April 2021 – Page 34

Post Date : April 16, 2021

Nigerian Troops Eliminate Top ISWAP Commanders, Fighters In Damasak – Army

The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) have eliminated 13 top commanders and scores of fighters of Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement on Friday, said that the feat was achieved by well-coordinated operations of both air and land troops. Yerima said that several terrorists had met their waterloo in attempts to overrun Damasak and adjoining communities in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno. He disclosed that a senior ISWAP commander, known as Bukar Fitchmeram (aka Abu Aisha) and scores of his fighters, who were on a revenge mission at Damasak, fell to the firepower of Nigerian troops on Thursday. He said that the terrorists were neutralised as they made a come-back, following the killing of 12 high-value ISWAP commanders in Mobbar Local Government Area in a week-long air and ground operations by Nigerian troops. According to him, in a well-coordinated ground bombardments and aerial strikes by the Nigerian military on various locations in the Northeast, the terrorists, who were denied any sanctuary or respite, desperately conducted two separate failed attacks on Gajiram and Damasak. “The deadly air strikes conducted on Tudun Wulgo, Zari and Tumbun Alhaji, Kusuma, Sigir in Ngala and Arijallamari, in Abadam, Marte and Ngala Local Government Areas, led to the killing of top ISWAP leaders. “The terrorist commanders that perished in the airstrikes included; Mohammad Fulloja , Ameer Mallam Bello, Ba’a kaka Tunkushe, Abu Al -Ansari, Ameer Abba Kaka, Abu Huzaifa, Ameer Modu Kwayem, while Goni Mustapha, who was the Chief Imam of the ISWAP escaped with bullet wounds. “Troops’ artillery bombardment and airstrikes on April 6 also resulted in the elimination of two top ISWAP leaders including Abu-Rabi and Muhammed Likita as well as scores of their troops and bodyguards around the axis of Kusuma, Sigir in Ngala and Arijallamari in Abadam local government areas. “The terrorists’ storage facilities that housed weapons used to conduct several attacks were also targeted and destroyed in the air raid by the Air Component of Operation Lafita Dole. “On the night of Saturday, April 10, three other terrorist commanders including Ameer Umar, Abu Ubaida and Abu Salim were ambushed and killed by troops around Wulgo/ Logomani axis close to Cameroon borders while attempting to attack locals and rustle their cows,” he said. Yerima further disclosed that the devastating airstrikes and artillery bombardment on the ISWAP camps had pushed the surviving elements to conduct desperate attacks and looting missions for food and drugs for their wounded colleagues. He said that the military bombardments conducted on April 11, also eliminated scores of ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists on five guntrucks in Damasak. According to him, some of the terrorists were hit close to the perimeter fencing, while others were neutralised while attempting to loot food items in a store belonging to the UN as well as drugs and ambulance. He added that three soldiers and some civilians lost their lives while property was burnt in the town. According to him, troops’ fighting spirit remains high in spite of the nefarious activities of some local informants who often tip the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on troops’ movements and positions. (NAN)

Post Date : April 16, 2021

Abia places security agencies on alert over ‘plot to attack key locations’

The Abia government has raised the alarm over alleged plots to attack key locations in the state. In a statement on Friday, John Okiyi Kalu, the commissioner for information, said security agencies have been placed on “high alert”. The commissioner said the identity of those behind the planned attacks is yet to be ascertained. He urged residents of the state to be vigilant and ensure they return home before the curfew hours. The statement read: “Abia State Government has uncovered plots by yet to be properly identified hoodlums to attack some key locations within the state soon. “Security agencies in the state have been fully mobilized and placed on high alert to thwart the planned attack and bring those concerned to justice swiftly. “We wish to advise members of the public to be extra vigilant, ensure they are at home before the curfew hours of 8pm to 6am as well as monitor the activities of their neighbours. “Parents and guardians are also strongly advised to ensure that their children and wards are securely at home and not in anyway associated with the hoodlums some of whom are said to be coming from outside the state. “Law abiding citizens are encouraged to go about their normal duties but ensure they return home before 6pm to avoid the rush associated with movement before the onset of curfew time. “While we remain confident that the security architecture within the state is robust enough to prevent the planned attack and/or bring those involved in the plot swiftly to justice, the State Government led by Dr Okezie Ikpeazu will not spare any resource in ensuring the protection of law abiding citizens.” The state government had on April 5 imposed a curfew on Umuahia and Aba metropolis, citing security reports received from multiple sources.

