National News
National Assembly May Drag Governors to Court to Take Up Responsibility on Correctional Facilities – Lawmaker
National Assembly May Drag Governors to Court to Take Up Responsibility on Correctional Facilities – Lawmaker
By: Michael Mike
The National Assembly may soon dragged the 36 state governors before the Supreme Court to compel them to take responsibility of correctional facilities in their domain, the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah has revealed.
Speaking at an event to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC ) at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, Ogah lamented that the governors have refused to take responsibility over the correctional facilities after it was placed on the concurrent list in the constitution.
He said that there is an urgent need for the governors to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities in supporting correctional services, stating that the National Assembly would stopped at nothing to ensure that this was done.
He revealed that presently lawyers have been consulted to sue governors who have refused to act according to the constitution to build and maintain correctional facilities.
He said: “Governors must act in accordance with the constitution to build and maintain correctional facilities.”
Chinedu Ogah, who is representing Ikwa/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, noted that the state of many correctional facilities in the country is an eyesore, noted that there is also the need for increased staffing in correctional facilities, lamenting that many of the facilities are severely understaffed.
He also complained about the congestion of correctional facilities in the country, stating that “a facility designed for 500 inmates is currently housing over 2,000, with inadequate staff to manage them.”
The lawmaker also called for increase in daily feeding allowance of N750 per inmate, lamenting that after the deductions what they actually left with is N560.
He called for urgent approval of N2,500 daily feeding allowance to inmate as being proposed by the National Assembly.
Ogar also advocated for increased private sector participation in agricultural projects within correctional facilities. He said this would provide inmates with valuable skills and reduce recidivism.
He said: “We have thousands of hectares of land that can be utilized for mechanized farming, benefiting both inmates and the broader economy.”
In his message on the day, the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres said Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.
Guterres, whose speech was delivered by the Peace and Development Advisor, Office of UN Resident Coordinator, UN Nigeria, Dr. Kim Toogood, said: “And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands, Our world is unequal and divided. Hunger and poverty are rife.”
He lamented that: “The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.
“These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.
“We can choose to eradicate poverty. We can choose to end inequality. We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity. We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity. Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.
“I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.
“Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.”
On her part, Head – Justice, Integrity and Health Unit at UNODC, Muchaneta Mundopa said: “UNODC is the custodian of the Rules, making the Nelson Mandela International Day important for us. This year, the UNODC is calling for the universal, practical application of the Rules via the #PrisonersMatter campaign. Prisoners matter because their treatment affects us all: our safety, public health, community resources, and the social cohesion of our societies. But fundamentally, prisoners matter because they are people. Prisoners’ Rights are Human rights.
“In line with the global theme of Nelson Mandela Day 2024, “Ending Poverty and Inequality,” today, I would also like to encourage stakeholders to broaden the scope of criminal change and related disruptions on prison and offender management, poverty, inequality, and sustainable peace.”
The Controller General of Corrections. Haliru Nababa, said: “Mandela believed in restorative justice – a system that focuses on repairing harm caused by crime rather than mere punishment. The Service explores restorative justice practices, emphasizing dialogue, victim-offender mediation, and reconciliation.
“I recognize the critical role that prisons play in our society. It is our duty to ensure that inmates are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. Rehabilitation, education, and vocational training are essential components of our mission.
Let us use this day to reflect on Mandela’s vision and recommit ourselves to creating a prison system that promotes rehabilitation, reconciliation, and positive change. Together, we can build a more just and compassionate world.”
Ends
National News
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
By: Bodunrin Kayode
President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.
The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.
From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.
A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.
“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.
“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.
“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.
Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.
These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001
This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.
And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.
The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
National News
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.
This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.
The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).
The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).
Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.
Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.
He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.
“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.
“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.
Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
National News
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
By: Michael Mike
The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.
The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.
In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.
The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.
His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.
In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.
He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.
The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News12 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
