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The Australian government has warned its citizens against travelling to Nigeria, citing terrorism and insecurity.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), in a statement on Tuesday, also cited a volatile security environment marked by terrorism, kidnapping, and the potential outbreak of civil unrest as reasons for the advice.
DFAT stated that these terrorists attacks may be targeted at foreigners and warned their citizens to stay away.
The statement reads, “Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall due to the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and the risk of civil unrest.
“There’s a high risk of terrorist attacks across Nigeria by various militant groups. Attacks could be indiscriminate or may target foreign interests.
“Potential targets include places where crowds gather, such as hotels, bars, restaurants, political meetings, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, sporting events, transport hubs and networks, law enforcement facilities, international organisations and camps for displaced people.
“Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall, including the capital Abuja.
“Do not travel to Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross Rivers, Delta, Federal Capital Territory (excluding Abuja), Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara states.”
TUNDE ADELEKE , Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of secretly obtaining a N56 billion loan through the Nigeria Covid19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, NG- CARES.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ilerioluwa house, Osogbo, Osun State, on Monday, the Director of media and publicity, Kola Olabisi disclosed that the State has accessed the sum of N32 billion. in 2024.
He further added that she has signed all relevant documents to signify her intention to obtain the sum of N24 billion in the second phase, stressing that the disbursement of the facility is scheduled for any moment from now
Olabisi said: “Let’s expantiate on the debt binge of the state under Governor Ademola Adeleke for better understanding. The current administration in Osun is on the verge of putting the future of Osun State into a deep financial mess as it has obtained a combined foreign loans of $51 million, N81.6 billion equivalent, using the exchange rate of N1,600 to 1$USD .
“Information obtained from the Federal Ministry of Finance indicates that Osun State has accessed the sum of $20 million of N-CARES, equivalent of N32 billion.
“Ordinarily, the first phase of the NG-CARES ended in June 2024, however, the Osun State governor, we are aware, has been misled to go for the second phase of the programme. Therefore, the state has signed all relevant documents to signify her intention to participate in the second phase of the NG-CARES programme. It is called NG-CARES additional financing. The Naira equivalent of the loan is N24 billion and the disbursement of this facility is scheduled for any moment from now. In total, the state will obtain the sum of $35 million (equivalent of N56 billion) on the NG -CARES facility.
“The impression that the administration has not obtained any loans since inception is a lie from the pit of hell. Part of the state’s 2024 budget is being financed from the NG-CARES facility.”
Reacting to the allegation, the spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, described the news as fake, accusing the APC of peddling fake news.
According to him, I’m a member of the executive council since the beginning, and I want to tell you, there has never been any member seeking approval for any loan for any project in Osun that is a fake news. APC has been peddling the news, and we’ve been debunking it, but the lucky thing for us is that Osun people are highly educated and they know when a government wants to take a loan.
“How can you call N’care, World Bank matter that we even inherited from both Governor Aregbesola and, former governor Oyetola. How can you call it our matter? It’s not our matter. It’s a federal Matter”.
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IBRAHIM QUADRI
Speculations have finally been put to rest over the forthcoming council polls in Lagos State, the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed that the election will hold across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The party added that elections scheduled for 2025 will hold across the LCDAs simultaneously with the Local Governments, saying “we cannot jettison these closest governments to the grassroots in the state.
Addressing the issues that had continued to trail the council poll in the LCDAs, the chairman for the Lagos APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, disclosed this through a statement released on Sunday and made available to newsmen.
Ojelabi noted that the statement was made to clear the air on the needless and distractive speculations that had trailed the conduct of the poll in the state.
According to him, “We wish to inform all and sundry that the Local Government elections will hold across the state in the 20 Local Government Councils and the 37 Local Council Development Areas in the year 2025.
“Since their creation, the Local Council Development Areas have not only been the closest to the grassroots but also brought the desired developments across the state.
“We observed with keen interest the recent debates on the desirability of the existence of the LCDAs and the need to hold elections in their political offices.
