Blue rail line resumes, targets 74 daily trips November.

Blue rail line resumes, targets 74 daily trips November.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has warned Lagosians that the Blue Rail Line tracks are not a marketplace.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Monday while announcing the resumption of the Blue Line Rail which was earlier suspended at the weekend.

“I am happy to announce that the LRMT Blue Line is back on track energised with an increase in trips from 12 trips to 54 trips per day and this will rise to 74 trips by the end of November, thanks to the hard work of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.

“The first trip starts at 6:30 am and your daily commute has now become even smoother with a schedule you can plan around as well as with the Cowry Card and discounts to help you plan your expenses better.

“We temporarily paused the Blue Line this weekend for your safety, and now we have fully energised the line for a brighter future,” Sanwo-OLu wrote on X via @jidesanwoolu.

Warning against nefarious activities around the rail tracks, the governor stated: “Please do not attempt to access the rail tracks for any nefarious or otherwise activities and it bears repeating that the train tracks are not a marketplace.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government, on Monday, ordered the reopening of Mile 12 International Market after it was sealed on Friday.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the market was reopened after a thorough assessment, covering various aspects of environmental compliance, waste management practices and general cleanliness within the market.

He noted that issues critical to the environment, public health and safety were not negotiable as the government would not watch helplessly as those values were compromised and eroded by the conduct of a few people.

“We cannot continue to be nonchalant about our environment. Our negative attitude towards the environment must stop.

“The way we treat the environment is the way the environment treats us. We cannot fold our arms and allow the nonchalance of a few to affect the generality of the people.

“Following full compliance with environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as a precondition for reopening shut markets, the Lagos State Government has ordered immediate reopening of Mile 12 International Market.”

He urged the traders to play by the rules of acceptable standards, by putting a premium on hygiene for their health and that of the public, stressing that the government would not shy away from shutting down any market that returns to the old filthy ways.

Credit: The Punch Newspaper.

Akpabio behind my removal from Senate, Abbo alleges.

Akpabio behind my removal from Senate, Abbo alleges.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Monday, nullified the election of the senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Elisha Abbo.

The appellate court declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amos Yohanna, as the winner of the February 25 senatorial election.

Yohanna had in a petition filed at the tribunal sitting in Yola challenged the declaration of  Abbo, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, as the winner of the poll, arguing that Abbo did not score the majority of lawful votes cast.

He contended that the poll was marred by irregularities, such as false entries, alteration, and cancellation of votes at several polling units, among others.

The appellate court, in its judgment on Monday, upheld Yohanna’s contention and nullified Abbo’s election.

The Court of Appeal is the final court for the determination of disputes arising from senatorial election cases.

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Abuja after learning about his sacking, Abbo blamed his fate on the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

He alleged that Akpabio had a hand in the unfavourable court judgment against him. He alleged further that the Senate President had penciled down four other senators for removal through the court.

“I have it from a reliable source and a very highly placed one for that matter, that myself and four other senators within the fold of the ruling All Progressives Congress would be removed from the Senate through rulings from the courts,  all because of working against emergence of Akpabio as President of the 10th Senate.

“I won’t mention the names of all the four other ones targeted but the next in line is Senator Orji Uzor Kalu,” Abbo claimed.

Faulting the court judgment, Abbo insisted that there was no way the PDP candidate could have defeated him at the poll. He said he was so popular that his margin of victory against the PDP candidate was 11,000 votes.

“The court judgment is strange and the judiciary needs to please remain the last hope of the common man.

“For President Bola Tinubu, I must declare that this is not the democracy he fought for and should please lead in protecting it,” he added.

He, however, appealed to his supporters to remain calm, vowing that he would be back in the Senate in 2027.

Credit: The Punch Newspaper

Red Cross to lift 1.09m Nigerians with 27m Swiss Francs.

Red Cross to lift 1.09m Nigerians with 27m Swiss Francs.

Hope brightened yesterday for 1,092,300 Nigerians facing hunger, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene crises. They will be lifted by the International Federation of Red Cross Society (IFRC) through the Nigerian Red Cross.

The IFRC announced CHF27 million (Swiss Francs) support for its local chapter in Nigeria.

The humanitarian organisation said that 24.8 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity, adding it has succeeded in raising CHF 2,138,031, which it said was less than eight per cent of the funds.

It said the interventions will cover 13 states in the Northwest, Northcentral, Southwest and the Southeast.

The states are: Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Borno, Lagos and Imo.

The disclosures were made at a fact-sheet session at the Hunger Crisis Media Parley by the Head, Abuja Delegation of IFRC, Bhupinder Tomar.

Tomar said: “IFRC today seeks CHF 27million to support Nigerian Red Cross Society to respond to the hunger crisis.

“1,092,300 will receive aid in the form of cash assistance, food and nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).”

Giving the breakdown of the beneficiaries which was compiled in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross, he said: “600,000 people will receive water, Sanitation and hygiene assistance. 396,000 will receive health and nutrition support, including child Supplementary feeding.

“330,000 people will receive cash voucher assistance through multi-purpose cash grants and 66,000 people will receive livelihoods support and training in income generating activities and livestock production.”

