Lagos, Abuja Airports Spend N1bn Each On Power Supply Monthly — Keyamo

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October 8, 2024

By Charles Ebi

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has revealed that the Lagos and Abuja airports each spent over N1 billion monthly on energy consumption.

Keyamo made this statement while speaking in an interview aired on Channels TV on Tuesday in Abuja.

Keyamo explained that the increasing electricity costs have added to the financial burden on both flight operations and the airline industry.

He added that it is why he is advocating for off-grid energy solutions at airports, with a particular focus on renewable sources like solar power.

“We want to go full blast into off-grid power supply with these airports because that is the major source of loss of revenue at these airports. You have to run diesel when there is no flighty landing or anybody present there.

“You will be running diesel for the whole day with big generators—buying diesel, paying electricity bills. We need to look at going off-grid and now we are fully ready for that to use solar to run these airports so we don’t have to pay these high bills.

“We are doing far more than N1 billion for Lagos; far more than N1 billion for Abuja in a month. We are paying these for power in a month. It’s an open secret”, Keyamo said.

Speaking further, Keyamo stated that the rising electricity costs prompted him to initiate an audit of the power consumption at these airports.

He noted that the high bills predated his tenure as minister but emphasized that such expenses cannot be allowed to persist under his leadership.

While he recognizes the high cost of energy, his priority is to secure more affordable alternative energy sources for the industry.

“The point is that energy costs a lot. Now, whether it’s fully accurate, it’s why we are doing an energy audit. I’ve inaugurated an energy audit. I won’t allow some of these things happen under me without taking a second look at at them.

“As I speak with you, an energy audit is going on now. Very powerful individuals called me not to look into it, but I stood my ground. I said it’s not cheap to get source of power from here. I’m looking for cheaper source of power. We can source for cheaper source of power”, Keyamo said.

Despite various government interventions, the power sector in Nigeria continues to struggle, primarily due to underinvestment and liquidity shortages.

In May, the federal government introduced a N130 billion payment initiative to address part of the N1.3 trillion debt owed to gas suppliers within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry ,NESI.

To date, around N205 billion has been disbursed to gas suppliers to boost electricity production nationwide.

This debt settlement is part of a larger strategy by the government aimed at enhancing liquidity in the sector and ultimately improving power supply.

NICART Partners UBTH On Training Techniques

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ALJAZIRAH

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October 8, 2024

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FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY

National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICART, and the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, yesterday, trained healthcare workers on the techniques of delivering devastating news to a patient, especially cancer patient(s) or their relative(s) without causing more harm.

Speaking at the training programme in Benin, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate said NICART had initiated various strategies aimed at reducing all forms of cancer in Nigeria.

He said one of such strategies is to organise training and retraining for healthcare workers on various aspects of cancer care, prevention, treatment and control.

Professor Pate, represented by a radiologist, Dr Vivian Nwordu, said the psycho-oncology training workshop on ‘Handling Bad News’ in the health sector is timely as it will enable them know how to handle such a situation whenever it arises.

“The theme of this training, ‘Psycho-oncology,’ is not only apt, but timely considering the level of trauma suffered by cancer patients in many health facilities in Nigeria.

“This training is aimed at equipping health workers with the needed knowledge to provide solutions to such incidents.

“Today’s event is a testament of our resolve at the institute to empower health workers at all levels of care with the requisite techniques to provide psychosocial support to cancer patients as a palliative in the management of the disease.

“Let me also reiterate NICART’s commitment to fight all forms of cancer through massive awareness on preventive strategies, training of health workers and providing the needed care to those who are already affected,” Pate said.

He reiterated that NICART believes strongly that training and retraining of health workers remains a good investment in healthcare service delivery at all levels.

The minister maintained that they would continue to replicate it at every given opportunity, stressing that they are optimistic that the experts present will speak on various aspects of cancer.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Psychological impact of bad news on patients,’ Dr Eriba Lucy, an oncologist-radiation specialist at UBTH, said bad news is what nobody wants to hear because it has negative impact on the patient if not well passed.

She said with the training, they were able to let them know how they can pass this news to patients and their relations without having any adverse effect on them.

