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     In a move to re-invigorate the Civil Service of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Tuesday swore-in 17 New Permanent Secretaries . Swearing in the Permanent Secretaries at the Government House Port Harcourt, Governor Wike urged them to contribute to the rapid development of Rivers State. He said: "Use this opportunity to the contribute to the development of the state. You were appointed under this administration, you owe the state the responsibility to perform. " Governor Wike said that the new Permanent Secretaries should be focused on service delivery. "Your interest should be to serve the state and to support the commissioners, who are political heads to achieve the right developmental goals. "Don't give your Commissioners problems. Also do not collude with the Commissioners to carry out illegal activities, " he said. The Governor urged the new Permanent Secretaries to work in line with their oath of office. He said anyone th...

     The Government of Ekiti State is setting up essential infrastructure and resources to screen Ekiti bound passengers from all major motor parks leading into Ekiti State and at the land borders. ‬ ‪A 40-person Taskforce on ‬CODIV-19 that was recently constituted by Governor  Kayode Fayemi  will also work closely with the leadership of the Road Transport Network — NURTW to maintain passenger manifests for fast traceability if the need arises. ‪‬ The Government of Ekiti State has a lso reactivated its response and surveillance team for the prevention of the deadly viral infection. The epidemic surveillance officers have swung into action by moving into rural communities for coordinated patrol and extensive sensitisation. ‪‬ The Government of Ekiti State has set up a 24/7 Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate its response to the virus. Dedicated hotlines have been made available to the public to call if they suspect infection. The National Emergency...

     Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has called on Community, Religious and traditional leaders as well as Unions, Associations and Educationists to cooperate with the State Government in spreading basic information to curb coronavirus among their community members and adherents. Speaking earlier today a the stakeholders' forum on the Management and Control of COVID-19, organised to sensitise Lagosians, the Governor noted that the event was convened to save the State the trauma of managing further spread of the Coronavirus. Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, further urged citizens to stop gossip and rumour-mongering on the coronavirus, saying that the outbreak calls for caution and obedience to medical advice. In his words, “Apart from the threat of Coronavirus, an issue of great concern is “fake news” on the social media about the patient currently receiving treatment at the government facility”. The Governor emp...

      The Emir of Argungu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Samaila Mohammed Mera, has bestowed the traditional title of ‘Kakakin Kebbi’ (Ambassador of the Kebbi Culture) on the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The Emir announced the conferment of the title on the Minister in Abuja on Tuesday at a press conference to unveil the programmes lined up for the 2020 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, which comes up 11-14 March. While reading out the letter of conferment, the Emir said: “Our decision (Argungu Emirate Council) is based on the recognition of your efforts to project the cultural heritage of the diverse peoples of Nigeria to the world and create jobs, income and positive awareness for our youths though Festivals, Arts and Cultural Exhibitions. “We admire your loyalty to our country and your fearless defence of our national identity and integrity through the discharge of the responsibilities of your office.” The Emir said it w...

      A mini coffin suspected to contain fetish materials was found with a 38-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Azeez Adebowale, when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, raided his house in Ibadan on Monday, March 2, 2020. . . Adebowale, who claimed to be using the coffin as soap rack, was among the six persons arrested following weeks of piecing together tips on intelligence received on their alleged involvement in internet fraud. . . The suspects which included a lady, Toyinsola Bolumole, were picked up by men of the Commission’s Ibadan zonal office at locations around Oluyole and Alao-Akala Estates of the ancient city. .Others are Ifelowo Ololade, Sonuyi Ayodeji, Folarin Oladele Olayinka and Aluko Olawale. . . Items recovered from them include four cars, various brands of sophisticated phones and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.More photos below.

      March 3, 2020 Press Statement PDP: S/Court Verdict On Imo, An Endorsement of Electoral Fraud The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the verdict of the Supreme Court on the review of its judgment on the Imo state governorship election is a disconcerting endorsement of electoral fraud, which places a huge burden on the court and the Lord Justices. The PDP however notes that in the face of the sad verdict, Justice Chima Nweze’s judgment presents a glimpse of hope for our nation’s judiciary. Our party abides completely by every word of the judgment of Justice Nweze as treated facts, which are truly sacred. Justice Nweze’s pronouncement, which went straight into the substance of our application represents a universal view about the travesty of justice that occurred in the Imo state governorship election judgment. It is indeed unfortunate that the Supreme Court had the wholesome opportunity to redeem itself and correct its errors, but choose to hide behi...

       Lagos State Government, through the Wastewater Management Office, has sealed the Conoil Filling Station on Oregun Road, opposite Welfare Bus-Stop, for Environmental Infraction thereby contravening the Lagos State 2017 Harmonised Environmental Law. According to the General Manager of the Agency, Engr. Adebola Matanmi, the station’s operations were being carried out in an environment with a collapsed and open septic tank fo r the past six months and, as a result, endangering the lives of Lagosians, particularly motorists and residents in the area. He explained that due to the incessant complaints of the people in the neighbourhood, the station was served a warning notice on the 18th of February, 2020 but the failure of the organisation to make necessary amendments after the expiration of the stated deadline led to its closure. Matanmi reiterated the determination of the Agency to safeguard the health of the citizenry in line with its mandate, especially ...

