Month: June 2022

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Extend voter registration by 60 days – Reps to INEC

The House of Representatives has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to extend the June 30, 2022, deadline for voter registration by 60 days, to enable more eligible Nigerians to register and get their Permanent Voter Card and participate in the 2023 general elections.

The resolution was reached on Wednesday June 15, following the adoption of a motion passed by Benjamin Kalu, a lawmaker from Abia state. He noted that the extension of the voter registration will enable many eligible Nigerians to get registered.

Kalu said;

“The large numbers of unregistered eligible voters willing to be registered as evidenced by crowd seen at various registration centres resulting in congestion.

“Reports of shortages of voter registration machines, inadequate manpower and personnel at registration centres which may lead to frustrations among prospective registrants and in some cases, unrest at some registration centres.

“The right to vote is critically important to the health and legitimacy of our democracy, as well as electoral integrity.”

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house.

The house committee on electoral matters was then directed to engage INEC and ensure that the deadline for voter registration is extended by 60 days. They were also asked to engage with INEC to “examine and proffer solutions to the shortage of registration machines and manpower.”

The committee is to report back within two weeks for further legislative action.

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Plateau Stakeholders Commend Plateau Contributory Healthcare Scheme (PLASCHEMA)

Citizens and discussants have lauded the creation of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency by the Plateau State Government as it provides for Contributory Healthcare Scheme for all citizens on the Plateau.

This was known, over the weekend at a town hall meeting, held by the Agency in collaboration with the television arm of the Plateau/Radio Television Corporation, PRTVC, in Jos. The program had persons present acknowledge the benefits of the health insurance scheme and called for more investment to be made in the Primary Healthcare Centres in the rural communities so as to ensure sustainability and quality service delivery.

The Director-General of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, PLASCHEMA, Dr. Fabong Jemchang, reiterated its resolve to ensure citizens’ access to quality preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health services and to reduce the burden of out-of-pocket spending on citizens.

The DG while appreciating the Government of Plateau State under the leadership of the Captain of the Rescue Team, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Simon Bako Lalong KSG for the giant strides he has made in the health sector through the creation of PLASCHEMA and for living up to his promises of paying government contributions for civil servants as the employer and all counterparts funds for the Agency to take off.

He noted that the Agency has strengthened health financing by pooling resources to ensure enrollees do not suffer financial hardship when paying for health services.

“The aim of making every citizen have access to good and affordable healthcare services is being achieved as the scope of coverage has been extended to include workers in the formal and informal sectors in the State. We have enrolled more than 40,000 principals under the formal and informal sector” Dr Fabong Said

The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dan Manjang who was at the event urged those yet to key into the scheme to do so given its benefits and used the opportunity to appeal to citizens to key into the laudable health care scheme.

The former Chief Medical Director, CMD, Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, Professor Ishaya Pam who was the chairman of the event stressed the national health insurance scheme being replicated in states has helped in breaching the gaps in health financing. General Manager, PRTVC, Jeftha Jackden on his part added that the scheme is a commendable initiative of the government and the scheme is very effective.

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, the Rt Hon. Dr. Simon Bako Lalong KSG established the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) in 2019, with the sole aim of seeing through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of achieving universal health coverage for residents on the Plateau.

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Anglican Bishop, Wife abducted in Oyo by gunmen, demand N50Million

The Anglican Bishop of Jebba Diocese, Kwara State, Rt. Rev Oluwaseun Aderogba, and his wife have been; reportedly abducted by gunmen.

His driver was; also said to have been; kidnapped alongside the couple who were; traveling on the new Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway in Oyo State.

The bishop and his wife were; said to be traveling to Kwara State when their car developed a fault at a; lonely section of the road at around 8:30 pm on Sunday.

Before long, the gun-wielding hoodlums reportedly; swooped on them and dragged them into the forest.

Gunmen

Sources said their abductors have; demanded a ransom of N50 million to free their captives.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Monday morning and said the command had swung into action to free the captives and arrest the criminals.

The statement read, “On Sunday 12/06/2022 at about 2100HRS, One Rev. Adekunle Adeluwa reported to the Command through an; incident report at Atiba Divisional Police Headquarters, Oyo town that at about 2030hours, One Bishop Rt. Rev Aderogba of Jebba Diocese, Kwara State in the company of his wife and driver was; abducted.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim’s vehicle developed what seemed; a mechanical fault while traveling from Yewa, Ogun State to Jebba, Kwara State en route to an; isolated area along New Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway.

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations of the Command is in charge of the rescue operation that has; commenced since 2100HRS of Sunday 12/06/2022.

“All the tactical teams of the Command Anti-Kidnapping squad, Ambush Squad, Puff Adder, Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Conventional Police personnel along with local hunters and vigilantes are; all involved in the rescue operations.

Unhurt

“Meanwhile discreet investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation Department is; simultaneously being vigorously embarked upon t;o ensure that the victims are rescued unhurt.

