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  • I have not been served impeachment notice — Ondo deputy governor

    I have not been served impeachment notice — Ondo deputy governor

    By Segun Giwa

    The embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says he has not been served any impeachment notice by the state House of Assembly.

    Aiyedatiwa stated this in a statement he personally signed on Monday in Akure and made available to newsmen.

    The Assembly had on Wednesday during a plenary session, directed the clerk of the House to write the deputy governor over allegations of gross misconduct levelled against him.

    According to Aiyedatiwa, the statement was a response to a claim by Olatunji Oshati, Chairman, House Committee on Information, that he has been served an impeachment notice by the Assembly.

    “I find it especially worrying that the spokesman of the House of Assembly would go on national television to speak on such matter without any evidence to show that such letter has been delivered to me.

    “More disturbing is the fact that even when he was asked if the letter had been delivered, he gave no coherent answer.

    “A sensitive constitutional matter of this nature; impeachment process should not be conducted on the pages of newspapers and television screens.

    “In effect, I reiterate that if such letter of allegations of gross misconduct against me exists, I have not seen it and I have not been served.

    “I, therefore, urge Mr speaker, The Honourable Chief Judge of Ondo State and members of the public to take note,” he said.

    The deputy governor concluded that he was “in the dark regarding any allegation” against him by the state House of Assembly.

    NAN

  • INEC to conduct mock accreditation of voters in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi in Oct. 11

    INEC to conduct mock accreditation of voters in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi in Oct. 11

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct a mock accreditation of voters in Balyelsa, Imo and Kogi, ahead of the governorship elections scheduled for Nov. 11.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the commission’s National Commissioner of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr.Sam Olumekun, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Olumekun said that the mock accreditation scheduled for Oct. 14 would be done using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and upload of polling units results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

    He said the decision was taken at the commission’s meeting held on Monday, where it among other issues reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in the three states.

    “As it was the case in recent off-cycle governorship elections, the commission will conduct a mock accreditation using the BVAS and upload of polling units results to the IReV,” he said.

    “The test run will take place simultaneously in the three States on Saturday Oct. 14 from 8.30am to 2.30pm.

    “A maximum of three polling units in each Senatorial District have been identified across each of the three States, covering a total of nine Senatorial District and 27 polling units.

    “Lessons learnt from the exercise will be taken into consideration in ensuring a seamless process on election day,’’ Olumekun said.

    He said that the full details of the polling units, including their locations by Local Government Area (LGA), Registration Area (RA)/Ward, Delimitation Code and number of registered voters have been uploaded to INEC website and social media platforms.

    The News Agency (NAN) reports that the LGAs selected for the exercise in Bayelsa are: Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Ekeremor, Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Southern Ijaw.

    Aboh Mbaise, Ngor Okpala, Owerri West, Ideato South, Ohaji Egbema, Nkwere, Ihitte/Uboma, Isiala Mbano and Obowo LGAs of Imo.

    In Kogi, the exercise will hold in Lokoja, Kabba/Bunu, Yagba East, Adavi Ajaokuta, Okehi, Dekina, Idah and Omala LGAs.

    Olumekun appealed to registered voters in the selected polling units to turn up with their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for the exercise.

    “The general public is informed that the exercise is strictly a test accreditation and not the actual election” he added.

    NAN

  • Over 100 Illegal Medicine Stores Closed In Kogi.

    Over 100 Illegal Medicine Stores Closed In Kogi.

    Over 100 medicine stores have been shut down by the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate committee (PIC) in Kogi State.

    The Kogi State Vice Chairman of PIC Dr Lawal Muhammed Omuya disclosed this on Monday in a statement to mark this year World Pharmacist Day with the theme “Pharmacists Strengthening the Health System”.

    Dr. Omuya, who doubles as the State Chairman Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria,(PSN) noted that PIC in Kogi State draw her membership from Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN), Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, (PCN) and staff of State Ministry of health using the instruments of PCN.

    He explained that the body carried out the operation between January to September 2023 adding that, the body is working round the clock to put an end to quackery in Kogi State.

    “Quackery in pharmaceutical practice can be looked at from professional and facilities angle. The professional angle has to do with people who are non-pharmacist both educated and non-educated presenting themselves as pharmacists in the society and thereby carrying or attempting to carry out the role of a pharmacist.

    ” On the second hand, we are also looking at facilities that exist in the community that are illegal, not in good standing with the pharmacy practice. These are drug stores that are stocked to the brim, giving an erroneous impression of a pharmacy, as people patronize them, thinking that these are registered pharmacies where they could get quality drugs and pharmaceutical services.