     President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday expressed willingness of his administration to implement the decision of the tripartite committee, made up of Nigeria, Benin and Niger, on the partial closure of the country’s land border as soon as the report is received. Speaking at an audience with Mr Bashir Mamman Ifo, outgoing President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and his successor,  Dr George Nana Donkor, in the State House, President Buhari explained that the partial closure had given Nigeria a number of insights. ‘‘We have saved millions of dollars. We have realised that we don’t have to import rice. We have achieved food security. ‘‘We have curtailed the importation of drugs and proliferation of small arms which threaten our country,’’ the President said. President Buhari thanked the outgoing ECOWAS Bank President for the improvements recorded in his eight-year tenure and urged his successor to build on those achievements. T...

     The World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Regional Office and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) team was today on a working visit to the Office of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in respect of the index Corona Virus case traced to an Italian national victim who works as a consultant to a company in the State. Dr Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health in the State who led the team to the Governor, appreciated the team for their prompt response and support, and also gave updates on the State Government’s readiness to ensure infection prevention and control. “We have had two cases over the weekend that have proven negative, and we have also had to investigate more in the last 48 hours but they turned out not to be cases.” The Commissioner noted that the WHO and NCDC team has, in their capacity, supported the State with the provision and distribution of gloves, sanitisers and other preventive equipment that can be added to the available ...

      The Kano Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on March 3, 2020 arraigned one Asiya Bala Aliyu before Justice R.A. Sadiq of the Kano State High Court on a two-count charge of misappropriation of funds. . . The defendant allegedly collected the sum of N36million from Hadiza Inna Sanusi in the guise that the said money was to be invested in Galaxy Investment Package. The money was however, diverted to the personal use of the defendant.

      The Nigerian Army has handed over two suspected oil thieves and a truck to the Uyo zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution. . . The suspects, Patience David, 38 and Iniebong Udo Etim, 32 were arrested by the officers of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army during a routine patrol on March 2, 2020 at about 10.50am in Awa junction, Onna Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. . . They were arrested alongside a white truck containing illegally refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO stacked in sacks. The truck had no registration number. . . Victor Ikang, Head of the zone’s Extractive Industry Fraud Section, received the suspects and the truck from the Army, on behalf of Garba Dugum, the Uyo zonal head. . . The suspects are currently assisting the Commission with vital information and will soon be arraigned in court.More photos below.

       Chiweze, who disagreed with the judgment of the six other members of the panel, said that Ihedioha's application had merit and therefore allowed it. BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORKMAR 03, 2020 A dissenting judgment delivered by Justice Chima Chiweze of the Supreme Court, Abuja, has set aside the January 14, 2020 ruling of the court and declared Emeka Ihedioha as winner of the governorship election. Chiweze, who disagreed with the judgment of the six other members of the panel, said that Ihedioha's application had merit and therefore allowed it. He added that the apex court had the power to review its judgment.

      March 3, 2020 Press Statement Congresses: PDP Further Extends Sale of Forms The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further extended the sale of forms for its various congresses across the country. By this, the party extends the last day for the sale of forms from the earlier date of Saturday, February 29, 2020 to Thursday March 5, 2020. All leaders, critical stakeholders and members of our great party, at all levels, should be guided accordingly. Signed Col Austin Akobundu (rtd). National Organizing Secretary.

      The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has assured the Government and people of Adamawa State that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in concert with sister Services and other security agencies, would continue to work tirelessly to ensure security in the State. The CAS gave this assurance today, 2 March 2020, while on a visit to the Adamawa State Governor, Hi s Excellency, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, at Government House Yola. The CAS, who was represented by the NAF Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) James Gwani, also seized the opportunity to commiserate with the people of the State over the unfortunate loss of lives during the terrorists’ attack at Garkida town on 21 February 2020. While praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, Air Marshal Abubakar prayed that the Almighty God would continue to comfort the families of the deceased. Speaking further, the CAS noted that he was at the Government Hou...

     OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT PRESS RELEASE A clear cut set of strategies to curb and curtail the proliferation of small and light weapons would be developed soon, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Prof. Osinbajo hinted this at a meeting he held this morning with top security chiefs and members of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons on the instruction of the President. At the last National Security Council meeting, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Vice President to chair a committee to review the report of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM) constituted in April 2013 by the then Federal Government. In line with that Presidential directive, Prof. Osinbajo on Monday chaired the inaugural meeting of the review committee, calling for the development of clear cut, specific line of action to address the serious problems of small arms and light weapons many of which fuel the insurgency...

     President Muhammadu Buhari receives the special envoy from the Republic of Benin President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E Aurelien Agbenonci during a courtesy visit at the State House Abuja.More photos below.