S’Court To Hear 16 State Govts Suit Against EFCC Oct 22

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October 8, 2024

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By Uche Onyeali

Supreme Court yesterday fixed October 22 for the hearing of a suit filed by no fewer than 16 state governments challenging the constitutionality of the law establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and two others.

A seven-man panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji fixed the date after the states were joined as co-plaintiffs and leave granted for consolidation of the case in the suit originally filed by the Kogi State government through its Attorney-General.

States that joined the suit marked SC/CV/178/2023, include Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross-River and Niger.

The 16 states are relying on the fact that the constitution is the supreme law and any law that is inconsistent with it is a nullity.

The plaintiffs argued that the Supreme Court, in Dr Joseph Nwobike vs the Federal Republic of Nigeria, had held that it was a UN Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act, and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provisions of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed.

The argument was that in bringing a convention into the Nigerian law, the provisions of Section 12 must be complied with.

The argument of the states in their present suit, which had reportedly been corroborated by the Supreme Court in a previous case, is that the law, as enacted, could not be applied to states that never approved of it, in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.

Hence, they argued that any institution so formed should be regarded as illegal.

When the case was called yesterday, lawyers who represented the states made their submissions.

While majority sought to be joined as co-plaintiffs, two of the states prayed for an order for consolidation of the case.

Counsel to the attorney-general of Kogi State, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN) informed the court that there are states that indicated interest in the consolidation of the case and those seeking to be joined as co-plaintiffs.

“It is for this honourable court to tell us how to proceed.

“Out of about 15 states, there are about 13 of them that have indicated interest to be co-plaintiffs and only two want consolidation.

“To make the task of the court easier, those who want to be be joined as co-plaintiffs should be joined and abide by the processes already filed and those who seek consolidation should be asked to file within seven days,” Mohammed said.

After the lawyers submissions, Justice Abba-Aji granted their prayers and adjourned the matter until October 22 for hearing.

Kogi State attorney-general had sued the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, as sole defendant.

In the originating summons filed by a team of lawyers led by Professor Musa Yakubu (SAN), the state raised six questions for determination and sought nine reliefs.

Among the reliefs sought is “a declaration that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, or any agency of the federal government lacks the power to issue any directive, guideline, advisory or any instrument howsoever called for the administration and management of funds belonging to Kogi State or any local government srea in the state.

Insecurity: Ohanaeze Lauds Matawalle, Ribadu For Protecting Ndigbo Nationwide

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October 8, 2024

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The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has taken a proactive stance in acknowledging the commendable efforts of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to fortify the country’s security architecture.

In a time of economic challenges that have exacerbated security predicaments across diverse regions, particularly in the North, Ohanaeze said it was recognizing Matawalle and Ribadu’s invaluable contributions in stabilising the nation’s precarious security landscape.

In a statement on Tuesday by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization expressed its gratitude to Matawalle and Ribadu for their unwavering commitment to the safety and protection of all Nigerians, including the Igbo residents and community in the Northern region.

He said, “Under their stewardship, we witnessed a tangible decline in insecurity targeted onslaughts against Ndigbo, especially during the nationwide protests in August 2024, during which they played crucial roles in safeguarding Igbo lives and properties. Their initiatives and steadfast dedication deserve our admiration and support.

“In light of our ongoing concerns regarding the security of our people, particularly in the Northern and south-western regions, Ohanaeze Ndigbo hereby articulates its collective voice through its. He emphasizes that our foremost priority remains the security and welfare of Igbo families living in the Northern and Southwest regions.

“While the prevailing economic policies have undeniably imposed hardships on Nigerians, we are heartened by the noticeable reduction in the Igbo casualties and misfortunes that have previously plagued our Igbo community in the North.

“This positive change correlates directly with the partnership forged between Minister Bello Matawalle and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, a partnership that emerged under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the proactive measures taken by these individuals have minimized instances of violence and economic persecution against Igbo traders and businessmen and revitalized a sense of safety among the Igbo populace in the Northern region.

“This paradigm shift starkly contrasts with the previous administrations, during which the Igbo community frequently faced systemic challenges, insecurity, and even targeted attacks.

“In light of these accomplishments, we earnestly implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to elevate Alhaji Bello Matawalle from his current role as Minister of State for Defence to the substantive Minister of Defence.

“Such a promotion would not only acknowledge his exceptional service but also serve as a strategic move for political and security imperatives. We further advocate for the retention of Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser to ensure continuity of the effective strategies that have been set in motion”.

