of the state.

The governor gave the advice at weekend during the 2024 Enugu Leadership and Business Summit, organised by Enugu Innovative Youths (EIY).

Speaking at the the summit themed, “The Role Of Youths in Building A New Enugu”, the governor emphasized on the importance of youths embracing new knowledge in all its forms and seeking mentorship from those who had walked the path before them. He urged them not to underestimate the power of collaboration and creativity in achieving their dreams.

Addressing the youths at the summit held at University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Governor Mbah extolled the energy the youths brought to the submit, saying that the gathering showed the incredible power that lay within the youths to reshape the state.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, added that the theme resonated deeply with their collective aspirations, disclosing that the administration was deliberate in setting aside leadership positions for youths in the government.

According to him, because of the pivotal role youths play in reshaping the destiny of Enugu State, whether through entrepreneurship or advocacy, and public service, the administration had continued in its commitment to equipping them with modern digital trainings and skills that would enhance their capacity.

He enjoined them to embrace leadership which, he said, was not title or position, but something that “begins with self-awareness and a commitment to integrity, empathy, and ethical conduct.”

He added that leadership was defined by the courage to take initiative, the resilience to navigate challenges, and the compassion to impact meaningfully in the lives of others.

“True leaders inspire trust, empower others and champion inclusivity.

“Remember to uplift those around you when ascending the ladder of success.

“This is because true greatness is not measured by personal accolades you receive, but by the positive impact you have on others.

“Your contribution matters and you have power to make a difference. The time to lead is now and the world is waiting for you,” Mbah concluded.

Member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, in a lecture titled “A Limitless Potentials of Enugu Youth”, urged the youth to embrace innovation and acquire digital skills and networking.

Also speaking, the member representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency, Pharm. Nnolim Nnaji, while delivering lecture on “Youths And Drug Abuse”, warned that drug abuse posed socio-economic effect and endangered the future of youths.

He advised them to shun any form of drug abuse in order to build the desired society that they would happily bequeath to the next generation.

Earlier, the Director of EIY, Rev. Chimaobi Aninwene, said the summit was aimed at mobilizing the them on the need to be part of the happenings in Enugu and the country.

He said, “Before this time, many youths thought that to be a youth is just about a particular age. Youth need to understand who they are to value themselves.

“We want to be part of innovation and creativity going on in the state as well as partnering with Mbah because of his developmental strides within one year in office,” he said.

He commended the Mbah administration for the growth and development the state had witnessed within a short period of time, expressing optimism that Enugu would achieve the goals it had set out for.

The highlights of the event include the presentation of N100,000 each to three youths for their education and presenting the governor with the Best Innovation Award of the year.

June 24, 2024
Reps Members write Tinubu for release of Nnamdi Kanu

About 50 members of the House of Representatives spread across the six geo-political zones of the country, under the aegis of the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Services, according to PUNCH Newspaper.

The lawmakers elected on the platform of different political parties in a letter addressed to President Tinubu, dated June 19, 2024, urged the first citizen to commence a peace move to address the insecurity challenges in the South-East.

Some of the signatories of the three-page letter include Obi Aguocha (Abia), Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Afam Ogene (Anambra), Muhammed Jajere (Yobe), Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Midala Balami (Borno), and Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers).

Others are Dominic Okafor (Anambra), Etanabene Benedict (Delta), Abdulmaleek Danga (Kogi), Shehu Dalhatu (Katsina), Chinedu Martins (Imo), Matthew Nwogu (Imo), Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Koki Sagir (Kano) and Amobi Oga (Abia) among others.

The IPOB leader had last week expressed his desire to have the treason charges filed against him by the Federal Government settled out of court.

He also denounced the killings in the South-East resulting from IPOB agitation for the separation of Igbo from Nigeria.

The lawmakers, in their letter, urged President Tinubu to mandate the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial.

They recalled that the President extended this gesture through the office of the Attorney General to activist Omoyele Sowore, who was charged with treasonable felony.

“Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the Renewed Hope Agenda and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by all. It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial.

“We collectively believe this is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace reformation and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms.

“Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, as it would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the region. It would encourage stakeholders from the South-East to engage more actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances.

“This, we believe, will also help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development. This comes at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.”

Punch

June 24, 2024
Emir Sanusi: Police Take Over Guarding of Kano Emirate Main Palace [PHOTOS]

Operatives of Kano State Police Command have taken over the security of the main palace of the Emir of Kano, displacing local hunters who had been guarding the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, since his return to the palace, according to a report by LEADERSHIP.