Post Date : April 16, 2021

AstraZeneca vaccine: 8,439 mild adverse reaction cases recorded in five states, says FG agency

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has recorded 8,439 Mild Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) in five states since the AstraZeneca vaccine rolled out in March. Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this at a press conference on the status of COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria. Shuaib said these ranged from pain, swelling at the site of the inoculation, to body pains and nausea as 52 cases of moderate to severe incidents of AEFI have been reported after taking COVID-19 vaccine. According to Shuaib, Kaduna recorded the highest number of AEFI with 970 followed by Cross River with 859 and Yobe 541. Kebbi and Lagos recorded lowest with 511 and 448 respectively. Shuaib further said there has been no death from administration of the vaccine as well as no cases of blood clots has been diagnosed related to the administration of the vaccine He further said the agency is working with NAFDAC, NCDC and other relevant agencies to set up a more active surveillance system built on the experience with polio surveillance. Shuiab disclosed that 1,071,346 representing 53.2 per cent of the eligible persons targeted with the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered with their first dose in this vaccination phase. “It is important to note that these data are based on reports received from states through the Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) system only and do not take into account vaccinations that are not yet captured in the system. “What this number means is that these are the people who have their information already uploaded on our data base. “While others are awaiting upload, potentially due to network problems and the high traffic of those coming in to take their shots at the same time. “In many states, we have completed inoculating frontline health workers and are now offering vaccination to the elderly, particularly those that are 65 years and above,” he added. “We are glad to be able to progress quickly and offer immunization to more members of the community. “Our rollout has been marked by safety, efficiency, best practice, and speed,” he added.

Post Date : April 16, 2021

Afaka Abduction: Kidnappers Demand N500m, Parents Appeal To FG

Kidnappers who abducted students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna State are demanding N500 million ransom and are threatening to kill the abductees if this demand is not met. This was disclosed by parents of the kidnapped students who say they are losing hope and are uncertain about the government’s promises and intervention. Thirty-nine students were initially abducted, however, 10 have been released, leaving 29 others in the kidnapper’s den. Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the spokesperson for the parents, Friday Sani said the government has been adamant to meet the demands of the kidnappers, adding that the kidnappers are now calling parents directly and threatening to have their children killed. Mr. Sani, a father to two of the abducted students, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari as Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, to use his power to hasten the release of the students. He also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to rescind its decision not to negotiate with the bandits for the sake of the safety of the children.

Post Date : April 16, 2021

Makinde sacks LAUTECH VC Ologund

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has sacked the Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Prof Michael Ologunde. The governor’s decision was communicated in a letter through the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, on Friday. The letter read, “His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State and the visitor to the Ladoke Akintola University, has directed that the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. M. O. Ologunde should step aside until further notice. “Consequently, the VC has also been directed to hand over forthwith to the next principal officer in rank in order to ensure uninterrupted flow of normal activities of the institution. The PUNCH had earlier reported that Makinde accused the vice-chancellor of instigating workers of the university to agitate payment of unpaid salaries. Makinde had said he was surprised that workers at the university started agitating payment of outstanding salaries immediately after the crisis rocking the university was resolved. The Oyo State Government had taken ownership of the university formerly owned by the state and Osun State.

