Northern community in Rivers State pledges support to Tonye Cole for Governor

By Emmanuel Daudu

…As Amaechi campaigns for Cole at Computer Village, Garrison, Oroworoko Community

According to the Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s Media Office on the 10th of March, 2023, the Northern Community in Rivers State has thrown its weight behind the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Arch. Tonye Cole.

This was confirmed by the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Haliru Imam when they played host to the former Minister of Transportation and former Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as part of his campaign rounds for the APC governorship candidate in Port Harcourt, Friday.

Imam said (to Amaechi), “We know Tonye Cole being a Pastor will be good like you. I remember when you were in power, people were shouting about Northerners, but you told us, ‘feel free, this is your home.’ During your tenure, the Christian Muslim Board existed, but today there is nothing like pilgrim board even to Christians, because of one man.”

The Northerners also complained about the current administration’s handling of Slaughter in Trans-Amadi and Taskforce issues. They expressed hope that Tonye Cole will do better when elected as Governor of the State.

Speaking, the Northern Youth Leader in Rivers State, Alhaji Shehu Ahmed, expressed delight over Amaechi’s visit, stating that Rivers people and party faithfuls would be better off with his presence and emboldened to reclaim the State. “Sir, your coming has emboldened us. We beg you to leave Abuja for now and stay with us in Rivers state.

Responding, Amaechi encouraged them to go all out and vote for Tonye Cole and protect their votes on election day. “All we need from you is to go out and vote, and protect your votes. Everybody should be his own policeman. When you vote, sit down there until they upload it. Even when they upload it, escort them to the Ward centre, let them upload it there. Another set of people should escort them to the Local Government centre. That’s how you become your own policeman. Me as Governor, you people can’t deny me. I made sure that as Governor, 1200 Christians went on pilgrimage, 500 Muslims also went on pilgrimage every year for 8 years and we appointed a Muslim pilgrims board, the same way we appointed a Christian welfare pilgrims board. Somebody talked about Slaughter; the reason why we did not build the Slaughter we wanted to build for you in Greater Port Harcourt was that when we came forward, you people stopped us and said you have a traditional way of killing animals and it is not the same way as the modern slaughter. So that’s how we left the Trans-Amadi Slaughter, if not we were to build one between Oyigbo and Eleme.”

On his part, the APC governorship candidate, Tonye cole, assured the Northern Community of change, urging them to come out enmasse and vote.

He said, “We are with you. Your suffering is our suffering. Rivers people are tired and are looking for change, and we will bring you that change. I want to assure you that we will do more. I have a business background and I have taken note of your complaints about taskforce and pilgrimage. Everybody is crying about it, the Muslims and the Christians.

“It is our business as government to help you succeed. That’s what government should be. We will make sure we give you the enabling environment to help you succeed. Pilgrimage, we will resuscitate the board. Please come out in your numbers to vote. What they are counting on is that you will not come out. After voting, stay there until they count the result and follow the result from the unit to the ward to the collation centre,” he said.

Amaechi also campaigned with Tonye Cole at Computer Village and other parts of Garrison axis, as well as at Oroworoko Community.

NiMet alerts public ahead of Thunderstorms, Other Hazardous Weather As Rainy Season Commences

By Emmanuel Daudu

As the rainy season commences in parts of the country, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned pilots and the general public to be wary of thunderstorms and other hazardous weather events.

In a release today signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim
GM/ Public Relations, he said, the Agency says this is in line with the public presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction made by the Agency in January this year.

“NiMet predicted rainfall onset to be earlier than the long-term average in most parts of the country during the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). The onset is expected to start from the coastal states of Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom in early March, progressively followed by the inland states and the Central states.”. It reads.
The statement noted that the recent thunderstorms recorded over parts of the coastal and inland states showed that the Agency’s prediction is on-point, reliable and accurate.

