Tuesday 31 October 2017

Troops Clear Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Neutralise Many And Recover Weapon


Troops of 152 Battalion, 21 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE on Monday 30th October 2017, encountered suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambush along Banki- Bula Yobe road in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, while on escort duties of some civilians from Banki to Maiduguri.
Although the troops successfully cleared the ambush after a heavy fire fight, regrettably 4 persons lost their lives when their vehicle stepped on a buried Improvised Explosive Device on the road. Similarly, twelve persons comprising 6 soldiers, 2 Civilian JTF and 6 Internally Displaced Persons sustained various degrees of injuries.

African Development Bank Strongly Supports Nigerian Government’s Economic Recovery Efforts



The African Development Bank is in consultations with the Government on how best to continue its support for its laudable Economic and Growth Recovery Plan through investment projects
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 31, 2017/ -- 
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) wishes to categorically refute the statement that it has “called off loans to Nigeria”, as reported in Reuters and credited to AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth Amadou Hott.

Governor Dankwambo approves N8m for anti-snake venom


As the hot season approaches with the attendant rise in snake bites, the Gombe State Government said it has approved N8 million for the procurement of anti-snake venom for the Snake Bite Treatment Centre, Kaltungo.
Commissioner of Health, Dr Kennedy Ishaya, disclosed this to newsmen, in Gombe, on Tuesday. Ishaya said the state government would inform the public as soon as the venom arrives the centre.
The commissioner said the centre provided free treatment, antibiotics as well as surgical care to patients bitten by snakes, with patients trooping from other parts of the country as well asfeom Cameroun and Chad Republic.

Gov Jibrilla Bindow Of Adamawa State Congratulates Mr Boss Mustapha On His Appointment As The New SGF



Governor of Adamawa state, Sen Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, has sent a congratulatory message to the newly appointed Secretary to the government of the Federation, Barr Boss Mustapha on his appointment as the new SGF by president Muhammadu Buhari.
A letter personally signed by the governor, on Monday, described the appointment as, "a step in the right direction because of the pedigree and atecedence of the new SGF."

Senate Commends Buhari, Commits To Fighting Corruption



* Mandates all Committees Probing MDAs to Hasten Action
The Senate has commended the presidency over the sack of ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and ex-National Intelligence Agency boss, Ayo Oke even as it has vowed to continue the fight against corruption using its parliamentary powers.
Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Na'Allah who raised a point of order that was eventually supported by Senate President Bukola Saraki at Tuesday's plenary says the Senate deserves glory for the investigative hearing that led to the unraveling of corrupt activities in the presidential initiative on the northeast.

Borno Governor Shettima Reconciles Borno Assembly, Senator Ndume


Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has reconciled a former Senate leader, Ali Ndume, and members of the State’s House of Assembly.
The Assembly closed for a month to protest Ndume’s alleged assault on a lawmaker, Bukar Daja-Ali (Damboa Constituency). There were also rumoured attacks on other lawmakers.
Though Ndume denied the allegation, the Assembly vowed not to resume sitting.

Police, cattle rustlers exchange bullets in Katsina


Men of the Katsina State police on Sunday gunned down a suspected cattle rustler during an exchange of fire along Sakwattawa-Shawere cattle route.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Gambo Isah, disclosed the development in a statement made available to reporters in Katsina.
Isah said “One Ibrahim Gai of Aidun Hassan Village in the Danmusa Local Government Area of the state had reported to the police that some unidentified cattle rustlers invaded their settlement at about 3.30am on October 23, 2017 and stole their livestock.”

A BRIEF ON NEW SGF, BOSS MUSTAPHA


Until his appointment as SGF, Boss Gida Mustapha was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National inland waterways Authority (NIWA).
He is a lawyer, management consultant, politician, businessman and boardroom guru of considerable repute.

Jaiz Bank, Emir Sanusi launches 'Jaiz Takaful' the first Islamic insurance company in Nigeria


The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi 11, on Monday in Kano launched the first Islamic insurance in Nigeria, tagged ‘Jaiz Takaful Insurance’.
The Emir said at the event that the introduction of the system in Nigeria was a welcome development, especially as it would contribute towards boosting the country’s economy.
According to him, the policy, which will be guided by Sharia, is not only for the Muslim, but also the non-Muslims can also register.
“The Insurance Scheme will assist the small scale business people to replace their lost property, especially whenever a disaster which we are not praying for has occurred,” the emir said.
Sanusi added that the scheme would assist the registered members to replace their lost property, either due to fire outbreak or accident, through their contributions.

