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Aviation workers to shut down Kaduna airport from Sunday

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Aviation workers in Kaduna say they will ithdraw their services at the Kaduna airport from Sunday, May 16 to Friday, May 21.

The strike notice was made in a joint letter signed by Ocheme Aba, NUATE general secretary; Rasaq Saidu, ANAP general secretary; and Umoh Ofonime, NAAPE deputy general secretary, and addressed to all aviation workers in the state.

The letter noted that the planned shut down is in support of the Kaduna state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against “anti labour practices perpetrated against public servants in Kaduna state”

The letter further reads:

“As you are all aware, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has declared strike action against the Kaduna State Government over numerous anti-labour practices perpetrated against the public servants of Kaduna state,” the statement read.

“Our Unions, being affiliates of NLC, are part of the decision and are in support of the action against the Kaduna State Government In this regard, our participation on the planned shutdown of Kaduna State is hereby affirmed.


“Accordingly, all aviation workers at the Kaduna Airport are hereby directed to withdraw all services at the airport with effect from midnight of Sunday the 16th of May 2021 to midnight of Friday the 21st of May 2021.

“The effect shall be the total grounding of operations of the Airport within the stipulated period. By this notice, members of the public are advised to make alternative travel plans within the period.”

The protesting unions are National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) Association Of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and National Association Of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE).

UTME 2021 to begin June 19 – JAMB

The 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has been moved from June 19 to July 3.

Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB), Prof Is-haq Oloyede made the announcement at an ongoing press conference on Saturday in Abuja.

The examination was slated to hold between June 5 and 19.

The registrar also announced an extension registration for the examination by two weeks.

The registration exercise will now end on May 29.

Details shortly…

‘We did not withdraw police escorts from VIPs’ – Delta Police Command says

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The Delta Police Command has denied reports that it had withdrawn policemen from escorting VIPs in the state.

Ag Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, in a statement released to journalists in Warri, Delta State said;

“The attention of the Delta State Police Command has been drawn to a recent publication online which says ‘Police withdraw escort of VIPs to South-East and South-South”.

“The command, therefore, wishes to state that the Wireless Message quoted in the said publication was self-explanatory and that at no point in the said Wireless Message, did the command stop or withdraw Policemen from escorting VIPS to any of these two geographical zones as stated above.

“That the directive which was originated from the Department of Operations was meant as a guide for the officers and men of the department engaged in escort duties to always be at alert and not as misquoted or misconstrued.

“The cautionary message was only a step to guide the concerned officers on the need to be extra vigilant and ensure the safety of their lives and that of their principals against the backdrop of killings of Policemen and not to withdraw them”.

Edo Government suspends the National Council of Women Societies indefinitely

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The Edo Government has suspended all activities of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in the state indefinitely.


The Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, announced the suspension in a statement on Friday night in Benin.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the activities of factions of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in the State.” The statement read.

“The activities of these groups, if not checked and harmonised, are capable of breaching the peace especially in view of the present fragile state of security in the nation.

“Consequently, the Edo State Government directs that all activities of the National Council of Women Societies in Edo State, including the proposed State Chapter elections, are hereby suspended indefinitely until pending issues are resolved,” the statement read in part.

The government further warned that anyone who disregards the directive would face the law accordingly.

About 11 worshippers abducted from Katsina mosque have escaped

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At least 11 persons, including an infant, abducted from the Jibia mosque in Katsina State have escaped captivity.

NewsWireNGR recalls that the worshippers were abducted at a mosque located in the outskirt of Jibiya town of Katsina State while observing midnight prayers.

A local resident, Fahad Mukhtar confirmed to Channels Television that the victims escaped from their abductors on Wednesday afternoon in Zurmi Local Government Area of the neighboring Zamfara State.

Their escape, according to an eyewitness, was facilitated by a woman married to one of the bandits who untied them where they were kept and asked them to run away.

Those who escaped include eight males and three females.

The only victim left is a nursing mother whose infant was rescued but she could not make it because her legs were swollen and she couldn’t run.

The abductors are now demanding N10million ransom before they release her.

The police authorities in the state have not confirmed the report as phone calls put through the spokesman, SP Gambo Isah were not picked up as at the time of filing this report.

Troops can’t be schooling when we’re in a war situation – Army recalls soldiers from study leave

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The Nigerian Army has recalled a large number of its personnel studying in civil institutions (universities and polytechnics) across the country, according to a leaked memo by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Department of Army Training, Abuja.

In the memo dated May 11, the Nigerian Army also suspended the sponsorship of personnel in civil institutions with the exemption of students in the final year.

“We are in a war situation, but it seems Nigerians are taking things lightly. This is a war situation, and we have less than 200,000 soldiers in a country of around 200 million population. So we are lacking personnel, and as a matter of fact, we have started recruiting,” one of the military sources tells PUNCH Newspaper.

The leaked memo was signed by Brigadier General I. A Ajose on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, and titled, ‘Exemption of Ex Boys (NMS) from Personnel Affected by Directive on Suspension of NA Sponsorship to Civil Institutions.’

