In the wake of the recent collapse of a flyover bridge in Enugu, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has taken swift action by issuing a crucial traffic advisory to motorists.
The incident has led to the diversion of traffic along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Expressway.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, by Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Bisi Kazeem, who serves as the Corps Public Relations Officer (CPEO), the collapsed bridge is located at the new Artisan Market on the Port Harcourt-Enugu dual carriageway in Enugu State.
The unfortunate incident occurred on September 25 at 12:30 p.m., significantly disrupting the flow of traffic along this route.
To alleviate the inconvenience caused by the bridge collapse, Kazeem has offered a set of alternative routes for motorists.
He stated,
- “Motorists travelling from Portharcourt/Aba to Abakiliki are advised to use the route through Bricks at the new Kenyatta Market (Army Check Point)-Okpara Square.
- This route will guide them to New Haven junction by Otigba Roundabout, through Ogui Roundabout-Abakpa junction (82 Division), and onward to Abakiliki.”
- On the other hand, motorists travelling from Abuja/Abakiliki to Aba/Port-Harcourt are encouraged to follow the route via Abakpa Junction (82 Division)-New Haven junction by Otigba Roundabout.
- From there, they should proceed “through Ogui Roundabout to Okpara Square” and then continue on the “Enugu/Port Harcourt dual carriageway,” passing through the new Kenyatta Market (Army Check Point) on their way to Aba/PH”.
Kazeem emphasized the importance of this advisory travel to prevent motorists from getting caught in unnecessary traffic congestion.
He quoted FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, who urged drivers of all vehicle types using this route to comply with the suggested alternative roads and adhere to all road traffic rules and regulations to ensure a safe journey.
What you should know
An overhead bridge located at the New Artisan Market area in the Enugu State Capital came crashing down on Monday morning.
The aftermath of this collapse left one lane of the Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway obstructed by the debris, compelling motorists travelling on this route to seek alternative paths to proceed on their journeys.
According to reports, the bridge collapse occurred with a fully loaded truck and another unidentified truck on the structure.
Fortunately, there were no casualties at the time of the incident, as artisans and residents were just beginning to emerge for their daily business activities.
[Nairametrics]
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor of Ondo State, has petitioned a High Court in Akure, the state capital, for an order prohibiting the state house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment process against him.
The state assembly began the impeachment process against the deputy governor last week on charges of gross misconduct, but Aiyedatiwa has denied any wrongdoing.
The deputy governor is seeking a declaration that the state assembly is incompetent to proceed with his impeachment and that the action violates his constitutional and fundamental rights to a fair hearing in suit No. AK/348/2023, which was filed yesterday.
He is asking the court to declare that his office, tenure, status, rights, and privileges are protected, guaranteed, and secured by the Constitution. He is entitled to a fair hearing in determining his civil rights and obligations as deputy governor of Ondo State.
Mr Aiyedatiwa is also seeking court orders to prevent the assembly from initiating, continuing, or proceeding with the process of removing him from office, as well as to prevent the Chief Judge of Ondo State from accepting or acting on any request from the state assembly to establish any panel to investigate any acts of gross misconduct against him.
On behalf of the deputy governor, human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) filed the suit in the High Court.
Ahead of the November 11 off-cycle governorship election in the states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set October 14 for the mock accreditation exercise using the Biometric Verification and Accreditation System (BVAS) in Bayelsa Kogi and Imo states.
The exercise, which runs simultaneously in three designated units in each of the senatorial zones of the three states, according to the commission, will also be posted on the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV).
A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, urged voters in the designated polling units to turn out en masse and participate in the test-run event.
“As was the case in recent off-cycle governorship elections, the commission will conduct a mock accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and upload polling units results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). The test run will take place simultaneously in the three states on Saturday, 14th October, 2023 from 8.30am to 2.30 pm.
“A maximum of three polling units in each senatorial district have been identified across each of the three states, covering a total of nine senatorial districts and 27 polling units. Lessons learnt from the exercise will be taken into consideration in ensuring a seamless process on Election Day.
“Full details of the polling units, including their locations by Local Government Area (LGA), Registration Area (RA)/Ward, Delimitation Code, and number of registered voters, have been uploaded to our website and social media platforms.