    “We are currently addressing quackery on these two bases. The Pharmaceutical society of Nigeria in collaboration with Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, through the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Committee, established in all the 36 States of the federation including FCT, go out routinely for monitoring and inspection, to ensure that we tackle this problem of quackery we have in our society. You will agree with me that this will require a lot of resources.

    “When we go on routine monitoring and inspection, and we discover that a facility is existing illegally, it is outright shut down and be sealed. Then those that are not existing illegally which are licensed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for the purpose of providing pharmaceutical service to the community, but are falling short of the standard they are expected to operate, those facilities will be given what we called “compliance directive” within a specific time frame for them to meet up.

    “If they are unable to meet up, we shut them down too. These are measures that we put in place to ensure that we have sanity in healthcare delivery. For individuals that are not supposed to be involved in pharmaceutical practice, they are made to face the full wrath of the law when they are caught. This is what led to shutting down over 100 medicine stores operating illegally and also arresting those who are quack in the system within these year”.

    He used this medium to appeal to the Kogi State Government to collaborate with PSN and PCN to ensure that their activities can be carried out more effectively and efficiently by providing security, means of transport and other logistic needs for their operations.

    On this year World Pharmacist Day, the Kogi State PSN explained that Pharmacist help to reduce health care costs, wastages, and improve health outcomes, including value for Nigerians money.

    While admonishing Kogites to always consult Pharmacists on drug matters, Dr Omuya posited that, Pharmacists strengthen the health system through optimization of medication use and also reducing medication related burden thereby strengthening the health system of the nation”

    World Pharmacists Day which is observed on 25th September annually marks the anniversary of the inception of International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 1912 and was adopted by the FIP Council in 2009.

    Our correspondent gathered that the world Pharmacists Day campaign is led by FIP every year with the theme chosen by the FIP Bureau.”

    Edited by Dada Ahmed.

  • Egypt sets date for presidential election in December

    Egypt sets date for presidential election in December

    By Flowerbud News

    Sept 25, 2023

    Egypt’s presidential election is to take place in December, according to the country’s National Election Authority.

    The commission said on Monday that the presidential poll would be held over three consecutive days beginning Dec. 10, the election body said.

    It said the Egyptians living abroad would be able to cast their ballots over three days from Dec. 1.

    Candidacy registration would open on Oct. 5 until Oct. 14 with the final list of candidates to be released on November 19.

    The final results of the vote are to be officially announced on Dec. 18.

    Walid Hamza the commission’s head promised a fair election, adding that the election would take place under full judicial supervision.

    “Say your word in the ballot box and decide your fate and future by your hands,” Hamza said, calling on Egyptians to vote in the upcoming election that comes amid an economic crisis in the country of around 105 million.

    Around 65 million Egyptians are eligible to vote, according to Egyptian media.

    Incumbent President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi, who has ruled Egypt since 2014, has not officially announced his candidacy, but he is widely expected to run.

    After his re-election in 2018, his current term ends next April.

    Under approved amendments to Egypt’s 2014 constitution, al-Sissi would be allowed to run for one more six-year term.

    Several leaders in political parties loyal to al-Sissi have announced their intention to stand for president.

    Opposition politician Ahmed al-Tanatawi, an ex-lawmaker, has also said he would run and accused security agencies of arresting some of his supporters.

    dpa/NAN

  • JAMB stops parents’ interference in choice of courses for PWDs WDs on choice of courses

    JAMB stops parents’ interference in choice of courses for PWDs WDs on choice of courses

     

    By Funmilayo Adeyemi
    Abuja:   The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said that parents would no longer be allowed to choose course for their children living with disabilities, seeking admissions into tertiary institutions.

    Oloyede was reacting to the comment by the National President, National Association of Visually Impaired, Stanley Onyebuchi at the First Conference of JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) in Abuja on Monday.

    The conference has the theme:”Towards Increasing Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria”.

    The event also featured the unveiling of the Strategic Roadmap for Inclusive Access to Quality Higher Education in Nigeria 2024-2028.

    “The case of the student that wanted to study law, it was her step father that said he cannot allow her to go as far as Calabar to study law but asked that she be enrolled in Kaduna State University.

    “This is because the course she showed interest in was not available at the university but the father asked that she study special education.

    “We have now taken a decision that henceforth, just like with regular admissions, no parent will be allowed to have a say in the admission choice of candidates with disabilities,” he said.

    In his opening address, Oloyede said that the board was ready not only to facilitate access but also ensuring equity as special arrangement had been made for inclusivity of PWDs to acquire tertiary education.

    Meanwhile, the National President, National Association of Visually Impaired, Stanley Onyebuchi had said that some of their members faced some sorts of rejection from tertiary institutions in the areas of their choice courses.
    Onyebuchi said when PWDs sought for admissions in tertiary institutions, some of the institutions castigate them saying they were not meant to be their institution.