He said the interventions of the society were to complement what the Federal Government has been doing.

Tomar added: “I am happy that the government is responding to this national emergency and doing its best. I think, we (the public) have contributions to make. Famine or hunger is human created. There is nothing natural about famine or hunger. It is unnatural. We must all rise up to play our roles.

He warned that if urgent action was not taken, “large external shocks may accentuate the challenges at hand.”

On her part, the Senior Communications Officer, Africa Hunger Crisis Appeal, Anne Wanjiru said 22 other sub-Saharan countries were also facing hunger.

She said about 146 milion in Southern Africa have been facing severe hunger with some households hardly getting a meal daily.

“The hunger crisis is largely climate induced but fuelled by conflict. It is time to put an end to the vicious cycle,” she said.

The President of the society, Oluyemisi Adeaga, urged Nigerians to come to the aid of the vulnerable who are uncertain of a meal or the next meal at  any time.

He said the Red Cross was out to fill the gaps in catering for the vulnerable.

He said: “Our initial target was seven states in north-west and north-central Nigeria. That number has now been scaled up to 13 states as we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are going hungry due to a multiplicity of factors.”

 ”Indeed, the urgency of the situation is not lost on President Bola Tinubu who declared a state of emergency on food insecurity and ordered the immediate release of fertilisers and grains to farmers.”

“President Tinubu also approved that all matters pertaining to food and water availability as well as affordability, as essential livelihood items, be included within the purview of the National Security Council.

 ”We call on all well-meaning people and organizations to join the efforts of the Nigerian Red Cross Society to bring relief to some of the most vulnerable members of our society who now face the human indignity of not knowing where their next meal will come from.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Nasarawa Guber: Gov Sule appeals Tribunal’s judgment nullifying his election.

Nasarawa Guber: Gov Sule appeals Tribunal’s judgment nullifying his election.

Nasarawa governor, Abdullahi Sule, and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have filed an appeal to contest the ruling of the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which declared the PDP candidate, David Umbugadu, as the victor of the March 18th gubernatorial election.

The tribunal led by its chairman, Ezekiel Ajayi in a split judgement of two against one had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to withdraw the certificate of return from Abdullahi Sule and issue it to David Umbugadu of the PDP.

The chairman in its majority judgement delivered October 2, said the evidence before its panel indicated that the election was won by the PDP candidate David Umbugadu and not Engr Abdullahi Sule of the APC.

The PDP candidate, David Umbugadu who equally filed an appeal challenging the minority judgement that upheld the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule, is asking the appeal court to set aside the minority judgement and uphold the majority judgement which returned him as the winner of the election.

The certified true copies of their notices of appeal, a copy which was obtained by our Correspondent yesterday in Lafia are dated 15th October 2023 and signed by their various lawyers.

Governor Sule in his notice of appeal listed twenty-seven (27) grounds to fault the decision of the Justice Ezekiel Ajayi-led Tribunal, asking the appellate court to dismiss the majority judgement sacking him and uphold the majority judgement of the tribunal.

The Governor says he has faith, trust, and confidence in the judiciary to set aside the Nasarawa petition tribunal judgment nullifying his election.

Governor Sule urged the Appellate Court to set aside the decision of the lower court and affirm his election victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Joined in the appeal are David Emmanuel Ombugadu, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), INEC, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respondents respectively.

The electoral umpire, INEC had announced Governor Abdullahi Sule as the winner of the election, but unsatisfied with the declaration, Ombugadu of the PDP approached the Election Petition Tribunal to seek redress over alleged malpractices.

The Tribunal in a split Judgement declared the PDP candidate as the lawfully elected Governor of the State. This, Governor Sule rejected, insisting that the petition lacks merit and ought to have been dismissed.

The Nation Newspaper.

Oyebanji Signs Five Bills To Law At One Year Anniversary.

Oyebanji Signs Five Bills To Law At One Year Anniversary.

In celebration of his one-year anniversary in office, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has signed into law five new bills recently passed by the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

The bills that were formally signed into law are as follows:

1. Ekiti State Lotteries and Gaming Law 2023.
2. Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) Law 2023.
3. Ekiti State Electricity Power Sector Law 2023.
4. 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Law.

The brief yet significant ceremony took place at the Exco Chamber within the Governor's Office in Ado Ekiti.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; the Governor's wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the Assembly, and various state executive council members, among others.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's First Year: Achievements in Governance, Security, and Development Lay Strong Foundation for Ekiti State Progress.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's First Year: Achievements in Governance, Security, and Development Lay Strong Foundation for Ekiti State Progress.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's first year in office has been marked by significant accomplishments, with a strong emphasis on governance, security, and development. Here is a comprehensive review of the achievements in these vital areas:

Governance:

Promoting Workforce Well-being:

One of the standout achievements is the timely payment of salaries to state and local government workers, amounting to N29,278,008,353 between October 2022 and July 2023. This has significantly contributed to the welfare of civil servants.

Supporting Home Ownership:

The administration disbursed housing loans totaling N267.07 million to 1,901 beneficiaries across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This initiative empowers public servants to acquire comfortable homes.

