FEATURES

FEATURES

OPERATIVES of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom Command said it has arrested one Ndifreke Sunday (38) and wife Mrs Victory Sunday (28) of Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area for subjecting their daughter to inhumane treatment for two years.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, who disclosed this to newsmen in Uyo on Saturday, said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, September 10 following a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice.

Eluwade noted that upon arrest Ndifreke Sunday admitted locking up and torturing her 12-year-old -daughter, Bright Sunday because she had confessed to be a witch, adding that the operatives also rescued the victim

He explained that the arrest for child deprivation and abuse was in line with Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.

“The arrest was made on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom State, following a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice about the suspecte subjecting his daughter to inhumane treatment.

“The suspects admitted to locking up the child, because she confessed to be a witch and responsible for his afflictions,” the commandant said.

The NSCDC commandant condemned the act of subjecting young children to inhumane treatment, describing it as barbaric, callous and heinous.

He warned parents to desist from such acts, under whatever excuse or guise as the agency of government would not relent in apprehending offenders.

The commandant noted that the girl, has been handed over to Gender Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation, while the suspects would be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action.

He added that while narrating her ordeal, the victim, Bright noted that she was kept locked up in a dilapidated room, denied food, bathing and subjected to constant beating from her step mother, Mrs Victory Sunday.

She also noted that she was fed once in two days, allowed to bath only two times in a month and denied education.

…warns: Constituency projects funds must be fully made public

 


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Nigerians to monitor and report uncompleted constituency projects in their areas, pledging to prosecute those found culpable.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, emphasizing the need for community-driven anti-corruption efforts to ensure effective project delivery.

According to the EFCC, corruption has hindered development and eroded public trust in government, particularly in the implementation of constituency projects meant to benefit local communities.

The commission stressed that constituency project funds must be fully disclosed to the public, with details of contractors, timelines, and budgets made available for community scrutiny.

Olukoyede said, “Corruption undermines development, erodes public trust, and stifles the very projects designed to uplift communities. Across the country, many Nigerians have voiced concerns about constituency projects that are meant to bring direct benefits to local communities through infrastructure, education, healthcare, and more. Unfortunately, the impact of corruption has, in some cases, hindered the full potential of these initiatives.

“We must recognize that true and lasting change comes when communities are empowered to hold their leaders accountable, particularly in the monitoring of constituency projects. There must be deliberate efforts to involve communities in the identification of their priority projects. This ensures that projects are aligned with actual needs rather than being imposed or politically motivated.

“Constituency project funds must be fully disclosed to the public and the details of the contractors, timelines, and budgets should be made available for community scrutiny. This will not only promote transparency but also give communities the tools to monitor progress effectively.

“When communities report discrepancies or suspected cases of corruption, these reports must be promptly investigated. By working together, we can build a feedback loop that ensures prompt action is taken against any corrupt practice.


“As we continue the fight against corruption, we are mindful that this is not just a challenge for institutions but for every Nigerian, every community, and every sector of society. While the battle against corruption is often associated with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies like the EFCC, it is crucial to remember that it cannot be won by these bodies alone.

“For anyone to be an anti-corruption fighter, a certain level of integrity must be attained.”

A senior official of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has reacted to reports that the Dangote Refinery will sell petrol at ₦766 per litre to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, highlighted that while the base price of ₦766 per litre is set by the refinery, marketers will need to factor in additional costs such as transportation, levies, and other operational margins.

This reaction comes amid emerging reports that the Dangote Refinery is gearing up to commence the sale of petrol at this price, following the arrival of at least 300 trucks from NNPC at the refinery.

The trucks are scheduled to begin loading petrol on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

According to the official, marketers may sell at ₦790 in Lagos and ₦820 per litre in far north, amidst high price purchase of petrol across the country.

Naija News understands that marketers are currently selling petrol for buyer at the rate of ₦1,005 per litre in some states in the country.

The official in his take said, “Give and take, we can sell at ₦790 in Lagos. In the far north, it may be ₦820 per litre because of the distance.”

The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria, Gillis-Harry, however, said his group was not aware of the price of fuel from the Dangote refinery.

“Well, it will be acceptable because now we are paying NNPC ₦870 for a litre, so if we see it at ₦766, it is cheaper and we will prefer to buy that.

“I cannot determine how much we will sell to Nigerians; we will work out the retail price. It is not one individual or one organisation’s prerogative to put a price, we will work it out and we will argue out our point.