The local hunters, popularly known as ‘Yan Tauri,’ were earlier deployed to the palace en masse last month following rumours that federal authorities were planning to forcefully return the deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, to the main palace and sack Sanusi II.

However, on Sunday evening, a team of security agents cleared out the hunters and assumed control of the palace’s security.

Pacesetter reports that the reason for the deployment of the Policemen is yet to be clearly known as there has been no official statement from the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, SP Haruna Kiyawa.

Meanwhile, the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado-Bayero, remains under the protection of security agents at the Nasarawa mini palace. Despite an eviction notice issued by the Kano State government after a vague court ruling by Justice Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano last Thursday, both palaces have continued their traditional activities without interruption.

The ongoing standoff between the two gladiators has drawn significant attention to the Kano Emirate throne.

See Photos Below:

Pacesetter/Leadership

June 24, 2024
Nwifuru commences revatilisation of pipe production, building material industries in Ebonyi

In line with the agenda of the Gov. Francis Nwifuru-led government, Ebonyi state government says it has commenced the revitalisation of the Ezzamgbo pipe production industry, which was once moribund and non-functional.

Describing his administration as an eventful and human capital development one, the governor disclosed that the revalitalization, revival and reactivation of the building materials industry in the state was ongoing as all the materials needed for the required renovation had been put in place and before the end of September 2024, the building material industry will be fully functional.

Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Offia Nwali made this disclosure while addressing newsmen on the achievements his ministry has recorded in the past one year.

Offia Nwali said that one of the very first tasks he got from the governor was to resuscitate and revalidate the dilapidated pipe production industry, adding that he had began its revival from the scratch and with the unwavering support, including financial approvals made by the governor, the idea was brought to life.

He noted that his ministry had succeeded in procuring essential and basic machines needed for the industry such as the Extrusion, stressing that there was total overhauling of the place and all the needed equipments were purchased, fixed and it became functional.

The Commissioner enumerated other tasks undertaken by the ministry to include: procurement and installation of one (1) number Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Machine ,
replacement of vandalized armored cables at EPPC Ezzamgbo, Installation of all in one solar street light and CCTV cameras at EPPC Ezzamgbo and Shipping and clearing for 2 PVC extrusion lines machine and it’s accessories.

Other projects according to him were Industrial cleaning at EPPC Ezzamgbo, major repairs of damaged roof at EPPC Ezzamgbo, drilling of Borehole and four(4) No.Gp Tanks and it’s accessories at EPPC Ezzamgbo and installation of PVC machines for full operations.

He also announced that approval had been given by the governor for purchase of PPR production machines and its accessories and for the purchase of PPR and PVC pipe fittings production machines with different moulds.

Other approval for the ministry he said was the purchase of equipment for production of building materials like Block Moulding machines, electric pole Moulding Machine, interlocking and accessories at Ebonyi Building Material Industry .

“When I came on board as the ministry leader, one of the very first task I got from my principal is to resuscitate and revalidate the dilapidated pipe production industry .

“We began its revival from the scratch and with the unwavering support which culminated in financial approvals made by His Excellency, we procured essential and basic machines needed for the industry such as the Extrusion machines which made it possible for us to get to where we are today.

“There was total overhauling of the place and all needed equipments were purchased, fixed and it became functional. In sequential orders, the approvals includes :

“Procurement and installation of one (1) number Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Machine for use at EPPC Ezzamgbo.

“Replacement of vandalized armored cables at EPPC Ezzamgbo.

“Installation of all in one solar street light and CCTV cameras at EPPC Ezzamgbo.

“Shipping and clearing for 2 PVC extrusion lines machine and it’s accessories.

“Approval for purchase of equipment for production of building materials like Block Moulding machines, electric pole Moulding Machine, interlocking and accessories at Ebonyi Building Material Industry Ezzamgbo.

“Building materials industry at Ezzamgbo is experiencing revalitalization, revival and reactivation. I wish to inform Ebonyians that before the end of September, 2024 the building material industry will be fully functional”.

Pacesetter/Champion

June 24, 2024
Enugu Law School Students Rejoice As Gov Mbah Doles Out N44.1m Bursaries, Awards Scholarship to Another Aspiring Pilot

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has approved bursaries in the sum of N44.1m to 294 indigenes of the state currently studying at the seven campuses of the Nigerian Law School across the country.