NiMet further cautioned that for areas where thunderstorms are expected, this weather hazard can cause significant disruptions, stressing that thunderstorms can lead to turbulence, lightning strikes, strong winds, heavy rainfall, downdraught, microburst, and hailstones.
“All of these pose significant threats to safety of lives and property.

The effects of thunderstorms are more hazardous to aviation industry, particularly the aircraft operations and passengers.

Thunderstorms can also cause delays, diversion and cancellations of flights, as aircraft are often grounded in the face of severe weather”. 
The Agency assures pilots  the aviation industry and airport users that it has installed weather monitoring systems, thunder detectors, satellite receiving ground-stations and Automatic Weather System (AWS) across the airports (and other stations) nationwide as a measure to mitigate the effects of thunderstorms to the aviation industry. The Agency has also developed a variety of products and services to help track the thunderstorms and its attendant hazards. The Pilot Briefing Rooms are always available for Services, it noted.

NiMet therefore advises all Pilots and Airline Operators to exercise caution during flight operations (during this adverse weather) due to the commencement of the rainy season.

The rains which are currently prevalent in the Southern parts of Nigeria and occasionally around the Central States, are usually accompanied by severe thunderstorms which are bound to affect air navigation. The Agency reiterated.

NiMet therefore enjoins Pilots/Flight Crew members to obtain adequate departure, enroute and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet offices prior to flight operations for effective planning in their air navigation operations.

Borno Fire: Umar Farouq Sympathizes With Monday Market Traders

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has expressed sadness over the fire incident which gutted the Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno state early Sunday.

The raging inferno which was said to have started at about 2 am spread to different parts of the market, destroying many shops and property worth billions of Naira.

Nneka Ikem Anibeze
SA Media to the minister in a press release on
26-02-2023, said, Umar Farouq described the incident as unfortunate and a great loss to the nation’s economy.

“We received the sad news early this morning of the fire disaster which engulfed the biggest market in Maiduguri. We understand that goods and shops worth billions of naira have been destroyed by the raging fire.

“This is a great loss to the country’s economy, especially Borno state which is just beginning to recover from the destruction and losses as a result of insurgency and banditry. We sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state, especially the traders whose livelihoods have gone up in flames following the fire incident.

“I  have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to help with Search and Rescue operations of property to see what can be salvaged and to ascertain the level of damage and loss at the Monday Market”.

The 35 year old Monday Market is the largest trading hub in the North East . Hundreds of shops and warehouses were said to be affected by the inferno.

Humanitarian Ministry Donates Food Items to Victims of Maiduguri Monday Market Fire

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has presented food items to victims of Maiduguri Monday Market fire incident in Borno state.

Nneka Ikem Anibeze,
SA Media to the minister in a press release on
03-03-2023, said, the Minister made the presentation to the Governor of Borno state, Prof Babagana Umara  Zulum on Thursday when she paid a condolence visit to the state government.

Among the food items presented include 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spaghetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil.

The Minister who accompanied His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to visit the ruins  left of the Maiduguri Monday Market,  expressed sadness at the complete destruction of the biggest trading hub in the North East region while briefing the President.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, I deeply sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state on this unfortunate fire incident. I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to assess the level of damage but from what we are seeing now, it appears nothing was left by the inferno. Everything here was burnt.

“After the assessment, the Ministry will submit a full report to Mr President to seek special intervention for the victims.

“We are handing over 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spagetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil. Your Excellency, this is an emergency relief intervention but we will collaborate  with the Borno State Government to  provide building materials to rebuild the market”.

The Chairman of the Market Association, Awaji Bukar expressed deep appreciation to the President for the visit and appealed for more support from the Federal Government to assuage the colossal loss incurred by the traders.

Umar Farouq Commiserates with Train/BRT crash victims

The BRT staff bus and train collusion which occurred Thursday morning at PWD railway intersection has been described as unfortunate and unavoidable by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq.