Strengthening the Civil Service:

The Ministry of Agriculture saw the appointment of 42 produce inspectors to bolster the agricultural sector and maintain the quality of agricultural produce. Additionally, 102 junior officers were appointed across various MDAs, enhancing the workforce.

Normalized Appointments:

The normalization of temporary appointments for 64 junior officers has streamlined transitions within the civil service, making it more efficient and organized.

Pensioners' Welfare:

A priority has been ensuring the welfare of pensioners. The government disbursed N10,210,792,973.88 as pensions to state and local government pensioners between October 2022 and July 2023.

Staff Development:

Recognizing the importance of workforce development, 1,700 staff in the Primary Health Care sector received promotions, boosting their morale and career prospects. Car loans, amounting to N228.3 million, were granted to 682 public servants between October 2022 and July 2023.

Gratuity Benefits:

Beneficiaries of the state and local governments enjoyed the disbursement of N435,000,000.00 as gratuity, further enhancing their well-being.

Enhancing Accessibility:

The administration initiated a free mass transit scheme for public servants and public secondary school students, improving accessibility and mobility.

Modernizing the Civil Service:

Efficiency in the civil service was boosted with the procurement of 30 units of Toyota Yaris cars for 28 permanent secretaries and 2 auditors-general in the Ekiti State Civil Service.

Planning & Development:

Efficient Data Management:

The Data Centre at the Bureau of Statistics received upgrades, ensuring more efficient data management and analysis.

Capacity Building:

The government invested in personnel development, offering training and development programs for 627 local government service personnel, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

Global Representation:

The administration sponsored representatives of organized labor to attend the 2023 session of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Switzerland, bolstering international labor relations.

Financial Training:

A vital part of capacity building included training local government chairmen and other top government officials at the local government level in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

Inclusivity:

The government prioritized training and establishment for 30 individuals with disabilities (PWDs), promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Government Café:

A new engagement and interaction space, the Government Café, was established, enhancing communication.

Security:

Vehicle and Equipment Repairs:

Operational pick-up vehicles and fire-fighting engines in Omuo and Ikole Ekiti received essential repairs, improving the efficiency of these services.

Renovation of the Fire Service HQ:

The government approved the renovation of the Ekiti State Fire Service Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, ensuring it meets modern standards.

Investing in Security:

To bolster security, the administration purchased armored personnel carriers (APC), patrol trucks, and security equipment, including bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, tactical boots, and Motorola radios.

Emergency Command Centre:

The completion of the Emergency Command Centre (ECC) provided a central point for incident reporting and rapid responses.

Increased Security Votes:

Chairmen of local government councils saw an increment in their security votes to enhance local security efforts.

Safest State in Nigeria:

In a notable achievement, the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) ranked Ekiti State as the safest state in Nigeria in 2022.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to governance, security, and the overall development of Ekiti State. These achievements in the first year provide a solid foundation for the administration's continued dedication to serving the people of Ekiti State.

Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James is a Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator, and Journalist, born and raised in Ise-Ekiti, Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He can be reached through: Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com, 09068215955.

IGP to meet US security Chiefs over modern policing concept.

IGP to meet US security Chiefs over modern policing concept.

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is billed to lead a delegation of Senior Officers of the Nigeria Police Force to the prestigious International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference 2023 in San Diego, Carlifornia, United States of America. 

The Conference, themed ‘The Real Advantage’, is geared towards providing an invaluable platform for police leaders and professionals around the world to engage with contemporary law enforcement issues of global significance.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Conference, scheduled to take place from 14th to 17th October 2023, at the San Diego Convention Centre, will host International Police Chiefs and Senior Officers, as well as experts and practitioners in various fields of law enforcement. 

It will encompass a broad spectrum of discussions and workshops on critical subjects, including transnational fraud, officer safety and wellness, use of force, innovative investigative techniques related to firearms, community and public safety, cybercrime, and other pressing matters.

Adejobi said: “IGP, who would lead Senior Police Officers to attend the General Assembly of the Association on Monday 16th October, 2023, recognizes the importance of attending this Conference and actively participating in these crucial discussions as the event aligns with his commitment to achieving professional competence, rule of law compliance, and people-friendly policing services, all in accordance with international standards. 

“The knowledge and insights gained from this Conference will be instrumental in advancing the IGP’s mission to maintain law and order and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

“In addition, the IGPs attendance is premised on the consideration the Nigeria Police Force enjoys for having a very large number of members in the IACP, who have been so instrumental to the growth and relevance of the professional body in Nigeria and Africa at large.

“Equally, the Inspector-General of Police would leverage on the 130th IACP Annual Conference 2023 to tap into the valuable opportunity for collaboration, learning and partnering with equipment and service providers to strengthen the assets of the Nigeria Police Force for better efficiency and effectiveness. 

“The Inspector-General of Police, Ag.  IGP Kayode Adeolu would also meet with Mr. Todd Brown, the Assistant Secretary of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States on Sunday 15th October, 2023, at Down Town, San Diego, Califonia, USA, to further discuss the implementation of anti-crime strategies emplaced by the NPF.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.