News
Thugs set 2 Rivers LG offices ablaze, 3 feared killed
Thugs on Monday set fire to two local government council secretariats in Rivers in protest of the recent swearing-in of 22 new council chairmen by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.
Arnexd thugs were seen storming several council offices, shooting into the air, and vandalising the properties.
Two secretariats, in Eleme and Ikwerre, were set ablaze by a mob of protesters.
The attacks came shortly after police officers were withdrawn from all 23 local government council offices, following the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s directives.
The offices had been sealed in June after a dispute arose over Fubara’s appointment of Caretaker Committee Chairmen.
Tensions escalated when Fubara resisted an ‘illegal’ tenure extension granted to the former council chairmen by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.
In Oyigbo Local Government Area, at least three people were feared dead following shootings.
It was unclear if these deaths were connected to the violent incidents at the council secretariats.
An eyewitness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the male victims were shot down by hoodlums but could not confirm which group was responsible.
“They (thugs) just arrived and started shooting sporadically, and everyone ran for cover,” the eyewitness recounted.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the Police Command in Rivers, requested more time to provide an official response but had yet to comment at the time of this report. (NAN)
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledge support for the immediate provision of water in the 23 local, promise to fulfill his campaign promises, his preoccupation is to serve the people of Kaduna State who elected him to office
He said in the last 22 months,his administration has intervened in the agricultural sector, enhanced education and brought security in areas that were most affected by insecurity in the past.
Governor Uba Sani who spoke after the Iftar dinner with Kaduna Social Media Influencers at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday, said that he is focused on governance and will not be distracted by quarrelling with anyone.
He disclosed that the scarcity of pipe borne water supply which has been plaguing Kaduna State in the past, will be soon be addressed, promising that water will be available in all the 23 local governments by the end of the year.
The Governor recalled he declared a state of emergency in the water sector when he assumed office because the capacity utilisation of the water supply scheme was less than 5%.
Governor Uba Sani disclosed the capacity has now risen to 30% and by the end of the year, it will reach 100%.
He said that his administration has cleared the salary backlog of Kaduna State Water Corporation staff amounting to N800 million, adding that ‘’we have settled electricity debts worth N1.3 billion. We are also retrofitting all small water supply schemes in all the 23 local governments.’’
The Governor also reiterated that peace has returned to Birnin Gwari and Giwa local governments, which were threatened by insecurity during the last administration.
According to him, the Birnin Gwari cattle market which had been closed for over 10 years due to security challenges, was opened last November and business is now booming, adding that on a daily basis, over 30 trailers load cattle to the southern part of the country.
Governor Uba Sani commended the social media influencers for highlighting the activities of Kaduna State Government, promising to support them in their efforts to promote the administration.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Kaduna Social Media Influencers, Malam Adam Garba, thanked the Governor for hosting them for Iftar, adding that this was the first time that any Governor has done so.
The Chairman equally commended Governor Uba Sani for the support that he has been giving to them, pointing out that Government had earlier given them Ramadan palliatives.
Malam Adam however pleaded with the Governor to provided employment to some of their members who have requisite qualifications, when job opportunities are available.
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who’s still in the US, claimed the move is linked to her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
She disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Sunday.
She said, “I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja.”
IPOB Lawyer Demands Probe By Security Operatives
Onitsha-based trader had been hospitalised following the
reported looting of her medicine store by officials of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The looting as contained in a viral footage, has attracted wild condemnation.
Consequently, a lawyer and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded an investigation by security into the act perpetrated by NAFDAC officials.
As at the time of this report, NAFDAC is said to be preparing its response to the allegation.
While describing the heart-wrenching testimony of the devastated trader as both troubling and unacceptable, he said the woman is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from the traumatic incident.
Ejiofor, also a lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said it is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the viral video showing a female trader alleging that her shop was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.
“Recently, I strongly condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs. While the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent traders. Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialized.
“In my previous public statement, I urged security agencies and NAFDAC to investigate their personnel implicated in these allegations. However, despite the gravity of the situation, no action has been taken.
“This latest evidence – captured on video – clearly exposes officials entrusted with regulatory enforcement, allegedly engaging in outright looting, betraying public trust.
“The heart-wrenching testimony of this devastated trader is both troubling and unacceptable. Disturbingly, information available to us confirms that this innocent woman is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from this traumatic incident. This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
‘I, therefore, call upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act.
“NAFDAC must urgently assess and provide commensurate reparations for this devastating loss, ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt by the victims. Justice delayed is justice denied. Immediate disciplinary and legal measures must be enforced to restore public confidence in our institutions.
“Such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability. The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law. If we fail to act decisively, we risk enabling a culture of impunity that will only deepen public distrust in our institutions.”