According to Nneka Ikem Anibeze, SA Media, in a press release on
10-03-2023, said, while the minister  sympathizes with the Lagos state government and victims of the crash which involved about 85 passengers, the Minister condoled  with the injured victims and families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

“ I express my condolences to the Lagos state government and victims of this fatal train accident. This is tragic and very unfortunate especially when it  could have been avoided by exercising a little patience. I am very saddened by the loss of lives through the carelessness of a BRT driver. May God rest their souls.  We pray for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident as some of the survivors have been  taken to hospital by the first responders for treatment.

“ We however need more sensitization programmes  for BRT drivers and other railway line and road users on the dangers of crossing the rail  when a train is approaching”.

The South West Zonal Coordinator, of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye however reported,  that the State Government staff bus attempted crossing the PWD/Sogunle rail while the train was approaching but got trapped on the rail leading to the crash.

Farinloye said many victims were rescued by  LASEMA, NEMA, Police, FRSC, Civil Defebce and the Nigeria Railway Corporation team while some died in the crash. Their bodies, he said, have since been deposited in the morgue.

UNESCO Laureate lauds INEC, congratulates President-Elect

By Maryam Aminu

The UNESCO Laureate and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University Argentina, USA His Excellency Sir Bashiru Aremu has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC while Congratulating the President-Elect, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Aremu made this known in a statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, after the declaration of the 2023 Presidential election winner.

Aremu described the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a Political Warlord capable of transforming the Nigeria Economy within the shortest time stressing that in no distance time under Bola Tinubu’s administration, the country would be great again.
“Tinubu is a technocrat and hardworking Nigerian with a wealth of experience. We are optimistic that he would do well and there is no too way, he will!”

“Please accept my warm congratulations on your victory and my best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges of your high office.”

Sir Aremu urged the incoming president to restore confidence in the Nigerian system for millions of Nigerians whose lack of confidence has become very clear in this election.

As a citizen of Nigeria, whose dream is to see Nigeria progress and her pride restored, the vice chancellor urged Tinubu to allow for unencumbered scientific research, encourage innovation to seek out those ideas which make us better as a nation, and to work tirelessly until they are seen through.

He further wishes the president-elect successful term in office and for his continued good health and well-being.

PARTICIPANTS OF ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA VISIT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

The Participants of Course 7, 2023 of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) today 7 March 2023 visited the Defence Headquarters ( DHQ) with an objective to understudy the functions and organisation of the Defence Joint Operations Centre ( JOC). Receiving the Participants, their Commandant and members of faculty on behalf of the CDS, General Lucky Irabor, the Acting Director Defence Intelligence and Security, Brigadier General ME Onoja said, the visit will avail the participants an opportunity to understand the roles of DHQ and other organizations on the security architecture of the nation. He further stated that the JOC is particularly important for security strategies and serves as coordinating body which also liaises with other security agencies in the country.
He revealed that the JOC has witnessed stronger evolution since. 2012 , adding that it was established in 2008, being the war room for planning and decision making for the AFN. “The JOC is also used for intelligence operations which helps to facilitate the CDS decision making”, he said.

A total of 74 participants comprising 6 foreign allied African nations members, one Nigerian Navy officer and one Nigerian Air force officer, all of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and its equivalents were led to the visit by the Commandant of AWCN, Major General BA Alabi. Highlights of the event featured a brief on administration, structure and management of the JOC with an interactive session and exchange of souvenirs between the College and DHQ

PARTICIPANTS OF UAE DEFENCE COLLEGE VISIT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Lucky Irabor on 7 March 2023 played host to the participants of Course 10 of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) Defence College. Making a remark during the visit, the leader of the participants, Brigadier General Mahdi Al -Ahbabi stated that the visit was informed by the need to share ideas with Nigerian Defence Headquarters on issue of national security. He noted that the UAE Defence College shares a similarity with
Nigerian National Defence College (NDC), but however pointed out that the 2 colleges differ in the constituents of participants. He explained that the UAE Defence College has
70 per cent civilian participants and 30 per cent military officers participants , unlike what is obtainable in Nigerian NDC.