“The Commission appeals to registered voters in the selected polling units to turn up with their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for the exercise.
The public is advised that this is strictly a test accreditation exercise and not the actual election.”
[ThisNigeria]
Niger State government on Monday commenced the profiling of miners across the state following complaints that miners were paying bandits and terrorists in the state to access mining sites.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had on different occasions alleged that banditry in the state had persisted due to unchecked mining activities in the affected communities.
Garba Sabo Yahaya, Commissioner for Mineral Resources, told newsmen that a petition had been submitted at the ministry accusing miners of paying bandits to allow them access to the mining sites.
“We want to have the actual data of the miners in the state. The profiling will include their location, and when there is intervention from the government, we can easily locate them.
“Also, there is information from some quarters that miners are sponsoring bandits. People alleged that they pay bandits to allow them do their mining businesses. So, profiling them will enable us know who is who and his location and if the need be, we will be able to trace him,” he said.
But the state Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, Muhammad Mambo, who said the decision was a good step, disagreed that miners were paying bandits to access mining sites.
“I want to say without apologies that there is no miner, legally licensed and operating in Niger State that connives or has any affiliation with bandits. No single miner has been arrested for collaborating with bandits or sponsoring bandits.
“The governor can allege that banditry is linked to mining activities but that needs to be proved. I am in support of government profiling miners but there is no record to show any miner conniving with bandits,” he said.
He said 70 per cent of Niger State residents including women and children were into mining as means of survival due to hardship and poverty.
[DailyTrust]
The continued rise in the price of crude oil at the international market has raised anxiety about a further petrol price hike in Nigeria.
DAILY POST reports that the product sold at $93.55 per barrel on Monday,
The development comes in the face of the Naira depreciation at the foreign exchange window, exchanging at N980/$1 on Monday at the parallel market.
However, the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria have allayed the fear of a possible petrol price hike over the rising price of crude oil at the global market and the free-fall of the Naira at the forex window.
DAILY POST recalls that in the last three months fuel price has been increased twice.
Upon removing the fuel subsidy in June, the pump price was reviewed upward by 210 per cent to N546.83 per litre from N175/per litre. Less than a month later, the fuel pump price was increased to N617 per litre from N546.83.
Between July and September, no fuel increment has been affected despite the continued fall in the price of Naira at the forex market.
The development is sequel to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance to Nigerians that there will not be further fuel pump price increments, according to Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
“We repeat, the President affirms that there will be no increase in the price of petroleum motor spirit,” he said.
The Group Chief Executive of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari, reiterated Tinubu’s assurance.
Except in July, when Emadeb Energy imported 27 million litres of fuel into Nigeria, NNPC limited has been the sole supplier of the product nationwide.
There are also claims that the Federal Government was indirectly subsidizing the commodity in order to avert a further increment in the pump price.
Speaking exclusively to DAILY POST on Monday, the President of IPMAN, Chinedu Okonkwo said there is no cause for alarm over the fuel price increase.
He said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited is the sole supplier of petrol nationwide and has not proposed an increment plan.
Okonkwo explained that fuel marketers purchase their products in Naira.
He urged the federal government to speed up efforts toward ensuring the implementation of Compressed Natural Gas as a viable alternative to fuel.
“We are getting fuel products from our source, the NNPCL Retail. NNPCL has not told us that the price of fuel will change; I should not speculate on price increments.
“I think we have NNPCL that solely gives us products. The market fundamental determines the price; if NNPC decides to increase the fuel pump, we will also change.
“For now, there is nothing to worry about. The same reason the price could go up, it can also come down. NNPCL can do anything to remain in business. No marketer should complain of dollar scarcity because they are not importing PMS. NNPCL is the sole importer for now.
“Government should include stakeholders like IPMAN into the Compressed Natural Gas initiative; that is the way out”, he said.
Also, a former Chairman of MOMAN, Tunji Oyebanji explained that the country has a special fuel-deregulated market where NNPCL sets the price as the sole supplier.
According to him, as long as NNPCL remains the sole supplier and fuel importer, the product’s price may likely remain unchanged in the interest of the generality of Nigerians.
“We are operating in a deregulated market in a peculiar situation, because the company importing fuel to Nigeria is only the NNPCL.
“If I want to import, the landing cost may be higher than the prevailing market price. As a result, only NNPCL can import at this time.