To change Nigeria’s situation, more women needed in leadership, says Masi-Garba


The only female senator of the 57 Senators from northern Nigeria, Binta Masi-Garba, has advocated for an affirmative action on female representation in both state houses of Assembly and the National Assembly, saying women’s positive contribution in leadership and development is critical to the development of the country.
Senator Binta Masi, born in Kaduna had the rare experience of representing Kaduna state and now Adamawa, her ancestral home respectively at the National Assembly on different occasions.
The National Assembly is carrying out amendment to the 1999 constitution but during the speakers’ conference held in Yola recently, the conference said it was waiting the national assembly to hasten the transmission of the document for its input, what is delaying it?

Pay N1 Billion To My Account If You Want Me To Testify In Court – Goodluck Jonathan Tells Olisa Metuh

Jonathan urges court to void Metuh’s request to compel him to testify

Ex- President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday challenged the witness summon issued on him by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to appear today to testify as a defence witness in the trial of former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh.
The witness summon (subpoena) was issued on Jonathan and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Dasuki upon request by Metuh, who is being tried with his company Destra Investment Limited, over alleged money laundering offences.

Monday 30 October 2017

Senator Danjuma Goje's Wife Is Dead


Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senstor Mohammed Danjuma Goje lost his.wife, Hajiya Yelwa Danjuma Goje, a statement by the Senators son, Ahmed Mohammed Goje has said.

The statement indicated that HajiaYelwa, aged 55, died in a hospital in the United States of America.

The statement also indicated that the late wife of the former Governor of Gombe State is survived by her husband, Senator Goje, six children, 10 grandchildren, relatives, supporters and admirers.

Buhari Sacks Suspended SGF Babachir Lawal, Ayo Oke of NIA and Appoints Boss Mustapha As New SGF


Three months after after receiving the Osinbajo probe panel report, President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked suspended Secretary to the Government of the federation, Babachir David Lawal and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency ( NIA) Ambassador Ayo Oke..

Police Arrest Mother, 23, For Dumping A day-Old Baby In Kebbi


The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old girl, Gambo Suleiman, who allegedly dumped a day-old baby boy near a house in Yauri, Kebbi.

An eye witness, Malam Musa Yauri, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yauri that the new born baby was found dumped behind a building at about 5 p.m. on Sunday evening. “They have handed over the baby to the Yauri Local Government Authority, who in turn, handed over the baby to the Kebbi Orphanage Home, for proper care,” he said.

Justice Elizabeth Asabe Karatu is the new Chief Judge of Kebbi State


Governor Bagudu Congratulates Justice Bala Mairiga on his retirement and swore in new acting Chief Judge
The Executive Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has earlier today swore-in Elizabeth Justice Asabe Karatu as the acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State at the council chambers, Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

NAF Deploys Five Fighter Jets as Boko Haram Terrorists Regroup


The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Saturday sent five fighter jets to the notorious Sambisa Forest to crush Boko Haram terrorists operating in the area. The operation is coming on the heels of new reports of the regrouping of Boko Haram sect in the forest.
The regrouping of Boko Haram terrorists has also been linked to the resurgence of attacks by the sect, where they recently attacked Maiduguri, the Boko State capital, parts of Adamawa and Yobe States.

Kano State Commissioner for Health Confirms Case of Suspected Monkey Pox


Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kabir Getso has confirmed that there is a suspected case of Monkey Pox disease in the state, which is being investigated.
The Commissioner, in a press briefing at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kano on Saturday, said a suspected case was reported in the Bebeji Health Facility of the State and the patient demonstrated symptoms similar to that of monkey pox, which is also close to symptoms usually demonstrated by patients suffering from Smallpox disease.
“The case is being referred for investigation as the blood sample of the victim has been collected and sent to Abuja for onward transmission to Dakar, Senegal for analysis and authenticity.”

Two Female Suicide Bombers Die in Adamawa


The  Chairman of Madagali Local Government Area in Adamawa State, Muhammad Yusuf,  has confirmed that two female suicide bombers were yesterday killed and another woman injured in Madagali.
He said separate explosions occurred in Magar village where two suicide bombers died while a female victim got injured.