Of the total beneficiaries, which were drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State, 284 have already been verified and paid the sum of N150,000 each as part of government’s support and effort to accelerate human capital development in the state.

Mbah has also awarded a scholarship in the sum of N12m to Miss Chidiogo Igwebuike, an indigene of Ukana, Udi LGA, Enugu State, to train as a pilot at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Appreciating the governor, the beneficiaries under the umbrella of the National Association of Enugu State Law Students, described the gesture as an auspicious intervention, especially against the backdrop of the challenging economic realities of the country, and commended him for his vision and commitment to educational development in the state.

In a letter by the National President of the Association, Stephen Obiora; the National Secretary, Johnpaul Obisike; and the National Public Relations Officer, Uzoamaka Aguoma, they pledged to make the state proud.

“This bursary has come at the right time to allivate the financial challenges the entire country is facing at this time, giving us room to focus on our court and chamber attachments without too much worry about the current state of the economy.

“Your commitment to education and youth development is truly commendable. Your support is a testament to your administration’s dedication to empowering Enugu State indigenes and investing in our dear state’s future and progress.

“We appreciate you for believing in us. We look forward to making Enugu state proud,” they stated.

In a related development, Governor Mbah has equally paid the sum of N12m to see Miss Chidiogo Igwebuike, a 24-year old graduate of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Enugu, through a Standard Pilot Course at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

It is recalled that the governor had in May 2024 awarded scholarship in the sum of N23.3m to Master Israel Echezona, a 17-year old indigene of Mgbagbu-Owa, Enugu State, who emerged the overall best candidate in the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology entrance examination, to also enable him train as a pilot.

June 21, 2024
Emir Sanusi: Kano govt refuses court decision, insists Sanusi remains Emir, to demolish Bayero’s mini palace

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano yesterday nullified the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

But Kano State government in a swift reaction hours after the ruling yesterday, insisted that Mohammad Sanusi remained the 16th emir of Kano.

It also asked Ado Bayero to vacate the Gidan Nassarawa mini palace, where he had been living after his removal, for demolition.

Alhaji Aminu Babba-Dan’agundi, who holds the title of Sarkin Dawaki Babba, had, through his counsel, Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, filed a motion dated May 23, in which he asked the court to restrain the Kano State government from implementing the Kano State Emirate (Repeal) Law 2024.

The law had repealed the 2019 Emirate Council law that established five emirates from the original Kano Emirate.

With all Emirs sacked, the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, who had been sacked by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration in March 2020, was reinstated as 16th Emir to replace Aminu Ado Bayero, who was consumed by the repeal of the law.

Disatisfied with the development, Babba-Dangundi took the matter to court to seek a reversal of the removal of Bayero.

The respondents were the Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney-General of Kano State and Commissioner of Police in Kano.
Others are the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security Service.

Delivering ruling yesterday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad-Liman declared that all actions carried out by the state government, following the passage of the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, were null and void.

“I hereby order that every step or actions taken by the respondents in pursuant to Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024 is null and void and is set aside. However, this order does not affect the validity of the law,” he said.

He also ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante, and held that the respondents were aware of the earlier order, dated May 23, to maintain status quo, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

“I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot free with it.

The catastrophic situation could have been averted if the respondents followed due processes by complying with the court order, which would still have allowed them to carry out their assignments,’’ he said.

Muhammad-Liman granted the respondents’ application for stay of proceedings, pending hearing and determination of their application at the court of appeal on jurisdiction.

“I hereby transfer the case to Justice Simon Amobeda, Federal High Court 3,” he said
Earlier, counsel to the applicant, M. S. Waziri, had urged the court to nullify the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) law 2024.

Counsel to Kano State House of Assembly and Speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun, told the court that he had filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal and a motion on stay of proceedings.

Fatogun also applied to be recused from the matter, asking for an adjournment to enable his clients find another lawyer, and pending hearing and determination of his application at the court of appeal on jurisdiction.

Counsel to Attorney General of Kano State and the State Government, Mr A. G. Wakil, aligned himself with the position of Fatogun.

Also, counsel to the Commissioner of Police Kano and Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ekwe, told the court that the duty of the police was to maintain peace in the state, adding that was why they did not file any response on jurisdiction issue.