“That means that they indirectly set the price in the market since they are the sole importer.
“They are suppliers to the entire market and, at the same time, a retailer. So, NNPCL’s price is going to be an indication of what the market is saying today in the country.
“Because we are operating in a market with a single supplier, that supplier will determine the product’s price. There may be a price increase if fuel importers other than NNPCL enter into the supply chain market,” he stated.
[DailyPost]
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has alleged that the Federal Government is negotiating with terrorists in the state without his knowledge.
Lawal, a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been critical of negotiating with terrorists.
He said he has reports that negotiations are being carried out with some terrorists in local governments in Zamfara State.
The governor called for a comprehensive investigation into what he calls “secretive” negotiations held with bandits in the state.
“Reports indicated that a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government has been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the state government,” the governor said according to a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris.
He lamented the action of some Federal Government agencies engaged in negotiations with bandits without seeking recourse from the state government and other security agencies.
“Governor Dauda Lawal wishes to call on the Federal Government to clarify and investigate the actions of some un0scrupulous elements sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara.
“The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegation met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun haye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege.
“Previous administrations in the state failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits. We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara,” Mr Idris said.
The governor’s spokesperson reiterated Governor Lawal’s stand that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists.
“Ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts. We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far,” he added.
Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in Zamfara State yesterday confirmed the rescue of 13 students and three others who were abducted by gunmen on September 22.
The university confirmed the development through its verified X (Twitter) handle @officialFUGUS.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin-Daji, had earlier rescued six female students of the institution who were among the unspecified number of students abducted on September 22.
The female students were abducted from their rented hostels at Sabon-Gida, about 200 metres from the university campus.
The gunmen also abducted nine construction workers of a company, GUPRAN Engineering Services Ltd, who were executing a project in the university.
After series of failed negotiations with the federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has convened an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting with its members.
This is to decide if it would embark on a total shutdown of the economy.
According to a notice signed by the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the meeting is to be held virtually on Tuesday 26 September 2023.
The letter was addressed to all presidents, general secretaries, and treasurers of all NLC affiliates to decide the fate of its planned strike.
Recall that THE WHISTLER had reported that the 14-day ultimatum given to the FG ended on Friday, 22 September 2023.
The NLC has accused the government of not meeting its demands.
Also, the NLC President Joe Ajaero had insisted that Congress was tired of engaging with the government on the same issue without any positive outcome.
He also accused the government of being insincere and insensitive to the needs of workers.
This virtual NEC meeting with the union excos will determine when and how the nationwide indefinite strike action of the Congress will commence.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has stepped down Principals of four public schools for non compliance to the Solution Free Education policy of Anambra State Government.
The Principals of Washington Memorial Grammar School Onitsha, Nkem Nkechi; Kenneth Dike Secondary School Awka, Onwurah Catherine; New Era Secondary School Onitsha, Dr. Cordelia Okonkwo; and, Amaka Ubaka of Prince Memorial High School Onitsha were alleged to have acted in contravention of the Solution policy on Free Education in the State.
The stepping down of the Principals was announced by the Commissioner for Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.
Chuma-Udeh stated that a committee has been constituted to investigate the activities of the affected principals.
She further stated that if found culpable, the principals would be made to refund the amount collected.
It would be recalled that Soludo had during his visits to Premier Primary School Odume Obosi and Ado Girls Secondary School Onitsha, announced that in line with the Solution Free Education policy, no child from early childhood education and development up to Junior Secondary School (JSS 3), is required to pay any fee.
He also added that no student in the Senior Secondary should pay more than N5,000.
Taraba state Board of Internal Revenue has sealed off the first Bank branches in the state for tax evasion amounting to 350 million naira.
The bank was accused of contravening section 104 of the state Personal Income Tax Act which empowers the Service to carry out distrain on any Tax defaulter.
Both the customers and staff of First Bank PLC Jalingo branches were stranded as the bank premises were sealed off by the authority of Taraba state Board of Internal Revenue Service.
The bank had a legal battle with the state board for three years when it took the revenue board to a tax appeal Tribunal in Bauchi.
The court ordered the bank to pay the accrued revenue of over 300 million to government coffer at the end of the case.