Miyetti Allah: Ortom Lied, No Plan to Invade Benue


The Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore, the Fulani socio-cultural association, has described the invasion alarm raised by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, as a lie, saying it has no plan to launch fresh attacks on the state over the anti-grazing law.
The governor had last week Thursday in Abuja  raised the alarm over an alleged plan by Miyetti Allah to launch fresh attacks on the  state, calling on the security agencies to protect the people by immediately arresting the leaders of the group.
The National President of the association, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo and National Secretary Mr. Saleh Alhassan, at a media briefing yesterday in Abuja, said that Ortom was confused, thereby making unfounded  accusation.

Borno State Government Promotes 3000 Teachers


The Borno Government on Sunday said it had promoted 3,000 teachers in an effort to improve teachers’ welfare and transform its education sector.
Alhaji Kaka-Ali Abba, the Education Secretary, Maiduguri Municipal Council, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Sunday.
Abba said that the state government approved the promotion of teaching and non-teaching staff who had not benefitted from the exercise in the past eight years.
According to him, the newly promoted teachers from 27 local government areas are currently awaiting payment of annual increment and promotion arrears.

Bandits ambush soldiers in Maru LGA, Zamfara


The Army yesterday confirmed an ambush by suspected bandits on its anti-terrorism team on Friday, near Maru Local Government of Zamfara State.
Army spokesman Brig-Gen. Sani Usman confirmed this to reporters on the phone. He said none of the soldiers was killed during the attack.
Usman said army headquarters was still gathering intelligence on the development.

Two suicide bombers killed in Maiduguri


The Police in Borno on Sunday said two female suicide bombers were killed while trying to sneak into Maiduguri metropolis.
Mr Victor Isuku, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview.
Isuku said that the incident occurred on Sunday evening along Maiduguri-Gamboru highway.

Solar Power Pilot Scheme Commences In Kurdula Village, Gudu LGA


Sokoto state government said it is connecting a number of rural households with solar power to deepen energy usage and enhance rural electrification in the state.
Already, a pilot scheme has started in Kurdula, a rural settlement of Balle town in Gudu local government area of the state.
Speaking to reporters in Sokoto on the project, the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Public Private Partnership (PPP), Bashir Gidado, said the project is a four-party partnership between the state government, the Nigeria Energy Support Project (NESP), GIZ of Germany and GoSolar.

Sunday 29 October 2017

​Buhari’s Policies Are ‘Mere Propaganda’ – Buba Galadima, APC BoT Member

BUHARI'S POLICIES ARE ‘MERE PROPAGANDA’ – BUBA GALADIMA, APC BoT MEMBER

Alhaji Buba Galadima, a Board of Trustees, BoT, member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari has described some Agricultural policies of the current Federal government as “mere propaganda.”

He said this while faulting a claims that the Buhari’s government has used Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to grant farmers loan and financial enablement.

Galadima insisted that the current Agricultural policies of the Buhari’s government is not being felt by farmers in the country.

Speaking with The Sun, the APC Chieftain said, “No, no, there are people from certain parts of the country that can never get loan or assistance from the government.

“I have been looking for some amount of money, I gave out my C of O, certificate of my farm and office that amounts to over N500m, yet no bank was able to grant me N16m loan . I had to sell my property to get some money.

“So what government is doing in the area of farming is mere propaganda, I have not seen anything on ground.

“I wrote to the Minister of Agriculture that I needed to buy certain farm equipment and agricultural facilities, he is yet to reply my letter four months after.

“I had a late planting and I am suffering that as the rain has suddenly seized. If this type of treatment is being given to me, how about the man in the village who cannot reach the minister of agriculture or anybody?”

Unimaid Maiduguri Workers Abducted By Boko Haram Will Regain Freedom Soon – Governor Shettima


Shettima, Borno, Northern Leaders, Northern Nigeria

The Governor of Borno State has said all hope is not lost for the University of Maiduguri workers who were abducted by Boko Haram in July as talks are ongoing for their release.

Governor Kashim Shettima gave the assurance in an exclusive interview with Channels Television’s political correspondent, Seun Okinbaloye.

“I believe discussions are currently ongoing. I would rather not comment on this issue so as not to jeopardise the lives of those hostages. But I can assure you that discussions are ongoing and very soon they will regain their freedom,” the governor said.

The hostages were among the UNIMAID staff and workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation who were ambushed in July with more than 20 members of the team and soldiers meant to provide security for them killed by the insurgents.

Shortly after the ambush, Boko Haram had released a video showing three of them appealing to the Federal Government to meet the demands of the terrorists and secure their release.

Governor Shettima, in giving the assurance that they would regain their freedom soon, expects exploration activities to continue in the Chad Basin despite the attack.