“While enjoining members of the public to report any suspicion to the nearest Police Division or formation, credible and timely information, the general public is assured; of their safety, as they go about their lawful activities.”

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Army Donates Solar Powered Borehole to Jebbu Community in Plateau State

The GOC 3 Div/ Comd OPSH, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali, yesterday, 8 Jun 22, commissioned a solar-powered borehole which he donated to the Jebbu community in Bassa Local Government Council of Plateau State. 

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the GOC noted that the borehole aimed at addressing a critical need of the people was a demonstration of the goodwill of the 3 Division and the Nigerian Army to the good people of the Jebbu community who are neighbours to Maxwell Khobe Cantonment.

Speaking further, the GOC observed that a situation where the people have to cross the fence to get potable drinking water in the Cantonment would be passed.

He stressed that the water facility would allow children to concentrate on their studies rather than seeking water. The GOC urged the beneficiaries to protect the facility jealously.

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics, Col MT Nagudu, remarked that when the need for the borehole was identified, the GOC directed the engagement of a competent contractor who executed the quality work within two weeks.

Appreciating the GOC for the kind gesture, the Vice-Chairman Bassa Local Government Council, Mr Joshua Ishaku, noted that the project had relieved the Council of the effort of providing water to the community.

Also, in his remarks, the Acting Paramount Ruler of Rukuba Chiefdom Ati Adamu Ingmale thanked the GOC for the gesture and wished him God’s protection and more wisdom in the discharge of his duties.

In her vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Priscilla Yusuf expressed gratitude to the GOC for providing the borehole. She noted that the borehole would end its daily search for potable water. She prayed to God to grant the GOC more strength, wisdom and blessings in the days ahead.

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Atiku congratulates Tinubu on victory at APC presidential primaries

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, has lauded the victory of his imminent rival, Bola Tinubu.

Atiku made this congratulatory message through a tweet, on Wednesday, June 8.

This was in the aftermath of Tinubu’s victory at the presidential primaries of the APC.

Tinubu was announced as victor on Wednesday, June 8, in a keenly-contested primaries during the special convention of the ruling party at the Eagle Square in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

A total of 2,322 ad-hoc delegates were drawn from the 35 states and FCT to participate in the primary to elect the APC flag bearer out of the aspirants jostling for the ticket. However, only 2,203 delegates were accredited to vote.

Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to emerge as the clear victor.

Result breakdown as follows:

1. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – 1,271
2. Rotimi Amaechi – 316
3. Yemi Osinbajo – 235
4. Ahmed Lawan – 152
5. Yahaya Bello – 47
6. Dave Umahi – 38
7. Ben Ayade – 37
8. Ahmed Sani – 4
9. Christopher Onu – 1
10 Tunde Bakare – 0
11. Rochas Okorocha – 0
12. Jack Rich – 0
13. Chukwuemeka Nwajuba – 0

Void ballots: 13

In his tweet, Atiku said, “Congratulations, @officialABAT, on your emergence as your party’s presidential candidate. It has been a hard-fought contest, but that you prevailed confirms your tenacity. -AA”

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, a presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), has asked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidates if they are willing to make the country better than it is now.

On Tuesday, June 7, the former governor of Anambra made the announcement on his verified Twitter account.

Peter Obi was speaking in the backdrop of the ruling party’s upcoming presidential primary, in which 23 candidates are vying to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

In the middle of the process, nine candidates dropped out and campaigned for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s national head, in accordance with the notion of zoning the president to the country’s southern region.

Peter Obi, however, charged Nigerians to prioritize experience and passion of aspirants for the development Nigeria deserves.

The tweet reads: “Dear Nigerian youths, as you listen to the aspirants of the ruling party jostle for their party’s ticket. Think and ask if they can offer tomorrow what they couldn’t provide in seven years; and if you’re doing better than you were seven years ago.”

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Buhari charges APC presidential aspirants over consensus

President Muhammadu Buhari urged APC presidential candidates to confer among themselves and choose a formidable candidate ahead of the party’s presidential primary elections on Monday, June 6, 2022.

Buhari spoke during a meeting with the APC presidential hopefuls at State House, Abuja, according to a statement signed on Saturday, June 4, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

‘President Buhari to APC presidential aspirants: consult, establish consensus, and come up with a formidable candidate,’ reads the statement.

“Without prejudice to your qualifications, I urge all of you to hold consultations amongst yourselves and with the party, with a view to building a consensus in a manner that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants, bring up a formidable candidate and scale down the anxiety of party members,” Buhari said.

According to Adesina, the President said the meeting is the second of a series of consultations with party stakeholders to ensure that the unity and cohesion of the party are sustained and to provide direction.

Recalling the consultation he had held with stakeholders “that would help the electoral fortunes of our party, beginning with the State Governors. This is the second in the series and I still look forward to meeting with party stakeholders. These steps are being taken to ensure that the unity and cohesion of the party are sustained and to provide direction.”