“Our position as a progressive party is that we cannot discountenance the contributions of the LCDAs to the overall political and socio-economic development of the state.
“Our landscape is dotted by several infrastructural projects by the LCDAs which include road, drainage and market construction, school and housing projects, primary education and health facilities and various social service interventions, etc.
“The various collaborative efforts with the state government on refuse disposal, drain clearing and security are also pointers to their continuous relevance.
“We hope this release will put paid to further speculations as regards the local government elections in order not to unnecessarily heat up the polity.
“Meanwhile, we implore our members and all Lagosians to continue to coexist peacefully as we all strive to maintain the leading position of our state in the federation”.
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PHIL OKOSE , Onitsha
The Igweship crisis rocking Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, has taken a new dimension following a warning by the state government and Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, threatening to sanction the President General, PG, of the community, Chief Anthony Ejiofor, if he recognizes anybody as monarch of the community.
In a release by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Town Union Affairs, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, to the PG of Oba, he advised him not to go contrary to the consent judgment by a High court in the suit No HID/223/2023.
The consent judgment was delivered on 10th December 2924 which established negotiation and agreement between plaintiffs and defendants.
He warned the PG that on no account will anybody be addressed as monarch of Oba when there was no election to that effect and that the government was not aware of any having ordered earlier the cancellation of the proposed Oba Igweship election as the matter is still pending in court.
According to the Commissioner, the town union constitution does not reflect the consent judgment and advised that status quo remains pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The release was copied to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Commissioner of Police, State Security Service, Regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa and Mayor of Idemili South council area.
Also, ASATU, through its National President, Hon. Titus Akpudo, advised Ejiofor to tread with caution the Igweship saga warning him that government expressed displeasure over the unnecessary controversy surrounding the Igweship contest stating that, “Government may invoke the full arms of the law within its disposal if due caution is not applied by your good office to remedy the situation.”
Akpudo warned further, “No legitimate election/selection of Igwe Oba has been held. Be cautious in matters relating to the election of Igwe Oba and avoid recognition of any individual as Igwe Oba.
“You are advised to refrain from recognizing any individual as Igwe come 31st December 2024 when Oba will have its National Convention,” he warned.
Copies of the release were also sent to Commissioner Nwabunwanne, Idemili council Major, Hon. Amaka Obi and DSS
In a similar development, the regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa, has threatened to sue the owner of the voice record that said that his regency has since expired with the election of Engr Emelobe.
Reacting to the voice record, the regent said, “He has been invited by the police and DSS but his excuse is that he is incapacitated to come alone as his escort is not around.
“I was woken up by the voice record that was almost like threatening, at first it was like urging people to massively enter the palace. I was quite taken aback and then I recognized the voice. It belongs to one Cardinal Onwutalu, this is a man I have come to confirm that he is paid to blackmail people.
“This is what they did at Okuzu, telling the President that if he comes to the venue of Igweship election his head will be cut off and used to play soccer.
“In my own he said that there is nothing like regency again since Emelobe has been elected as monarch and that the cabinet meeting I was to convene will not hold and advised those concerned not to attend. Even if the meeting was held because they know he was on the payroll of one who sent him. What they do is to threaten any perceived enemy”, he revealed further.
The regent lamented that people because of money no longer regard Igweship as pure traditional but rather politicize it adding that if he had wanted to remain as regent he would not have within months of the demise of his father, done the last ofala.
On the Oba PG, he said, “I see him as my son, his father was a cabinet leader during the reign of my father. PG worked with Emelobe when he came out from school and that is the relationship between the two. But the relationship can’t make you change the rules,” he stated.
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The Lagos State Government has said it would challenge the Appeal Court ruling which overturned the conviction of a medical doctor, Femi Olaleye for defiling his wife’s niece.
The Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government said it was heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the judgement and if possible, overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos had voided the rape conviction of the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Femi Olaleye.
The appellate court on Friday ruled that the lower court erred in its judgment. It thereafter discharged and acquitted Olaleye.
DAILY POST recalls that the special offences and domestic violence court in Lagos had in October convicted Olaleye on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.