He said he had witnessed the flaring of gas in the region more than 20 years ago and that there had appeared to be more gas than oil in a well that was explored then.

With the growing importance of gas, the governor said it was important to pursue the exploration of the Lake Chad basin.

“Gas has become the product of choice. Oil will become to Nigeria what coal is to Newcastle in the next 20 to 30 years but gas will continue to be relevant in the foreseeable future,” he said.

“So, I believe that even for the sake of national stability and complementarity, the issue of exploring for oil and gas in the Lake Chad Basin should be pursued with vigour.”

Troops Arrest Fleeing Boko Haram Terrorists  Suspects


Troops of 93 Battalion, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, on Saturday 28th October 2017, based on a tip off by security conscious an well meaning Nigerians, arrested two suspected Boko Haram terrorists; Mallam Jamilu Adamu and Mallam Garba Adamu, seeing loitering around at Gishiri village, Ibbi Local Government Area of Taraba State.  Preliminary investigation revealed that they hailed from Kirta village in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. It was further confirmed that they were fishermen in Kereta before they were  abducted by Boko Haram terrorists  who engaged them as boat operators for two years. They further claimed that they belonged to the Albarnawi faction of the Boko Haram terrorists group. The suspects also stated that they escaped to Gishiri village from Boko Haram terrorists because of the concerted efforts of the military on the terrorists and also realising the fallacy of the Boko Haram terrorists’ ideology.

Obasanjo: EFCC, ICPC politicised after my tenure


Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday accused his successors from 2007 of politicising the two anti-corruption agencies created by his administration.
His successors, he said, turned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to political entities.
Obasanjo spoke delivering the annual public lecture of the Dorcas Oke Hope Alive Initiative (DOHA).

Maina Scandal: Ex-EFCC Chair, Ex-IGP, 2 Heads of Service implicated


N17 billion cash traced to fugitive Pensions boss 
•How he bought $2m house in cash in 2012 
•19 standing trial as EFCC pursues 12 cases
About N17billion pension cash has been traced to the dismissed chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, with a long list of highly-placed beneficiaries.
The said cash was diverted by Maina from the N24billion budgeted by the Federal Government for payment of pension liabilities through the Presidential Pension Reforms Task Team headed by Maina.

Saturday 28 October 2017

Erosion destroys 200 graves at Murtala grave yard in Kano

​Dr. Ali Makoda, the Kano State Commissioner of Environment, says erosion destroy more than 200 Graves at Tudun Murtala grave yard in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner announced this on Saturday when he visited the Tarauni Grave yard in Tarauni Local Government as part of the state’s monthly sanitation exercise. “Immediately when we received the news, we took an urgent action to ensure that such disaster did not continue.“

Presently we embark on the renovation of many grave yards across the state, especially those at the areas where they are facing the challenges of erosion,’’ he said. 

He commended a community development association of the sanitation team at the grave for their efforts at keeping the grave yard clean.

The commissioner pledged to continue to give them all necessary support, especially with the working material to encourage them. He called on other volunteer groups to also embark on such self-help work with the aim to move the state forward and ensure that all grave yards remained clean.

Makoda commended the public for complying with the sanitation order, calling on them to continue to supportthe government to keep the state clean.

The leader of the Tarauni Youth Initiative, Malam Salisu Adamu, appealed to the state government to assist them with all the necessary working materials that could assist them to carry out their duties effectively. “We are also appealing to the government to come to the aide of some volunteers who are always at the grave yard to dig graves.“ Before, each of the workers was paid N3,000 monthly, but for over two years now, they have not been paid at all’’, Adamu said.

(NAN)

Kano – Jigawa – Kaduna–Abuja highway: Police parade 15 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers


Kano – Jigawa – Kaduna States highway: Police parade 15 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers
Parade Of Suspected Vicious And Notorious Kidnap For Ransom, Murder And Armed Robbery Gangs Terrorising Innocent Travellers On Abuja – Kaduna Highway And Kano – Jigawa – Kaduna States, By Csp Jimoh Moshood Force Public Relations Officer, At Rijanna, Abuja- Kaduna Highway 0n 27th October, 2017.

Kidnapping: NSCDC Deploys Special Squad To Shiroro, Munya LGAs


The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Niger command, has deployed 28 special trained force to Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas to tackle kidnapping and banditry.
Mr Philip Ayuba, Corps Commandant in the state, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Minna.
He noted that the special force was also provided with modern working facilities to protect lives and property along the axis.