“We are ready to support Dangote, but they are not talking to us. We are the people they need; I have over 6,000 retail outlets under my management, but Dangote is not talking to us”, he added.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a caution regarding any efforts to manipulate the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.

Naija News reports that next Saturday, September 21, Edo State residents are expected to troop out en mass to vote for their next governor.

Atiku, who was in the state today alongside other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains to support the party’s candidate, emphasized that Edo is not like Lagos, where, as he claims, the All Progressives Congress (APC) can orchestrate electoral fraud.

The 2023 presidential candidate for the PDP made these remarks in the Ekenwan area of Edo State during the concluding event of the party’s campaign rally for the governorship election.

Atiku also encouraged the citizens of Edo to safeguard their votes to prevent any potential rigging.

He said: “If you remember, four years ago, they threatened us, didn’t they do that? They said they won’t allow us to win in Edo State.

“But what did we show them, ‘we showed them that Edo State no be Lagos,’ didn’t we do it?

“So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes.

“Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced, of you do that no Jupiter will come and change your votes.

“You are winning next week, do you agree? ‘Edo no be Lagos.”

Next Saturday, residents of Edo State will head to the polls to elect their next governor.

The major candidates in the gubernatorial election include Asue Ighodalo from the PDP, Monday Okpebholo representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

Popular Afrobeats superstar, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, has urged Nigerian leaders to implement effective measures to address the hardship in the country.

He asserted that temporary relief would not assuage the suffering of the people.

 
 

The singer encouraged Nigerian leaders to establish sustainable platforms to consistently provide for the masses.

He shared his thoughts during an appearance on The Breakfast Club.

Rema also stated that he has been advising Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on some of his policies whenever they meet.

He said, “It’s not about giving rice. Do you know if some kids have an allergy to rice? What about tomorrow? What are they going to eat tomorrow?

“It’s better to create a platform that would consistently provide. Create a platform that would consistently educate. Create a platform that would consistently clothe. Create a platform that would consistently shelter the hungry people.”

A woman from the United States, Rachel Bailey, 30, has revealed that she breastfeeds her husband.

According to Bailey, the practice has made them closer and also improved her husband, Alexander, health.

The couple started the act in 2017 and have not look back since then.

According to Daily Mail, Bailey’s husband initially began drinking Rachel’s breastmilk to help her when she was over-lactating while nursing their children.

The couple insist that it’s ‘not a kink for them’ and that they aren’t embarrassed by it because ‘nothing bad has come from it all’.

Bailey said, “It’s a bit of a taboo subject, but we wanted to share it because we don’t think it’s bad and we aren’t ashamed.

“When my middle child, Aria, now six, was breastfeeding, I went away on a cruise with Alexander.

“However, I forgot my breast pump and was badly engorged for two days.

“I was in so much pain and I was scared about getting an infection, so we decided that my husband was going to try drinking the milk to relieve me.

“We were nervous about the idea of him breastfeeding from me but as soon as we did it, we realized it was perfectly fine.”

Rachel said it was ‘an instant relief when Alexander latched on’.

“On top of that, it has also created a more special bond between us which we never would have had if we didn’t start this,” she added.

When she was producing the most milk shortly after giving birth, he was drinking her milk ‘three to four times a day’.

The Kano State High Court, under the leadership of Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, has issued an order restraining the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovations at the Nassarawa mini palace.

The court granted the injunction following a motion exparte filed by the plaintiffs/applicants, which include the Kano State government, the Attorney General of Kano State, and the Kano State Emirate Council.

 

The plaintiffs were represented by Rilwanu Umar Esq. and three other legal counsels.

In the court order, Justice Aboki directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo regarding the structural and architectural design of the palace until the motion on notice is heard and determined.

Reports had previously indicated that Emir Bayero began a facelift of the mini palace, showcasing a prototype of the planned renovations.

This development follows Bayero’s dethronement by Governor Abba Yusuf while he was away from the state, which led to the reinstatement of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who subsequently moved into the Kofar-Kudu palace.

Upon his return, Bayero was relocated to the Nassarawa mini palace, where he has continued to conduct court activities despite the ongoing legal battle over the palace renovations.

However, the court order reads, “That an order of Interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under the instruction and command of the Defendant in whatever manner from further demolishing, renovating, repairing, reconstructing and refurbishing the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situated along State Road, Kano pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice before this court.

“That an order is made directing parties to this suit to maintain status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the Res pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed before this Honourable Court.