The memo was referenced AHQ DA/G7/230/164 and addressed to the Ministry of Defence, Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, and Nigerian Defence Academy.

The other army formations the memo was sent to are: National Defence College, Abuja; Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State; Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Lagos; Defence Intelligence Agency, Abuja; Defence Space Administration; Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria; and the headquarters of the Training and Doctrine Command.

The memo cited three earlier references – A (AHQ DAPP/G5/220/16, dated March 10, 2021); B (AHQ DAT/G7/230/164, dated March 15, 2021); and C (AHQ DAT/G7/230/164, dated April 28, 2021).

“References A-C conveyed directives for the recall of all NA personnel studying in civil institutions as well as the suspension of NA sponsorships, with the exemption of final year students. Consequently, I am directed to respectfully inform you that the directive does not include Ex Boys (NMS). Grateful (sic) treat and acknowledge,” the memo stated.

In one of the recent attacks, more than 30 soldiers were reportedly killed in April when Islamic State-aligned fighters ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in Mainok, Borno State. A month earlier, about 30 soldiers were reportedly killed in four attacks by Islamist militants in the North-East.

All Nigerians, including very objective elites are asking me to run for President in 2023 – Yahaya Bello

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Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Friday said he is considering running for President in 2023.

“Nigerians, the youth and women, and all Nigerians, including very objective elites are asking me to run for President in 2023,” he made the comments while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today late Friday.

“And I believe it is high time that we look into capacity, who can do the job, who is going to unify this country. And I think they are seeing something in me that they are asking me to come and unite and fix this country.

“My answer will be in the affirmative in a few time from now.

“I want to urge each and every one of us that are urging me to come to be patient. It’s a work in progress. And by the grace of God, I am not going to disappoint you when the time comes for me to give a response to that.”

Governor Bello, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress,  spent the bulk of his more than 20-minute interview defending President Muhammadu Buhari’s record, especially on restructuring and insecurity.

He said calls for restructuring Nigeria should not be made in ways that appears to antagonise the President who he said was already reshaping the country through Executive Orders granting autonomy to the judiciary and local governments.

“We got where we are today as a result of maladministration of successive administrations, not just President Muhammadu Buhari,” Governor Bello said.

“I continue to say that he has done greatly. Do we need to do more? Are there other areas to improve upon? Yes, there are several, but it is not a one-man job. It is our collective responsibility.”

The Governor said while he does not criticise the decision of 17 southern Governors to ban the open grazing of cattle on Tuesday, there is a need to find solutions that accommodate others.

“I have not banned open grazing in Kogi State because there is no provision for ranching yet,” Governor Bello said.

“Should I send the millions of Fulani that are living their normal lives, that have been living with us peacefully over the years? Should I send them away? Rather, let me devise a way of integrating them by ensuring that the conflict between farmers and herders does not exist.”

He claimed that farmer-herder crisis has been solved in Kogi State “with the cooperation of my traditional rulers, the youths, farmers and even the Fulanis themselves.

“We know that the land is not enough but we can accommodate each other within the limit of what we have. We can’t just send them out.”

‘Gimba Yau Kumo, wanted by the ICPC, is no longer Buhari’s son in-law’ – Presidency says

The Presidency has clarified reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC had declared a son-in-law to the President, Gimba Yau Kumo, wanted over contract scam.

The ICPC had accused three persons of misappropriating sixty-five million dollars and had declared the trio wanted.

One of those declared wanted was alleged to be a son-in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari; Gimba Yau Kumo. Yau Kumo reportedly married the President’s second daughter Fatima Buhari in 2016.

Reacting to the report in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja, the Presidency said though Gimba Yau Kumo at some point in time had been linked to the President’s family member in marriage, that relationship ended some years ago.

The statement partly read, “A running story to the effect that the EFCC has declared “an inlaw of the President” wanted in connection with fraud involving the large sum of money , USD65 million to be exact.”

“This should normally be an affirmation that our anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President. Which in fact is the case.

” That a state institution can issue such is a measure of the administration’s commitment to accountability, equality, and justice.

To set the records straight, the person declared wanted by the EFCC is not an inlaw to President Buhari.

” While at some point in time the said fugitive from justice had been linked to a family member in marriage, that relationship has ended some years ago. It is therefore unfortunate to bring the President’s family into this case”.

“The President’s position at all times is that the law be allowed to take its course. As is well known of him, President Muhammadu Buhari will not provide any cover for crime, no matter who is involved.” The statement also read.

#DavidoAt10: ‘Being true hearted goes a long way – Davido says

Nigerian Superstar David Adeleke, also  known as Davido, says working with a good team and being a good person are the key contributors to his success in the music industry.

The Afrobeats star who is currently celebrating 10 years in the music industry said this at an impromptu fan and media interactive session on the newly launched Twitter Spaces platform.

“It has been God. And being true hearted goes a long way.” He says.

“Having an amazing team, having an amazing label mates, amazing production, amazing producers and just being a good person.”

“I do not think it is anything that you have to read in a book to say this is how to last ten years or I do not think I have the blueprint to say just do what Davido did to last ten years. Everyone has their own story and I just pray for all artistes”  he further stated.