The CDS represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP), Air Vice Marshal Jackson Yusuf, while welcoming the participants to DHQ noted that the visit was timely as it coincided with Nigerian election period, He expressed hope that the participants could draw much lessons from the electoral period, especially as it affects harnessing national security architecture for safe , free and fair election.
Highlight of the visit was a brief on the organization and roles of the Defence Headquarters for the participants, which dovetailed to an interactive session.

Humanitarian Ministry Inaugurates  Handing Over, Notes Collation And Transition Committee




The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has Inaugurated a Handing Over Notes, Collation and Transition Committee, in line with the Presidential Transition Council directive.

According to Rhoda  Ishaku Iliya, the Deputy Director Information in a press release she signed on Tuesday, said, the Committee was inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr.Nasir Sani Gwarzo mni, NPOM at the Ministry’s Conference Room Federal Secretariat Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary stated that President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR  have approved the establishment of a Presidential Transition Council, for facilitating and managing the 2023 transition programme. The President has also signed the Executive Order No. 14 of 2023 on the Facilitation and Management of the Presidential Transitions on 9th February 2023 and directed that the Council to be inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on 14th February 2023.

He said a key feature of the Presidential Executive Order No. 14 of 2023 is the institutionalization of a legal framework that would enable a seamless transition of power from one Presidential Administration to another which is part of President Buhari’s legacy.

Dr.Sani- Gwarzo said “in view of the above, it has become necessary for the Ministry to set up a Ministerial Committee for the collation and development the Handing Over Notes of the entire Humanitarian Sector and come up with a Transition Plan to enable the Ministry interface with the Presidential Transition Council which will be rather soon. Therefore, it is important to Note that time is of the essence here”.

He said this committee is expected to ensure the collation and harmonization of the Handing Over Notes from all Departments, Agencies and Programmes under the supervision of the, Ministry in the approved Template.

The Permanent Secretary  emphasized  that the committee has 3 weeks to complete this very important assignment and submit the first draft on Tuesday, 28th March 2023. All the necessary logistics  he said will be provided to ensure that the Notes are ready within the stipulated time frame  ahead of the Presidential Transition Council visit to the Ministry.

He said all submission must be in both hard and soft copies to enable the Secretariat to collate, harmonize and produce the first draft for vetting.

The Committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, mni, NPOM while the Director Planning Research and Statistics, Mr. Peter Nwakpa will serve as the Secretary.

The Permanent Secretary said all members should therefore ensure that their submissions are in line with the approved template.


In his opening remarks the Director of Planning Research and Statistics Mr. Peter Nwakpa said the 2023 Presidential Elections has just been concluded and Mr.president has Inaugurated a Transition Council and enforced it with Executive Order No 14 of 2023 for the Institutionalization of a legal framework that would enable a seamless transition of power.

He said having done that we find it very necessary in the Ministry to Constitute a Transition Committee so that we’ll be able to carry out all that is required of us.


In a vote of thanks, the Director Humanitarian  Affairs of the Ministry, Alhaji Ali Grema, on behalf of the members of the committee thanked the Management for the confidence reposed on them and promised to deliver the assignment within the time frame.

In attendance were all the Directors of the Ministry and Officers of the Office of the Honourable Minister.


Kwara gubernatorial Polls: SDP Presidential Candidate Canvasses Support for Hakeem Lawal

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo has urged Kwarans to vote Hakeem Lawal and other Party’s House of Assembly candidates during March 11 elections.

Prince Adewole Adebayo made this call on Monday while addressing journalists after a meeting with SDP leaders and supporters in Ilorin.

He said SDP is in the race to win elections, “not only in Kwara state, but across the country”.

According him the party is out to make a difference to enable Nigerians differentiate between black and white.

Prince Adebayo urged party members to remain United and work hard towards attaining victory in the coming governorship and state Assembly elections.

He noted that the nation may not move forward until all stakeholders recognize the need to fight poverty and insecurity.