The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has faulted plans by the Federal Government to buy new jets for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Obi, in a Monday post on X (formerly Twitter), urged the current government to focus on alleviating the suffering of the people and not splurging scarce resources on the acquisition of new presidential jets. Last week, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence asked the Federal Government to purchase new aircraft for Tinubu and Shettima. The committee’s recommendation followed its investigation into the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet. The move followed reports of faulty aircraft in the presidential air fleet, forcing the President to use a chartered plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia during his recent trips abroad. However, Obi said at a time when the “country is trending on the global media for facing its worst economic crisis, marked by high inflation, a falling currency, and widespread poverty, the government’s plan to buy new presidential jets demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles”. Obi said, “With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect between the government and the people. It is unacceptable and demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritizing citizens’ welfare. “It’s on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford basic necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need. “Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems. For long, our bad leadership has made our priorities, as leaders, to be at variance to the needs of society, which is why we are headed now south, as a nation. “To elucidate further, despite dropping down to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $252 billion and a per capita income of $1,080, with huge debt burdens and borrowing to service debts, yet, we are spending $15 million for our Vice President’s residence, while the USA, the world’s largest economy with a GDP of $25 trillion, about 100 times our GDP, and a per capita income of $80,000, about 80 times ours, still houses their Vice President in Number 1 Observatory Circle, a house built over 100 years ago, and whose value is obviously less than the $15 million we are spending on our VP’s residence. A reputable real estate company, actually, reports that the US Vice President’s Official Residence is valued at about $7.5 million today. “While we had earlier refurbished the old VP residence with $2 million, the over 100 years old US Vice President’s house has only undergone widescale renovations twice, funded by tax payers money; in 1993 and in 2021. “Every new US VP is free to finance any minor refurbishing from his personal funds. It’s, therefore, time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people. We must prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty. “Let us work together to build a nation that truly serves its people, not just the interests of a few. Let’s rise to the challenge, and build this new Nigeria which is now more possible than ever before.” The health state of the Presidential Air Fleet has been source of concern of late. In May, a faulty presidential jet stopped Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa. Last December, a presidential aircraft, Falcon 900B, was put up for sale, with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) asking interested persons to submit their bids for the purchase of the aircraft.

  Gunmen have killed one and injured others in Anambra State. The incident happened Monday at Nnewi in the afternoon. However, it could not be ascertained whether they were trying to implement sit- at-home. The security man killed by the hoodlums identified as commander, was said to be in one of the Sienna vehicles donated by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. The windscreen of the vehicle was shattered with many people rushed to one of the hospitals in Nnewi.

  The Federal Government has explained that the Abuja Murtala Muhammed Way has not been renamed after the Noble Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, as rumoured. A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim said the renaming of the Murtala Muhammed Expressway Way has never been contemplated by this administration. “For the record, on June 4, 2024, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the FCT codenamed Arterial Road N20 (from Katampe to Jahi), which links the existing Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Muhammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way). “During the inauguration of the N20 (which is a new road), FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, proposed to the President that the road be named after Prof Wole Soyinka, and the President agreed. “Therefore, it is the Arterial Road N20 that is named after Prof. Soyinka. The Murtala Muhammed Motorway remains unchanged and continues to bear the name of our esteemed former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat at Muhammed the statement explained. The government, however, urged citizens to disregard any misinformation regarding the renaming of the Murtala Muhammed Motorway, as the report is entirely false and only exists in the imagination of its purveyors

  Gunmen have kidnapped an Anambra State-based priest of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Christian Ike. Ike was said to have been taken away by the assailants on Sunday, along Amagu junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The reason for the incident has yet to be ascertained, but eyewitnesses in the area said the priest was returning alongside two other persons from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, when the vehicle he was moving in, was double-crossed by the assailants. The source said, “The priest and two other persons were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church, where they attended morning service. “On getting to Amagu Junction, their vehicle was double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two other persons escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.” The latest abduction will be the second incident in two months as it would be recalled that another priest, Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo, was kidnapped near Onitsha, on May 15, by unknown gunmen.   Gbuzuo was later released some weeks later after some undisclosed amount of ransom was paid to his captors. Confirming the incident, the Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command has heard about the incident and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets for his possible rescue unhurt. Ikenga said, “Anambra State Police Command received the information of the abduction of Rev Father Christian Ike and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets of the Command for possible rescue unhurt. “Eyewitness account revealed by 10:30 am on 16/6/2024, the priest and two others were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church Ndiokpaleke where they attended morning service, along Amagu Junction, they were double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle. “To this end, the Command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for possible arrest of the assailants and rescue unhurt of the priest.” He added that further development shall be communicated as it unfolds.