Plateau Polytechnic Student Jailed 4 Years For Rape


A Plateau Polytechnic student, Musa Nyam will be out of school in the next 48 months and be behind bars following his conviction for raping a girl at a birthday bash.
A Jos Upper Area Court sitting in Kasuwan Nama gave the verdict on Friday after Nyam pleaded guilty to the charge of rape.
He had invited a 23-year-old girl to his house for a birthday party before he sexually assaulting her, the prosecution said.

Court Orders El-Rufai, Police To Pay Choc City Boss, Maikori N40m


The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday awarded N40m to the President of Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori, as compensation for his unlawful arrest and detention between February 17 and 18, 2017 and again March 10 and 13, 2017.

Delivering judgement in the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by Maikori on May 5, 2017, Justice John Tsoho ordered the four respondents including, Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, and the police to pay the damages to the applicant.

The judge also directed the respondents to pay the sum of N1,430 to the applicant as the cost of instituting the suit.

Kaduna State Government Reacts to N40m Court Order on Audu Maikori


Our reaction on today's Federal High Court judgment in Abuja
The Kaduna State Government is the complainant in a criminal matter involving Audu Maikori. The judgment will not stop this criminal trial.
There is no malicious prosecution going on. The state government can file complaints, but it is the business of the police to make arrests following the normal procedures.

Friday 27 October 2017

President Buhari’s government is 50% PDP controlled – Col. Hameed Ali


Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali, has said that the Buhari government has not been able to move forward and fulfill its campaign promises to the Nigerian people because most of those calling the shots in his government are those who never believed in his vision.
Col. Ali’s position was supported by Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, who said state governors are not happy that they are left out of appointments being made by the government.
Speaking at the commissioning of the office complex of the Buhari Support Organisation in (BSO) in Abuja, Col Ali who is also the National Coordinator of the Organisation said that more than fifty percent of positions in the Buhari government were handled over to members of the PDP who fought against the actualisation of a Buhari Presidency.

President Buhari Commends Support Groups’ Sacrifices For National Development



President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja commended various support groups working for the progress of his administration, saying posterity will reward their sacrifices for the peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.
Receiving members of the National Committee of the Buhari Support Group (NCBSG) led by Senator Abu Ibrahim, President Buhari assured them of the judicious use of available national resources for the betterment of all Nigerians.

Anti-corruption: Buhari ‘ll not disappoint, Magu assures


Mr Ibrahim  Magu, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC), declared in Abuja on Thursday that President Muhammadu Buhari would not disappoint in the fight against corruption.
Magu gave the assurance while fielding questions from newsmen on the sideline of a preparatory meeting towards 2018 African Union (AU) conference.

FALLENHERO : Another Gallant Soldier Muhammad A Yellow, Killed By Boko Haram in Yobe 



According to Shehu,a Nigerian soldier who lives in Yobe that shared the news,a Nigerian soldier named Muhammad has been killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Damaturu,Yobe state.


Hoodlums Disrupt Distribution Of Rice Donated By Senators in kogi State


According to a Facebook user, Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello hired hoodlums to block road that leads to Lokoja the state capital.
Details...... 
Its most unfortunate, the Governor Bello refused to pay Kogi State Civil servants, yet mobilized hoodlums to block lokoja road thinking Senator Dino is bringing Rice donated by Nigerian Senators.

Very clear now that the KOGI state Governor have missed the road to his crisis acclaimed new direction.

Albinos In Plateau State Appeals To Govt To Include Them In Decision Making


The establishment of the Plateau state disabilities rights commission has been described a bold step to giving the physically challenged a sense of belonging. State commissioner of local government and chieftaincy affairs, Dayyabu Garga stated this when the chairman albino foundation Plateau state chapter, Abel Mvenoaga led other members on a visit to his office.

The albino foundation was established in 2006 for persons with albinism and vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities in the society.

Ali Ndume Denies Slapping Bukar Daja-Ali, Lawmaker In Borno


Borno Senator, Ali Ndume has denied reports that he slapped a state lawmaker from Damboa prompting the suspension of activities in the Borno state house of assembly.

Sen. Ali Ndume (Borno South) on Friday denied alleged assault on a member of Borno State House of Assembly, Bukar Daja-Ali.

The House on Thursday alleged that Ndume slapped Bukar Daja-Ali, a member representing Damboa Constituency, at a political meeting in Maiduguri. A statement signed by the Speaker, Abdulkareem Lawal, issued in Maiduguri, petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter.