Recall that the State House of Assembly had on May 23, dissolved all the four newly created Emirate councils in the state.

Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf on that date, dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Muhammad Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje

Meanwhile, Kano State government insisted yesterday that Sanusi remained the Emir of Kano and ordered the state commissioner of police to remove the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the Gidan Nassarawa mini palace for demolition of the building.

The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Baffa Bichi, gave the order while addressing newsmen at Government House.

Dederi said Bayero should be removed from the property where he is trespassing as government had already concluded arrangements for the general reconstruction and renovation of the property with immediate effect.

He said: ‘’The Kano State government acknowledges the ruling by the Federal High Court regarding the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 and views same as upholding the rule of law.

‘’By the ruling of the court, it has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State on Thursday, May 23, 2024 by 5:10pm.

This part of the judgement is very fundamental to the entire matter. Further implication of the ruling is that all actions done by the government before the emergence of the interim order of the honorable court, are equally validated.

‘’This means that, the abolishing of the five emirates created in 2019 is validated and the deposition of the five emirs is also sustained by the Federal High Court.

‘’By implication this means that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the emir of Kano. The judge also granted our application for the stay of proceedings until the Court of Appeal deals with the appeal before it on jurisdiction.

‘’Happily, the signing of the law and the reinstatement of His Highness, Emir Muhammad Sunusi II were done on May 23, 2024, before the emergence of the interim order which was served on us on Monday, May 27, 2024.

‘’Following this court’s ruling, Kano State government has directed the state commissioner of police to remove the deposed emir of the 8 metropolitan local governments from the government property where he is trespassing as government has already concluded arrangements for the general reconstruction and renovation of the property including the demolishing and reconstruction of the dilapidated wall fence with immediate effect.’’

Vanguard

June 21, 2024
Anambra’s Soludo Inaugurates Panel of Inquiry Into Ochanja, DMGS Onitsha Building Collapse, Gives 28 Days Deadline to Submit Report

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has inaugurated a panel of inquiry into the building collapse at Ọdụ Igbo, Ochanja and DMGS, Onitsha.

This is coming less than twenty four hours after members of the panel were constituted.

The Governor performed the function at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

Members of the panel are

Engr. Sir Victor Meju- Chairman, who is also the Chairman of COREN Anambra State Chapter, he will serve as Chairman,

Arc. Ikenna Eboh- Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architect (NIA) Anambra State Chapter, Member,

TPL. Nwofor Ben Obiora Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP)Anambra State Chapter, Member,

Surv. Gabriel Okeke Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Anambra State Chapter, Member.

Others are:
Bldr. Kingsley Nweke Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB) Anambra State Chapter, Member,

MD/CEO Anambra State Material Testing Laboratory- Member,

Prof. Ezeagu Akaolisa- Chairman Institute of Structural Engineers, member

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing Anambra State- Secretary of the Committee.

The panel was charged to identify the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse of Lockup shops at Ọdụ Igbo Ochanja and the centenary building at Dennis Memorial Grammar School Onitsha, including structural, design, construction, and maintenance factors, assess the role of relevant authorities, including regulatory bodies and local government agencies, in monitoring and enforcing building codes and safety standards, among others and make recommendations.

Governor Soludo who stated that their inauguration goes a long way to demonstrate the importance his government would place on the recommendations of the panel, which may form the basis for requisite actions.

The Governor also charged them on discharging their job with the highest form of professionalism, which is the reason they were chosen from various professional bodies.

“The building collapse at Ọdụ Igbo and DMGS, Onitsha has become one too many.

“There is no better qualified team than you, to get to the root of this matter. I’m sure the nation will benefit immensely from your recommendations.

“Give us the best and then we get to work”; the Governor added.

Engr. Meju appreciated the Governor for finding them worthy of the role.

“We understand the sacred nature of the appointment to the state government.

“We will articulate our recommendations for the benefit of ndị Anambra”; hé concluded.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi and the Press Secretary to the Governor were also present at the event.

June 21, 2024
Enugu’s Mbah to pay 8-month inherited salary arrears of College of Education Workers

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the payment of eight-month salary arrears valued at over N467m, which were owed the academic, non-academic, and casual staff of the Enugu State College of Education, Technical, ESCET, Enugu, before his administration.

A breakdown of the approval are eight-month salary arrears of 299 academic staff and non-academic staff of ESCET valued at N384m, salary arrears of part-time lecturers valued at N69.2m, and salary arrears of casual staff valued at N13.8m. The total came to N467,061,600.