  Dr Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, based in Abuja, has cautioned the public against Cholera bacteria which is passed through faeces (poop) and shed back into the environment. Adakole told newsmen on Monday that the disease is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated by the faeces (poop) of an infected person. Recall that Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The disease remains a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water access. Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is crucial in curbing its spread and implementing effective prevention measures. The public health expert said that the primary route of cholera transmission was through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. “The bacteria can survive in the environment for extended periods, making it easier for the disease to spread in areas lacking proper sanitation and hygiene. “When a person ingests contaminated water or food, the bacteria colonise the intestines, leading to the rapid onset of symptoms,” he said. Adakole speaking of the impact on underdeveloped states, he said that cholera would be more prevalent in underdeveloped states where infrastructure for clean water and sewage disposal was insufficient. “In these states, the lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities creates an environment conducive to the spread of cholera. “Natural disasters, conflicts, and overcrowded living conditions can exacerbate the situation, leading to outbreaks that can affect thousands of people,” he said.   He further said that preventing cholera required a multifaceted approach. According to him, states should ensure access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities which is vital. “This involves building and maintaining infrastructure for safe water supply and proper sewage disposal. “Educating communities about the importance of handwashing with soap and safe food handling practices can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. “Cholera vaccines can provide temporary protection and are particularly useful during outbreaks or for people travelling to high-risk areas. “Early diagnosis and treatment of cholera with oral rehydration salts (ORS) and, in severe cases, intravenous fluids and antibiotics, can save lives and limit the spread of the disease,” he advised. He said that it was time for the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and relevant agencies, including various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to assist affected states to combat cholera. “These efforts should include providing emergency relief during outbreaks, supporting infrastructure projects, and conducting vaccination campaigns. “However, the persistent challenges of poverty, political instability, and climate change continue to hamper progress,” he stressed. He also said that cholera remained a serious threat in many parts of the world including Nigeria, primarily due to the lack of clean water and adequate sanitation. “Addressing these fundamental issues is key to preventing the spread of cholera and improving public health outcomes globally,” he said. NAN reports that Lagos State government confirmed a cholera outbreak, with the highly aggressive strain identified. The epicenter is Lagos Island, with 106 cases, followed by other Local Government Areas. Out of 350 suspected cases, 17 are confirmed, and 15 deaths have occurred. The state, supported by NCDC, World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and local NGOs, is enhancing public health campaigns, especially with the Sallah celebrations. Suspected cases receive free treatment. Cholera spreads through contaminated food and water, and severe cases can cause rapid death due to dehydration. In 2022, there were 473,000 cholera cases reported globally, with numbers rising in 2023. Africa has the highest numbers, followed by other WHO regions.

  Six Nigerien soldiers protecting an oil pipeline to neighbouring Benin were killed during an attack by “armed bandits” in the south of the country, Niger’s army said on Sunday. “A patrol dedicated to securing the pipeline was attacked by armed bandits on the outskirts of the village of Salkam… unfortunately we deplore the deaths of six of our comrades,” the army said in its latest bulletin. A local source told AFP the attack happened on Wednesday. It was the first such attack against the 2,000-kilometre (1,240 miles) pipeline that links the northeastern oil field of Agadem to the Beninese port of Seme-Kpodji. The army said it had forced the “attackers to beat a retreat” and take an “unknown” number of dead and wounded with them. The soldiers targeted were part of an anti-terrorist operation that for years has been patrolling the south of the country close to the borders with Nigeria and Benin. News of the attack came just two days after the deepening of a diplomatic spat between Niger and Benin. Earlier this week, a Benin court jailed three Nigeriens, including the deputy general director of the oil company Wapco-Niger, for entering the Seme-Kpodji port illegally. Niger also shut off the taps to the pipeline despite Benin last week lifting a blockade on Nigerien oil, while the two countries have been embroiled in a spat over the closure of their shared border. Ties have been strained since last year’s coup in Niger. The oil is essential to the economies of both countries and to the Chinese company Wapco, which operates the pipeline. The Niger region bordering Benin has seen several “terrorist attacks” in recent months, according to Niamey’s defence ministry. In early June, the army announced it was creating a “protection force” to tackle “terrorist” attacks at strategic sites, such as uranium mines in the north and the oil field of Agadem, in particular the pipeline to Benin. The country is also battling jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda, Islamic State and Boko Haram in the west and southeast.

  The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has revealed plans by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, to lift the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers, soon.   Keyamo, during a 44-minute interview with the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, Otega Ogra, published on the official YouTube page of the State House of Nigeria, noted that a resolution has been reached between President Bola Tinubu, and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during President Tinubu’s working visit to the UAE in September 2023. According to him, although the UAE had initially listed additional processes to be met before the ban could be officially lifted, the Nigerian government has since completed all processes, paving the way for an imminent announcement from the UAE government.   “After that high-level meeting, Mr. President, credited to him, made things very easy for us all. We did our follow-ups as his ministers. We have done everything. We have resolved everything. Just wait for the announcement from the UAE government, and that announcement is imminent,” Keyamo stated.   Keyamo further mentioned that he is aware of the specific date when the travel restriction will be lifted, but he emphasised that it is up to the UAE government to make the official announcement. The lifting of the ban is expected to restore ease of travel for Nigerian citizens to the UAE, thereby enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

  At least six persons were reportedly killed and scores injured following attack on a farming community by suspected herdsmen. The attack that occurred on Sunday targeted Mararaban Azagwa and Alele villages all of Maihula in the Bali Local Government Area of the state.. A resident of the area, Isah Abdul, told our correspondent on Monday that trouble started when a man who was drunk and high on drugs he took at Maihula market was found dead on his way home. “It is an unfortunate development. The relatives of the deceased, who later recovered his corpse, accused the Tiv villagers where the man died of being responsible for the death of their brother. “There was nothing actually to point to the fact that the man was killed. He might have probably died from complications arising from the alcohol and the drugs he took. “But his relatives, who suspected that he was killed by the Tiv villagers, mobilised and started attacking and killing people,” Abdul said. The chairman, Taraba State Tiv Traditional Council, Zaki David Gbaa, who briefed journalists in Bali on the development, said six people were killed and four others are in critical conditions in the hospital. Gbaa identified those killed to include; Aondohemba Salemkaan, Tersuugh Dondo, Terkuma Mbatim, Kumaga Ujam Asaaga Nev and Tersoo Memga. The Tiv leader, who condemned the attack, however, commended the security agencies for their quick intervention to calm the situation. He expressed confidence that the attackers would be arrested by security agencies and prosecuted, especially that all of them live in the community and could easily be identified. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gambo Kwache, who confirmed the attack in a telephone interview, however said only two corpses were recovered by the police Gambo noted that no arrest has been made so far, but security operatives were combing the area in search of the attackers.