Ohanaeze said it believes the President will heed their plea.

Governor Alia,NFF President Gusau,Inspects Aper Aku Stadium, Pledges Collaboration to Revamp Benue’s Football Sector

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Joel

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October 8, 2024

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By Henry Ibya, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Reverend Father,Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing the state’s football sector, highlighting its potential to unite Nigerians and boost economic growth.

Alia who spoke Tuesday in Makurdi,during a joint inspection tour of the Aper Aku Stadium with NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.

He said his administration is not just developing football, but equally building a unifying force, emphasizing that Football has the power to bring Nigerians together, and his government is aiming exactly at that.

The governor also highlighted the economic benefits of investing in sports infrastructure, noting that it will create jobs and stimulate growth.

He emphasized that the move is part of his administration’s efforts to reduce costs, eliminate waste, and improve fiscal responsibility.

Governor Alia announced plans to revive the Governor’s Cup Under-17 tournament, which aims to discover young talent and promote grassroots football development, adding that the move has sparked excitement among local communities, with a substantial prize pool of N20 million at stake.

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau praised Governor Alia’s efforts, stating, that he is happy with what he has seen.

He said with the governor’s commitment,he would achieve great things, emphasizing the need for alternative stadiums to host international matches, citing the country’s current limitations.

He noted that with Governor Alia’s vision and collaboration with the NFF, Benue State is poised to become a hub for football development in Nigeria,stresding that the partnership would create a thriving football ecosystem, promoting unity, economic growth, and opportunities for young talent.

Gusau maintained that the development is a significant step forward for Benue State’s football sector, adding that with Governor Alia and NFF at the helm, the future looks bright for Nigerian football.

South-South Development Commission ’ll Ensure Even Distribution Of Resources – Dafinone

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October 8, 2024

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Sen. Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, says that the South-South Development Commission Bill, when approved, will ensure even distribution of resources to the zone.

Dafinone, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, was reacting to a proposed bill presently before the Senate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bill, titled “The South-South Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024” was sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River).

Dafinone said that the proposed commission would have functions outside the mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission ,NDDC, contrary to the thinking in certain quarters.

“The Commission will have distinct roles from that of NDDC”, he said.

The senator stated that the Commission would put the people of the South-South geo-political zone in the same position with their counterparts in other zones in the country.

“More importantly, NDDC focuses on oil producing areas within the Niger Delta. There are, of course, areas within the states that make up the Niger Delta that do not produce oil.

“This South-South Development Commission is, therefore, being set up to cover those areas that are not covered by NDDC”, he said.

On juxtaposing the establishment of more agencies against the Stephen Oronsaye report, Dafinone said: “I want to assure you that our government doesn’t have unlimited funding.

“Also , the basis of merging institutions, as proposed in the Oronsaye report, is to save costs and streamline government functions.

“So, when new institutions are being set up, funding is a consideration. There must be sufficient funding for those institutions to take off, if not they will remain approved but not active.

“Government does not have unlimited funds and there is, therefore, the need to prioritise.

“The demand for institutions will continue, but they will be set up and activated according to the amount of funds available”, he said.

Don’t Undermine LG Autonomy – Group Tells Lagos Assembly

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October 8, 2024

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An advocacy group, the Lagos People’s Assembly, yesterday called on the Lagos State House of Assembly not to take any action capable of undermining local government autonomy.

The group, in a peaceful protest to the Lagos Assembly, said that the practice of lawmakers querying and sanctioning Local Government administrators was in total contradiction to council autonomy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos Assembly on Monday, suspended the Chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, Mr Jelili Sulaimon, indefinitely over alleged misconduct, among others.

Sulaimon was suspended in a unanimous vote by the lawmakers over an alleged non-compliance, defiance and unyielding attitude to the legislative House.

The protesters, who chanted some songs, carried placards with various inscriptions urging respect for autonomy of local governments.

Some of the inscriptions included: “Don’t undermine LG autonomy”, “The Supreme Court Verdict is Supreme”, “Respect Supreme Court Ruling”, “LAHA, Respect Local Government Autonomy”, “Obasa, Let the Local Government Breath” among others.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Kola Emmanuel, said that the Lagos Assembly should not in anyway legislate on matters under the jurisdiction of councils’ legislative arms.

