Category: News

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FG Declares Public Holidays For Easter Celebration

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18 and Monday April 21 as public holidays for Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holidays on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on this joyous occasion.

The Minister in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.

He also called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.

He reassured citizens of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.

He encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity.

The Minister wished all Christians a blissful Easter celebration and extended warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.

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COA Media Executive Director, Amb. Cletus Akhimien, Condemns Attacks in Plateau State

The Executive Director of COA Media and Convener of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA), Ambassador Cletus Akhimien, has strongly condemned the recent violent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State, which led to the loss of several innocent lives.

In a heartfelt statement, Ambassador Akhimien expressed profound grief and extended his condolences to the bereaved families and communities affected by the senseless violence. He described the attacks as tragic and unacceptable, urging swift justice and accountability for those responsible. We mourn with the victims and their loved ones during this painful time. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Justice must prevail and those behind these killings must be held accountable,” he stated.

Ambassador Akhimien commended the Plateau State Government efforts led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for its prompt and decisive response in restoring peace and safeguarding lives. He noted that the swift intervention helped mitigate further casualties and reassured the public of the government’s commitment to peace and security.

He also called on community stakeholders, security agencies and civil society groups to collaborate in ending the cycle of killing and working towards sustainable peace in Plateau State. Now more than ever, we must unite to end bloodshed and safeguard the future of our people, violence is never the answer, We must protect human life and build bridges of understanding,” he said.

Ambassador Akhimien reaffirmed the commitment of COA Media and the Plateau Man of the Year Awards to promoting peace, unity and progress in Plateau State. He emphasized that the mission of PMYA remains to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations contributing positively to the state’s development and peaceful coexistence.

“The PMYA stands in solidarity with the people of Plateau State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Together, we can build a united and prosperous future for all,” he concluded.

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Governor Mutfwang Visits Bereaved Communities in Bassa, Pledges Government Support After Deadly Attack

Zikke, Plateau State — April 15, 2025

Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday visited Zikke and Kimakpa villages in Kwall District, Miango, following a brutal overnight attack that left more than 50 people dead. The governor extended his condolences to grieving families and reassured them of the government’s commitment to their safety and recovery.

Expressing profound grief over the tragedy, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged that despite security measures, the government was unable to prevent the bloodshed.

“The entire nation stands with you in mourning, and so does the international community. Since yesterday, I have been overcome with sorrow,” the governor said. “We took all necessary steps to avert this, yet we failed you. On behalf of the government and security agencies, we ask for your forgiveness.”

He strongly condemned the persistent violence targeting Irigwe communities and vowed to intensify efforts to restore peace. The governor also highlighted the region’s deteriorating infrastructure, worsened by years of insecurity and neglect.

“This is not the time for blame but for unity. Those behind these attacks are not invisible—they are known, and anyone protecting them is equally guilty,” he declared.

Governor Mutfwang also relayed President Bola Tinubu’s assurances of federal intervention, emphasizing that the government’s goal was not just survival but the prosperity of the affected communities in their homeland.

The Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Rt. Rev. Ronku Aka, the traditional ruler of the Irigwe people, thanked the governor for his visit and solidarity. He denounced the repeated violent attempts to displace his people, calling for heightened community vigilance while urging against reprisals.

The governor spoke to residents at Zikke Primary School, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to pursue justice and sustainable peace in the region.

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16 Kidnapped Passengers Rescued by Troops in Plateau State

Troops of the 3rd Amored Division Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) yesterday rescued 16 passengers kidnapped along Jos – Mangu road in Plateau State.

This was contained in a statement signed by Samson Nantip Zhakom , the Media Information Officer Operation of OPSH and made available to newsmen in Jos.

He said ” The rescue operation began when troops discovered an empty vehicle abandoned by the roadside at Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area of the State at about 9pm local time on 13 April 2025.

The troops immediately searched the nearby bushes to trace the occupants of the vehicle suspected to have been kidnapped. The kidnappers, on sighting the troops opened fire, but own troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower forcing them to abandon the victims and fled.

The statement added that Troops exploited the general area and rescued all 16 abducted passengers which included 6 children.

Troops administered first aid to some of the rescued victims who sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Thereafter, troops escorted the victims to safety to continue their journey to Jos Metropolis. Meanwhile, troops are on the lookout for the fleeing kidnappers suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter with troops.

OPSH reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property within the Joint Operations Area, while troops remain motivated to deny miscreants freedom of action.

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Internet Fraudster Voluntarily Surrenders To EFCC In Benin

A 28-year-old internet fraudster from Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State has voluntarily surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Benin.

The EFCC made this known in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, @officialEFCC, at 4:31 PM on Thursday.

According to the agency, the man turned himself in on Monday, April 8, to the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACEI Effam Okim.

The suspect explained his reason for surrendering, saying, “I reported myself because I wanted to stop and turn a new leaf.”

He also confessed to being involved in romance scam activities.

“I tell my victims that I am from China and that I work as a medical doctor in a war-torn country.

“My victims are foreigners who I deceive into love relationships. I communicate with them in Chinese using a mobile app translator.

“I profess love for them by telling them how beautiful and attractive they are,” he added.

The EFCC noted that the suspect’s decision to surrender was driven by fear of being apprehended.

He told officials he no longer wanted to continue with the fraudulent practice.

The Commission described the development as encouraging and said investigations are ongoing.

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Security Operatives Foil Attempted Break-In At VP Shettima’s Private Residence In Borno

Security guards have foil and arrested a 35-year-old man, Musa Ibrahim of Maduganari area, Maiduguri, for attempting to gain unlawful access into the private residence of Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 9 at about 0530hrs at the residence located in New GRA, Gwange 3 Ward off Bama Road, Maiduguri, the capital of the restive Borno State.