Justice Rahman Oshodi had sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment over rape after he was arraigned by the State Government.
The appellate court had described the evidence provided by the prosecution as “tainted” and “unreliable”.
In response, civil rights groups petitioned the Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, SAN, calling on him to approach the apex court to restore public trust in the justice system.
TVC News reports that the state government has now filed a notice at the court of appeal.
This reason is to inform all parties concerned that it has lodged an appeal against that decision and is now heading to the apex court in the country for a final decision on the matter.
The Government of Anambra State has expressed deep concern over the recent trend of bonfires on newly constructed roads, including the multibillion-naira Abakaliki/Club and Isu roads.
This destructive behaviour it noted not only damages public infrastructure but also poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens.
This warning was contained in a statement by Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information, Anambra State.
It read in part: “As we celebrate and mark special occasions, we urge our citizens to explore alternative and more creative ways to express themselves, rather than resorting to acts that harm our collective assets.
“The government is committed to providing quality infrastructure, but we need the support and cooperation of our citizens to protect and preserve these assets.
“We call on community leaders, mayors, and vigilantes to join us in sensitizing our citizens about the importance of safeguarding public infrastructure. It is essential that our citizens understand that they are the owners of these critical assets and have a vested interest in protecting them.
“In light of our appeal for public support, engagement, ownership and protection of our collective infrastructures and critical assets, we would like to remind the public that vandalism is a serious offense punishable under our laws.
“Therefore, all security agencies, including the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), are on high alert and will rigorously enforce any breaches of our infrastructure.
“We urge all citizens to report any incidents of vandalism or destruction of public property to the authorities immediately.
“Together, we can build a safer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Anambra State. We must work collectively to prevent the destruction of our public infrastructure and promote a culture of responsibility and stewardship”.
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COSMAS CHUKWU , Enugu
Following the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases in the country, the Enugu State Government in collaboration with The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has conducted a simulation exercise at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
This was even as the State Commissioner for Health, Prof Ikechukwu Obi, expressed the state government’s readiness to prevent and combat any outbreak of infectious disease in order to ensure hitch-free yuletide celebrations in the state.
The simulation exercise, which was held at the Nigeria Safety and Investigation Bureau (NSIB) premises, involved FAAN workers and other health-related agencies operating at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
In a reassuring remark, the health commissioner said the simulation exercise was aimed at demonstrating the state’s commitment to enhancing its preparedness for public health emergencies, particularly in high-risk areas like airports.
“Enugu State stands the risk of infectious diseases’ outbreak due to the international airport that serves as entry point for people coming into South East states for the yuletide celebrations, hence the need to sensitize airport workers to step up to their responsibilities and ensure that every passenger coming into the state is well examined to keep the state safe,” he added.
Also speaking, the Regional Airport Manager, South East Airports, Mr Hillary Umunna, represented by the Head of Operations, FAAN, Mrs. Udenze Onyeka, maintained that airport workers will continue to work in synergy with Enugu State Ministry of Health to prevent an outbreak of infectious diseases especially now that people were traveling to the region for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
The state epidemiologist, Dr. Okechukwu Ogbodo, in an overview outbreak stimulation, stressed that the exercise was necessary to prepare the minds of airport workers to step up to their responsibilities to ensure no infectious disease penetrates the state.
While giving them tips on how to carry out their functions, he told them that airport workers are in a position to identify suspected cases, keep accurate data in situations of identified cases, adding that diseases such as mpox and covid-19 spread easily and faster, and should be carefully monitored.
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COSMAS CHUKWU ,Enugu
Some groups of Enugu indigenes living in the diaspora have expressed commitment to strengthen the relationship with the Enugu State Government in order to bolster investment and rebuild the state; growing its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
This was disclosed by Dr. Chy Agbayi, the National President of the Enugu State Association in the United States (Enugu USA), while leading a delegation of other diaspora groups to the Enugu State Government House on Monday.