The failure of the bank to comply with the court Judgement is the reason for this latest power show.
The board is now determined to recover the money after many years of waiting.
Some of the frustrated bank customers expressed their fear in an interview with TVC News.
The Secretary/Legal Adviser of the Taraba Internal Revenue Service Nierus Johnson shed more light on the development.
He insists that the action is not targeted to frustrate the state residents but was taking in good faith by the government to meet its social responsibilities.
When asked the bank manager for response he said that it is only the bank headquarters that can respond.
The Federal Government has unveiled the programme of events for the 63rd Independence Day anniversary celebration.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who led the unveiling of the programme yesterday in Abuja, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a low-key celebration as a result of the current economic realities.
The SGF assured Nigerians that the current government was working with relevant stakeholders, including the organised labour, to bring succour to all citizens.
Speaking on the programme for the 63rd Independence Day anniversary, Akume said the events started with a world press conference, a national broadcast by President Tinubu on Sunday, October 1, and others.
“As you are aware, the President has given his approval for this 63rd anniversary to be low-key, in line with the present economic realities. The theme of the anniversary is: Nigeria at 63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.
“In view of the above, the following programmes have been lined up to mark the celebration: a world press conference on Monday, September 25, at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, at 11 a.m;
“An anniversary symposium/public lecture on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at State House Conference Centre, at 10 a.m;
“A lecture on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the National Mosque Conference Centre (Abuja) at 10 a.m, and Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque at 1 p.m;
“A presidential broadcast will hold on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 7 a.m;
“An inter-denominational church service on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the National Christian Centre (in Abuja) at 10 a.m; and
“A military parade on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Presidential Villa, at 9 a.m,” he said.
On the economic situation in the country, Akume said the Tinubu administration was aware of its effects of the citizens, assuring that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda was tailored to straighten out the situation.
“The government is fully aware of the economic challenges that Nigerians are confronted with since the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as the impact of the global economic downturn.
“The government is working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives to mitigate such challenges and the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation, among others.
“At the same time, the government is engaging with labour in order to address areas of concern for the well-being of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.
“It is for this reason that this government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is anchoring on the Renewed Hope Agenda, which will improve food security, guarantee end to poverty, improve security, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improve the playing field on which people, and particularly companies, operate, respect for the rule of law, and fight against corruption,” he said.
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The Senate will today (Tuesday) screen the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Olayemi Cardoso, for confirmation into a substantive capacity alongside four nominees for the positions of CBN Deputy Governors, to steer affairs of the apex bank in the next five years.
The Red Chamber, which is returning from its two-month annual vacation, has also scheduled the screening of two additional ministerial nominees by President Bola Tinubu for Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
The Media Office of the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday evening.
While the National Assembly was on break, the President appointed the duo of Dr. Jamila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande as Minister of Youths and Minister of State for Youths respectively.
Tinubu also approved the nomination of Cardoso as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria pending his confirmation by the Senate.
Last week, Cardoso resumed as the CBN governor in an acting capacity pending his screening and expected confirmation by the Senate.
The statement by the Senate Leader office said, “Dr. Cardoso will be screened alongside four deputy governors: namely Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, and Dr. Bala M. Bello.
“Besides, the Senate has scheduled to screen the ministerial nominees – Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Mr. Ayodele Olawande, respectively designated as Minister of Youth and Minister of State for Youth on October 3.”
Meanwhile, the Senate also pledged not to disappoint Nigerians as regards the appropriation of the 2024 budget.
Speaking on the agenda of the Red Chamber ahead of its resumption, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, emphasised that the revitalisation of the economy was top of its priorities.
Adaramodu said, “Soon after the resumption, the appropriation process will commence.
“The 10th Senate will not disappoint Nigerians; we’d ensure that we do what is expected of us because we are in a peculiar time when all hands must be on deck and Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see us do the needful to save Nigeria from the economic troubles we are currently experiencing and that permanent solutions are proffered.
“We’d ensure that appropriations are targeted at deliverables that can enhance a good life and good living of Nigerians and we are going to ensure that those that are approved are delivered to the latter and that quality services are given to Nigerians so that we can realise the goals of the Nigerian project so that we can ensure that life is more abundant to everyone to Nigerians.”
Adaramodu said the Senate expected the President to send the budget soon.