Post Date : April 16, 2021

Akpabio: NDDC is broke, funding not stable

Godswill Akpabio, minister of Niger Delta affairs, says the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is broke and needs better funding to carry out its duties. He stated this at the NDDC capacity building workshop held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, on Friday, with the theme, “Collaborating, Planning and Re-strategising for a Better Niger Delta Region”. Akpabio, who noted that the NDDC is working towards improving service delivery in the Niger Delta region, called for renewed efforts to discourage corruption in the agency. “The current funding patterns and budgeting processes must embrace best practices in order to achieve the best, while asking for more funding to do even more sustainable projects,” he said. “In most instances, it’s like going cap in hand to beg. The commission isn’t just broke because they’re owing almost 2.9 trillion, the commission is broke because the funding system has not been stable. “To achieve good governance, there must be conscious strategy. Lack of proper engagement with the communities and state governments must also change. We must ensure that we have consultations with the communities and state governments.” Akpabio also called for a review of the governance system to ensure smooth process on payment for contracts. “It takes almost 26 signatories before one payment is made. That means even if one or two signatories are sick, that payment is not done. You can now imagine why people have completed their jobs and are not paid years after completion. That system cannot guarantee good governance,” he said. “We all know the problems of the NDDC and that is why we are here. I’m happy the national assembly is here. We must leave the NDDC better than we met it.” Akpabio’s comment comes months after a house of representatives panel probed the alleged mismanagement of N81.5 billion by the interim management committee (IMC) of the commission. While appearing before the panel in July 2020, Akpabio had said federal lawmakers were the biggest beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the NDDC. In August 2020, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had also said it was investigating some senior officials of NDDC, including Akpabio, on corruption allegations. Months after the national assembly probe, in February 2021, the senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions summoned the NDDC management over allegations of mismanaging N6.25 billion earmarked for the purchase of COVID-19 relief items.

Post Date : April 16, 2021

Kogi deputy gov threatens to sue Sowore over Abuja properties

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, has threatened to sue Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over claims that he (Onoja) “corruptly acquired” some properties in Abuja. The PUNCH had earlier reported that Onoja and Sowore have been engaged in social media war of late. Subsequently, Sowore’s online newspaper on Friday published a report alleging that the Kogi State deputy governor “corruptly acquired multi-billion naira worth of properties in the Federal Capital Territory”. “Documents seen by SaharaReporters show that Onoja had acquired several properties whose value run into many billions of naira since he was appointed by Governor Yahaya Bello as his Chief of Staff and later assumed the office of the Deputy Governor of Kogi State in October 2019. “The buildings worth over N200 million is located at House 23, D66, BUA Estate,” Sowore’s platform reported, adding that about 18 cars were parked in the compound. Reacting in a string of tweets, Onoja slammed Sowore as a “fabricator”, while challenging him to produce the documents quoted in the Sahara Reporters’ report titled, ‘EXCLUSIVE: How Kogi Deputy Governor, Onoja Corruptly Acquired Multi-billion Naira Properties In Abuja’. The Kogi deputy governor wrote, “You are the fabricator @YeleSowore. When we meet in court, you will see documents if you fail to present your documents. “You think every public officer is a rogue. Your hating informants will just kill themselves of envy and hate.”