Dr. Agbayi, a medical practitioner in the United States, said that the group had noticed how bullish the state governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has been in developing the state, prioritizing education, healthcare, infrastructure, security of life and property and making the state attractive for investment, tourism and living, had come to commend him and also seek collaboration with his administration in developing Enugu.
According to her, Governor Mbah has demonstrated vision and purposeful leadership as his efforts in the area of human capital development, especially as it concerns education and health, have tremendously impacted lives.
“We are here today to commend His Excellency for the job he is doing for our state. Actually, when we came back, we were able to see much of what he has done and what he is still doing. We, the diasporians are here to see how we can collaborate with the state government to join them in the good work they are doing and see how we can foster more things that can help the economy of Enugu State.
“Our health care is a major thing that has been lacking for a long time, but currently, we are impressed with what the governor is doing in that sector. I am equally calling on other diasporans to join the governor in making Enugu our dream state,” Agbayi said.
Speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who represented the governor in the meeting, said that the Governor Mbah-led administration is a focused administration that translates every policy it makes into reality.
According to him, the state government had embarked on a massive infrastructural rebirth which includes, building the Enugu Smart Green Schools to enable the younger generation embrace the use of modern technology, 260 Type-2 primary healthcare facilities that will eliminate maternal and child mortality, as well as the revamping of all moribund assets across the state.
Governor Mbah recalled the government’s efforts in constructing and paving roads in the state, including opening up the rural areas and linking them to the urban cities, enabling farmers to transport their goods to the cities and reducing post-harvest losses.
He added that the state was committed to increasing its revenue from $4.4 billion to $30 billion as a way of boosting economic growth, job creation, and eradication of poverty through wealth creation.
Stressing that education has maintained a large share of 33% of the state’s 2024 and 2025 budgets, Governor Mbah promised to make the state a reference point for education, medical tourism, and inflow of investments.
He further noted: “In Enugu State, transparency, traceability and accountability is the key. We are intentional about everything we do in Enugu and that is why we do stakeholders engagements to ensure that our people are being carried along, enabling them to take ownership and by so doing ensuring sustainability.
“We are touching every sector. In our education, we have established the Institute of Experiential Learning where teachers are being trained and researches conducted before the pedagogic learning takes place in the classrooms. In our smart schools, we teach Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Robotics, Mechatronics, Argumented Realities, etc. This is to enable our kids to compete with their peers in developed countries.
In the health sector, the governor said: “There is no way a woman should die during childbearing. It was discovered that some women die during the prenatal stage. That was the idea behind the Type-2 primary health care centres, even as we are equally equipping other health care facilities in the state. We have a lot going on in our state, and our target in the area of human development and empowerment is to reduce our poverty headcount to zero,” he said.
Other participants in the meeting included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs. Olangwa Ezeukwu,
Also participating via Zoom were the presidents of Enugu diaspora organizations in the America’s, Europe, United Arab Emirates and South Africa.
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Retired public servants in Osun State, under the Forum of 2011/2012 Retired Public Servants of Osun, have called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to comply with a court ruling mandating the implementation of an N18,000 minimum wage for retirees.
The pensioners made their demands known during a protest in Osogbo on Monday.
The protesters had gathered at Ogo-Oluwa/Abere Road but were barred from accessing the governor’s office by security personnel.
Despite this setback, the retirees vowed to continue their agitation.
According to the group, the state’s failure to implement the court order has left them short-changed for years.
Speaking to journalists, the group’s leader, Yemi Lawal, accused the Osun State Government of neglecting a ruling by the Industrial Court delivered on October 5, 2017.
“We have been fighting for this since 2014, but the government has been paying us only N9,000 instead of the court-approved N18,000,” Lawal said.
He further explained that the government had delayed action through legal appeals, which were ultimately dismissed.
“In February 2024, the appellate court ruled in our favour, yet the government remains nonchalant,” he lamented, describing years of petitions, letters, and press conferences that have gone unanswered.
Lawal expressed disappointment in Governor Adeleke whom he described as a beneficiary of judicial intervention.