Emmanuel, the Deputy Speaker of the group, said that President Bola Tinubu had done well to pursue autonomy for local government, saying Lagos Assembly should not be seen to be working on the contrary.

He said: “We want to equally believe that Lagos State House of Assembly will never want the National Assembly to take over their responsibility as legislators.

“If the Supreme Court has deemed it fit to grant autonomy to every local government, we see no reason why the Lagos State House of Assembly will want to contradict what the Supreme Court has said.

“We are saying no to any step to usurp the role of councillors in firing council chairmen, managing and auditing revenues in each council”.

Emmanuel said that the Lagos Assembly was putting itself into playing the role of councillors in some local governments, adding that, it was unjust to do so.

“We are saying that the laws of the land must be obeyed. You cannot be the state lawmakers and the councillors of each local government at the same time.

”It is not possible. We will not allow that”, he said.

Edo Guber: Tribunal Grants PDP’s Request To Inspect Election Materials

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October 8, 2024

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Edo Election Petition Tribunal yesterday granted the PDP and its candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo request to inspect all election materials used for the Sept. 21 governorship election in the state.

The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice W.I. Kpochi granted the order in an exparte motion filed by Ighodalo and the party.

The exparte motion dated Sept. 27 was filed by Rotimi.O. Ogunseso, SAN, with Seun Olusuyi, counsel to the applicants.

The petition and affidavits was sworn to by Osasere Adagbonyin.

In the petition, all the prayers of the petitioners were granted by the tribunal.

The Certified True Copy of the order signed by the Secretary of the tribunal, Mauzu Ibrahim, ordered INEC to produce and make available all the materials used for the election.

The documents listed by the applicants and granted by the tribunal are all forms EC8A, forms EC8B, forms EC8C, forms EC8D, forms EC8E, forms EC25B, forms EC25B(i) used at the election.

Also granted are all forms EC40A, forms EC40C, forms EC40G and EC40G(i) used at the gubernatorial election

The court also ordered INEC to make all the polling unit results , Forms EC8A uploaded to its IREV portal from the poling unit, list of accredited agents of all the political parties that participated in the gubernatorial election.

Others are, voters register for each of the polling units, total number of BVAS machines deployed to the poling units, serial number of each BVAS machines matched against the specific polling units.

Other materials to be inspected included statement and report of the number of accredited voters recorded on and extracted directly from the BVAS machines used at all the polling units for the election.

The tribunal further ordered INEC to produce and make available to the applicants record and list of polling units where election results were not uploaded to INEC IREV portal as at Sept. 22 when the results of the election were announced.

It also directed that record of the posting of INEC adhoc staff for the 4,519 polling units, number of Permanent Voters Cards,PVCs, collected in each polling units be made available to the applicants.

Speaking to newsmen at INEC office in Benin, Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, said they were at INEC Office in furtherance of the court order and the applicants’ attempt to get the electoral materials inspected

According to Jolaawo, we came here today in furtherance of the tribunal order we obtained on Sept 29, 2024 and to get materials to fresh up our petition

“Now, when we got here today, we were not able to get audience with the REC but we were able to see the head of legal unit, who told us that they were preparing a schedule for our inspection.

“The risk involved is obvious to everybody, and the time expires on Saturday for us to file our petition and yesterday”, he said.

Aftermath Of Rivers LG Polls: Thugs Unleash Mayhem

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October 8, 2024

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…set Council Secretariat ablaze

…5 persons feared dead

By Caleb Ishaya

After conclusion of the much talked about Council Elections and the subsequent swearing in of newly-elected local government chairmen and chairpersons by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday, has yesterday snowballed and degenerated crisis as political thugs unleashed mayhem following the ceremony.

AljazirahNigeria correspondent in Port Harcourt reports that thugs in the early hours of yesterday , after the Nigerian Police withdrew from the entrances of all the LGAs attacked the Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua local government council Secretariat and set offices on fire as well as engaged in shootings that led to at least five fatalities.

AljazirahNigeria reports that the local government elections that were conducted last weekend saw the

Action People’s Party, APP, a not too popular party but also known as in a local dramatic parlance ” Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, gained traction among the people and won in 22 out of 23 LGs signifying a landslide victory against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC.