Post Date : April 16, 2021

EXTRA: Anglican Reverend joins APC to contest governorship election in Anambra

A Reverend of the Anglican Communion and former Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Reverend Godwin Okonkwo, on Friday, visited Anambra State All Progressive Congress (APC) Secretariat to declare his support for the APC and his ambition to become the next gubernatorial candidate of APC and next governor of Anambra State come November 6, 2021 guber election. Rev Okonkwo described his intention to contest the next governorship election on the platform of APC as one inspired by the fact that his understanding of the State’s political system and developmental challenges, coupled with his 35 years experience as a retired Director of Accounts and Director of NNPC Capital and other recorded performance across the 181 communities in the state, put him in a better position to manage the affairs of the state and deliver the much-needed dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra. He opined that he has the needed administrative experience, the capacity and contacts to take Anambra State to where it ought to be. He appealed to APC party men and women to make the right decision while choosing the party candidate for the governorship election, they should consider the personality, antecedents and capacity of the individual, reiterating his resolve to bring developments to the people of the state. Speaking further, Rev. Okonkwo, stated that, should he become the next governor, he will rule the state with the fear of God and he will be firm and just in discharge of his duties as a governor because he has the administrative capacity and political will to bring the much-needed change in the Anambra State. The guber aspirant said that his administration will reduce the cost of governance to its bearest minimum and make community development a priority. He will reduce the era of borrowing in the state, the right person with the right contacts will surely attract international donors and grand for the state instead of going on borrowing. He noted that for APC as a national party, to take over power from Willie Obiano, All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA)-led government, they must choose a candidate like himself, (Reverend Godwin Okonkwo) who is on the ground and has impacted the lives of many in the state. He urged party leaders and delegates to choose a candidate whose capacity is well established. Speakers at the Events expressed their Joy with the visit. They maintained that this is the first time a Clergyman is coming out to contest for governor in Anambra State and it is in APC. They thanked him for taking a bold step. In his remark and opening speech, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Basil Ejidike, on behalf of other members of the State Working Committee while welcoming Reverend Godwin Okonkwo and his entourage, maintained that APC will conduct free, fair and credible primary for the party. He promised that the party will be firm and just to all aspirants. Tribune Online gathered that Rev. Okonkwo also donated a Sienna vehicle to the state chapter of the party for the electoral activities. Among the dignitaries that accompanied him for the visit were Honourable Uche Ufearoh (former Aspirant, APC National auditor), many Reverends of Anglican Communion, among other party supporters.

Post Date : April 16, 2021

JAMB bans parents from UTME venues

The Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, has ordered all CBT Centres across the country not to allow parents/guardians into the registration hall again. A statement signed by JAMB Spokesman in Ilorin Office, Hassan Lawal, quoted Oloyede as saying that the decision was made after inspecting some of the registration centres in Kwara, which were overcrowded. ”The registrar said it has been discovered that the parents/guardians are always a distraction to both candidates and the centres and at the same time, congesting the halls by not following the COVID – 19 protocols,” Oloyede was quoted as saying. Oloyede also advised parents/guardians to stop pushing the education of their wards faster than necessary. “For example a 14 or 15-year-old is not matured enough to undergo the process of registration and university pressure and are vulnerable to exploitation by scammers out there,” he said. Oloyede also advised states Ministries of Education and relevant stakeholders who were saddled with the responsibility of enrollment of students into secondary schools to always ascertain the students’ true age before admittance into secondary schools. (NAN)

Post Date : April 16, 2021

Ohanaeze rules out ‘no man’s land’ in South-East

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has warned non-Igbo indigenes residing in the South-East to erase ‘no man’s land’ from their minds. President General Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof George Obiozor, stated this during a press briefing at the headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide in Enugu on Thursday. He also welcomed the formation of South-East security outfit, Ebubeagu, while assuring the governors of the zone of his support. Obiozor said, “Once more, I state that there is no No Man’s land in Igbo land. Land is a very sensitive issue in Igbo land because land has owners including some Igbo Deities. Those encroaching on land in Alaigbo are provoking our people and our Deities.” Obiozor’s comment was a veiled reference to the herdsmen crisis rocking the nation and the proposal to set up ranches in the region by herders. Speaking further, the Ohanaeze president said the country was passing through one of the worse times in virtually all aspects of national life. “The result of all these is the rise of ethnic militias, agitation for secession, self-determination, insurgency, banditry, etc. These are historical protracted and unwinnable wars by nations and empires and there will be no exception. And among every other issue in contest in Nigeria today, this situation has produced the state of insecurity throughout the country,” he said. Obiozor, therefore, urged the Federal Government not to fight unwinnable war against nationalism but seek possible peaceful options that are the only solution that guarantees national unity and peaceful co-existence.