This, according to government, is in line with Governor Mbah’s promise to turn the state’s education sector around.

It is recalled that the Mbah Administration earmarked N158.78bn, representing 33 per cent of the state’s 2024 budget for the education sector. This is the highest both in terms of per capita and percentage of total budget sum in the country as well as higher than UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15 per cent – 20 per cent of total annual budget.

June 20, 2024
[FULL DETAILS] Court nullifies reinstatement of Emir Sanusi

A Federal High Court in Kano, on Thursday, nullified the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The court also nullified all the actions taken after the controversial reinstatement.

The presiding judge, Justice Abdullahi Liman, said, “I hereby order that every step taken by the government is hereby nullified and becomes null and invalid and that this does not affect the validity of the repealed Emirates Law but actions taken by the governor which include the assenting to the law and the reappointment of Sanusi.

“I have listened to the audio of the governor both in Hausa and English after assenting to the law, and I am convinced that the respondents are aware of the order of maintaining status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice in the court.

“Having been satisfied that the respondents are aware of the court order, the court, in the exercise of its powers, set aside an action because it is in violation of the court’s order, I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot free with it.”

He said the catastrophic situation could have been averted if the respondents followed due processes by complying with the court order, which would still have allowed them to carry out their assignments.

He noted that the respondents, however, decided to act according to their whims and caprices, a situation which he said landed them in a serious mess.

Punch

June 20, 2024
Kanu states readiness to negotiate with Fed Gov’t

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed his readiness to enter into a negotiation with the Federal Government.

Kanu took the position on Wednesday, at the resumed proceeding on the seven-count terrorism and treasonable felony charge the FG entered against him before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

His team of lawyers, led by Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, noted that Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, made provision for amicable resolution of such matters.

Ejimakor, notified the court of the decision of his team to explore the option, after he moved two applications that were filed by his client.

Whereas one of the applications, sought the committal of the Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mr. Yusuf Bichi, to prison for contempt of court, the second motion challenged the jurisdiction of the court to continue with the trial.

According to Kanu’s lawyer, he would be left with no option but to activate section 17 of the FHC Act, should the court dismiss the two applications he moved on behalf of his client.

“Section 17 of Federal High Court Rules, states that in any proceedings, the court may consider reconciliation and settlement,” Ejimakor added.

On his part, FG’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, said he had earlier informed the defendant that he lacked the powers to embark on such negotiation since it was not part of the Fiat that was issued to him by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He maintained that only the AGF has the authority to negotiate or take further steps in relation to the matter, noting that the case borders on alleged terrorism.

“If he is interested in negotiating, he knows the right place, the Attorney General of the Federation office,” Adegboyega, SAN, stated.

Reacting to the development, trial Justice Binta Nyako said the duty of the court was to hear the matter that was brought before it and not to act as a solicitor for any of the parties.

He said it was left for the parties to agree on the way they want the matter to go.

“If you want to discuss with the AGF, no problem at all,” Justice Nyako added.

It will be recalled that Kanu was first arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, upon his return to the country from the United Kingdom, UK.

Justice Nyako had on April 25, 2017, granted him bail on health ground, after he had spent about 18 months in detention.

Upon the perfection of the bail conditions, he was on April 28, 2017, released from the Kuje prison.

However, midway into the trial, the IPOB leader escaped from the country after soldiers invaded his country home at Afara Ukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, Abia State, an operation that led to the death of some of his followers.

Kanu was later re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021 and extraordinarily renditioned back to the country by security agents on June 27, 2021.

Following the development, the trial court, on June 29, 2021, remanded him in custody of DSS, where he remained till date.

On April 8, 2022, the court struck out eight out of the 15-count charge that FG preferred against him on the premise that they lacked substance.

Likewise, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, on October 13, 2022, ordered Kanu’s immediate release from detention even as it quashed the charge against him.

Dissatisfied with the decision, FG took the matter before the Supreme Court, even as it persuaded the appellate court to suspend the execution of the judgement, pending the determination of its appeal.

While deciding the appeal, the Supreme Court, on December 15, 2023, vacated the judgement of the appellate court and gave FG the nod to try the IPOB leader on the subsisting seven-count charge.