Thursday 26 October 2017

Ndume Slaps Borno Lawmaker, Prompting Borno State House Of Assembly To Suspend Legislative Activities For One Month


Senator Ali Ndume Slaps Borno Lawmaker, Prompting Borno State House Of Assembly To Suspend Legislative Activities For One Month
* Hon. Habu Dala Aji was slapped by Senator Ali Ndume at a Political Meeting
Pending the outcome of resolution passed in respect on an attack on its members, the speaker of the house Abdkareem lawal in a press statement issued to pressmen in maiduguri that a member representing Damboa.

Nasarawa commences census of own houses


The Nasarawa State Government on Thursday, commenced two-week census of its houses across the state, Mohammed Wada, Commissioner for Works and Transports has disclosed.
Wada made the disclosure on Thursday in an interview in Lafia.
He said the exercise became necessary because the state  government discovered that over the years, most occupants of such houses stayed in them illegally.

Sultan of Sokoto assures all Nigerians that Monkey pox virus has nothing to do with vaccination


The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Saturday reaffirmed that vaccines for polio and other child-killer diseases are safe and Islamic.
Abubakar spoke in Wamakko town, headquarters of Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State at the National Campaign of the Sub-National Plus Days (SIPDS).

NAF Returns 4 Super Mushshak Aircraft to Pakistan, Expects Delivery of 5 Brand New Ones


NAF Returns 4 Super Mushshak Aircraft To Pakistan, Expects Delivery Of 5 Brand New Ones
The 4 Super Mushshak aircraft loaned to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) by the Pakistan Government, for the ab-initio flying training of its pilots at 401 Flying Training School Kaduna, have been returned to Pakistan. The disassembled aircraft were loaded aboard a cargo aircraft and flown out of the NAF Base Kaduna on 23 October 2017. The returned aircraft were temporarily made available by the Pakistan Government, at no extra cost to the NAF, for the commencement of training of its pilots in December 2016, prior to the delivery of the 10 trainer aircraft ordered by the NAF.

1, 260 bags of rice: Don’t play politics with civil servants, Kogi youths tell Senate


The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi chapter, on Thursday accused the Senate of playing politics with the fate of unpaid civil servants in the state.
A statement by the NYCN Chairman, Mr Oladele Nihi on Thursday in Lokoja, said the council was deeply concerned over the purported donation of 1, 260 bags of rice to civil servants in Kogi.
Nihi wondered why the Senate did not find it appropriate to make similar donations to civil servants nationwide owed salaries by state governments.

Six Nigerian soldiers killed in Boko Haram raid



At least six soldiers were killed in heavy fighting when Boko Haram raided a military base and looted food from villagers in northeast Nigeria, the military and locals said on Wednesday.
Jihadists in six pick-up trucks stormed the base in Sasawa village, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the Yobe state capital, Damaturu, at about 5:00 pm on Tuesday.
Colonel Kayode Ogunsanya told AFP from Damaturu: “There was an attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military location in Sasawa village which led to casualties on both sides.”

Delegation from NEMA Visits Gov Tambuwal, Donates Relief Materials to Sokoto Flood Victims



A delegation from the national Emergency management Agency (NEMA), has visited Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at the Government House.
The team, led by NEMA's Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Sunny P. Omehu who represented the D-G, Engr, Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, announced a donation of 450 bags of rice, beans and maize each, 250 bags of millet, 100 bags of sugar, 700 bundles of roofing sheets, 195 bags of 3 inch nails and 195 packets of zinc nails.

National Assembly to pass Petroleum Industry Bill before end of 2017, says Dogara


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said that the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly, especially the lower chamber, may become feasible before the end of the year.
Dogara, who spoke yesterday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) to fast-track the passage of the bill, insists it is high time the bill becomes law to speed up transformation in the sector and boost the sector’s contribution to the economy.
The Speaker, represented by Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Victor Nwokolo, was optimistic that current effort by the House on the bill would yield meaningful result as soon as possible.

Demons not responsible for road accidents — FRSC


The Federal Road Safety Corps on Wednesday said Nigerians should stop the age-old superstition of blaming demons for the recklessness of drivers on motorways.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, admonished motorists to start taking responsibility their actions while behind the wheels.
“Nigerians must be aware that frequent cases of road crashes during this period, particularly the ember months are unconnected to demonic activities,” Mr. Oyeyemi said.