“The governor owes his mandate to the judiciary. Why then does he refuse to obey a simple court directive? This disregard for the law could lead to unrest,” he warned.
The retirees also criticised the state government’s recent announcement of a N25,000 relief payment to retirees, calling it insufficient.
“What can N25,000 buy in this economy? It’s not even enough for basic needs,” Lawal argued, adding that the gesture did not address the core issue of adjusting pensions to reflect the N18,000 minimum wage.
Lawal outlined their key demand: “The government must calculate and pay the difference between N9,000 and N18,000, which we have been denied for years. This adjustment is necessary for both our monthly pensions and gratuities, which have been unpaid since 2013.”
The group appealed to the Attorney General of the Federation and other stakeholders to intervene in ensuring the Osun State government complies with the court ruling.
They argued that the delay in implementing the minimum wage adjustment violates their constitutional rights.
Sola Olojede, the group’s secretary, condemned the actions of security personnel who prevented them from protesting at the state secretariat.
“Protesting is our constitutional right. Being denied access to a public space is both illegal and unjust,” Olojede said.
The Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency, ARTSMA, has said that six persons were killed in a devastating accident that occurred at the Mmuri axis of Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area.
A trailer loaded with chippings collided with a Sienna bus carrying nine passengers on Sunday afternoon, resulting in a tragic loss of lives and multiple injuries.
A statement released by Nelson A. of the Public Relations Department of ARTSMA on Sunday night said that officials of the agency, led by the General Manager, Col. Ezichi Kalu (Rtd.), promptly responded to the distress call and arrived at the scene to provide critical intervention.
According to the release, “The team mobilized resources, including a crane and two towing vans, to rescue victims and manage the situation.
“Regrettably, six individuals lost their lives on the spot. One passenger sustained severe injuries, while two others suffered varying degrees of injuries.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the affected road transport workers. We also wish the injured a swift and full recovery.”
The release further stated that the road had been fully cleared and reopened to traffic, while motorists are strongly advised to drive cautiously and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, the yet-to-be-identified driver of the truck reportedly sneaked away from his vehicle and fled into the bush on Sunday after discovering the carnage his vehicle had caused.
A group of persons believed to be fraudsters, and poised to take advantage of the massive return of Imo indigenes resident in Lagos for the Yuletide, has devised devious means to defraud the unsuspected ones among them in the guise of providing them with free transportation from Lagos to Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu.
A statement on Sunday by Oguwike Nwachuku Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, said to make their devilish intention look real, the criminals have raised a press statement they “purport was issued from my office for such a project”.
He said in their warped imagination, “they have deliberately fixed December 24, 2024 and January 4, 2025, as the days their prey and unsuspecting home-bound Lagos residents should approach them for a trip back home and return trip back to Lagos respectively”.
Below is part of their poorly written press statement:
“The buses are free for Imolites from Lagos to Imo State on 24th December and back to Lagos on 4th January .
“Interested persons should please call (ISTDAL) 08033255565, 08092362966 or 07089303866 for seats reservation.
“Please the buses are free and is on first come accreditation bases, once the seats are fully booked, the registration closes, ( PLS DO NOT PAY ANYBODY ONE KOBO)
“Please the buses are NOT LUXURY BUSES , so only passengers with a small sizable luggages will be allowed. (no big boxes or load is allowed).
“The buses will leave on Tuesday 24th December* at exactly 7.15am to Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu.
“The departure point will be made available after your registration, (if you are not captured on accreditation, pls don’t bother coming as only accreditated passengers are allowed) and please indicate your direction.
“Note: the bus will not stop or drop any passenger until it passes Ihiala unto Imo State.
“Thanks and best regards.”
But Nwachuku has insisted that “For the avoidance of doubt, the Office of the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor did not issue any statement on the trending fraudulent travel plan.
“The statement is both false and deceptive, and could not have emanated from the government.
“Therefore, the general public, and particularly Imolites who live in Lagos and any other part of the country and who intend to be home for the Yuletide should not take the statement and the authors seriously as they will be doing so at their own peril.
Please, be properly guided”.
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