Vanguard

June 19, 2024
Building Collapses Inside Ebonyi Teaching Hospital, Traps Two Persons

Two persons trapped as 3-storey building under construction collapse in Ebonyi 18/06/2024

Two persons have been reportedly trapped inside a three-storey building under construction, that collapsed on Tuesday evening in Abakaliki the Ebonyi State capital.

The collapsed building is located inside the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

During a search and rescue operation, one person was rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical treatment, as one other person is still trapped inside the collapsed building.

One of the labourers, who escaped from the collapsed building, narrated that he escaped because he went to wash his hands.

“I was loading a bag of stones and the owner of the house was here with me, telling me to park it very well. He has finished paying us.

Channels Television gathered that only one person, who is dumb was trapped inside and he is still there as of the time of filling this report. One other who was rescued has been rushed to hospital.

“The building did not give any sign that it was about to collapse. I was lucky because my tools were inside. I just said let me wash my hands here before I will go inside the building to collect my tools,” he stated.

Ebonyi Police spokesperson DSP Joshua Ukandu via chat, confirmed that men of the operatives and officials from the state Ministry of Works and Capital Development authority workers, are still on ground, trying to rescue the trapped labourer.

Meanwhile, the second person was later rescued late at night and taken to the hospital.

Channels TV

June 19, 2024
Enugu Governor’s Wife Enrolls 1,701 Expectant Mothers on Health Insurance, Launches Mama Care Initiative

Wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, Tuesday, launched the “Mama Care Initiative” where 1,701 pregnant women were enrolled on a one-year health insurance premium.

Mrs. Mbah, who also doled out financial supports and foodstuffs to the expectant mothers drawn from the 17 local government areas of the state, said that Mama Care, which is an initiative of the Office of the Wife of the Governor of the Enugu State and her pet project, the Custos Care Foundation, was aimed at boosting government’s effort to eradicate maternal and infant mortality from the state.

This was even as the Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Prof Emmanuel Obi, described the gesture as a major millage for the Governor Peter Mbah’s many initiatives to bring government closer to the grassroot through the construction of 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, many of which are already nearing completion.

Throwing more light on the Mama Care Initiative, Mrs Mbah said, “Too often, the joy of pregnancy is overshadowed by the fear and uncertainty brought about by financial constraints, leading many women to seek the services of traditional birth attendants. While these attendants have served their communities for generations, the realities of modern healthcare necessitate a shift towards facilities, equipped to handle the complexities of childbirth.

“Through the Mama Care Initiative, we are taking decisive action to bridge this gap by paying for a one-year health insurance premium for 1,701 pregnant women across our 17 local government areas, ensuring that 100 women from each L.G.A will have access to comprehensive healthcare services, which includes not only antenatal care but also the safe and supervised conditions necessary for delivery in our hospitals and healthcare centres.

“Our vision is to reduce maternal and infant mortality in our state significantly. It is unacceptable that in this era, women should lose their lives giving birth or that infants should not survive their first days due to preventable complications.

“We aim to provide our mothers with the security and support they need to bring new life into the world safelv and healthily. This commitment is to the welfare and healthcare of our mothers and children in Enugu State.

“The Mama Care Initiative is designed to provide essential services such as prenatal and postnatal care, nutritional support, health education, and access to medical resources. It will bring essential medical services directly to our communities, ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from the expertise and care of our dedicated healthcare professionals.

“By combining the provision of health insurance with proactive medical outreach, we are creating a robust support system for our expectant mothers.

“It is a health intervention and pledge of support to every woman in Enugu State, a promise that we see you, hear you, and are committed to standing by you through one of the most critical phases of your life.

“We encourage all our pregnant mothers to utilize these services, to attend their antenatal appointments diligently, take your routine drugs religiously and to choose hospitals or healthcare centres for childbirth. Your health and the health of your baby are paramount.”

Mrs. Mbah equally announced the distribution of 1,701 bags of rice in addition to financial support to the pregnant women to support the nutritional needs of both the mothers and their unborn babies.

“We understand the importance of proper nutrition for both mother and child, and we are here to ensure that you have the resources needed to thrive”, she added.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof Emmanuel Obi, recalled that Mrs. Mbah had settled the medical bills of so many pregnant women and nursing mothers as well as enrolled many Enugu women on health insurance before now, and urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by religiously presenting themselves for professional care at the health facilities.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Amarachi Osita, thanked Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah for her foundation for their benevolence, noting that “now all my worries are gone.”

June 19, 2024