“Plaintiffs/Applicants to serve the Originating Process, Motion on Notice and other subsequent processes in this suit on the Defendant via substituted means to wit, by Pasting and or leaving same at the frontage of the Property Gidan Sarki Nassarawa or give the said Originating Process and other subsequent processes to any Adult aide of the Defendant in the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situate along State Road, Kano.

“That the case is adjourned to 2/10/2024 for hearing of the motion on notice@

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress led by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Imo Governor Hope Uzodima; Cross River Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Ondo Governor Lucky Oyedatiwa and Nassarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule were in Benin City yesterday, vowing to take over power from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Addressing supporters at the University of Benin Indoors Sports Complex, Ugbowo Campus, Shettima said Edo State needs a strategic thinker, builder and a man with a compassionate heart that can lead his people aright.

He said intelligence is not determined by the size of the head but one’s ability to solve problems that affect the people.

He added he had absolute confidence in Senator Monday Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, to deliver the dividends of democracy to people of the state.

Shettima urged the people to come out and vote for the candidates of the APC on September 21.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also said he believes in Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, to deliver on their electoral mandate.
He said he doesn’t need somebody who can speak “grammar” but one who can perform.

Akpabio said Okpebholo as a senator had been living up to his billings in the Senate, stressing that there is no doubt about his ability to deliver the dividends of democracy at all.

 

The senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, said Governor Godwin Obaseki had been insensitive to the plight of people of the state and there is nothing to write home about on his eight years in office as the governor of the state.

The party’s national chairman, Umar Ganduje, said the state had been mismanaged for the past eight years, marred by insecurity and unemployment, and it was time for them to take it back by voting for the APC.

Okpebholo said he would employ 5000 teachers within his 100 days in office as governor of the state.

He assured market women of soft loans to boost their businesses and promised to build primary healthcare centers in the state’s 192 wards.

 [Leadership]

Senator representing Edo North senatorial district and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has publicly asked for forgiveness from Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, for any past wrongs during his tenure as governor.

The lawmaker spoke during a goodwill message during Igbinedion’s 90th birthday celebration on Saturday in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Oshiomhole acknowledged Igbinedion’s support when he was elected as governor of the state, stating that he wouldn’t have emerged as the winner of the election without the support.

He continued, “I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that I said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father.

“On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it.

“I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State.”

DAILY POST reports that the lawmaker is apparently seeking support for the All Progressives Congress ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.

Oshiomhole has been building bridges to ensure that the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo is elected next governor of the state.

[DailyPost]

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday called Saturday’s governorship poll to elect his successor as a do or die affair for his party, the PDP.

Speaking at the party’s rally held at Garrick Playground, opposite Ekenwan Campus of the University of Benin, Governor Obaseki said: “This election is do or die. If they do, we will die.

“Next week Saturday by this time, vote for the PDP to become the next governor.”

He said his immediate predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, performed poorly.

His words: “When I took over office, our pensioners wore black on Labour Day. But today, they wear white.

 

“When I took office, our youths had no jobs, but today don’t they have jobs? After eight years, is Edo not one of the safest in Nigeria?”

We’II protect votes with our blood – PDP Chairman

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Illiya Damagum, vowed that members of the party were prepared to defend PDP’s votes in the election with their blood.

He said the election would be a test for democracy.

 

 “To INEC, I say we don’t want that midnight results announcement. We will be vigilant and make sure that it doesn’t happen,” he said

“And, we know they will rig the election. This is not a threat, but we are very serious and we will defend our votes with our blood and everything.

 

“To the citizens of this country, please watch the election of Edo, it will be a test for our democracy. If they miss it here, it means they are looking for anarchy. We know they will attempt to do so, but we will resist them.”

We won’t allow rigging, Atiku warns

Atiku warned that rigging would not be allowed in the election.

 “If you remember four years ago they threatened us, didn’t they do that? They said they won’t allow us to win in Edo State,” he said.

“But what did we show them, we showed them that Edo State no be Lagos,’ didn’t we do it?

“So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes.

“Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced, of you do that no Jupiter will come and change your votes.”

Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi, Alhaji Bala Muhammed, said that contrary to speculations of division among PDP governors, they remained  united.

The party’s candidate Asue   Ighodalo said Obaseki has laid the foundation for the development of the state and he would continue from where he stopped.

PDP stalwarts at the rally included Governors Mohammed of Bauchi State,Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State,Senator Aba Moro, Chief Tom Ikimi, members of BOT, members of the State House of Assembly, House Representatives, among others.

[TheNation]