    He added that the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy had taken a toll on its members as many of them no longer continued their education.

    “I want the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to take note of our complaints.

    ” If it means a sensitisation visit, we don’t mind going round because for us, the visually impaired persons, education is key to our success, anything that will hinder us from achieving this we will not take it.

    “Also with the increment in the tuition fees, that has discouraged our members from going back to school. I want to suggest since the government want our children to be out of the streets , there should be free education for all persons with disabilities in all the tertiary institutions,” he said.

    He, therefore, advocated for a good working environment saying that PWDs most times lacked some assisting devices that would make them work effectively.

    Declaring the conference opened, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said the federal government was paying attention to ensure that every member of the society have equal access to education.

    Mamman said that equal opportunity to higher education must begin with inclusivity while calling on tertiary institutions, its community on inclusive access for PWDs.

    “We must work by focusing on accessible learning environment where physical appropriate environment is needed and inclusive curriculum for all students.

    “Support services should be readily available in the institutions, faculty and staff training who will be sensitive to the need of the diversity must be put into consideration.

    “All information from application processes in the format that will suite the PWDs must also be ensured,” he said.

    The ministry however promised to continue in the delivery of President Bola Tinubu’s mandates by focusing on policies that promote inclusivity and unity.

    In the same vein, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Disability, Dr Bashiru Daudu said the house would soon commence raising awareness on the disability Act 2018.

    Daudu said that the committee would start implementation of the act in January 2024 saying this would address the needs of PWDs in the country.

    Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Sen. Ahmad Kaita, pledged to explore innovative funding to ensure all Nigerians have equal opportunity to higher education. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • Six things men want in a relationship

    Six things men want in a relationship

    In romantic relationships, the importance of physical intimacy often takes centre stage. However, while sexual intimacy is important, it’s vital to recognise that men, like women, have multifaceted emotional and relational needs that extend far beyond the bedroom.

     

    To build a strong and lasting partnership, it’s essential to understand what men truly desire from their wives or partners.

    1. Respect and Appreciation

     

    Men, just like anyone else, yearn for respect and appreciation. They thrive when their contributions and efforts are recognised and valued, no matter how big or small. Expressing gratitude can go a long way in strengthening a relationship.

     

    2. Communication

    Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Men appreciate it when their wives communicate their thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly, fostering an environment of trust and understanding.

     

    3. Support and Encouragement

    In any partnership, support and encouragement are invaluable. Men want their wives to be their biggest cheerleaders, motivating them to pursue their goals and dreams.

     

    4. Trust and Loyalty

     

    Trust is the bedrock of a strong relationship. Men want to know that their wives are loyal and committed, providing security and stability in the partnership.

    5. Independence and Personal Space

     

    While time spent together is essential, men value their personal space and independence. They appreciate partners who allow them the freedom to pursue individual interests.

     

    6. Conflict Resolution

     

    In any relationship, conflicts are inevitable. Men value partners who address conflicts constructively, leading to resolutions that strengthen the relationship rather than harm it.

    In conclusion, understanding and addressing these multifaceted needs are the keys to building a thriving and lasting partnership based on love, trust, and genuine connection

     

     

  • Seven Abducted Students, Three Construction Workers Rescued In Zamfara

    Seven Abducted Students, Three Construction Workers Rescued In Zamfara

    Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have rescued seven female students of Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State and three construction workers who were abducted by bandits last Friday.

    A top military source told Channels Television that 10 others, including three workers/labourers of a construction company, escaped from captivity during military rescue operations.

     

    Following the “prompt response” of troops of land and air components of the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadarin Daji, a total of 13 students and three construction workers who were carrying out projects at the university have regained freedom so far.

     

    According to the source, some were intercepted by the military while others found their way to the school authority.

    The identities of the 13 rescued students were revealed to include Rukayya Sani Batola of Education Chemistry (200 Level); Merry Monday of Microbiology (300 Level); Maryam Salawuddeen of Accounting (300 Level); and Salamatu Jummai Dahiru, Microbiology (200 Level).

     

    Some of the students were Fiddausi Abdulazeez of Education Biology (200 Level); Amamatullahi Asabe Dahiru of Education Chemistry (200 Level); Ketora Bulus of Education Physics (100 Level); Felicia Sunday of Computer Science (200 Level); and Jamila Ahmad of Biochemistry (200 Level).

     

    Others were Aisha Aminu Ujong of Education Physics (Graduated); Mariya Abdulrahman Usman of English (400 level); Usaina Abdulrahman of Education English (100 Level); and Sa’adatu Aminu Abubakar of Education Biology.