The sources said that the suspect reportedly attempted to scale the perimeter wall through the Gadabul River bank behind the western side of the residence.

On sighting the security personnel, the suspect tried to escape but was shot in the leg and subsequently arrested.

He was immediately taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where he is currently receiving treatment and responding.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.

Meanwhile, security deployment at the residence of the vice President has been reviewed and strengthened.

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FG Orders Federal Tertiary Institutions To Publicly Advertise Vacancies

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education has directed all Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria to advertise available vacancies through public mediums.

This directive was issued by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, as part of the Ministry’s renewed commitment to fairness and integrity in the education sector.

According to a press statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Minister said, “All Federal Tertiary Institutions that have been granted waivers to recruit staff are required to publish the available vacancies in at least one national daily newspaper, on their respective websites, and in other relevant academic and professional journals.”

The Ministry said this move aims to ensure equal opportunity for all eligible Nigerians and curb opaque employment practices that have plagued the sector for years.

“This directive aims to ensure a transparent, open, and competitive recruitment process that offers equal opportunity to all eligible Nigerians,” it added.

The Ministry clarified that the waivers were granted to tertiary institutions based on their manpower requirements, following detailed submissions to the Ministry.

The statement reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to building capacity across higher education institutions.

In addition, institutions were reminded to submit their recruitment needs to the Committee on Waiver and Recruitment for proper review

The Ministry warned that sanctions would be imposed on any institution that fails to comply.

“The Ministry has put in place adequate mechanisms to ensure compliance and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any institution that fails to adhere to this directive,” the statement noted.

Folasade emphasized the Ministry’s stance, stating, “The Federal Ministry of Education remains firmly dedicated to promoting integrity and fairness in all matters related to the Nigerian higher education system.”

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Names Of 23 Newly Appointed Rivers LG Administrators, 7 RSIEC Executives

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appointed administrators for the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

According to the statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, the appointments are to take effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.

The administrators for the 23 local government areas of Rivers State include:
1. Mr Okroiyobi Animiete—Abua/Odual LGA
2. Mr Goodluck M. Ihenacho—Ahoada East LGA
3. Mr Promise Jacob—Ahoada West LGA
4. Dr Tamunotonye Peters—Akuku Toru LGA

5. Surveyor Atajit Francis—Andoni LGA
6. Barrister Ibiapuve Charles—Asari Toru LGA
7. Mr Kingsley N. Banigo—Bonny LGA
8. Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis—Degema LGA

9. Dr Gloria Obo Dibiah – Eleme LGA
10. Barr Franklin P. Ajinwon – Emohua LGA
11. Dr Onyemachi S. Nwankwor – Etche LGA
12. Prof. Gospel G. Kpee – Gokana LGA
13. Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu – Ikwerre LGA
14. Dr Barinedum Nwibere – Khana LGA

15. Dr Clifford Ndu Walter—Obio Akpor LGA
16. Dr Chukwuma Aje—Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
17. Eliel Owubokiri – Ogu/Bolo LGA
18. Mr Thompson Isodiki—Okrika LGA

19. Manager Ikechi Wala—Omuma LGA
20. Mr Fred Apiafi—Opobo/Nkoro LGA
21. Eletuuo Ihianacho – Oyigbo LGA
22. Dr Sam Kalagbor—Port Harcourt LGA
23. Mr Nuka O. S. Gbipah—Tai LGA

The following have also been appointed as chairman and members of the Rivers State Electoral Commission:

1. Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey—Chairman
2. Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira—Member
3. Prof Author Nwafor—Member
4. Prof Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha – Member
5. Prof Joyce Akaninwor – Member
6. Dr Olive A. Bruce – Member
7. Prof Chidi Halliday – Member

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Ibas Appoints Administrators For 23 Rivers LGs

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

This comes less that 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from appointing administrators to oversea the affairs of the local government councils.

The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity.

However, Ibas also approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which he had earlier suspended.

The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.

Though the names of the new appointees were not listed, the statement said the appointments takes immediate effect.

It reads, “His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

“He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended.

“All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”

Recall that last week, the sole administrator had suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state with immediate effect.

In a seperate development, Ibas also cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.

He said the cancellation became necessary following the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law within the period.

The sole administrator according to a previous statement also issued by the SSG, directed all MDAs that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices to refund such fees to the respective contractors immediately.

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Wike Hosts Suspended Rivers Assembly Lawmakers In UK

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), on Monday hosted suspended Rivers assembly lawmakers in the United Kingdom.

In a video shared on X, Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media to the minister, said the lawmakers, “who are in the UK for legislative capacity building”, were hosted to a dinner by the minister.

A statement last week by Martins Wachukwu, special assistant on media to Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers assembly, said the UK tour aims to enhance lawmakers’ legislative skills.

Wachukwu said the five-day tour began in Central London, adding that lawmakers viewed it as a chance for peer review and deeper parliamentary insight.

He added that during the opening ceremony, lawmakers expressed optimism that the tour would enhance peer engagement and offer valuable insights to strengthen parliamentary oversight functions.

Rivers state has been embroiled in political crisis stemming from the power struggle between Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, and Wike, his predecessor.

The rift led to the polarisation of the Rivers assembly. The faction of the house loyal to Wike is led by Amaewhule.

At the peak of the crisis in 2023, an attempt to impeach the governor resulted in the demolition of the Rivers house of assembly.

On March 18, 2024, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.

The president also suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and members of the state assembly.

Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, to administer the state.