The thugs torched a section of the Eleme Local Government secretariat shortly after newly-elected Chairman, Brian Gokpa, arrived in company of his councillors.

It would be recalled that LGs Secretariats in the state were sealed since June, following the expiration of the tenure of the past LG Chairmen which generated political rivalry between Gov Fubara and his predecessor, now the Minister, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The Rivers State Police Command, in a statement, confirmed the decision to unseal the Secretariat based on directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The closures forced caretaker chairmen appointed by Fubara to operate from alternative locations but the new political controversy was as a result of Gov Fubara and his supporters played a fast one , abandoned the State PDP structure to former gov Wike and embraced the APP platform to contest the LG elections . However, the APC and PDP members loyal to Mr Wike claimed to have secured a Federal High Court judgement siting in Abuja stopping the LG elections from holding , ordered the Police to withdraw services and the INEC not to release the voters register to the Rivers State Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

Not satisfied with the judgement, the incumbent Governor , Sim Fubara insisted that the LG elections must hold because the ” No Court in Nigeria has the constitutional backing to stop election” . The Governor said, assuming we concede, the court didn’t expressly ordered that RSIEC should not conduct elections but directed the INEC and Police not to participate which they both promised to obey and they obeyed”.

Newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, relayed the IGP’s order to withdraw police personnel stationed at the Secretariat to ensure neutrality.

It was gathered that in Khana Local Government, one person was reported killed during sporadic gunfire on the road leading to the Rector’s Lodge.

Besides, the thugs also unleashed mayhem in Obio/Akpor, where bottles were thrown during a confrontation but police successfully contained the situation.

Members of the PDP and the APP, clashed in a protest at Khana council secretariat, following the withdrawal of police from the area.

In Ikwerre, unknown gunmen eyewitnesses said chased the newly-elected chairman and his supporters out of the secretariat.

Pro-Wike supporters it was gathered have taken over the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Secretariat, preventing the pro-Governor Fubara council chairman from accessing the office. The thugs were chanting “without Wike , No election” .

However, in Oyigbo council, Executive Chairman, Dr. Gift Okere, has taken control of the council secretariat. Administrative activities commenced immediately following the swearing in of the vice-chairman and 10 elected councillors.

As at the time of filling this report, there were no comment from Rivers State Police Command on the situation and no arrest have been made so far.

Before the elections on October 5, Fubara openly dared the Police and indeed the Inspector General in his statewide broadcast that there was no going back on the elections despite the Commissioner of Police in the State, asking all Area Commanders, ACs, Tactical Commanders, TCs, and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs to withdraw their officers from election duty.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, told journalists in Port Harcourt last Friday that the decision followed an order from the Federal High Court.

Ms Iringe-Koko confirmed that the command had begun withdrawing its officers from election duties.

“The court order bars the police from allowing, participating in, providing security for, or taking part in the local government council elections.

“Therefore, all area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical commanders have been instructed to fully comply with the Federal High Court’s judgement”, she stated.

She further urged other security agencies to observe the court’s ruling.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court had, on September 30, barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from releasing the Voters Register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

The court cited RSIEC’s non-compliance with its 2018 law regarding the voters register as reason for the court’s decision to halt the elections.

It further prohibited the police and the State Security Service, SSS, from engaging in the elections.

Despite the court ruling, RSIEC remains determined to proceed with the elections.

RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Retd) referenced a ruling by the State High Court mandating the Commission to continue the elections.

Addressing the legal dispute, the Lawyers in Defence of Democracy and Human Rights argued that the Federal High Court did not have the jurisdiction to prevent RSIEC from conducting the LG polls.

Okere Nnamdi, the group’s convener, clarified that the court was not a court of general jurisdiction, but rather a court of special jurisdiction.

He explained, “The court’s jurisdiction is outlined in Section 2(51), Subsection 1(Q) (R) of the 1999 Constitution.

“RSIEC is not a Federal Government agency, but an agency of the Rivers State Government.

“Therefore, the Federal High Court cannot issue an injunctive order to stop RSIEC from conducting local government elections.

Mr Nnamdi also pointed out that RSIEC had a constitutional role to conduct local government elections, as empowered by Paragraph 4, Part 2 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

He emphasised that the States Independent Electoral Commission, SIECs, are autonomous bodies established by Section 197 of the 1999 Constitution, under the authority of the state governments.