Buhari acknowledged that there is concern among party members about the outcome of the forthcoming presidential primary; which will determine which candidate would represent the party in next year’s presidential election.

“Given these circumstances,” he said, “I charge you to recognize the importance of the stability and unity of the party, which cannot be overemphasized.

“Similarly, I wish to remind you that our choice of flag bearer must be formidable, appealing to the electorate across the board and should command such ability to unify the country and capacity to address our critical challenges.

“Ahead of the Convention, the party machinery has screened and found all aspirants eminently qualified. Recognizing this fact, the Screening Committee has, amongst others, recommended that consensus building through consultation, be intensified.

“Without prejudice to your qualifications, I urge all of you to hold consultations amongst yourselves and with the party, with a view to building a consensus in a manner that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants, bring up a formidable candidate and scale down the anxiety of party members.”

The President assured attendees that in the interest of the nation and the party, he would continue to provide effective leadership during the transition processes and on-going consultations, “until we successfully make the choice on the candidate that will fly the flag of our party for the presidential elections and make the party stronger. I seek your support in this all-important responsibility.”

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Meet – Resh

RESH PROFILE
Name: Mathias Reshini Joshua, born 1998
SCHOOL: Primary School at Ecwa Transfer Primary school Jos, Gada Biu

  • Secondary School at Township Secondary School
  • University at University of Jos, currently studying fine and applied art

PROFESSION
Reshini (Resh Art) is a professional and talented fine art artist, A graphics designer, performing Artist, a song writer in jos, Plateau state, Nigeria

RESH ART:
Resh Art is brand company named after himself, Mr Mathias Reshini Joshua traditional name Reshini, he started building his brand since 2016 after obtaining his first certificate of skills from GreatMinds art impression Art and print in jos

MUSIC: Mathias Reshini Joshua started his music career as a song writer, Rapper, freestyle Artist in the year 2014 under a music record label called Sound Leads Empire which has many feature and unreleased songs

Achievements:

  1. A well trained Artist with a certified certificate
  2. Won several awards for painting and pencil portraits competitions, and many others

INTEREST:
Resh has a way of making combination of creativeness

  1. Making Artistry background in videos
  2. Making music of good influence just as his Art speaks
  3. Helping to build the talent from grass root such as kid with passion for art both practical and theory
  4. Making innovation with orther creative minds with common interest
  5. To match the creative world of fashion, music, and Art in general together to shape the world of entertainment, self impression at large

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My planned extradition to U.S politically motivated – Abba Kyari

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has claimed his current travail has ‘political undertones’

Kyari, in a counter-affidavit deposed to by his younger brother, Mohammed, prayed the Federal High, Abuja not to approve his extradition to the US to face trial over alleged involvement in a $1.1 million fraud coordinated by Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi.

In fresh processes filed before the court, the suspended police chief alleged that plans to send him to the United States for the prosecution were to punish him, particularly for the role he played in cracking down on criminal gangs while in active service.

Abba Kyari

Kyari insisted that all the allegations pending against him are not extraditable offences.

“I know as a fact that the specified offences are of a political character and were, in fact, made for the purpose of; prosecuting and punishing the respondent on account of his race, nationality and was; (sic) not made in good faith nor in the interest of justice,” the deponent averred.

Kyari told the court that he is a; highly decorated senior police officer who was already carrying out a; “sting investigation” on Ramon Olorunwa Abbas or Abdulraman Imraan Juma, otherwise known as Hushpuppi before he was; framed up and arrested.

“A copy of the letter written by the respondent to the Interpol on January 28, 2020, and to the Inspector General of Police on March 3, 2020, in respect of the sting investigation being carried out by the respondent are herewith attached as Exhibit 1a and 1b respectively. This was five months before the arrest of Ramon Abbas and others by the FBI.

“The request for the extradition is not supported by any document or verifiable evidence. It is directed to undermine the crackdown on various crime gangs by the respondent in Nigeria and internationally and has a political undertone.

“The request is for purposes of persecuting or punishing the respondent on account of his defence for the country.

Trumped up

“The respondent is confronted with a series of charges to break him down because of his achievements and various national honours. A copy of the charge framed against the Respondent by the NDLEA is herewith attached as Exhibit 2.

“The offences are trumped up and the Respondent is seriously committed to defending himself.”

However, the Nigerian Government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in its own affidavit deposed to by one Bello Abubakar Sholadoye, said it had sufficient evidence to; warrant Kyari’s extradition to the US for trial.

Fugitive

It told the court that the office of the AGF “was; in receipt of extradition request vide a; diplomatic channel for the extradition of the Respondent fugitive wanted to stand trial in the USA.

“That the AGF is satisfied that there is no bar to the extradition application,” it said.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter till Friday to enable the prosecution’s lawyer, Pius Akutah, to respond to Kyari’s preliminary objection against his planned extradition.

The court said it would; take both the objection and the substantive suit together.