     

    The identities of the three rescued labourers of GUPRAN Engineering Services Ltd are Mustapha Abdullahi; Kamalu Shuaibu and Ishaq Idris.

    Sources had earlier confirmed to Channels Television that the bandits split up into several batches, with the intention to move some of the kidnapped students to a forest in Niger State and others to the Magami axis where they engaged military personnel stationed along the route.

  • POLITICSLagos Guber: Tribunal strikes out LP, Rhodes-Vivour from Jandor’s petition

    POLITICSLagos Guber: Tribunal strikes out LP, Rhodes-Vivour from Jandor’s petition

    The Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal on Monday struck out the Labour Party and its candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, from the petition

    filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Olajide Adediran, against the recent governorship election in the state.

    Jandor is challenging the return of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat in the March 18 Lagos State gubernatorial election.

     

    At the proceeding, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Arum Ashom, said the court would deliver judgment first in the case of the PDP and its candidate before giving its judgment in the petition of the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

    While delivering the judgment, which was read by Justice Abdullahi, the tribunal first dwelt on the preliminary objections filed by the parties.

     

    On whether the deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, could be listed as a respondent in the petition, the Tribunal noted that the issue has been decided in a number of cases and went on to hold that a deputy governor and governor are not separate candidates and they are not required to pay a separate security deposit.

     

    The PDP in the second objection, asked the tribunal to decide whether a person who lost an election could be joined as a respondent in an election petition, considering that Jandor had joined the candidate of the Labour Party Rhodes Vivour as a respondent in his petition.

    The tribunal agreed that a petition is contemplated to be filed between the winner and the loser of an election and not between two persons who lost.

     

    The tribunal then upheld the preliminary objection and subsequently struck out the name of Rhodes-Vivour from the petition filed by Jandor.

     

    The court also removed from its records all exhibits tendered in evidence by Rhodes-Vivour in the petition filed by Jandor while holding that Rhodes-Vivour cannot subsequently go on to challenge any part of the judgment of the Jandor’s petition or else he becomes a meddlesome interloper.

    Similarly, the court held that the Labour Party ought not to have made a respondent in Jandor and the PDP’s petition. The name of the party was subsequently struck out for being improperly joined. All evidence and exhibits concerning the party were also expunged from the tribunal’s records

  • Kano CP, Muhajjidina, seeks traditional, religious leaders’ support to end GBV

    Kano CP, Muhajjidina, seeks traditional, religious leaders’ support to end GBV

    By Ramatu Garba

    The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Usaini-Gumel, has called for the support of traditional and religious leaders to end the menace of Gender-based violence in the state.
    Usaini-Gumel made the call while addressing youths of the Arewa Peace Ambassadors Forum (APAF), a youth and students’ movement, in Kano at the 2023 Peace conference in commemoration of International Day for Peace.
    The conference with theme: “Gender-based Violence From Religious, Western and Cultural Perspectives” was organised by APAF.
    Gumel expressed concern that gender-based violence was deeply rooted in the fabric of African society and increasingly affects many more individuals across religious, traditional and cultural backgrounds.

    “In our quest for a more compassionate and just society, it is crucial to explore these issues through diverse lenses, including religious, traditional, and cultural perspectives.

    “Gender-Based Violence is deeply rooted in the fabric of our society and increasingly affecting many more individuals across religious, traditional and cultural backgrounds.

    ” It is a pervasive issue that undermines the very essence of our humanity and keeps threatening the well-being and dignity of individuals,” he said.
    According to him, traditional and religious leaders have a vital role to play in ensuring cultural, traditional beliefs and practices to sustain the incidence of domestic violence are jettisoned in their respective communities.
    ” By embracing the principles of respect, education, and empowerment, we can create a society where individuals of all genders can thrive.
    “We must continue to address crime prevention, raise awareness, and provide comprehensive support to survivors to ensure their empowerment” Usaini-Gumel said
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CP received an excellence award for outstanding performance in Policing Kano State.
    On his part, Sheikh Muhajjidina Sani-Kano, a Kano based Islamic cleric also got a special recognition award for Peace Icon due to his contributions to peace and humanitarian assistance.
    He appealed to women to always dress modestly based on basic Islamic code of dressing to avoid being molested.
    Sani-Kano also called on youths to always fear God and be ambassadors of peace.
    Also speaking, the National Coordinator of APAF, Alhaji Nura Ali-Abubakar, called on youths to go back to school and be advocate for world peace.
    “Education promotes knowledge,skills and attitude to help people prevent conflict,resolve conflict peacefully or creat condition of peace” he said

    Other award recipients are Amb. Surajo Dantata, Amb. Sunusi Musa and Abdul’aziz Umar-Ganduje among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)