The 27-year old founder of the DMW; Davido Music Worldwide record label, also disclosed that while the label plans to release more videos from the “A Better Time” album, he has also started recording other projects.

“We still have a lot of videos to drop. Lala just dropped, Lala has being crazy. I thank everyone that supported Lala, everyone that took their time out to come to the video shoot.” He said.

” I am just ready to get back on the road and perform all the songs. Imagine how many songs we”ll be having to performed on tour.”

“We have already started recording already. I do not want to say anything now but anything can happen this year still.” He noted.

The Afrobeats star won Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards; becoming the first African artiste to receive his award on the main stage. Since then, he has won over 28 documented awards, recorded 3 albums, 1 EP, reached over 1billion streams across digital platforms with several hit songs and sold out shows.

Bayelsa government imposes curfew from 8pm to 6am

The Bayelsa State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew between the hours of 8pm and 6am daily.

This was announced in a statement on Friday signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mr Ayibaina Duba.

Duba said the curfew would take effect from Sunday, May 16, and would last until further notice.

According to the statement, the curfew was declared as part of measures to prevent the spread of the surging trait of the new variants of COVID-19.

“In view of this development, movements within as well as in and out of the state through the major points, including Bayelsa/Delta States’ boundary at Adagbabiri, Gloryland Drive at Igbogene and Bayelsa/Rivers States’ boundary at Mbiama are prohibited during the hours of the curfew.” he said.

The commissioner also stated that the various security agencies had been mobilised to enforce the curfew.

The statement advised members of the public to take note of the curfew and adhere to it.

‘We had sex, Ini Umoren attacked me, I killed her in self defense’ – Uduak Akpan claims

Uduak Akpan, the confessed killer of Ini Umoren, the young graduate who was killed after being lured to a fake interview, has claimed he killed the young lady while he defended himself.

20-year-old Uduak confessed to the crime as he spoke with Journalists when he was paraded by the Akwa Ibom Police Command on Friday.

He claimed that he had approached her for sex at the deceitful interview but she turned violent after he removed his condom while they had sex.

“I asked her whether she could work in a farm where hard drugs were kept; she said she could,” Uduak said in a Facebook live video seen by NewsWireNGR.

“I asked her that I would like to have sex with her before she left. She agreed and gave a condition that I would have to use condom, which I did.

“While I removed the condom, she became furious and removed the nearby stabilizer to hit me on the head… While I was bleeding, in other to stop her, I used the stabilizer to hit her. When I hit her, she fell.” he claimed.

Uduak, who confessed he hit the victim with a pressing iron, also admitted at a point that five other ladies had suffered a similar fate in his hands, although none died.

Recounting his own account, Uduak’s father claimed he was not aware of his son’s criminal activities until he was invited to Uran Police Station.

“I wasn’t aware, I’m not happy about it,” he said. “I was asked to call him and I called him back. When he arrived, I was allowed to interact with him. He told me he did something wrong and that he was sorry. I blamed him: ‘Why did you do this? You are not my only child; I have two other children and they are women. If anybody does this to your sisters would you be happy?’ He said no.”

NewsWireNGR had reported that Iniubong left home for an interview at Airport Rd in the outskirts of Uyo April 29, 2021. About 2 hours later, she made a frantic phone call to her friend where she was heard screaming before the call was abruptly ended. Her phone was switched off shortly after that.

Her death was later confirmed by the police and the serial killer Uduak was arrested after days of being on the run.

Speaking at Umoren’s funeral, her foster mother said the deceased was an intelligent and well-behaved girl.

“Iniubong was a very good girl. She was very respectful. She was an intelligent and well-behaved girl. That was why I ensured he attended school up to the university level. She studied Philosophy at the University of Uyo. All the years she lived with me I never got any bad report from anywhere or anybody about her behaviour,” she said

Gbajabiamila did not oppose Southern Governors’ calls for restructuring – Rep

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The House on Representatives has dismissed reports alleging that the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila was opposed to the Southern Governors’ recent call for restructuring of the country.

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said this in a statement released to journalists on Friday.

“The attention of the House has been drawn to several publications on online and traditional media claiming that the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, is opposed to the Southern Governors’ call for restructuring.

“The House gathers that this allegation was attributed to statements made by the Speaker at a recent interview seeking his opinion on the issue. The House states clearly and unequivocally that the publications are false and misleading.”

He maintained that “It is clear to objective reason that nothing in the speaker’s statement opposes the Southern Governors’ call for restructuring. Indeed, from the beginning of the 9th Assembly, the House under the leadership of Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has reiterated its commitment to a thorough review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as can be seen by the composition and activities of the Constitutional Review Committee of the House,” Hon. Kalu noted.

“The media is hereby cautioned to be mindful of peddling false news in the bid to misinform the general public. This is misleading and detrimental to our democracy as a nation.

Like the Speaker rightly said, this is not a time to apportion blames rather this is a time for us to come together and deliberate on issues that have birthed the problem we are facing as a nation and to find a suitable solution to it.” He further stated.