“It is only the Rivers State High Court that can restrain RSIEC from conducting local government elections”, he insisted.

NCFRMI Condemns Destruction at Nsu Ehime Mbano, Warns Against Misinformation

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Joel

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October 8, 2024

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By Joel Ajayi

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has strongly condemned the recent arson attack on the National Open University (NOUN) Ezeoke Nsu Center in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, allegedly perpetrated by miscreants.

The Commission also warned against the dissemination of false information by the media, which could further incite unrest and contribute to the destruction of properties.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI Tijani Ahmed emphasized its commitment to the protection and welfare of refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons across Nigeria.

The NCFRMI representative stated, “We have convened this press conference today to address the unfortunate events following our visit and subsequent briefing in Imo State on September 16, 2024, which led to the massive destruction of properties in Nsu Ehime Mbano.”

“Our visit to Imo State was to inspect a property located at the National Open University Center in Nsu Ehime Mbano for the establishment of a skills acquisition centre. The centre is intended to train persons of concern and youths from the five southeastern states, including returnee migrants, refugees, and displaced persons.”

He explained that the Commission’s goal was to explore the feasibility of using the facility to empower vulnerable populations, including victims of floods, communal clashes, and other crises. The centre could potentially serve as the regional headquarters for this initiative in the southeast.

“Displaced persons, including those affected by floods and other crises, are present throughout Nigeria, particularly in places like Orlu, Njaba, and Orsu areas of Imo State,” he noted. “We aim to equip them with skills for self-reliance, providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives.”

The NCFRMI further clarified that similar skills acquisition centres are planned for each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, aligning with the Commission’s “Skills to Wealth” initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

However, following the press briefing, misinformation about the visit’s purpose led to tension and unrest, resulting in the burning of several homes, including that of Senator Frank Ibezim, who facilitated the visit.

The Commission unequivocally stated that its interventions in Imo State and the southeast region are humanitarian, with no political motives. “We categorically deny any intention of relocating internally displaced persons (IDPs) from northern Nigeria to the southeast,” the representative emphasized.

He also stressed that no financial transactions occurred regarding the use of the NOUN facility, as it is a government property. The proposed establishment of the skills centre is a purely humanitarian project designed to benefit displaced persons, returnees, and other vulnerable groups, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious backgrounds.

The Commission expressed deep regret over the media misrepresentation that sparked the unrest and property destruction. “Unfortunately, misinformation has caused distress within the affected community,” the official said. “The NCFRMI operates based on humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and transparency.”

The NCFRMI remains committed to supporting displaced persons across Nigeria. “Out of the over 6 million displaced individuals in Nigeria, many are in the southeast, affected by environmental issues such as erosion and landslides,” he added. “In 2024 alone, the Commission facilitated the return of 4,550 stranded migrants, with 30% from the southeast.”

He concluded by emphasizing that the proposed skills centre in Nsu Ehime Mbano is part of a broader strategy to provide sustainable solutions for refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons.

The Commission also condemned the arson attack on the NOUN Center and expressed deep sympathy to the Executive Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and the people of Imo State. They urged members of the affected community to remain calm and avoid further acts of violence, stressing that the assets destroyed belong to them.

“We appeal to the community to refrain from any further destruction and work towards restoring peace,” the NCFRMI representative urged. Compose MessageCompose Message

Lagos, Abuja Airports Spend N1bn Each On Power Supply Monthly — Keyamo

NICART Partners UBTH On Training Techniques

S’Court To Hear 16 State Govts Suit Against EFCC Oct 22

Insecurity: Ohanaeze Lauds Matawalle, Ribadu For Protecting Ndigbo Nationwide

Governor Alia,NFF President Gusau,Inspects Aper Aku Stadium, Pledges Collaboration to Revamp Benue’s Football Sector

South-South Development Commission ’ll Ensure Even Distribution Of Resources – Dafinone

Don’t Undermine LG Autonomy – Group Tells Lagos Assembly

Edo Guber: Tribunal Grants PDP’s Request To Inspect Election Materials

Aftermath Of Rivers LG Polls: Thugs Unleash Mayhem

NCFRMI Condemns Destruction at Nsu Ehime Mbano, Warns Against Misinformation

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