The Kwara Upper Area Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, admitted Abdulazeez Adegbola better known as Tani Olorun to administrative bail.
The presiding judge of the court, Mr Sunday Adeniyi, while ruling on the bail application filed by a team of counsel defending Tani Olorun, who was standing trial in a case of criminal defamation and other offences before the court granted him bail and two sureties in the sum N5 million each.
Adeniyi said that the two sureties must be reliable and be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
“The two sureties must provide evidence of having N5 million in their respective bank account. One of the two sureties must be a community leader in Ilorin while one must own a landed property with a Certificate of Occupancy properly signed by the government. The two sureties must have evidence of tax payment to the government at least in the last seven years,” he declared.
Tani Olorun with Chief Ademola Olawoore, Oluwo Nla of Tede were standing trial on five count charges of alleged criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, disturbance of public peace, criminal defamation of character and intentional insult before the Upper Area Court.
The offence according to the prosecution was contrary to sections 97, 210, 392, and 114 of the penal code law of Nigeria.
While Oluwo Nla was admitted to bail last Wednesday, the ruling on Tani Olorun’s case was deferred till today (Monday) because the prosecution opposed his bail application.
The case was adjourned till October 23, 2023, for further hearing.
Spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, says he has never collected bribe since he joined the police.
Adejobi said this on Monday while responding to an X user who asked him to swear by his “village deity” that he had never accepted a bribe since joining the force.
The verified user posed the question after Adejobi wrote: “Police administrative bail is free. If anyone demands bail money, you too demand an invoice or receipt to prove payment. If he can’t issue it, dont pay. That is a fraud. I have said this severally. Thanks”.
Adejobi responded saying that since joining the police force in 2005, he has never accepted bribe.
He further disclosed that as a crowned prince of Owu, it would be “ridiculous” for him to accept bribes.
“I have answered this. PR is in me. I joined NIPR in 2004 before I joined the police in 2005. I have been a PR man before I even applied to join the police. I even reject gifts. Many people on Twitter have been willing to recharge my phone, but i appeal to them not to do.
“Those who know me know I reject gifts, let alone bribe. I am a crowned prince of Owu, so it’s ridiculous to take a bribe. If you do well, Nigerians are very nice and ready to appreciate you, and bless you in all areas, if you are a nice officer,” the police PRO wrote.
Recall that there have been several documented cases of Nigerian police officers involved in extortion.
Last years, a report from a survey conducted by the NOI Polls revealed that 73 per cent of Nigerians do not trust the personnel of the Nigerian Police Police.
The survey conducted by NOIPolls, a research organisation and Afrobarometer’s national partner for Nigeria and presented in Abuja, was collated through face-to-face interviews within the past year and fieldwork in March 2022.
Also, 73 per cent of Nigerians said “most” or “all” police are corrupt, which is the worse among public institutions like the parliament.
In 2016, the World Internal Security and Police Index (WISPI) rated Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as the worst in the world.
The WISPI was produced by two bodies – the International Police Science Association and the Institute for Economics and Peace.
The report measured the ability of the police to address internal security issues. The police in 127 countries were assessed across four key areas and that of Nigeria scored the least in those areas.
The impeached chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government (LG), Wale Adedayo, has reportedly been arrested at his residence in Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State.
Naija News understands that Adebayo was arrested on Monday by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command.
Recall that the impeached LG Chairman had accused the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration of diverting Local Government funds.
According to Adebayo, the state government had since 2021 been tampering with funds for the state’s local governments (LGs) sent through it by the federal government.
His claims had led to his impeachment by the LG’s councilors over allegations of financial misappropriation.
Confirming his arrest, Kafayat Adedayo, wife of the impeached LG Chairman, said her husband was arrested by officers numbering about ten from the Police Command headquarters at Eleweran in Abeokuta.
She said the police officers informed her that his arrest was based on a petition written against him by the state government.
Kafayat said: “They came on Monday afternoon in a Mitsubishi car to effect his arrest. About four of them were in uniform, while others were in mufti.
“The police operatives said they were acting on instructions based on a petition filed against him by the state government.
“He was taken to Abeokuta by the police.”
When contacted, the commissioner of police in the state, CP Abiodun Alamutu, confirmed Adedayo’s arrest.